Best Smooth Sam Podcasts (2025)

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AI’s Coming for Your Job? How to Outwit the Robots (SB1699) 58:39

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7h ago58:39

58:39

The robots aren’t just coming—they’re already here. And if you’re not paying attention, they might not just take your job… they could take your personal data too. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Doug dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, exploring whether it’s a threat, a tool, or something in between…

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Carving Out a Robust Retirement Spending Plan (SB1698) 1:29:56

3d ago1:29:56

1:29:56

So you’ve scaled the mountain, built the nest egg, and maybe even shouted “I’m done!” across a pristine beach... now what? In today’s Stacking Benjamins episode, Joe Saul-Sehy convenes a roundtable of heavy-hitters to tackle the most misunderstood phase of money management: decumulation—a.k.a. the art of spending what you’ve worked so hard to save.…

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Fraud Friday: The Heartbreak Hustler w/ Dexter Mayfield 1:11:10

3d ago1:11:10

1:11:10

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Dexter Mayfield (The Art of Being, Sandy Wexler) to discuss a scammer known by over a dozen names in over a dozen states, all while leaving over a dozen broken hearts in her wake. Plus, an influencer gets in trouble for promoting a skincare line claiming protection from blue screen light. Stay Schemin’…

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Episode 194 - Bagels, Bloodlines, and Business: Western Bagel’s Legacy with Jeff Ustin 44:47

4d ago44:47

44:47

Jeff Ustin is the Vice President of Western Bagel, the first bagel shop in Los Angeles. He helps carry on his great-grandfather’s 75-year legacy while leading the brand’s national and international expansion. Under his leadership, Western Bagel has become a West Coast staple, blending New York tradition with LA innovation. Carrying on a rich 75-yea…

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89. How to Recharge and Reflect for a Better Kindergarten Year Ahead 8:58

4d ago8:58

8:58

Summer is upon us (some of you have already got a head start)! But no matter whether you are already on summer break or soon to be, it is so important to create an intentional summer plan that balances rest, reflection, and preparation. I encourage you to take a little time at the start of summer to reflect on what went well during the school year …

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Episode 245 - From Zero to House Hacker: How Tony Cruz Built Wealth in Denver with Co-Living Real Estate Strategy 49:51

4d ago49:51

49:51

What if your first real estate deal could pay your mortgage and fast-track financial independence? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig sits down with Tony Cruz, a first-time house hacker who purchased a $650,000 single-family home in Lakewood, Colorado—all while living abroad in Peru. Tony shares how he saved $60,000 over three years, worked with a…

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The Shocking Retirement Hack That Has Nothing to Do With Money (SB1697) 1:10:03

5d ago1:10:03

1:10:03

What if the most important part of your retirement plan had nothing to do with your 401(k), IRA, or stock portfolio? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by filmmakers Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis, creators of the thought-provoking documentary Join or Die. They explore how community connection, not cash, m…

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Squid Games & Losing Coins w/ Flawless Kevin 59:40

6d ago59:40

59:40

This week, Laci welcomes Kevin Ninh, aka FlawlessKevin (Squid Game: The Challenge), to unpack the story behind the viral cryptocurrency SQUID — a scam that rode the wave of the first season of Squid Game on Netflix. The creators made off with approximately $2.5 million, inspiring the second season of the show to feature a crypto scammer character w…

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Retirement 101: Planning, Risks, and Smooth Sailing (SB1696) 59:24

7d ago59:24

59:24

You can’t plan a great retirement if you haven’t first planned what you’re retiring to. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug open up Retirement Week in the basement with a Monday that’s equal parts insight, weekend recap, and questionable vehicle decisions. 🚪 Start with the most overlooked part of retirement: your lifestyle vision.…

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Learning from 130 Years of Stock Market Crashes: Resilience, Strategy, and a Dose of Doug (SB1695) 1:08:38

10d ago1:08:38

1:08:38

Markets crashing? Interest rates spiking? Inflation roaring? Welcome to history. This week, we dig into 130 years of stock market meltdowns—from the panic of World War I to the Great Depression, 1970s stagflation, the dot-com collapse, and the 2008 financial crisis—to uncover timeless lessons that can fortify your financial future. Joe Saul-Sehy is…

