The Stacking Benjamins Show

Welcome to our second most quirky Stacking Benjamins interview. This show goes way back, so don't worry if the format feels a little different. You can read our short and sweet headlines below:Ken Perenyi forged masterpieces for a living…until the FBI showed up on his doorstep one day. Ken’s book, Caveat Emptor, describes how he went from a school boy with no money to a world class forgery expert….AND Ken describes the journey himself on today’s show.The Makin’ Sense Babe is in a foul mood, and rants against people who don’t understand side hustles. Joe & OG discuss how financial advisors dress…..does that impact the quality of their advice? Doug brings trivia, the guys show you how to win Jane Blaufus’ book, and they review two hit films: Captain Phillips and Gravity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just a few more days until the new year! We're keeping our countdown going strong with one of America's original big-time investors: Abigail Adams. You can read our original show notes below: As Women’s History Month draws to a close we suddenly realize….we’ve done nothing to celebrate! Today on the show we make up for that (‘in spades,” as mom says) by inviting down to the basement professor Woody Holton, author of the book Abigail Adams, for which he won the Bambridge Award and more. He’ll describe the amazing prowess of Adams in a time when many women not only weren’t investing, but weren’t even allowed to participate in their family’s financial plan. He’ll describe which investments she preferred, why she decided against real estate didn’t work for her portfolio, and how she created an estate plan for herself in a time when many women didn’t have that luxury.In our headlines segment, we’ll talk to Jamie Wise from the BUZZ Index (ticker BUZ). He’ll describe why his strategy and those of some of his algorithm-based competitors seem to be winning in this time of volatility. He’ll also share some of the names that the crowds on social media are focusing on to ride the choppy market. Also, with the financial markets all over the place, we’ll review a story from Marketwatch that asks whether the market will crash, and if it will, what you should do to buckle up. The advice might surprise you, if you’re looking for ways to exit stage left, or are looking for advice that tells you how to exit stage left….or right.We’ll of course have more from the world of financial planning, throw out the Haven Life line to lucky listener Nelson, who’s worried about his parents’ financial plan. They have an insurance-company based financial advisor, so Nelson thinks that they should move to different advice. How does he approach the topic with his parents? We also score some of Doug’s spinach-based trivia, and more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to day four of our countdown! You didn't think we would stop did you? Today in our New Years countdown featuring our quirkiest interviews, we're turning back the clock to our time with documentary filmmaker Sanjay Rawal. You can read our original show notes below:Establishing your BEST financial habits means realizing that it isn’t about being great today or tomorrow; it’s about doing the right things over and over again for the long run. Today we talk to the creator of a documentary specifically about a long run. 3100, Run and Become is the story of an ultramarathon that covers (shocker) 3100 miles. Better yet? It’s run around a single New York City block. Sanjay Rawal will take us through the event, his making of the film, and we’ll talk about topics that have everything to do with finance. 1) Finding what you love; 2) Chasing a dream; 3) Knowing your weaknesses; 4) Finding your state of “Flow”; and more. The cool part for us? We get to talk finance in a way that you’ve probably never heard it talked about before.During our headlines segment, another deceased celebrity’s estate is an arm wrestling match for the heirs. Sigh. We’ll tell you who’s fighting for the cash and discuss what YOU should do to foolproof your estate plan from your greedy family. Then, in our second headline, credit card reward programs are everywhere… but just like ice cream brands, they’re not all created equal. We’ll talk pros and cons of credit card rewards during our second piece.As if that’s not enough, we keep bringing it! During our Haven Life Line segment, we’ll answer a question from Jason. He’s wants to retire in his 40s. If Jason rolls his Roth 401k into a Roth IRA, will he be able to withdraw the cash without the tax penalty? Does the 5 year conversion rule still apply?Then, in our letter segment David is just starting to pay attention to his financial situation. He wants to know what the advantage would be of using a financial advisor or buying funds that have high expense ratios over doing it himself. Couldn’t he just do it on his own and save extra cash? We’ll surprise Jason with an answer he doesn’t expect, and hopefully surprise you, too.And don’t you worry, we’ll still have time for some of Doug’s very special Benjamin Franklin themed trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to day three of our countdown! You may recognize this one from earlier this year, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to leave this one off the list. You can read our original show notes on this Dominatrix-themed episode below:Do you have trouble staying in charge of your money? Maybe you let your priorities get away from you and want to make a change? Today we’ll talk about communication, being direct, and asking for what you really want with the author of the hit new book Bow Down, Lindsay Goldwert. In this unique new perspective on how to take charge, Lindsay sat down with dominatrixes across America to get first-hand information on how you can “reset the power dynamic in any situation to get what you want—whether it’s from a husband, boss, or partner.”During our headlines segment, are you finally bringing in a HUGE nice income, but your bank account isn’t rising? Lifestyle inflation can become a serious issue for high earners, and without a proper plan in place investors run the risk of becoming a HENRY – High Earner, Not Rich Yet. Plus, during our second headline, we’ll touch on why actor Rick Moranis is making a return to the big screen and what lessons you can glean for your financial plan.Plus, we’ll open up the mailbag during our Haven Life Line and answer an estate-related question from Diana. Diana is the executrix of an estate plan for the funds of two pre-teens but wants to appoint someone else to take over most of the responsibilities. What can she do? What is she supposed to do? We’ll cover some estate planning basics on today’s show.Of course, we’ll also make some time for Doug’s trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to day two of our countdown to New Years! Did you know that one group of people tend to live longer than the rest of the population? This episode was one of our old-school "short stacks," and you'll find just the interview in this one. You can read our original show notes below:Dr. Anna Corwin, a (then) anthropology PhD candidate at UCLA specializing in aging, well being and social interaction, wrote such a great piece for Yes! The Magazine that we had to have her on the show to discuss it. One group of people have picked the lock on living longer and more happily than the average person. What group is it? You’ll have to listen to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our countdown to New Years! Leading up to our New Year's Magic 8-ball episode with Len Penzo we're bringing you our top "quirkiest" interviews. These shows were released from this last year all the way to 2013, so you're in for a real treat.We're kicking things off with our interview with Tracy Coenen, a forensic spy who uses her knowledge of spreadsheets and bank knowledge to chase down criminals. You can read our original show notes below:She’ll tell you over and over that her job isn’t interesting. But if you’re a money nerd, do we have a treat for you today, because accountant Tracy Coenen spends her time chasing down bad guys using spreadsheets and bank statements (I’ll stop if you need a moment). Today she’ll tell us stories of two stories where she helped catch perpetrators by using financial records (and some amazing ingenuity) to help bring “bad guys” to bear.Plus, are you interviewing soon? Even if you aren’t we’ll talk about some useful tips if you’re interested in moving up the ladder at work or with another pursuit (and who isn’t?). Plus, we’ll discuss the new milestone one fund company just passed and pause for a moment…man, that’s a lot of money.Of course, we’re also going to toss out the Haven Life Line to Dillon and get Joe and OG’s take on how Dillon should approach his investments. All and and we’ll still make room for Doug’s trivia. Step aside, people! There’s a new episode coming…..this plate is HOT! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was YOUR biggest lesson from 2020, besides avoid pandemics? Today we'll share our top 5 (plus an "honorable mention") events from maybe the weirdest year in recent memory. There were MANY great takeaways this year, so it was difficult to decide. Today we'll talk about the importance of emergency funds, relationships, giving, sticking to your investment strategy, and more!Plus in our headline segment, we're joined by IRA and tax guru Ed Slott, who shares a few last-minute tax tips. He'll talk about your Roth IRA, giving, and (gasp!) spending money.That's not all. Doug shares trivia about today's Festivus holiday AND Joe and OG answer a Haven Life line call from a guy named Nick in Alaska.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedy Central is such a part of American culture that its existence seems obvious, but that wasn't always the case. The process of creating Comedy Central is a story of perseverance, luck, believing in yourself and your idea, and more. We'll talk to Art Bell about his original idea for Comedy Central, his background, and how he wound up pitching it to the head of HBO (without an appointment!). If you've ever had an idea that you wanted to bring to life, you MUST listen to today's show.Plus, the student loan crisis is back in the news lately, with many speculating how the new administration is going to possibly change the game for borrowers. While we won't speculate on any of that, we WILL speak with Asha Srikantiah from Fidelity Investments about not only their 2020 Student Debt Snapshot (which shines a light on some of the most looming problems people are having with debt), but also a new free tool they've developed to help people work on better loan repayment strategies and options.Later, we'll throw out the Haven Life line to J.J., who is changing brokers and wants to know the best way to diversify his portfolio now that he's moved. How can he diversify without paying a bunch of unnecessary fees?Of course, we'll still share Doug's trivia, take a call about Joe's warranty expiring, and more.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the end of 2020 FINALLY in sight, (and what a long 38 months it's been), we're excited to bring you all of our best lessons from the last year. Between Paula Pant and Len Penzo, with OG and Joe weighing in on all of their top picks, you'll have plenty to chew on. We'd write more here...but who wants to give up what our top picks are? Just listen!PLUS, there's new innovation coming to your computer and phone. Like clockwork, it seems we hear about regular data breaches and how the companies we trust with our information have been mismanaged. Today we'll welcome to our Friday Fintech segment our friend Peter Polson from Tiller Money, to learn all about new advancements coming to your computer and phone app security. This will revolutionize how you look at financial technology in the future.While there's no listener voicemail today, that doesn't mean we're not answering a question. We found a problem we wanted to help someone solve over at the personal finance subreddit. At the very least we'll make sure that (hopefully) none of you Stackers make this same mistake. This poster bought a new car with a 72-month loan attached at 5.9%. The kicker? They have a 710 credit score! With only a few days to return it, they ask what's the good play here? Of course, we'll have ideas.BUT that's not all...we'll also reach the finish line on our year-long trivia contest! Can OG force Len into an overtime week? We'll have the exciting (maybe) conclusion (also...maybe) on today's show. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few people have seen as many great ideas (and horrible ideas) as Paul Merriman. We were listening to Paul Merriman's advice long before we had a podcast and today we FINALLY were able to sit down with him...and he doesn't disappoint. Today Paul dishes out five ideas that will all make you over a million dollars more during your lifetime if you're a young investor. Before you listen you should ask yourself NOT if you've heard these ideas before, because there's a good possibility that you have. The key question to ask is, "What are you DOING about these five ideas." Based on statistics of the average investor we can all use help IMPLEMENTING a better strategy, and Paul shares some great ones today.Plus, should you invest in non-traded real estate? A recent headline complains that real estate that isn't traded is hard to value. Joe and OG will go over exactly what the controversy is AND whether you should consider these for your portfolio. Also, we'll cover new information the Securities and Exchange Commission is making available to US investors. Will it change how you invest? We'll answer THAT question as well.We'll end the show with a question from Matt on rebalancing. Matt asks if the natural ebbs and flows of the stock market (and regular investments) negate the purpose of rebalancing. Wouldn't the market take care of that on its own? What's the point? We'll talk rebalancing 101 today! It's a nerd's dream!Plus, Doug gets a little classy with today's trivia. Well, he would consider anything to do with the subject of tea to be classy. If you feel confident in your tea trivia, make sure to test your mettle halfway through the show.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices