The Stacking Benjamins Show: Episode SB1707 – "The Stuff You Should Stop Buying (and Why Your Wallet Will Thank You)"

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and OG delve into the topic of reducing financial clutter by identifying items you should stop buying. Set against the backdrop of "Greatest Hits Week," the episode features a lively roundtable discussion with frequent contributors Paula Pant, Len Penzo, and Joe’s neighbor Doug. The primary goal is to offer listeners actionable advice on saving money while minimizing clutter in their lives.

Clutter and Financial Efficiency

Joe kicks off the conversation by reflecting on personal experiences with clutter, both physical and mental. “[...] sometimes it makes these episodes for me because right now just getting back from vacation and I think about not just the clutter around me, but the clutter in my mind” ([00:49]). This sets the stage for a broader discussion on how unnecessary purchases contribute to financial strain and environmental clutter.

Game Show: Items to Stop Buying

The heart of the episode features a game show segment where participants identify items to cease purchasing to save money and reduce clutter. The segment is both entertaining and informative, highlighting common pitfalls in consumer behavior.

First Round: The Basics

• Periodicals (Magazine Subscriptions):

  • Doug suggests, “Periodicals, final answer” ([12:44]).
  • Discussion revolves around the accumulation of physical magazines and the shift to digital formats to save space and money.
  • Len shares, “The only magazine our household subscribes to now is People magazine” ([13:28]).

• Holiday Decor:

  • Doug reads from the list: “The average American spends over $200 on winter holiday decorations alone” ([21:53]).
  • Emphasis on the temporary use of seasonal items and their tendency to consume storage space.

• Collectibles:

  • Doug elaborates, “If you buy collectibles with the expectation to increase in value over time, that's a different story” ([18:53]).
  • The conversation touches on personal collections of Christmas decor and coins, with anecdotes about managing or parting with these items.

Second Round: Expanding Choices

• Exercise Equipment:

  • Paula Pant proposes, “What about exercise equipment?” ([23:40]).
  • The hosts debate its categorization under recreational items, ultimately agreeing that it often ends up unused and contributes to clutter.

• Clothing and Shoes:

  • OG suggests, “Clothing and shoes” ([28:15]).
  • The discussion highlights the tendency to purchase trendy items that quickly go out of style, leading to unnecessary spending and space usage.

Final Round: Wrapping Up

• Organizing Bins and Containers:

  • Doug notes, “Organizing bins and containers just put stuff somewhere else” ([49:59]).
  • The hosts discuss how such storage solutions can be a temporary fix that may lead to more clutter in different areas of the home.

• Home Decor (Throw Pillows, Knickknacks):

  • Doug remarks, “Home decor like throw pillows and knickknacks are frivolous purchases” ([48:27]).
  • The segment emphasizes focusing on quality over quantity to maintain a tidy living space.

Throughout the game show, participants earn points for accurate guesses, fostering a competitive and engaging atmosphere. “[...] Paula Pant is in first place” ([50:47]), highlighting her insightful contributions.

Trivia Segment: Google Search Statistics

In a shift from the game show, the hosts introduce a trivia question: “What percentage of Google’s daily searches have never been looked up before?”

• Participants’ Guesses:

  • Len Penzo proposes, “I’m going to say 5%” ([32:07]).
  • Paula Pant guesses, “1%” ([36:14]).
  • OG takes a bold stance with, “95%” ([34:35]).

• Revelation and Discussion:

  • Doug reveals the correct answer: “15%” ([38:46]).
  • This statistic sparks surprise and debate among participants, underscoring the vastness of unique information seekers encounter daily.

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

The episode is rich with personal stories that illustrate the challenges of managing clutter and resisting unnecessary purchases:

• Doug’s Magazine Subscriptions:

  • Shares his experience of trying to reduce magazine clutter by donating subscriptions to friends and acquaintances.

• Paula Pant’s Stamp and Coin Collections:

  • Discusses her childhood hobbies and how she manages her current subscription to Columbia University magazine by repurposing received materials.

• OG’s Wine Collection:

  • Talks about his wine collection as an example of a personal hobby that, while enjoyable, necessitates space and organization.

• Len Penzo’s Book Collection:

  • Describes his extensive bookshelf and the dilemma of keeping versus donating books to reduce household clutter.

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

The episode concludes with several actionable insights for listeners:

1. Evaluate Necessity Before Purchase:

   • Consider whether an item is essential or merely contributing to clutter and unnecessary expenditure.

2. Opt for Digital Over Physical:

   • Shift subscriptions and content consumption to digital formats to save physical space and reduce costs.

3. Focus on Quality:

   • Invest in high-quality items that offer long-term value and functionality rather than transient, trendy purchases.

4. Adopt Minimalist Storage Solutions:

   • While organizing tools can help, they should not be a substitute for decluttering. Regularly assess and donate unused items.

5. Reassess Hobby Expenses:

   • Manage and limit spending on hobbies and collections to prevent financial and spatial overextension.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Saul-Sehy on Clutter:

  “Clutter all over the place. I really am in cleanup mode.” ([00:49])

• Doug on Periodicals:

  “Periodicals take up a lot of space... Cost money, save money.” ([12:44])

• Paula Pant on Subscriptions:

  “I just take them on airplanes and I'll read them on a flight, and then I'll just leave them in the seat pocket.” ([15:03])

• OG on Storage:

  “I found the one and only shred company that will come to my house... throw it into the meat grinder.” ([16:22])

• Paula Pant on Hoarding Books:

  “One of my dreams is that eventually in life I want to have a home that has, like, a big library in it. Like Beauty and the Beast style.” ([43:31])

• Doug on Google Trivia:

  “Today's trivia question was... it's actually 15%.” ([38:46])

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to take the discussed advice to heart. They emphasize the importance of regular decluttering and mindful purchasing to enhance both financial health and personal well-being. Additionally, they tease upcoming content, including a focus on goal setting in the next week's episodes.

Joe Saul-Sehy concludes with a heartfelt reminder:

“Before making any financial decisions, speak with a real financial advisor.” ([56:34])

Listeners are invited to engage with the community through their social media platforms and explore further resources available on StackingBenjamins.com.

Summary by The Stacking Benjamins Show Team