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Fraud Friday: Australia’s Cop Con Artist w/ AJ Gibson & Emile Ennis Jr. 1:13:08

10d ago1:13:08

1:13:08

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by AJ Gibson and Emile Ennis Jr. (Confess Your Mess Pod) to discuss the Australian identity thief who had a clear obsession with conning cops. Plus, a California man pleads guilty to a $1.1 million art fraud scheme. Stay Schemin’! (Originally Released 09/27/2021) CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam …

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88. Summer learning with Kindergarten Cafe 14:50

11d ago14:50

14:50

It’s June, teacher friends! Which means some of us are officially in summer mode while others (like me!) are counting down the days. In this shorter episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek at everything happening this summer at Kindergarten Café - from free challenges to coaching and resources to help you prep for the new school year without the overw…

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Episode 244 - The Simple Path to Wealth Explained: J.L. Collins on Index Funds, FI Strategy & Financial Freedom 1:07:21

11d ago1:07:21

1:07:21

What if financial independence was simpler than you think? In this powerful episode Craig Curelop reconnects with a prominent figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement J.L Collins, whose best-selling book The Simple Path to Wealth has helped millions unlock freedom through frugality and investing in index funds. This is not…

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Rethinking Earning and Spending (with "Money With Katie"'s Katie Gatti Tassin) SB1694 1:11:18

12d ago1:11:18

1:11:18

What happens when you mix financial strategy with a healthy dose of cultural commentary? You get Rich Girl Nation. This week on The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Katie Gatti Tassin, the powerhouse behind Money with Katie and author of the new book Rich Girl Nation. Together, they unravel the sneaky ways consumerism sho…

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Sean Kingston's Beautiful Unpaid Bills w/ Ira Madison III 1:06:51

13d ago1:06:51

1:06:51

This week, Laci welcomes Ira Madison III (Pop Culture Writer for GQ, Keep It! Podcast) to discuss Sean Kingston and his mom, accused of defrauding vendors out of 1 million dollars. They discover Sean Kingston's troubled past, Janice Turner's eyebrows, his discography, and where it all stands today. Stay schemin’! Keep the scams coming and snitch on…

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Trapped in the Spend Cycle? How to Break Free from Consumerism SB1693 1:09:27

14d ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Is your wallet feeling lighter... but your closet’s full of regret? Joe, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug are throwing open the basement door to tackle one of the trickiest parts of personal finance: consumerism. Whether you're a recovering impulse buyer or knee-deep in buy-now-pay-later regrets, this episode’s got your back—and maybe your budget. 💸 Hea…

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11 Great Ways to Build Wealth (SB1692) 1:12:47

17d ago1:12:47

1:12:47

Can building wealth be as entertaining as a round of trivia in the basement? We think so—and today’s episode proves it. Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Doc G, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer to play a fast-paced financial game show based on 11 expert-approved ways to grow your wealth. From boosting your income and dialing in your budget to the eternal tug-…

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Fraud Friday: The Famed Forger w/ Eliot Glazer 1:00:01

17d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Eliot Glazer (Broad City, An American Pickle) to discuss Lee Israel, a well-known writer who turned to forgery fighting to survive after her declining career as an author. Plus, a group of lawyers and doctors are busted in a massive trip-and-fall scheme. Stay Schemin’! (Originally Released 09/20/2021) …

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87. The First 3 Things I Did When I Found Out I Was Teaching Kindergarten 11:48

18d ago11:48

11:48

Did you just find out you are moving to Kindergarten? In this episode, I share my experience as a first-time kindergarten teacher, giving you some tips that helped me my first year. It can be pretty emotional when discovering your new teaching assignment and what helped me most was seeking mentorship from an experienced kindergarten teacher. Review…

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Episode 243 - Mastering Short-Term Rentals, Co-Living Investing & Real Estate Growth Strategies with Cliff Johnson 1:02:22

19d ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Are you ready to discover how short-term rentals and co-living properties can transform your real estate investment returns? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Cliff Johnson, co-founder of Vakasa and current president of PadSplit, the leader in co-living rentals. Cliff shares his inspiring journey from attorney to real estate entre…

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Taking Your Portfolio Global: Expert Guidance from MarketVector's Joy Yang (SB1691) 1:08:01

19d ago1:08:01

1:08:01

After Monday’s primer on why your portfolio needs some international flavor, we’re following up with a deeper dive—this time with someone who lives and breathes global markets. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome Joy Yang, Head of Index Product Management at MarketVector Indexes, to talk through how to actually invest beyond U.S. borders. Joy explains how…

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Jay-Z's Roc Nation School Swindle w/ Zachariah Porter & Jonathan Carson 1:06:41

20d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

It's that time of year, students are finishing school for the summer, and some are graduating for good. Now imagine being unable to graduate because you owe money to your school, despite being promised a debt-free education. Laci welcomes the fabulous Zachariah Porter and Jonathan Carson (Camp Counselors Podcast) to the show to discuss the fiasco b…

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The Case for International Investing & The True ROI of Emergency Funds (SB1690) 1:00:41

21d ago1:00:41

1:00:41

How global is your portfolio, really? This week in the basement, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and the gang zoom out from the U.S. markets and take us on a whirlwind trip around the investing world. Spoiler alert: the case for international investing is stronger than you think—and it’s not just about chasing higher returns. It’s about risk reduction, smart di…

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Is Flourishing Tied to Financial Freedom? A New Study Reveals Insights (SB1689) 1:06:55

24d ago1:06:55

1:06:55

This week, we’re getting deep (like, basement-deep) into what it means to flourish. Join Joe, OG, Paula Pant, and special guest Ryan Doolittle as they unpack a brand-new study on happiness. Spoiler: it’s not just about stacking cash. From the influence of childhood experiences to the surprising power of community, autonomy, and faith, this episode …

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Fraud Friday: The Prolific Ponzi Schemer w/ Bridger Winegar 1:09:47

24d ago1:09:47

1:09:47

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Bridger Winegar (Black Monday, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) to discuss Sergei Mavrodi, the man behind one of the world’s largest Ponzi schemes. Plus, a 73-year-old Long Island woman helps the NYPD catch a scammer. Stay Schemin’! (Originally Released 02/21/2022) CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam G…

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86. Is Kindergarten the Right Grade for Me? 15:52

25d ago15:52

15:52

Are you wondering if Kindergarten is the right grade for you? I have taught several grade levels so in this episode I share the differences between Kindergarten and upper grades. Kindergarten has some unique challenges but also so many rewards! For those unsure about their right grade level fit, I offer strategies and support for building student i…

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Episode 242 - Build Wealth Without Selling – Nathan Miller’s Real Estate Strategy + Rentec Direct Story 53:58

26d ago53:58

53:58

What does it take to go from buying a $43,000 condo to becoming the founder of a property management software used nationwide? In this episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop sits down with Nathan Miller—longtime real estate investor and founder of Rentec Direct—to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a rental portfolio and a succ…

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Here's An Easy Way To Save $3,000 Per Year (with Bryan Suddith) SB1688 1:20:08

26d ago1:20:08

1:20:08

Turns out, saving $3,000 a year might be easier (and tastier) than you think. This week, we’re dishing up big savings with Bryan Suddith, who turned his family’s runaway grocery bill into a budget-friendly game—complete with freezer hacks, local meat tips, and food waste strategies that actually work. He joins Joe, OG, and guest co-host Len Penzo (…

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The King of Good Times and His Shady Sky Mansion w/ Zach Cherry 1:10:05

27d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Can you imagine living in a mansion on a skyscraper 400 feet above the ground? No? Neither can the fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who fled the country before ever setting foot in it. Laci welcomes Zach Cherry (Severance, You) to strap on a wingsuit and dive into the story of the self-proclaimed "King of Good Times," his flashy airline, and how …

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Lies We're Told at Work (with NBC Universal Vice Chairperson Bonnie Hammer) and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money (with Beyond Finance's Dr. Erika Rasure) 1:21:41

