Ep. 034 - Stacking Benjamins: Earn, Save, and Spend Money With a Plan

I've been in the podcasting world for a few years now and one thing I've discovered is that the podcasting world really is like a small fraternity/sorority where hosts form bonds and even appear on each other's shows. We're no different. And this week we're doing it again with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast.

I’ve been in the podcasting world for a few years now and one thing I’ve discovered is that the podcasting world really is like a small fraternity/sorority where hosts form bonds and even appear on each other’s shows. We’re no different. And this week we’re doing it again with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast.

I’ve been a guest on Joe’s pod so I figured it was time to return the favor. Just like me, Joe has a background in finance. He was a financial advisor for 16 years and represented American Express and Ameriprise in the media. He was also the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV.

Once he got the bug from listening to others, Joe decided he wanted to host his own podcast and now, just four short years later, it’s his full-time job.

• What is it about Joe’s background and approach that has resonated with listeners?
• Why don’t people want to talk about money?
• What has Joe excited about where we are in the financial world?

Those questions and many others made for a very fun interview. You can find out more about Joe’s show on his Twitter page.

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Ep. 033 - Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives

It's hard to believe that we're coming up on the ninth anniversary of the financial crisis that contributed to the Great Recession. What's frustrating and mystifying is how many people, or lack thereof, actually faced the music for contributing to the debacle.

It’s hard to believe that we’re coming up on the ninth anniversary of the financial crisis that contributed to the Great Recession. What’s frustrating and mystifying is how many people, or lack thereof, actually faced the music for contributing to the debacle.

The anemic response from the Department of Justice sparked today’s guest, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jesse Eisinger, to write The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives.

How can it be that no major bankers were charged or put in prison after the financial crisis of 2008?

The Chickenshit Club, an inside reference to those prosecutors who were too scared of failure and too daunted by legal impediments to execute the duties of their jobs, explains why. The pages span the last decade and a half of prosecutorial flops, corporate lobbying, trial losses and culture shifts that have stripped the government of the will and ability to prosecute top corporate executives.

But it wasn’t always this way. In the 1970s, it was commonplace that top corporate executives, not just seedy crooks and drug dealers, could commit crimes and actually be sent to prison.

What changed between then and now? Is it a problem that can be corrected? If so, how? The Chickenshit Club provides a clear, detailed explanation as to how our Justice Department has come to avoid, bungle, and mismanage the fight to bring white-collar criminals to justice.

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Ep. 032 - How the Best Leaders Inspire People Every Day

What is life without inspiration? To me it sounds a bit boring. Of course inspiration can come from anywhere, but because we spend the bulk of our time in the workplace, it is a natural setting to seek it out. Conversely, if you're the boss, don't you want to be seen as somebody who inspires?

What is life without inspiration?  To me it sounds a bit boring. Of course inspiration can come from anywhere, but because we spend the bulk of our time in the workplace, it is a natural setting to seek it out. Conversely, if you’re the boss, don’t you want to be seen as somebody who inspires?

It’s easier said than done, but thanks to our guest this week, executive coach Kristi Hedges, there are everyday actions that any leader can take to be an inspiring and motivating force.

In her latest book, The Inspiration Code: How the Best Leaders Energize People Every Day, Kristi shows how to become a leader who builds commitment and fosters greatness in others.

Having spent years studying exactly what inspiring leaders do differently, Kristi likes to think of inspirational people as the four Ps:

• PRESENT: investing their full attention and letting conversations flow
• PERSONAL: speaking genuinely, listening generously, and acknowledging the potential of those around them
• PASSIONATE: exhibiting sincere emotion and exuding energy attuned to the situation
• PURPOSEFUL: helping others find meaning and see their place in the bigger picture

If you think your boss might be missing one of the Ps, maybe it’s time to pull him or her aside and have a friendly chat…

For more workplace and leadership tips, you can follow Kristi on Twitter.

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Ep. 031 - Hot Housing: How to Buy and Sell

Prices are up, inventories are down which means the housing market is hot again. It's not like the crazy days of 2005, but conditions are a bit frenzied. To prepare for what is likely to be the biggest asset purchase or sale you'll make in life, we turn to Stephen Gasque, host of Real Estate Today, a weekly radio program presented by the National Association of Realtors.

Prices are up, inventories are down which means the housing market is hot again. It’s not like the crazy days of 2005, but conditions are a bit frenzied. To prepare for what is likely to be the biggest asset purchase or sale you’ll make in life, we turn to Stephen Gasque, host of Real Estate Today, a weekly radio program presented by the National Association of Realtors.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seller, Steven is full of tips to help you navigate the process.

One of the topics we spent some time on is the current inventory crisis and why it’s seemingly harder than ever for potential buyers to get the home they want. Why is the competition among buyers more intense than ever?

