The Stacking Benjamins Show

Don't talk to strangers. Make your savings automatic. Don't buy so many lattes. How many pieces of unsolicited advice have helped you become a better version of yourself? Today our contributors are helping us walk through a recent blog post that delivered exactly 68 pieces of advice to help you live a better life financially AND mentally. Helping us with today's show are our near-and-dear contributors: Elle Martinez (of Couple Money), Len Penzo of LenPenzo.com, and our very own OG.

Halfway through the show we'll take a break from the unsolicited advice (that you should totally listen to by the way), and we'll learn some strategies on keeping your children engaged and responsible while everyone is stuck at home. During our Fintech segment, Gregg Murset of BusyKid will also share how his app can help your family learn better habits, and put their allowance to good use by teaching them to save, give, and be a part of a community.

Ever hear the phrase, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should"? A few weeks ago we asked our friends on Twitter to give us their best answer... but with finances in mind. During our Magnify Money segment we'll share our favorite replies, and our contributors will even share a few of their own answers.

One last note: Remember the story in the news recently about the elderly man who ejected himself from the French fighter jet? We won't give away too much, but Doug has some heart-pounding trivia for you on today's show. Today's podcast is another high flier! Enjoy!

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Who wants to waste money cooking up food on a holiday weekend that doesn't taste good? Not us. That's why, if you are like the rest of us, hanging out at home or with only a small gathering of people...it's the PERFECT year to make a little geeky fun and stretch that holiday-spending dollar. Today we'll help you create some recipes from your favorite shows, movies, and fantasy worlds with the host of the hit blog (and now book!) The Geeky Chef....Cassandra Reeder. She'll share some awesome recipes so you can create great Memorial Day fun... even if you don't have backyard space or a grill.

Plus, what's the deal with the renewed interest in gold since the market started shaking? We'll ask State Street Global Advisors' Chief Gold Strategist, George Milling-Stanley, about the role gold should play in your investment strategy. We'll also cover the new rule changes to your FSA and HSA funds... it just became a little easier to buy certain necessities at stores.

Finally, we'll wrap up the show with a timely question from Georgiy, who thinks he's heard Joe make some comments about gold. He asks: is it true that gold is 6 times more volatile than the market? If so, could we point him to some sources saying so?

Of course, we'll save some time for Doug's trivia. It'll be fun, as usual, here in the basement!

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It's time for summer fun and theme parks are all closed! Will they open in time for there to be a season? Will there be any virtual fun coming from these entertainment companies? If we choose to head to a theme park, how are they keeping us safe and will there be discounts? Welcome to our annual theme-park guide episode! Today we'll ask all of these questions and more of Robert Niles (of Theme Park Insider), to find out how parks are coping during state shutdowns. We hope to ALL be surprised with good news during today's discussion.

Here's a question: how did one unfortunate man find himself 9 million dollars in debt by the end of one trading day? We'll tackle that during our headlines segment. Plus, scams will be on the rise with so many people applying for unemployment and expecting relief checks. How should you protect yourself from becoming a victim?

...and during our Haven Life Line we'll take a question from Lisa, who is opening up a new HSA account. This being her second account, Lisa wonders if she can combine the two HSAs into one. Can she do that?

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Ever feel stuck? Here's a question: How do you stop thinking about doing something important in your life/career/money and actually get started with the hard tasks? This week our roundtable regulars share how they motivate themselves to press "go" more quickly each time, and how to keep pressing "go" more often. We'll talk about fighting fear, making decisions, and working your plan on today's show.

After our group is done sharing how they motivate themselves to NOT click the "still watching" option on Netflix, Joe will ring up Lauren Minches from Blueprint Income. They've recently partnered with AARP on a new annuity hub. First, we'll dispel some common annuity myths and also talk about why some annuities get a bad rap (spoiler: it's sometimes deserved). Then we'll discuss how different annuities work. If you're new to lifetime income options, Lauren will walk us through it together on today's show.

We'll round out our Friday with a Magnify Money question from caller Jordan, who has spent a lot of time as a DIY investor. Now that Jordan is planning on possibly bringing on an advisor, he asks us: what are our thoughts on drawing on an investment policy statement? Is there anything Jordan should know?

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If you’re either one of the millions of unemployed Americans (heck, or in the WORLD), or you’re stuck in a job you don’t really want, now is a great time to look for better work. Companies are poised to begin rehiring and you’re in the hunt of your life. How do you score that dream position? Career coach Kevin Kiley would say it’s by taking advantage of the tools you have and by using your brain to tilt the odds in your favor. We’ll discuss how to set yourself up for a great job, how to work the interview AND how to network like a pro. We’ll also tackle what NOT to do during the interview process. Kevin’s seen it all, and today he’ll share stories of the good, bad and ugly, so that you’re better prepared. 

Will the US economy have to fundamentally change after we recover from this economic meltdown? We’ll share one popular media piece that says the answer is “probably, yes.” One billionaire investor says that one way or another taxes will have to go up. But don’t worry...we also have an opinion about that piece AND others like it (of course). We’ll share our thoughts about that topic during our headline segment AND also detail the story about one investment firm that is paying BIG to correct an index fund rebalancing gone wrong. Oops. How does that happen? We’ll nerd out with you while we share the funny/horrible story.

Of course, that’s not all. We’ll also throw out the Haven Life line to a lucky listener AND Doug will share some of his Top Gun themed trivia. It’s Top Gun day in the basement, and Doug’s feels the need….the need for speed! Enjoy!

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While the first person to tell you that nothing good happens while you're using drugs will be today's guest Michael Brody-Waite, he WILL insist that the skills he learned in recovery are the same skills we all need for success with life and money. He should know. As a man who's walked the journey from drug addict to CEO and success coach, Michael funnels his darkest experiences into powerful lessons he'll share with you. Today, Michael will teach you how to rebalance your priorities, reclaim your energy, and thrive in both work and life.

A new bond has arrived! The Treasury last week announced a 20-year note to help offset the massive spending lately in Washington. We'll discuss how that works and may impact your wallet in our headlines segment. Also, we'll cover the results of a recent Morningstar study that shows why it is more important than you might thank to have a thorough financial plan and an (emotional) support network in place. It turns out that it's easy to stay the financial course when everything is going right. The problem is when panic starts to set in, not pressing that big, red "sell everything" button.

Today we'll throw out the Haven Life line to a caller a not-quite-usual question about loan repayment. Due to COVID-19 reasons, Vanessa was laid off from work. However, she was building up her savings beforehand. Vanessa also receives unemployment and severance pay. She wonders, "Should I use savings to pay off student loans? Or, would it be better to keep making minimum payments and keep her cash buffer?" Of course, Joe and OG have an opinion.

One last thing: Happy Twilight Zone Day! Doug has a special treat in store for you in celebration. Enjoy!

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The host of the new Real Estate Rookie podcast, Felipe Mejia, joins Paula Pant (Afford Anything) and Len Penzo (Len Penzo dot com) to talk about real estate for newbies. A recent blog post at Coach Carson dot com discusses the writer's relationship with a mentor, and the most valuable real estate lessons he learned. Whether you're interested in real estate or just good lessons about life (and boy, are there many packed into this episode), we've got you covered.

Plus, we'll also talk to the Evil HR Lady, Suzanne Lucas, about Zoom call etiquette. Many of us have to do calls from home now, but haven't figured out exactly what's acceptable and what isn't. Suzanne will dive into the details of cleaning up your conference call manners. Of course, Doug will share some trivia for our regular Friday contest AND we'll answer a question from a listener about life post-coronavirus. Should you keep more money in cash?

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Have you ever thought about what it takes to break into life? Maybe, like us back in the day, you've thought, "How do I come close to this dream of getting to financial security?" Forget financial security...what about just making ends meet? Today we'll interview a woman who's been through everything life could throw at a woman and she STILL came out ahead...today we're giving you an amazing interview with Arlan Hamilton on what it took for her to break into not only life, but also the venture capital world in Silicon Valley.

Why isn't Warren Buffett overly concerned about the stock market fluctuations happening currently? We'll cover Buffett's investing approach that enables him approach the market with an outlook that many investors don't have. Plus, we'll take a look at why low volume ETFs are good performers... until they weren't.

During our Haven Life Line, we'll take a question from Peter, who wants to know more about using offset loans. Peter is having trouble getting a HELOC, and thinks that using an offset loan could be a good avenue for getting the funds to purchase more cash-flowing properties. Peter asks, is he wrong for wanting to do this?

We'll also make some time for Doug's Nurse Appreciation themed trivia.

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When you think of a discussion, negotiation, or collaboration you don't usually think "soulful." That's where most of us differ from advertising mogul Jason Harris. Today we'll talk a bout putting more of your own soul into your work and relationships so that you make fewer financial mistakes (and career mistakes) AND build toward your dreams faster.

New unemployment data hit last week and in our headlines segment we'll talk about how to weather the storm if you're not sure about your job or you've already lost yours. We'll also turn our spotlight on non-COVID related charities and discuss how they're faring (spoiler alert: not well).

During the Haven Life Line we'll tackle a question about surprise student loan debt, and during Doug's trivia...well, you'll just have to hear it to believe it.

May the 4th be with you!

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We're finishing this week off with a timely rewind episode handpicked by the Fintern: eight smart things to do with $1,000 right now.  You can check out our original show notes below:

What should you do with a small windfall? Today we ask, if you had $1,000, how should you best use it? We have an article that gives us eight great options, but we ask our panel which of those is best...and why? THAT alone gets rolling a fanstastic discussion between OG, Len Penzo, and special guest from the Money Nerds podcast, Whitney Hansen.

We'll also turn our eye on FinTech. We talk to FinTech company founders most weeks on this show, but from the near-outside looking in, where's the ball headed? Rory Holland from CSTMR has a front row seat at the FinTech party, and answers the questions...what's the problem, how's it being solved, and what's next for FinTech? You'll see LOTS of possible directions for FinTech (and...psst....your money) after you hear this interview.

We also answer Carolyn's three-oh call for help to the Blooom hotline. Her 21 year old son is graduating from college and she's concerned about claiming him. Can she claim him as a dependent still? On top of that, we'll also answer a letter from another listener, share Doug's trivia, and more.

Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring Stacking Benjamins as well. MagnifyMoney.com saves users on average $450 when they compare, ditch, switch and save on credit cards, student loan refinancing, checking, savings and more. Check out MagnifyMoney.com for your savings.

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