The Stacking Benjamins Show

Episode: The Smart Person's Guide to Black Friday Deals (SB1765)

Release Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Joe Saul-Sehy, Doug ("Joe's Mom's Neighbor"), with special guest co-host Josh Liston
Featured Guest: Regina Conway (SlickDeals.com)

Episode Overview

This lively, joke-filled episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show takes a deep dive into how to maximize your Black Friday savings in 2025. Hosting from "Joe's mom's basement," Joe and crew bring on Regina Conway from SlickDeals.com for a comprehensive rundown of the very best holiday savings opportunities—clothing, gadgets, subscriptions, gift cards, groceries, toys, and more. They also tackle new twists on "buy now, pay later," why AI isn’t your best deal-hunting buddy, and share strategies for keeping your budget intact through the holidays.

True to the show’s nature, the episode blends practical financial advice with quirky banter, expert interviews, and memorable comedy from Australian podcaster/comedian Josh Liston.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Changes: From Single Day to Shopping Season

[19:09]

Shift to "Black November": The urgency of Black Friday’s single day has diminished. Deals now extend from late October through November, morphing the event into an “expanded shopping season.”
- "There is a lot more opportunity to save. But it also is... less of an event day of only and really more of an expanded shopping season." — Regina Conway [19:30]
Early Shopping & Deals: No need to camp outside stores; many top deals are now online early.

2. Economic Trends and Consumer Sentiment

[21:43]

Modest Spending Growth: While overall holiday spending is projected to top $1 trillion, the rate of growth is more modest than in past years, reflecting heightened consumer caution.
- "Many people are watching their budgets much more closely." — Regina [21:43]

3. Community-Powered Deal Hunting vs. AI

[23:29]

SlickDeals Approach: Deals are surfaced and vetted by millions of passionate shoppers—not simply curated or sponsored by brands.
AI & Deals: While some use AI for deal-hunting, both Joe and Regina warn it’s unreliable for “hot deals,” since AI surfaces generic, not up-to-the-minute, offers.
- "Once you know how large language models work, it isn’t made to give you the hot deal." — Joe [24:30]

4. Stacking Deals: Combining Discounts, Codes, and Rewards

[23:29, 31:23]

“Deal Gymnastics”: Savvy shoppers combine coupons, card offers, and site promotions to maximize savings. SlickDeals users share up-to-date stacking tips.

5. "Buy Now, Pay Later" Cautions

[25:08]

Layaway with a Twist: Apps like Klarna and Affirm let you buy now, take home immediately, and pay over time—often interest-free initially.
Warning: It’s easy to get caught in a debt trap if you don’t pay on time; missed payments can lead to sky-high interest.
- "It seems like it’s a great offer... and then you can’t pay it off in time, and all of a sudden you’re paying exorbitant interest rates." — Regina [25:53]
- “Sticking to the plan means that you actually do have to have a budget that you make out.” — Regina [26:49]
Financial Edge: Buy now, pay now is the safer route.

Regina's 2025 Black Friday Best-Of List

Clothing & Accessories

[28:31]

Men’s 32 Degrees Heavy Puffer Jacket: MSRP $125, now $25 —80% off
Amazon Hanes Fleece Pullovers (2-pack): $12 (was $31)
Crocs: 2 pairs for $50 (various styles)
Running Shoes: Major brand discounts—check for your preferred style.
Luggage: Walmart 7-piece hardside spinner set + accessories for under $100.

Memberships & Subscriptions

[32:01]

Audible (New/Returning Members): 3 months Premium Plus + $20 credit (≈$35 value)
Spotify Premium: 4 months free trial (new users)
Verizon Customers: Deep discounts across Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+, YouTube Premium, cloud storage, hotspots

Savings Tip: Use calendar alerts to avoid getting charged full price after free/discount periods end.

Gift Cards

[36:29]

Best Buy: $100 DoorDash card for $85; plus Domino’s, Fandango deals
Apple Gift Cards:
- $100 card + $10 Best Buy bonus OR $15 Amazon credit OR $10 Target bonus, depending on where purchased
Target Gift Cards: 10% off up to $500 (deal predicted to return, details TBA)
Stack discounted gift cards with store offers for maximum savings (check for exclusions).

Groceries

[42:44]

Amazon: Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup 8-pack for $8.15 (~52% off)
Amazon: Organic EVOO, 32 oz, $7
Walmart: Pete’s Major Dickason’s Blend Coffee, 10.5 oz bag, $3.55 (70% off)

Suggestion: Use deals for donating to food banks and local community drives.

Home & Kitchen

[45:44]

Small Appliances:
- Vitamix Blender: $300 (was $500, 40% off) at Walmart
- Gourmia Air Fryer: $39.85 (Walmart)
- Gourmia Pizza Oven/Air Fryer Combo: $120 (was $170, Target)

Toys & Games

[48:08]

Target: Board games and puzzles 50% off — e.g., Operation $6.24, Game of Life $7.24
Amazon: Lego Star Wars: Mandalorian set, 1048 pieces—$50 (was $100)
Walmart (Black Friday launches):
- Labubu $34.99 (was $44)
- Pokemon Tin $17
- 20” Kids Bike $60 (was $98)
- X-Shot Insanity Dart Blaster $24 ($18 after stacking Target Circle bonus)

Regina's General Savings Strategies

Start at SlickDeals: Look for threads on specific items; check for codes and stacking opportunities.
Set Deal Alerts: Enter brands/products on SlickDeals and get notified when new deals appear.
Check Return Policies: If you buy early and see a better deal, return the first purchase if possible.
Gift Cards for Everyday Shopping: Buy discounted gift cards to stack with future promotions.
Watch out for "too good to be true" AI-curated coupons: Verify deals from community-vetted sources.

Notable Banter, Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Editing podcasts for a living is just injecting tragedy into your week... the best comedy comes from tragedy.” — Josh Liston on combining podcast production with comedy [07:23]
“It’s the beginning of Black Friday week and that means... we gotta do the very American thing, which is introduce an Australian comedian to the show.” — Joe [01:21]
“Here’s to you. Thank you for protecting us this weekend and always. Let’s go stack some Benjamins together now, shall we?” — Joe’s holiday toast [03:28]
“You invite your family over for Thanksgiving, get ready for battle—get your emotional weapons ready for argument... it’s the most joyous day of the year.” — Doug (on Thanksgiving) [08:39]
[On “Buy Now, Pay Later” apps:] "It’s just the same as people who also tap into their credit cards. Like, it seems like it’s a great offer... and then you can’t pay it off in time." — Regina [25:53]
“Financial edging is what we’re talking about... started here first, folks!” — Doug, coining a new tongue-in-cheek term for the perils of delaying payment [69:00]
"Just eat bread for a while. Go with bread versus toast, and I think you'll be better off." — Joe, advising against buy now pay later [70:21]
“If you stick to only buying what’s in budget, there are some huge deals this year… your holiday season might end with your wallet thanking you.” — Doug’s wrap-up advice [78:15]

Segment Timestamps

| Segment / Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|-------------| | Intro & Australian Banter | 01:21–12:26 | | The Voices for Good/Charity Challenge | 12:26–15:15 | | Guest Introduction: Regina Conway | 19:02 | | Black Friday Landscape & Trends | 19:02–21:43 | | Community Deals vs. AI | 23:29–25:08 | | ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Warning | 25:08–28:31 | | Clothing/Apparel Best Deals | 28:31–32:01 | | Memberships & Subscriptions | 32:01–36:29 | | Gift Cards | 36:29–42:44 | | Grocery | 42:44–45:44 | | Home & Kitchen | 45:44–48:08 | | Toys & Games | 48:08–52:30 | | How SlickDeals Works & Setting Alerts | 52:50–54:53 | | Headlines: Buy Now, Pay Later Apps | 61:33–70:21 | | TikTok Minute (HR Joke) | 70:21–72:22 | | Outro & Charity Reminder | 72:47–77:18 | | After Show (Comedic Banter) | 80:32–end |

Flow & Tone

The episode maintains The Stacking Benjamins Show’s signature blend of playful, self-deprecating humor and practical financial guidance. The hosts’ jokes, frequent tangents, and friendly teasing keep things light even as they deliver up-to-the-minute Black Friday tips. The show stands out for encouraging listeners to be intentional—budgeting, stacking deals, using community-sourced resources, and resisting the traps of easy “buy now, pay later” offers.

Closing Advice

Budget before shopping and stick to your list.
Leverage community-driven sites like SlickDeals for the timeliest, verified offers.
Check for return policies when buying early, and watch for stacking opportunities.
Be wary of overusing “buy now, pay later” and avoid unnecessary debt.
Use reminders/alerts for all free trials and discounted subscriptions.
Participate in seasonal giving—donate groceries, support charity drives, and make your dollars go further.