Some of the other topics we discussed:

• What are the most common mistakes people make when buying or selling?
• What’s the most important step for a potential buyer?
• How to successfully invest in real estate as a rental property
• The future of mortgage interest deductions
• Renting versus buying

If you’re planning on going to an open house this weekend, give this one a listen for some tips that could increase your odds of landing the house before you walk through the front door.

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Ep. 030 - Pop Culture and Technology with Jeff Bakalar and Russ Frushtick

When it comes to money and personal finance, I like to think I know a thing or two. But when it comes to technology and gadgets, I turn to experts Jeff Bakalar and Russ Frushtick. Jeff and Russ host The 404 Show, a popular CNET podcast that focuses on pop-culture, tech, movies, comics, video games and more.

When it comes to money and personal finance, I like to think I know a thing or two. But when it comes to technology and gadgets, I turn to experts Jeff Bakalar and Russ Frushtick. Jeff and Russ host The 404 Show, a popular CNET podcast that focuses on pop-culture, tech, movies, comics, video games and more.

It’s a good arrangement: When Jeff and Russ have questions regarding their financial lives, they know who to call—and they really do, from time to time. When I need help purchasing a new phone or want to understand what lies ahead on the tech landscape, I return the favor.

The technology world changes so fast it’s almost impossible to keep up with it. Every month it seems, there’s some new announcement—a hot new app, a popular gadget, a hopeful tech IPO, a disruptive innovation—it’s never ending.

In this latest episode of “Better Off,” we touched on a variety of topics that we once thought we’d only see in a Hollywood movie:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Virtual reality (VR)
• Self-driving vehicles
• UPS using drones to deliver packages

We also talked about current issues:

Uber versus the cab companies? Is the competition a good thing? Will it force the cab industry to reinvent itself?

Will buying an Amazon Echo cause me to become incredibly lazy? Call me old fashioned but I actually like turning on the lights myself.

I think I get points for being active on Twitter and Instagram…though I’m not sure you’ll see me wearing a virtual reality headset anytime soon.  That said, give this episode a listen, especially if you’re wondering if you really need to upgrade your phone every year or two.

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Ep. 029 - The Secret History of the iPhone with Brian Merchant

On June 29th, 2007 Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled a new product, which he described as "a revolutionary mobile phone," and a "breakthrough Internet communications device." Indeed, the iPhone has changed our lives. We do EVERYTHING on our phones.

On June 29th, 2007 Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled a new product, which he described as “a revolutionary mobile phone,” and a “breakthrough Internet communications device.”

Indeed, the iPhone has changed our lives. We do EVERYTHING on our phones. We text, we surf the web, we bank, we book vacations, we get directions, we book cars, we play games, and we even make the occasional phone call.

In the process, Apple has become the most profitable public company in the world, with a market cap of about three quarters of a trillion dollars – that’s more than twice as much as Exxon Mobil and three times as much as General Electric. Over the past ten years, Apple’s business has grown by 10 times and its stock price has increased by nearly 720 percent, dwarfing the 134 percent rise in the NASDAQ Composite Index.

But just how close did we come to not having the iPhone? How did it actually happen? Our guest Brian Merchant, technology journalist and author of the new book, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone takes us back to the mid-2000’s to tell the iPhone origin story.

Brian reveals the inside story of the device, based on his exclusive interviews with the engineers, inventors and developers who guided every stage of the iPhone’s creation. He also discussed what life is like for the workers in China who assemble the phones. As you’ll hear, Brian doesn’t paint a very pretty picture.

If you’re a techie and live for the latest Apple rumors and news, definitely follow Brian on Twitter.

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Ep. 028 - How to Buy a Car with Consumer Reports Auto Specialist Mike Quincy

If you live in a big city, it can be easy to forget what it's like to depend on a car. Urbanites tend to walk, take the subway or bus, ride a bicycle, or hop in a cab to get virtually everywhere.

If you live in a big city, it can be easy to forget what it’s like to depend on a car. Urbanites tend to walk, take the subway or bus, ride a bicycle, or hop in a cab to get virtually everywhere.

But I grew up in the suburbs and know the vast majority of you listening to this podcast have a deep, personal relationship with your car. After all, next to your home, your car is one of the biggest assets you’ll purchase in life, which is why you are likely to have a ton of questions that need to be answered.

Where does one turn to learn the best car buying tips? Maybe you have used the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue, but, today on Better Off, we go one better… we have Mike Quincy, Automotive Specialist at Consumer Reports, one of the pros behind all things car-related at the magazine.

Mike may have the coolest job in the world. He gets to race, I mean drive, basically every car imaginable around a test track and then write the reviews you read…a dream job for a total car geek. With almost 30 years under his belt, Mike has the answers to the most-frequently asked car questions:

• Buy or lease?
• Sedan or SUV?
• Which model has the best crash test ratings?
• Do I need to buy the extended warranty?
• Which manufacturers should I avoid?