28d ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Think you're being lied to at work? You probably are. From boardrooms to bank accounts, this episode pulls no punches. We’re stacking double the wisdom on this special Memorial Day episode, as Joe Saul-Sehy interviews two powerhouse guests: Bonnie Hammer, former vice chair of NBCUniversal and bestselling author, and Dr. Erika Rasure from Beyond Fin…

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Our Favorite Summer Travel Tips (SB1686) 1:07:33

1M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Memorial Day weekend is here, which means it’s officially time to break out the grill, the beach bag… and maybe that travel budget spreadsheet. But don’t worry—this isn’t a guide from travel influencers who hike barefoot with artisanal backpacks. Nope. This episode is brought to you by your favorite money geeks in Joe’s mom’s basement. Joe Saul-Seh…

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Fraud Friday: The AristoCON w/ Mitra Jouhari 1:10:59

1M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Mitra Jouhari (The Big Sick, Three Busy Debras) to discuss Christian Gehartsreiter aka Clark Rockefeller, who spent 30 years passing himself off as an educated, wealthy aristocrat while taking advantage of people. Plus, three political operatives are accused of defrauding $3.5 million from PAC scams. S…

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85. How to Help Kindergarteners Avoid the Summer Slide 14:01

1M ago14:01

14:01

The summer slide is inevitable unless we encourage and help parents keep the learning over the summer going. In this episode, I share strategies to keep their learning on track and in fun ways to where the students actually enjoy what they are learning. I provide activities parents can incorporate into daily routines to make learning fun and engagi…

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Episode 241 - From $10K in a Living Room to $42M Co-Living Empire – Clara Arroyave’s Comeback Story 53:35

1M ago53:35

53:35

Can a $10K summer Airbnb hustle turn into a $42 million real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Clara Arroyave, a pioneer in co-living and founder of ColivingCashflow.com. Clara reveals how she scaled from renting out a living room to managing 160+ co-living rooms, then lost it all during COVID—and how she’s now rebu…

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The Simple Path To Contentment (with JL Collins) 1:24:27

1M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

What do cupcakes, frosting, and financial independence have in common? This week in the basement, Stacking Benjamins welcomes legendary personal finance thinker JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, to connect the dots between simple investing and sweet, stress-free success. In a lively conversation with Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom’s neig…

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Heartwashed By His Con Mum w/ Jessi Klein & Liz Feldman 1:07:41

1M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

This week, Laci welcomes Jessi Klein and Liz Feldman from the Here To Make Friends podcast, who share about being victim to the latest Toll Road scam. Then, Laci takes the gals down the winding road of today's Historic Hoodwink following a Con-Mum who scammed her own son, which leaves Jessi and Liz speechless. Stay scheming’! Make sure to listen to…

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Make Your Next Theme Park Experience Worth the Money (with Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles) 1:30:00

1M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Is it summer already, or is that just our theme park budget melting in the sun? Either way, we’re kicking off the season with our annual guide to roller coasters, churros, and how not to hurl after one too many loops. Theme Park Insider’s Robert Niles returns to share the biggest news in amusement park land—from a new Disney park in Abu Dhabi (what…

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The Happiness Debate (SB1683) 1:15:30

1M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

What really moves the needle on your happiness—making more money or saving more of what you’ve got? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and the guy who still owes money on his Beanie Baby collection—Doug—for a roundtable filled with bold financial takes and even bolder choices. It’s a rapid-fire round of “either-…

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Fraud Friday: Camp Chaos w/ Behzad Dabu 57:16

1M ago57:16

57:16

On this week's Fraud Friday, actor Behzad Dabu joins us to discuss how one summer camp shut down after 6 days of opening and is being referred to as the “Fyre Fest” of summer camps. Plus, a woman steals from a Walmart just by pretending to be a manager. Stay Schemin’! (Originally released 8/16/21) Research by Kaelyn Brandt. Sources: https://www.huf…

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84. End of the Year Teacher Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Start Next School Year 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

