The Stacking Benjamins Show

A mentor of Joe's once said to "beware charts and graphs," and with us all huddled at home staring at screens, we're consuming more data daily than ever. It's important to be able to process what we read from financial companies. Sometimes the facts on the page are misleading, and other times it's what's NOT stated that is misleading. Joining us today is John Johnson, who dives into data on a daily basis looking for flaws in the numbers. He's worked with professional sports, election campaigns, businesses, and individuals to help them understand data better, and today he's here to help YOU. But that's not all. One "shark" from Shark Tank says that the companies she's helping to grow probably won't survive. Why would Barbara Corcoran say that? We'll explain, and discuss what that may mean to you. Plus, what happens if you plan to retire during a pandemic? Do you delay your date? Retire later? We'll discuss planning during times of distress today. Of course, that's not all. On the Haven Life line we'll also talk about rolling 401k plans over to IRAs (or not) AND save time for some of Doug's amazing trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Juggling all the facets of life became a lot harder for many of us the last few weeks (well, in some ways easier...no more commute!). If you're lucky enough to be healthy, you're now just trying to figure out how to handle everything, AND in close quarters. Today we welcome two guys who are VERY good at juggling life, money and family, Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix from the popular How To Money podcast. We'll talk about managing life during "normal" times, so that when life goes back to "normal" (whatever that is), you'll be prepared! Plus, what if you lost $50M dollars? That happened to one drug dealer in the UK. We'll explain how that happened and we'll even share where the money is now. Mom's fairly certain you won't want to try and find it. Plus, the Department of Education just announced new guidelines around student loan relief for repayers. There are LOTS of changes and we'll detail the BIGGEST ones on the show. Of course, we're confined to the basement today, but that's nothing new....so JUST like every other show, we'll still throw out the Haven Life line AND save time for Doug's trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who's shopping? You shopping? None of us are doing more than shopping for groceries...even if it's on the internet. Today we'll talk about getting in and out of the grocery store without catching anything by focusing on the 20 signs you may be spending too much on shopping. Joining us today from Yes I am Cheap, we'll welcome smart shopper Sandy Smith. From the Afford Anything podcast, we'll say hello to golden shopper Paula Pant! And finally, from Len Penzo dot com, we'll welcome Drew Carey from the Price is Right. Okay.... we're joking....it's just Len Penzo. If you know ANYONE who employs people, we've got BIG news for your today: Are you interested in how the $2.2 Trillion CARES Act can help businesses and entrepreneurs? George Kurtyka from Joust will walk us through how YOU can keep people employed on today's show. This is a BIG segment that you won't want to miss if you know ANYONE who employs people. Finally, during our Magnify Money segment, we'll talk about what our Stacker friend named Erica about her parents and in-laws who are blowing all their money on boats and shops to put those boats in? As always, of course we'll quiz our contributors on Joe's Mom's neighbor Doug's amazing trivia. We're talking Disney on today's show of course this is one of Joe's favorite topics. How many people actually work for Disney? Mom hopes you're all safe and washing your hands! Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been awhile since we've answered the mailbag, so we thought there's no better day to tackle some questions! So, our long-time hosts, Farnoosh & OG are kicking off April by answering a TON of your questions! We received many questions about topics including: caring for your pets after your passing, investing while paying off debt, savings plans, picking an HSA, and more. Plus, in our headlines segment, while everyone is panicking, we discuss why you should keep your cool and not change your plan. Plus, getting your taxes ready to file even though the filing date has been pushed back? If so, we'll discuss some frequent (and ugly) mistakes people make. Of course we'll also save time for Doug's trivia. Just another 50-minute day in the office (AKA basement) for us! Stay safe everyone! ...and wash your hands! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have debt you're going to love today's episode. We'll talk to a woman who decided that it was time to take charge and change her course for the better. Choncé Maddox Ray (of the My Debt Epiphany blog) didn't have a huge savings account or a sizable income to get herself some relief from debt, but she didn't let that stop her from taking ownership of her life. She'll talk about how it took self reflection, planning, hard work, and follow through to lift herself from a life of debt. Deciding it was time for a change, Chonce paid off $11,000 in debt on a salary of less than $35,000. We'll ask Choncé to dive into just how she pulled that off. The relief bill is out (it was being finalized when we recorded...and there's nothing new to report that we didn't cover in the episode). With the bill signed into law, what's the next step? What should you do with the cash influx when it drops into your account? If you're a business owner what should you do as well? We'll cover that PLUS turn our attention to one of the early casualties in the financial arena of the coronavirus crisis: a couple of leveraged funds are going bye-bye. What does that have to do with your money? We'll explain. During Doug's trivia segment halfway though the show we'll share some interesting facts backed up by a LinkedIn survey. Are you a manager? Buckle up, we're delivering your employees biggest gripe about YOU. We're rounding out the show with a call from Simon, who calls in with a question he could only ask virtually right now. The problem? Simon's got a new job and is making a ton of cash. His co-worker suggested waiting until the market cools down before investing anything, but that doesn't make much sense to Simon. Thoughts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes trying to be an adult just plain stinks. But when do you "adult" and when do you "wing it"? A recent post on popular blogging site Budgets