Links & Resources Mentioned

SlickDeals.com — Free community-driven deals and alerts
Stacking Benjamins Voices for Good Campaign
Invest529.com — Gifting for education
Stacking Benjamins Podcast: All platforms, including Spotify (for interactive Q&A)

“It’s the thrill of winning—finding a great product at a great value and sharing that knowledge with others.” — Regina Conway [52:50]

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Episode: The Smart Person's Guide to Black Friday Deals (SB1765)

Release Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Joe Saul-Sehy, Doug ("Joe's Mom's Neighbor"), with special guest co-host Josh Liston
Featured Guest: Regina Conway (SlickDeals.com)

Episode Overview

True to the show’s nature, the episode blends practical financial advice with quirky banter, expert interviews, and memorable comedy from Australian podcaster/comedian Josh Liston.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Changes: From Single Day to Shopping Season

[19:09]

Shift to "Black November": The urgency of Black Friday’s single day has diminished. Deals now extend from late October through November, morphing the event into an “expanded shopping season.”
- "There is a lot more opportunity to save. But it also is... less of an event day of only and really more of an expanded shopping season." — Regina Conway [19:30]
Early Shopping & Deals: No need to camp outside stores; many top deals are now online early.

2. Economic Trends and Consumer Sentiment

[21:43]

Modest Spending Growth: While overall holiday spending is projected to top $1 trillion, the rate of growth is more modest than in past years, reflecting heightened consumer caution.
- "Many people are watching their budgets much more closely." — Regina [21:43]

3. Community-Powered Deal Hunting vs. AI

[23:29]

SlickDeals Approach: Deals are surfaced and vetted by millions of passionate shoppers—not simply curated or sponsored by brands.
AI & Deals: While some use AI for deal-hunting, both Joe and Regina warn it’s unreliable for “hot deals,” since AI surfaces generic, not up-to-the-minute, offers.
- "Once you know how large language models work, it isn’t made to give you the hot deal." — Joe [24:30]

4. Stacking Deals: Combining Discounts, Codes, and Rewards

[23:29, 31:23]

“Deal Gymnastics”: Savvy shoppers combine coupons, card offers, and site promotions to maximize savings. SlickDeals users share up-to-date stacking tips.

5. "Buy Now, Pay Later" Cautions

[25:08]

Layaway with a Twist: Apps like Klarna and Affirm let you buy now, take home immediately, and pay over time—often interest-free initially.
Warning: It’s easy to get caught in a debt trap if you don’t pay on time; missed payments can lead to sky-high interest.
- "It seems like it’s a great offer... and then you can’t pay it off in time, and all of a sudden you’re paying exorbitant interest rates." — Regina [25:53]
- “Sticking to the plan means that you actually do have to have a budget that you make out.” — Regina [26:49]
Financial Edge: Buy now, pay now is the safer route.

Regina's 2025 Black Friday Best-Of List

Clothing & Accessories

[28:31]

Men’s 32 Degrees Heavy Puffer Jacket: MSRP $125, now $25 —80% off
Amazon Hanes Fleece Pullovers (2-pack): $12 (was $31)
Crocs: 2 pairs for $50 (various styles)
Running Shoes: Major brand discounts—check for your preferred style.
Luggage: Walmart 7-piece hardside spinner set + accessories for under $100.

Memberships & Subscriptions

[32:01]

Audible (New/Returning Members): 3 months Premium Plus + $20 credit (≈$35 value)
Spotify Premium: 4 months free trial (new users)
Verizon Customers: Deep discounts across Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+, YouTube Premium, cloud storage, hotspots

Savings Tip: Use calendar alerts to avoid getting charged full price after free/discount periods end.

Gift Cards

[36:29]

Best Buy: $100 DoorDash card for $85; plus Domino’s, Fandango deals
Apple Gift Cards:
- $100 card + $10 Best Buy bonus OR $15 Amazon credit OR $10 Target bonus, depending on where purchased
Target Gift Cards: 10% off up to $500 (deal predicted to return, details TBA)
Stack discounted gift cards with store offers for maximum savings (check for exclusions).

Groceries

[42:44]

Amazon: Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup 8-pack for $8.15 (~52% off)
Amazon: Organic EVOO, 32 oz, $7
Walmart: Pete’s Major Dickason’s Blend Coffee, 10.5 oz bag, $3.55 (70% off)

Suggestion: Use deals for donating to food banks and local community drives.

Home & Kitchen

[45:44]

Small Appliances:
- Vitamix Blender: $300 (was $500, 40% off) at Walmart
- Gourmia Air Fryer: $39.85 (Walmart)
- Gourmia Pizza Oven/Air Fryer Combo: $120 (was $170, Target)

Toys & Games

[48:08]

Target: Board games and puzzles 50% off — e.g., Operation $6.24, Game of Life $7.24
Amazon: Lego Star Wars: Mandalorian set, 1048 pieces—$50 (was $100)
Walmart (Black Friday launches):
- Labubu $34.99 (was $44)
- Pokemon Tin $17
- 20” Kids Bike $60 (was $98)
- X-Shot Insanity Dart Blaster $24 ($18 after stacking Target Circle bonus)

Regina's General Savings Strategies

Start at SlickDeals: Look for threads on specific items; check for codes and stacking opportunities.
Set Deal Alerts: Enter brands/products on SlickDeals and get notified when new deals appear.
Check Return Policies: If you buy early and see a better deal, return the first purchase if possible.
Gift Cards for Everyday Shopping: Buy discounted gift cards to stack with future promotions.
Watch out for "too good to be true" AI-curated coupons: Verify deals from community-vetted sources.

Notable Banter, Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Editing podcasts for a living is just injecting tragedy into your week... the best comedy comes from tragedy.” — Josh Liston on combining podcast production with comedy [07:23]
“It’s the beginning of Black Friday week and that means... we gotta do the very American thing, which is introduce an Australian comedian to the show.” — Joe [01:21]
“Here’s to you. Thank you for protecting us this weekend and always. Let’s go stack some Benjamins together now, shall we?” — Joe’s holiday toast [03:28]
“You invite your family over for Thanksgiving, get ready for battle—get your emotional weapons ready for argument... it’s the most joyous day of the year.” — Doug (on Thanksgiving) [08:39]
[On “Buy Now, Pay Later” apps:] "It’s just the same as people who also tap into their credit cards. Like, it seems like it’s a great offer... and then you can’t pay it off in time." — Regina [25:53]
“Financial edging is what we’re talking about... started here first, folks!” — Doug, coining a new tongue-in-cheek term for the perils of delaying payment [69:00]
"Just eat bread for a while. Go with bread versus toast, and I think you'll be better off." — Joe, advising against buy now pay later [70:21]
“If you stick to only buying what’s in budget, there are some huge deals this year… your holiday season might end with your wallet thanking you.” — Doug’s wrap-up advice [78:15]

Segment Timestamps

Flow & Tone

Closing Advice

Budget before shopping and stick to your list.
Leverage community-driven sites like SlickDeals for the timeliest, verified offers.
Check for return policies when buying early, and watch for stacking opportunities.
Be wary of overusing “buy now, pay later” and avoid unnecessary debt.
Use reminders/alerts for all free trials and discounted subscriptions.
Participate in seasonal giving—donate groceries, support charity drives, and make your dollars go further.

Links & Resources Mentioned

SlickDeals.com — Free community-driven deals and alerts
Stacking Benjamins Voices for Good Campaign
Invest529.com — Gifting for education
Stacking Benjamins Podcast: All platforms, including Spotify (for interactive Q&A)

“It’s the thrill of winning—finding a great product at a great value and sharing that knowledge with others.” — Regina Conway [52:50]

The Smart Person's Guide to Black Friday Deals (SB1765)

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Summary

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Episode: The Smart Person's Guide to Black Friday Deals (SB1765)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Changes: From Single Day to Shopping Season

2. Economic Trends and Consumer Sentiment

3. Community-Powered Deal Hunting vs. AI

4. Stacking Deals: Combining Discounts, Codes, and Rewards

5. "Buy Now, Pay Later" Cautions

Regina's 2025 Black Friday Best-Of List

Clothing & Accessories

Memberships & Subscriptions

Gift Cards

Groceries

Home & Kitchen

Toys & Games

Regina's General Savings Strategies

Notable Banter, Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Flow & Tone

Closing Advice

Links & Resources Mentioned

Summary

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Episode: The Smart Person's Guide to Black Friday Deals (SB1765)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Changes: From Single Day to Shopping Season

2. Economic Trends and Consumer Sentiment

3. Community-Powered Deal Hunting vs. AI

4. Stacking Deals: Combining Discounts, Codes, and Rewards

5. "Buy Now, Pay Later" Cautions

Regina's 2025 Black Friday Best-Of List

Clothing & Accessories

Memberships & Subscriptions

Gift Cards

Groceries

Home & Kitchen

Toys & Games

Regina's General Savings Strategies

Notable Banter, Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Flow & Tone

Closing Advice

Links & Resources Mentioned