The Stacking Benjamins Show

Episode SB1766 – Black Friday Tech: What's Worth Buying (And What's Just Hype)

Release Date: November 26, 2025
Main Guests: Joe Saul-Sehy (host), Anna Allum (co-host), Bridget Carey (CNET Editor/Tech Expert), Doug (Joe's Mom's neighbor)

Episode Overview

This fun, fast-paced pre-Thanksgiving episode tackles the wild world of Black Friday tech deals. Joe and Anna—filling in for OG—welcome CNET’s Bridget Carey, a long-time friend of the show and renowned tech expert, for her annual breakdown of what holiday tech is truly worth your money…and what’s just flashy, over-hyped junk. From the latest game consoles and AI-infused appliances to smart home gadgets, nostalgic toys, and the pros and cons of buying refurbished tech, this episode delivers actionable advice, consumer protection tips, and plenty of laughs. Sprinkled throughout are notable soundbites, helpful buying strategies, and a lively, conversational tone that makes financial literacy feel like a basement card game among friends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hot Holiday & Black Friday Tech Trends

(08:05–15:35)

• Nintendo Mania: This Black Friday is all about Nintendo—especially the new Switch 2 console, bundles with hit games, and a flood of nostalgia-branded gear for adults and kids alike.

  • Quote: “This is the year of Nintendo stuff. I mean, I think this is the year of the Nintendo Switch 2.” – Bridget (08:30)
  • High-fashion Mario Kart jackets, Animal Crossing Crocs, and backpacks are in demand.
  • For gifting: “You don’t have to buy everything all at once…all the old Switch stuff still works with the new one.” – Bridget (09:17)

• Handheld Gaming Expands: New handheld Xbox device (in partnership with Asus), as well as the versatile Steam Deck, are opening up the gaming universe.

  • Emphasis on portability and cross-platform access is big for both adults and kids.
  • Quote: "Gamers who want a lot of options are starting to get more options.” – Bridget (12:32)
  • Warning: “These things are expensive though. You’re dropping nearly a grand…” – Bridget (12:22)

• Subscription Gaming, Are the Deals Still Worth It?

  • Xbox Game Pass and similar services have gotten pricier, prompting people to reconsider if the vast access is actually cost-effective.
  • Quote: "There’s a $500 crossover point ... I don’t know if it does anymore." – Joe (14:35)
  • Bridget suggests: Older games go on sale often—don’t overlook them for value.

2. Smart Home & AI—Hype vs. Value

(15:35–19:29)

• AI Everywhere (Maybe Too Much)

  • From rice cookers to TVs, AI is a marketing buzzword but often doesn’t add value. “I don’t need AI control in my rice cookers…It’s all gimmick.” – Bridget (15:51)
  • Buy appliances (like air fryers, coffee pods, TVs) based more on core function and real needs.

• TV Buying Tips

  • “Decide before you get involved in everything what kind of screen is important…OLED is the best.” – Bridget (16:21)
  • Use extensions like Keepa to track price history and avoid the urgency trap.
  • Quote: “There are website extensions…It’ll tell you, oh yeah, it’s always on sale every three months.” – Bridget (17:51)
  • Don’t chase “the best deal ever”—all sales aren’t that special, and permission to NOT buy is powerful.

3. Key Advice for Apple, Android, & Refurbished Tech Shoppers

(19:40–26:37)

• Apple Devices & Accessories

  • Best Black Friday deals are not at Apple Stores, but at major retailers (Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart).
  • “This is the time to buy an iPad…great time for the Apple Watch SE. But last year’s models are still great!” – Bridget (20:03)
  • AirTags are “heavily discounted”—perfect for stocking stuffers (21:34).
  • Tip: “Go for last year’s model to save. Most new features are incremental.”
  • Beware of the Apple Pencil compatibility headache; go cheap unless you’re a pro user.

• Refurbished Tech—Good or Bad?

  • Don’t fear it, especially if from trusted retailers and not too old. “I have bought refurbished…and they were great.” – Bridget (24:57)
  • Always know the return policy. Watch battery life on older/refurbished items.

• Android Deals

  • More budget options than Apple; carrier bundle deals are common.
  • Amazon-brand smart home tech (Ring, Echo, etc.) steeply discounted.
  • Increasing “Matter” compatibility means smart devices from different brands work together more easily.

4. Consumer Risks: Planned Obsolescence & Support

(28:21–31:34)

• Forced Upgrades & Discontinued Support
  • Companies (like Ring and Google Nest) discontinuing support for older products, rendering expensive hardware dumb or useless.
  • “There is a consumer rage and distrust now over…are you just going to let these companies change the rules mid-game?” – Bridget (29:44)
  • Sometimes “going dumb” (less smart tech) is more reliable!