Are Sexy asks that question and today we put that in front of our roundtable panel of top bloggers and podcasters. Where do you balance minimalism with having the right backup? Joining us today from the Afford Anything podcast, we'll say hello to Paula Pant, from our own amazing podcast, our co-host OG, finally, from Len Penzo dot com, we'll welcome Frank from the movie Old School....who you know IS the most responsible adult. Okay, we're joking. Rounding out our team is just Len Penzo. Working from home? Trying to teach your children while you're working? Today we'll ask CEO Aaron Velky from Ortus Academy how his Money Club works. While others have struggled to help kids learn about money, Ortus Academy has developed a notable short term track record. Could your kids learn money habits better? Aaron joins us to talk about how kids learn and exactly what they think is important to teach. Interestingly, he'll talk about financial education as a sport. How do you teach kids to "win" with money? we'll share how they're solving that problem. Finally, during our Magnify Money segment, we'll talk to a Stacker named Nick on how to spend more money. He's thinking about moving his family to a high-cost area. How does he afford the bigger expenses he's about to bring on? As always, of course we'll quiz our contributors on Joe's Mom's neighbor Doug's amazing trivia. We're talking coffee on today's show. Specifically, how many people like their cup of Joe black (aka "naked," "with nothing in it," or "au natural.") Mom hopes you're all safe and washing your hands! Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The market's down a bazillion percent (mom's not great at math), your neighbors won't answer the door (and for the first time ever, that's a good thing), and the world seems upside down. Time to stop throwing good money after bad and call a retreat? On today's show Joe & OG answer a TON of your questions about ANYTHING! While we received many questions about coronavirus we also field some about college savings plans, Roth IRAs, board games, and what we would have done if podcasting hadn't been the huge massive financial hit that it's been (sarcasm, kids...). Plus, in our headlines segment, while everyone is panicking, luckily there are still journalists out there ready to write some pretty stupid financial pieces. What's the latest piece of financial TP advice? We'll cover that on today's show AND save time for Doug's trivia. Just another nearly 90 minute day in the office (AKA basement) for us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, we're joking about the coronavirus coverage. While we'll discuss the key fundamentals you need to know, we'll spend more time today talking about the basics. Between focusing on your money mindset with Jean Chatzky from The Today Show and HerMoney.com, refinancing your debt, and getting your taxes paid on time, there's a LOT to cover. Hopefully you'll find yourself focusing on the good things instead of glued to the television and events you can't control. During our headlines we're covering the latest silver lining from the IRS: the tax filing deadline has been kicked down the road AND penalties and interest has been waived on tax payments. During our segment we'll explain what that all means to you, (other than waiting a few more months to file, of course. Procrastination for the win!). Plus during our second headline we'll share how virus fears have led to a mortgage refinancing boom. During the Haven Life Line we're answering a question from one of our Facebook Basement members. Phil and his wife took out a HELOC last year and decided they wouldn't refinance to avoid paying closing costs. With rates dropping how they are, Phil asked our group: doesn't it make sense to refinance now and save large down the road? As always, we'll save some room for Doug's chip-and-dip themed trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since you're most probably stuck at home and "social distancing" yourself, now's a great time for a lighthearted discussion about spring cleaning your financial picture. Everything else in life right now seems pretty heavy, so today we'll keep it light with three people who know a thing or two about great money moves. Joining us today from Paychecks and Balances, we'll welcome Marcus Garrett, from the Afford Anything podcast, we'll say hello to Paula Pant, and finally, from Len Penzo dot com, its our favorite house keeper Alice from The Brady Bunch! ...while that would be fun, today it's just gonna be Len Penzo. While you're cleaning up your money, raising your savings rate is a great place to start (or at least trying to stop your savings from deteriorating...). SO today Joe will be chat about behavioral finance with expert Dr. Ted Klontz and Emily Shallal from Ally Bank. Dr. Ted Klontz lets us know that our ancestors did not hoard their money or even their toilet paper...#shocking. Surprisingly, he says our brains are wired differently, and Emily Shallal from Ally tells us how they've used similar studies to create new product features that'll trick our brains into saving. And finally, during our Magnify Money segment, we'll talk to a Stacker named Joe about whether he should contribute to his retirement or save for a house. As always, of course we'll quiz our contributors with Joe's Mom's neighbor Doug's amazing trivia. We're talking omelettes on today's show (of course!). Mom hopes you're all safe and washing your hands! Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During this crisis, it's important to focus on the big picture...but what is it? Our guest today says (and we agree), that managing your energy, and not your time is the key to success. Angelo Poli, the founder of MetPro and advisor to some of the biggest celebrities and athletes in America, discusses weight loss, how to eat right (and avoid fad diets), and more. We're sure you'll learn a TON about nutrition (like we all do every time Angelo has been on the show). Plus, what's polite to talk about over dinner with people? Politics, religion, or your credit card debt? Today we'll talk to Nathan Hamilton during our headlines segment about a study he and the team at The Ascent have completed about appropriate topics at work and at the dinner table. I think you'll be as surprised as we were. If you think that's all, well that might mean that it's your first time here (so welcome!). Of course, we'll also throw out the Haven Life line to a lucky caller, share some of Doug's amazing trivia AND much, much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices