Today, we look at the other side of financial independence: being able to travel the world! Our new Stacking Adventures show is off the ground, and we're giving you a peek at the latest episode. This show highlights YOUR experiences traveling, and when it comes to Japan, you share the best, worst, and in-between. From puking in your bosses' wife's shoes to riding the bullet train, we hear stories from Adventurers and share our own comments. You'll hear tips on packing, organizing luggage storage, theme parks to attend, places to find good food, navigating transportation, and more.

You'll find more episodes wherever you're listening to Stacking Benjamins, OR you'll find blog posts, trip reports, packing lists, and more at StackingAdventures.com.

Do you have travel stories about Peru, Chile, ghost tours, or New Orleans? Share those stories at StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

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Today, we'll discuss the pitfalls of overly conservative retirement planning and how it could delay your financial independence and retirement dreams. In this show which was originally aired on our "brother" show Earn & Invest, Doc G, and guest Jesse Cramer from the Best Interest podcast delve into the importance of finding a balance, exploring the impacts of stacking conservative assumptions related to social security, investment returns, and inflation. Jesse shares practical tips on re-evaluating your retirement assumptions, emphasizing the significance of flexibility and ongoing adjustments to avoid unnecessarily prolonging your work life.

RUN OF SHOW

• Introduction and Topic Overview
• The Cost of Being Too Conservative
• Interview with Jordan Grumet and Jesse Kramer
• Workplace Benefits Guide Announcement
• Earn and Invest Podcast Begins
• Jesse Kramer's Background and Career Shift
• Conservative Assumptions in Retirement Planning
• Introduction to Conservative Retirement Assumptions
• Guest Introduction: Jesse Cramer
• The Impact of Conservative Assumptions on Retirement
• Strategies to Avoid Overly Conservative Assumptions
• Revisiting and Adjusting Retirement Plans
• The 4% Rule and Its Implications
• Balancing Conservatism and Aggressiveness in Retirement Planning
• The Consequences of Overly Conservative Planning
• Practical Tips for Retirement Planning
• Exploring the 'Die With Zero' Philosophy
• Dealing with Loss Aversion Anxiety
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts
• Post-Interview Discussion

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To kick off a contentious week for the USA, we share one of our FAVORITE stories about the thread that binds us, our goals, our dreams, and yes, even our money. Laura Schroff was a high-powered executive in Manhattan when her life was changed forever by an 11-year old boy. It's a story you won't soon forget. Plus, we're thrilled that Scott Trench, BiggerPockets CEO joins us as guest co-host. We talk about crypto, athletes, and their money. It's our favorite way to discuss how your own money decisions could be better made. We also dive into non-compete contracts. That world has been changing quickly, and we've got you covered.

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your finances? Do you find yourself either making purchases as "retail therapy" or avoiding looking at your statements and online accounts? Or maybe, on the other end of the spectrum, you find yourself hoarding cash because you don't know when the next "rainy day" is going to arrive? In all of these cases and more, you might be experiencing financial trauma, a topic that is the focus of today's Stacking Benjamins live round table at FinCon 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by Joe Saul-Sehy and featuring licensed family and marriage therapist Wendy Wright, certified financial planner Lawrence Sprung, and Afford Anything's Paula Pant, the discussion dives into the deep-seated emotional aspects of money. You'll learn about the signs of financial trauma, such as neglecting finances, overspending, and hoarding, and how these behaviors can impact your life. The panel offers insights into addressing and overcoming these issues, emphasizing the importance of compassionate curiosity and seeking professional help when needed. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or have a significant net worth, this episode will guide you on the path to better financial health and well-being.

RUN OF SHOW

• Opening Banter and Introduction
• Live from FinCon 2024
• Meet the Panelists
• Diving into Financial Trauma
• Signs of Financial Trauma
• Scarcity Mindset and Personal Stories
• Cultural and Individual Financial Trauma
• Judgment and Financial Secrecy
• Inherited Wealth and Emotional Struggles
• Behavioral Finance in Financial Planning
• Building Compassionate Financial Relationships
• Recognizing Financial Trauma: Hoarding
• Societal Views on Hoarding vs. Saving
• Personal Stories of Financial Extremes
• Balancing Financial Planning and Living in the Present
• Diagnosing Money Hoarding and Anxiety
• Steps to Address Financial Anxiety
• Exploring False Connections with Money
• The Importance of Financial Planning and Adjustments
• Tracking Spending and Financial Awareness
• Principles of Financial Therapy
• When to Seek Financial Therapy
• Conclusion and Resources

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/overcoming-financial-trauma-1595

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Today, we're joined by funeral director Scott Mueller, who shares invaluable advice on pre-planning your final expenses. Scott elucidates on the importance of making arrangements ahead of time and the benefits it brings to both you and your loved ones during emotionally charged times. Avoid common pitfalls and choose wisely to avoid turning your financial planning into a horror show. Trick or treat? More like protect your assets or weep!

