If you’re making decent money but still feel like you’re one bad month away from stress, this episode is for you.
Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug sit down with Mel Abraham to talk about something most Stackers think about but don’t know how to start: creating income that doesn’t depend entirely on showing up to work every single day. Not side hustle mania or get-rich-quick schemes. Just practical ways to build what Mel calls a “money engine” that makes your financial life steadier and way less stressful.
Mel breaks down the different types of income streams, how they fit into real life (not just theory), and where to start if you’re tired of feeling like your paycheck is the only thing keeping everything afloat. The goal isn’t to quit your job tomorrow. It’s to create options and breathing room so one surprise expense or career hiccup doesn’t derail everything you’ve built.
Then Joe and OG tackle the January financial to-do lists that flood your inbox every year. You know the ones: “15 money moves to make before February!” They separate what’s worth your time from what’s just financial busywork designed to make you feel productive without moving the needle.
Because here’s the truth. You don’t need more financial homework. You need a few strategic moves that make 2026 feel more manageable from the start.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
• How to think about building income beyond your paycheck without burning out
• The different types of income streams and which ones fit your actual life right now
• Where to start creating assets that work even when you’re not clocking in
• Which January money tasks are worth doing and which ones waste your time
• How to prioritize your financial checklist for maximum impact with minimum stress
• Simple ways to organize your money for the year without it becoming a second job
This Episode Is For You If:
• You’re making decent money but still feel financially stressed
• You want options beyond your paycheck but don’t know where to start
• You’re tired of feeling like everything depends on your next paycheck
• January financial advice usually overwhelms you more than it helps
• You want systems that reduce anxiety, not add more tasks to your list
Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself:
What’s one income stream you’d love to build if you knew it wouldn’t be complicated? If you only had one hour this month to improve your finances, what would you spend it on? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because Mel’s framework plus Joe and OG’s January reality check might be exactly what you need to start the year without the usual stress.
Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201
Enjoy!
Our Mentor: Mel Abraham
Big thanks to Mel Abraham for joining us today. To learn more about Mel, visit Mel Abraham – Speaker, Author and founder of Money Machine Blueprint. Grab yourself a copy of the book Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder for You Than You Did for It!
Our Headline
- 2026 To-Do List: 7 Best Financial Moves to Make (Kiplinger)
Doug’s Trivia
- In honor of director Stephen Soderbergh’s birthday, what film features a crew of thieves, including characters played by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Bernie Mac, and Matt Damon, plotting to rob a casino run by Andy Garcia?
Have a question for the show?
Want more than just the show notes? How about our newsletter with STACKS of related, deeper links?
- Check out The 201, our email that comes with every Monday and Wednesday episode, PLUS a list of more than 19 of the top money lessons Joe’s learned over his own life about money. From credit to cash reserves, and insurance to investing, we’ll tackle all of these. Head to StackingBenjamins.com/the201 to sign up (it’s free and we will never give away your email to others).
Other Mentions
- Learn how to protect your accounts and identity by visiting StackingBenjamins.com/vault
Join Us Friday!
Tune in on Friday for a special roundtable discussion when we tackle what’s hot and what’s not in personal finance for 2026. (spoiler: no mention of Doug not being hot)
Written by: Kevin Bailey
Miss our last show? Listen here: Breaking Money Rules and Playing Survivor Pantry SB1789
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