I know you are thinking there is no way I can already be thinking about next year, but I promise… if you prepare for the upcoming school year as the current one wraps up…your future self will be thanking you. This episode gives you so many tips on things you can do now such as organizing classroom materials, taking note of unused supplies, creating…

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Episode 240 - How Co-Living Can Double Your Rental Income: Grant Shipman’s Proven 21-Year Strategy 44:42

1M ago44:42

44:42

How can you double your rental cash flow while creating a meaningful community? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes back co-living expert and long-time community builder Grant Shipman. With over two decades of co-living experience—both as a resident and investor—Grant breaks down why co-living is not just a trend, but a sustainable…

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Is Any Expense Really "Worth It"? (with Leisa Peterson) SB1682 1:18:05

1M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Ever feel like money is a never-ending game of not enough? Today, we're rewiring that thinking. Our special guest, Leisa Peterson—author of The Mindful Millionaire and now The Money Catalyst—joins us to talk about abundance, scarcity, and how to stop living life like you're budgeting for armageddon. (Hint: It's okay to order the nice wine now.) Joe…

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Blessed Up by Crab Legs & Free Bus Fare w/ Joel Kim Booster 1:03:51

1M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Joel Kim Booster (Wondery’s Bad Dates and Bravo’s Love Hotel) joins Laci to dive into all of your scams and stories, CON-gregation! First, Joel shares his own heartbreaking story of being caught shoplifting. Then, they dive into letters revealing an Ocean’s Eleven-level grocery store checkout scam (also… stop locking everything up, grocery stores!!…

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Learning to Think Like a Multi-Millionaire (with Sam Dogen) SB1681 1:22:43

1M ago1:22:43

1:22:43

What do most millionaires have in common? No, it’s not a yacht named “Compound Interest.” It’s mindset. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off Mindset Week by welcoming Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai himself, to help you start your journey toward a million-dollar net worth—one intentional step at a time. Sam shares why building wealth is …

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Grocery Bill Tips and Budget Bites SB1680 1:07:58

2M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

If your grocery bill has you doing double-takes at the checkout line, you’re not alone—and this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show is packed with practical ways to take control of your food spending. Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Janice Torres of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, regular contributor OG, and the always-frugal Len Penzo to serve up real…

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Fraud Friday: The 90 Day Fake Fiancé w/ Clark Moore 1:06:20

2M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Clark Moore (Love, Simon, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) to discuss a particular scam involving the Ukrainian Marriage industry. Plus, we look into how scammers are taking advantage of billionaire MacKenzie Scott’s pledge to donate half her fortune. Stay schemin'! (Originally Released 07/26/2021) CON-gregation, …

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83. End of the Year Celebrations in Kindergarten 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

Celebrating kindergarten students and their families by recognizing growth and achievements at the end of the year is so important. In this episode I discuss effective strategies, such as creating personalized memory books and organizing an end-of-year party with slideshows and student portfolios. I also suggest incorporating theme days to engage s…

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Episode 239 - From Rocket Science to Co-Living Profits: Miller McSwain on Transforming Real Estate Strategies 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

Could a flexible rental model be the game-changer your property needs? In this episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop sits down with Miller McSwain, a former nuclear rocket scientist turned full-time real estate investor and author of Co-Living Cash Flow by BiggerPockets. Starting with just two house hacks in Colorado Springs, Miller now oversees…

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Our Advice For Beginning Investors and Recent Graduates (SB1679) 1:26:25

2M ago1:26:25

1:26:25

Your burning questions fuel this episode! Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and special guest Christine Benz of Morningstar unpack some of the biggest questions facing investors today—especially those just starting out. We kick things off by diving deep into target date funds. They promise simplicity—but do they deliver long-term results? We explore when they wor…

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The Ulta EntreprenuHERS w/ Jillian Bell 1:06:57

2M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Hide your makeup compact, 'cause Jillian Bell (Summer of 69, Kinda Pregnant) is here to help Laci give a primer on a group of criminals concealing concealer. Yup, we're talkin' cosmetics crime rings! Tune in to hear how Ulta, Sephora, and other makeup retailers have become hot targets for thieves looking to resell product. Plus, Jillian shares how …