In our headline segment, we delve into optimizing your homeowner's insurance with critical features like replacement cost coverage, special personal property endorsements, and umbrella policies. Discover how these essential elements can guard your castle and your treasures from life's unexpected frights. Finally, we lighten the mood with Doug's hilarious trivia and some fun Halloween anecdotes, ensuring you end this episode both smarter and happily haunted.

RUN OF SHOW

• Introduction to the Witching Hour
• Halloween Special: Stacking Benjamin Show
• Meet the Funeral Director: Scott Mueller
• The Importance of Pre-Planning Funeral Expenses
• Personal Stories and the Emotional Impact
• Trust Issues with Funeral Directors
• Avoiding Funeral Scams and Making Informed Decisions
• Pre-Planning: Burial, Cremation, and Other Options
• Final Thoughts and Resources
• Iconic Horror Movie Lines
• Halloween Trivia and Chat GPT
• Funeral Planning Stories
• Umbrella Liability Insurance
• Halloween's BEST Jokes and Wrap-Up

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/final-expenses-planning-with-scott-mueller-1594

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Today, we'll dive into an exciting financial education idea brought to us by award-winning columnist and host of The Money Life Show, Chuck Jaffe. Do you think Halloween's kinda boring for kids and just a sugar rush? Not at Chuck's house! Discover Chuck's innovative 'cash or candy' concept, transforming Halloween into a fun and educational game that teaches kids about probability, risk management, and decision-making. This unique approach blends Halloween fun with critical financial lessons, making it a memorable learning experience for children and parents.

In our headline segment, we explore some chilling retirement regrets shared in a compelling Business Insider article, highlighting common pitfalls and how to avoid them. We also discuss key strategies for better retirement planning, such as potentially delaying social security and being prepared for unforeseen emergencies. If you're worried about not having enough for financial independence, this may be the segment for you.

Lastly, we wrap up the episode with Doug's intriguing Halloween-themed trivia and a lively discussion about the NFL's global expansion efforts, including a look at watching football games in Germany. Join us for a fun and educational journey into the world of Halloween-fueled financial literacy!

RUN OF SHOW

• Halloween Costumes and Banter
• Salute to the Troops and Halloween Plans
• Halloween Week Episode Introduction
• Halloween and Money Lessons with Chuck Jaffe
• Halloween Games and Economic Lessons
• Chuck Jaffe's Halloween Tradition
• Money Life Show and Financial Insights
• Disturbing Ways to Make Money
• Trivia Question: a Murderer's Profession
• Pineapple Drinks
• Headline: Retirement Regrets
• Discussion on Retirement Savings
• Client's Early Retirement Story
• Janice's Regrets and Future Plans
• Automating Savings and Easy Listening
• Community Engagement and Reviews
• NFL's International Games
• Fun with German NFL Commentary
• Christmas Movie Horror Parody

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/halloween-money-lessons-with-chuck-jaffe-1593

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Are you on the same page with your significant other? Financially speaking, of course! Given that money is the leading cause of divorce in the US, it's a topic worth working on together. And money talks in relationships don't just apply to romantic relationships - it can extend to include parent/child, etc. relationships. We're talking money and relationships on today's roundtable. Pull up a chair with Paula Pant from Afford Anything, OG, and special guest Doug Cunnington from the Mile High FI Podcast. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

In the second half of the show, we dive into the sensitive topic of what to do when you and your spouse can't agree. You won't want to miss this!

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Today we share a fresh perspective on personal and financial risk, featuring the always insightful Len Penzo (LenPenzo.com). Joe, OG and Len will dive into the complexities of managing your 401k and understanding the risk tolerance required to meet your goals. We'll share pivotal strategies for effective retirement planning and hopefully help you grasp why taking enough risk is crucial, especially for younger investors who have time to recover from potential losses. Listen in as we explore investment behaviors versus portfolio performance and how emotional decisions during market fluctuations can impact your financial journey.

We don’t just tackle numbers here. We'll also examine whether widening your approach to include career risks and the often-overlooked social risks that can open doors to new opportunities is a good strategy. We'll talk about on growing your employment opportunities, ensuring long-term wealth, and balancing financial and emotional satisfaction. Plus, there just may be a slight amount of banter about Halloween treats, the joys of IRS conundrums, and the misconceptions of viral TikTok financial advice.

To top it all off, we may or may not share stories about Joe’s adventures learning craps in Las Vegas, revealing the thrills and lessons of gambling. If you're searching for lessons, it may include the importance of knowing when to walk away, and the camaraderie forged at the casino tables. Whether you’re tuning in for practical financial strategies or just to enjoy some relatable stories and laughs, this episode is packed with takeaways on looking at risk differently in every facet of your life.

• Introduction to Debt Management
• Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show
• Discussing Risk with Len Penzo
• The Fortune Cookie Incident
• Understanding Risk Tolerance
• Career and Social Risks
• Halloween Treats and Risks
• Stocking Up for Halloween
• Diving into Risk Management
• TikTok Minute: Career Success
• Doug's Trivia: Understanding 1031 Exchange
• Listener Question: Employer-Sponsored IRA Plans
• Vegas Stories and Gambling Tips

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-halloween-1591

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Grab your coffee mug and join us for a journey full of strategic insights and valuable life lessons. Business legend Seth Godin joins us to share his wisdom on financial strategy and personal success. From college applications to wedding planning, Seth's advice on using a strategic compass over an outdated map will help you navigate big decisions and avoid wasting time and potential. Plus, we explore the balance between effortless yet intricate service and strategic pricing, advocating for value over cutting costs like Walmart because, sometimes, the tension in the experience is what makes it memorable and rewarding. There are plenty more actionable takeaways in our discussion with one of the most prominent gurus in marketing. Mainly, we delve into why having a well-thought-out strategy for life and personal finance can make all the difference. Learn from Seth's rich experience—from guiding startups to success to creating impactful strategies.

We also explore the historical strategies that have shaped businesses like Yahoo and Google. Seth emphasizes the importance of vocalizing strategies, balancing personal agency with systemic constraints, and the essential threads of strategy: time, empathy, games, and systems. Using personal finance as a lens, Seth helps you understand complex concepts in a relatable way, underscoring how strategic thinking can transform everything from wedding expenses to retirement planning.

Of course, that's not all. In our headline segment, we share the results of a recent study by Harvard, Vanguard, and others on 401k plan "leakage." New rules allow people to take annual withdrawals from their retirement plans. Will people abuse this new rule? The results of this study are surprising, to say the least. We discuss how to use 401k loans, why we don't favor them, and strategies to plug leaks so that your financial boat doesn't sink.

On top of that, we also share trivia from Doug and much, much more! This may be your favorite Monday on Stacking Benjamins!

Run of Show

• Morning Optimism and Weekend Plans

• Saluting Our Troops

• Special Guest: Seth Godin on Strategy

• The Importance of Strategy in Personal Finance

• College Applications and Life Strategies

• Seth Godin's Background and Achievements

• Understanding Strategy: Time, Empathy, Games, and Systems

• Walmart's Competitive Edge

• Freelancing on Upwork: A Race to the Bottom

• Justifying Higher Prices

• The Power of Peer Groups

• Mentorship vs. Peer Groups

• Personal Experiences with Peer Groups

• Trivia Time with Doug

• 401k Loans and Retirement Plan Leakage

• The Importance of Cash Reserves

• Upcoming Events and Meetups

• Consulting Firm Anecdote

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/create-you-life-strategy-with-seth-godin-1590

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Have you ever met someone whose retirement was wrecked by poor tax planning? While tax planning is essential, one big-named figure in the financial community who's a tax expert says that tax planning may be over-emphasized. But is it? Today, we're joined by experts Deb Meyer (Beyond Budgets podcast), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy YouTube Channel), and the guy behind the Earn & Invest podcast, Doc G. Our financial experts will debunk common tax myths and provide actionable insights for a secure financial future. They'll explore the essential differences between marginal and effective tax rates, and you'll learn how effective tax planning can positively impact your retirement. Discover how to leverage tax calculators to avoid dreaded tax surprises and understand the nuances between Roth and traditional retirement accounts. Our enthusiastic experts bring humor and real-life examples into the mix, making complex tax strategies accessible to everyone, whether you're an entrepreneur or planning for retirement. In the second half of our discussion, we shift focus to practical financial advice. Discussions revolve around the temptation to overly optimize tax shelters and the importance of balancing tax efficiency and accessible funds. We cover concerns about the 'tax torpedo' affecting Social Security taxes and highlight the nuanced approaches required for better tax planning in an investor's journey. The insights shared aim to demystify tax planning for listeners, helping them shape sound financial strategies tailored to their personal circumstances.

At the midway point, we'll pause for Doug's trivia question, today focused on a BIG tax case: Al Capone's run-in with the IRS. We'll share stories about his untaxed empire and discuss Walt Disney's clever tax maneuvers. We think you'll laugh through valuable tips on diversifying tax statuses and recovering tax bases. Hopefully, you'll leave with a better grasp of maximizing your tax efficiency and preparing for a financially stable future.

• Ignition Sequence and Lift-Off
• Introduction to the Stacking Benjamin Show
• Meet the Hosts and Guests
• Tax Talk and Trivia Teasers
• Welcoming the Financial Experts
• Diving into Tax Planning
• Effective vs Marginal Tax Rates
• Tax Planning for Entrepreneurs
• The Importance of Tax Diversification
• Trivia Challenge Begins
• Al Capone's 1931 Income Mystery
• Guessing Al Capone's Untaxed Income
• Revealing the Real Answer
• Financial Nerds and Tax Concerns
• The HSA Debate
• Annuities and Tax Gotchas
• Cash Value Life Insurance
• Podcast Highlights and Farewells
• S-Corp vs Sole Proprietor

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