5. Toys & Gifts: What’s Worth it for Kids and Families

(31:51–36:01)

• Nostalgia Rules the Toy Aisle
  • Fewer high-tech toys this year; core classics (Light Bright, Magna Doodle, even Skip-It!) are resurging.
  • Nintendo’s Alarmo (a Mario-themed alarm clock with games & updates) is a weird, fun favorite.
  • This year’s “king” tech toy: Long Furby (snake-like, interactive, meditative) – “so fun and delightful!”
  • Toys have gotten pricier; watch for the cost of accessories (e.g., audiobook figurines).
  • Batteries often not included—double-check when shopping.

6. Headline Discussion: Robinhood – Fintech Growth and Red Flags

(45:12–61:06)

• Robinhood’s Evolution

  • The trading app is diversifying into a full financial ecosystem, boasting nine business lines earning $100 million+ each.
  • Quote: “Robinhood, the company that takes from the poor and gives to their wallet.” – Joe (45:12)

• Gamification of Finance

  • Anna notes its appeal to younger digital natives; Joe rails against its hidden costs, regulatory violations, and the dangers of treating real investing like a game.
  • “They are taking money from you while telling you it’s more fun.” – Joe (48:10)
  • “Robinhood paid fines for encouraging you to day trade.” – Joe (52:24)
  • Sober warning: Keep fun money separate from serious long-term investments.
  • Robinhood’s foray into futures trading and prediction markets likened to “an elevated DraftKings”—blurring the line between investing and betting.

Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parenting and Gifting:
  “If you’re not getting asked for anything [for Thanksgiving], that means nobody trusts you to bring anything.” – Doug (03:38)
• On Console Upgrades:
  “You don’t have to buy everything all at once. All the old Switch stuff still works with the new one.” – Bridget (09:17)
• On AI in Appliances:
  “I don’t need AI control in my rice cookers. But there’s a lot of stuff like that now. It’s all gimmick.” – Bridget (15:51)
• On Buying Refurb:
  “I have bought refurbished…and they were great. So don’t be afraid to refurbish.” – Bridget (24:57)
• On Smart Home Obsolescence:
  “You have a right to be able to just use it…you shouldn’t have to have something that is an essential part of your house suddenly go ‘we changed our mind – we’re not working anymore.’” – Bridget (29:02)
• On Classic Toys:
  “I have seen a few tech toys that do make me smile…and there is one tech toy that I think is the king…Long Furby!” – Bridget (33:00)
• On Robinhood:
  “Robinhood, the company that takes from the poor and gives to their wallet.” – Joe (45:12)
  “They are taking money from you while telling you it’s more fun…The fines don’t matter, the fees don’t matter…Hey, this thing’s fun.” – Joe (48:10; 53:00)
• On Gamification:
  “Robinhood kind of does both things…They probably need to figure that out.” – Anna (52:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nintendo/Nostalgic Gaming: 08:05–12:12
• Handhelds & Subscriptions: 12:12–15:35
• Household Tech & AI: 15:35–19:29
• Apple Buying Tips: 19:40–24:12
• Refurbished Tech: 24:57–26:37
• Android & Amazon Devices: 26:37–28:21
• Smart Home Risks: 28:21–31:34
• Toys & Gifts: 31:51–36:01
• Headline—Robinhood Deep Dive: 45:12–61:06

Actionable Takeaways & Bridget’s “Rules of Thumb”

• Don’t rush or panic-buy big-ticket tech on Black Friday.
• Older models (consoles, watches, iPads) offer great value—major features rarely justify premium prices.
• Appliance AI features are mostly overhyped—focus on true utility.
• Check return policies and battery replacement needs—especially for “refurbished” or discounted products.
• Console bundles (with games) maximize gifting value.
• If gifting smart home gear, stick to reputable brands and beware of discontinued support.
• Kids: Long Furby, Nintendo Alarmo, and classics like Skip-It get the Bridget Carey seal of fun.

Resources & Links

• Bridget Carey on CNET & YouTube: “One More Thing” (Fridays)
• Use the Keepa extension to check Amazon price history (17:51)
• For financial wellness and kid-friendly money teaching: giftingsense.org
• Episode Show Notes

Closing Thoughts

This episode channels what Stacking Benjamins does best—lots of laughs, nostalgia for simpler times, and practical advice for making better holiday spending choices. Bridget’s clear-eyed skepticism about high-priced, overhyped tech (especially anything “AI-enabled”) gives listeners permission to avoid the FOMO and shop smarter. Anna’s perspective bridges generations, and Joe steers the conversation with empathy and clarity—especially on the Robinhood debate.

Final Joe Wisdom: “I love the gamification of the things I’m trying to do with my money. I don’t love gamifying where I’m managing my money.” (61:06)

Bridget’s parting shot: “Batteries not included is the theme of this year!” (36:58)

For more laughs, gift strategies, and personal finance wonkiness, tune in to future SB triumvirate episodes—all from the comfort of Joe’s Mom’s basement!