We also discussed which cars are safest for young adults, the reliability of high end cars like Mercedes and BMW, what the future holds for Tesla and the current state of the legacy automakers here in the U.S.

So as you hit the road this summer and fantasize about a new set of wheels, this episode is a must listen before you walk into that dealership.

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Ep. 027 - Summer Travel Tips with Peter Greenberg

Summertime is officially upon us which means millions of Americans will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies to enjoy their summer vacations. Whether you want to hit the beach, blaze a trail off the beaten path or explore one of the major tourist destinations, there's a smart way to do it.

Summertime is officially upon us which means millions of Americans will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies to enjoy their summer vacations. Whether you want to hit the beach, blaze a trail off the beaten path or explore one of the major tourist destinations, there’s a smart way to do it.  That’s where Peter Greenberg, this week’s guest on Better Off, enters the picture.

Peter, the Travel Editor for CBS News, is full of tips and suggestions to help you get the most bang for your buck as you plan and book your trip.

Where to go? Where not to go? Drive, train or fly? From South Africa to Chile to Tokyo and Thailand, as well as hidden gems here in the States, we circle the globe with Peter and provide you with useful tips to easily reach your destination, with a few bucks left in your pocket.

Give recent attacks in London, Paris and Istanbul, is there any reason to think twice before booking vacations to those cities? How should we think about places where the Zika virus remains prevalent? What’s on Peter’s “Do Not Visit List?”

This one may be hard to believe, but despite all the travel related websites out there, Peter insists that even in 2017, the best thing to do is to pick up the phone and have an actual conversation with the airline or hotel.  But it’s not just a conversation for the sake of having one.  There’s a way to do it and certain questions to ask.  It’s a process.  So much so, that we did a little role playing to help guide you guys through it!

If you’re a frequent traveler, Peter is definitely someone to follow on Twitter.

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Ep. 026 - Personal Finance 101 with Liz Weston

While it's always fun talking to authors, CEOs and you on the Better Off podcast, I also enjoy chatting with fellow financial industry journalism colleagues. Doing so allows me to get their take on the state of the industry and to talk about what they've been covering, what has them jazzed and what they see coming in the weeks and months ahead.

While it’s always fun talking to authors, CEOs and you on the Better Off podcast, I also enjoy chatting with fellow financial industry journalism colleagues. Doing so allows me to get their take on the state of the industry and to talk about what they’ve been covering, what has them jazzed and what they see coming in the weeks and months ahead.

Our guest this week, Liz Weston, is a total financial nerd, so I guess it’s fitting that Liz works as a columnist for NerdWallet, a personal finance website that offers financial tools and advice to help people understand their options when making financial decisions.

Liz is also a CFP® and has been covering the industry for many years. She started her career on the politics beat but that got old quickly. She transitioned into personal finance and has been writing full-time since 1994.

Even though Liz knows her stuff, it was very interesting to hear her talk about how she has used an insurance agent, a tax pro, an estate planner and even has her own financial planner. I’m the same way…even though we are professionals within the industry, qualified experts can help you save time, money or ideally, both!

Some of the other topics we discussed include:

• The decreasing role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• The student loan crisis and possible ways to fix it
• Whether or not social security will be around for millennials

If you follow me on Twitter then you know I’m a big fan of the content Liz continues to crank out. She’s definitely worth a follow for top notch personal finance insight.

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Ep. 025 - Why Wall Street Matters with William Cohan

Imagine a world without companies like Apple, or media outlets such as CBS or NBC, without all of the cars and trucks crisscrossing the country, without food provided by the farmer...that's what would happen if Wall Street did not exist...it would all go away, according to this week's Better Off guest, writer William "Bill" Cohan.

Imagine a world without companies like Apple, or media outlets such as CBS or NBC, without all of the cars and trucks crisscrossing the country, without food provided by the farmer…that’s what would happen if Wall Street did not exist…it would all go away, according to this week’s Better Off guest, writer William “Bill” Cohan.

If you’ve read some of his previous books, like “House of Cards,” or “Money and Power”, you know Bill is usually not one to shy away from going after Wall Street and its shortcomings. But in an interesting twist, Bill’s recent book, “Why Wall Street Matters,” is a defense of the industry that he has pilloried.

In our interview, Bill describes a poor decision by Elizabeth Warren as the catalyst that propelled him to write this latest book. He tells us what Wall Street has done well, like providing the necessary capital to companies, which in turn allows them to invest, expand and hire, thus propelling overall economic growth.

Don’t be mistaken: Bill knows that Wall Street and the institutions that occupy the space in Lower Manhattan are imperfect, but he believes that there is far more good than bad — and more importantly, the consequences would be dire if the essential role the industry plays were carelessly curtailed.

Bill had one goal when writing this book: for Wall Street to become understandable to the average American. In this easy to read book, Bill succeeded.  I highly recommend you pick it up.

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