The Stacking Benjamins Show: Episode SB1704 – "Let's Start a Money Revolution"

Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction

On this special Independence Day episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and OG delve into the concept of a "money revolution." With the theme centered around overthrowing bad financial habits and igniting positive change, the episode features insightful conversations with financial revolutionaries: Jesse Kramer, Dorothea Kelly, and Steve Stewart. Joined by their neighbor Doug, the hosts navigate through personal stories, practical strategies, and engaging trivia to inspire listeners to take control of their financial destinies.

Personal Stories of Financial Revolutions

Joe Saul-Sehy initiates the discussion by sharing his own catalyst moment for financial transformation:

Joe Saul-Sehy [09:24]: "I had to say, you know what? Screw this, I got to do better. Like for you, Dorothea, was it a money revolution?"

Dorothea Kelly recounts her gradual awakening to financial independence:

Dorothea Kelly [09:52]: "I was a single mother... I had to teach myself. There was absolutely a revolution. It took a lot of mindset changes."

Jesse Kramer describes his slow-burning realization to take control of his finances:

Jesse Kramer [12:21]: "It was years and years of a slow grind... enough was enough."

Steve Stewart shares his pivotal moment in 2007 when a failed purchase spurred him to eliminate debt:

Steve Stewart [12:54]: "In 2007, I decided, this is it. I'm getting rid of the debt. I cut up my credit cards and paid off the car as fast as we could."

Strategies to Overcome Debt

The guests offer actionable advice for listeners battling debt:

1. Stop the Leaking

   • Jesse Kramer emphasizes halting debt accumulation:

     Jesse Kramer [18:46]: "The first thing they should do... stop the leaking."

2. Pause and Reflect

   • Dorothea Kelly advises taking a step back to prevent falling into more debt:

     Dorothea Kelly [19:48]: "Definitely. Pause. People often look for more debt to cover existing debt."

3. Stack Ranking Debts

   • Jesse Kramer suggests prioritizing debts by interest rates:

     Jesse Kramer [19:23]: "Start paying down the highest interest rate debts first."

4. Increase Income

   • Dorothea Kelly highlights the importance of finding additional income streams:

     Dorothea Kelly [19:48]: "You have to get another job because your income does not allow you to cover your expenses."

Lifestyle Creep and Comparison

The hosts and guests discuss how increasing income can lead to greater spending, trapping individuals in a cycle of financial instability:

Jesse Kramer [22:26]: "That's a revolution against our human brains... envy is... the worst of the seven sins."

Joe Saul-Sehy remarks on the pervasive influence of the rat race in urban settings:

Joe Saul-Sehy [24:07]: "In Detroit, you can feel the rat race... PTA meetings... thousand-dollar baby showers."

Dorothea Kelly advises focusing on personal goals rather than societal pressures:

Dorothea Kelly [24:35]: "Focus on your goals. Don't compare yourself to what everyone else has."

Breaking Up with Bad Money Advice

In the second half of the episode, the discussion shifts to identifying and discarding ineffective financial strategies:

Steve Stewart critiques the "Buy Now, Pay Later" model:

Steve Stewart [21:24]: "If I can't pay cash for it, then I don't buy it. It introduces future obligations that complicate budgeting."

Jesse Kramer talks about the pitfalls of declaring financial independence too late:

Jesse Kramer [46:02]: "People need a tax revolution... optimizing for tax rates now and in the future."

Tax Efficiency and Planning

The hosts delve into advanced topics of tax planning, emphasizing its importance in achieving long-term financial wellness:

Jesse Kramer [46:02]: "Pre-retirement and post-retirement tax strategies can significantly impact your savings and compounding growth."

Dorothea Kelly underscores the necessity of proactive tax planning:

Dorothea Kelly [47:16]: "Tax planning is the hardest part... make sure you don't owe year after year."

Steve Stewart advocates for systemic changes like the Fair Tax:

Steve Stewart [49:08]: "Passing the Fair Tax HR25 would simplify the tax system and eliminate many financial planning complexities."

Rallying the Troops: Engaging Family and Community

The episode highlights the significance of involving family and building supportive communities in one's financial revolution:

Dorothea Kelly shares how surrounding oneself with financially savvy individuals can foster better habits:

Dorothea Kelly [38:12]: "Be around people who are having those kind of conversations... it's like a virtual money mentor."

Steve Stewart discusses the role of family in maintaining financial goals:

Steve Stewart [40:26]: "We involved our daughter by example, letting her learn through observation and our conversations."

Recommendations: Financial Content Creators

Guests recommend valuable resources for further financial education:

• Dorothea Kelly endorses Money Coach Vince for his impactful content on TikTok and Instagram.
• Steve Stewart suggests Ty McNeely from "His and Her Money" for evergreen financial advice.
• Jesse Kramer points to Warren Buffett's wisdom as a source of timeless financial insights.

Engaging Trivia: Grains of Silver per Dollar (1792)

To add a fun twist, the show featured a trivia segment about the historical value of silver:

Doug [28:19]: "In the coinage act of 1792, how many grains of silver equaled $1?"

Participants guessed various numbers, with Jesse Kramer ultimately winning with his closest guess of 371.25 grains. Doug revealed the correct answer as 371.25 grains of silver per dollar.

Conclusion: Taking Action for a Financial Revolution

Wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the episode's key takeaway: initiating a personal money revolution requires intentional actions, supportive communities, and informed strategies. Listeners are encouraged to implement the discussed tips, seek out reliable financial advice, and engage with recommended content creators to sustain their journey toward financial independence.

Joe Saul-Sehy [56:50]: "What should we have learned on today's show? Take advice from Dorothea, stay out of debt like Steve, and avoid the pitfalls of bad money habits."

Final Thoughts

The Stacking Benjamins Show successfully combines engaging conversations, practical advice, and light-hearted moments to inspire listeners to revolutionize their financial lives. By sharing personal stories, expert strategies, and community resources, hosts Joe and OG create an empowering environment for anyone looking to take control of their finances.

Notable Quotes:

• Dorothea Kelly [09:52]: "I had to have my own revolution to say, I want a different life."
• Jesse Kramer [18:46]: "The first thing they should do... stop the leaking."
• Steve Stewart [21:24]: "If I can't pay cash for it, then I don't buy it."
• Jesse Kramer [46:02]: "Tax strategies can significantly impact your savings and compounding growth."
• Dorothea Kelly [38:12]: "It's like a virtual money mentor."

Follow Us:

• Dorothea Kelly: dorothea@kelly.com | TikTok: @DorotheaKelly | YouTube: Money Chats
• Steve Stewart: stevestewart.com | Podcast Editor Academy: podcastedteracademy.com
• Jesse Kramer: Podcast: Personal Finance for Long Term Investors | Social: @pflypodcast

For more details, visit StackingBenjamins.com and follow us on YouTube and all major social media platforms.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this summary is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.