What do a doughnut shop, a discount department store, and a failing real estate tech company have in common? This summer, they all became meme stock darlings—soaring hundreds of percent in days, only to crash just as fast. In this episode, we break down the wild return of meme stock mania in 2025, from Opendoor’s 500% surge to Krispy Kreme’s sugar-fueled rally, and why everyday investors keep getting burned by hype over substance.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and X reignited speculative chaos—complete with short squeezes, echo chambers, and FOMO-fueled trading frenzies. We dig into why these stocks exploded (hint: it wasn’t earnings), what red flags were ignored, and what really happens when hype outruns reality. If you’ve ever wondered how a nearly bankrupt company becomes the hottest name in finance overnight, this one’s for you.

Whether you’re meme-curious or meme-wary, this episode will sharpen your BS detector and help you spot a viral trap before it wrecks your wallet. And if you’re ready to skip the chaos and invest the smart way, check out our companion episode How I Invest—a no-nonsense guide to index funds, low fees, and long-term wins.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meme Stock Mania

01:49 The Return of Meme Stocks in 2025

05:07 Case Study: Opendoor's Wild Ride

08:03 Case Study: Krispy Kreme's Surge

10:35 The Role of Social Media in Stock Trends

12:05 FOMO's Role in Meme Stocks

14:07 Identifying Red Flags in Meme Stocks

19:21 Navigating the Meme Stock Minefield

21:15 Conclusion: The Risks of Meme Stock Investing

Is your checking account quietly draining your wealth? In this episode of Your Money on Easy Mode, we break down why parking all your cash in checking isn’t the safe move it seems. With inflation running circles around the tiny interest banks pay, “safe” money can actually lose value faster than you think.

Damien unpacks the hidden risks of overstuffed checking accounts, showing how inflation erodes purchasing power and how missed interest adds up to thousands over time. You’ll hear practical rules of thumb for how much cash to actually keep on hand, why high-yield savings accounts are the better parking spot for your emergency fund, and how retirement accounts supercharge your long-term money growth. Along the way, we debunk the myths that keep people stuck, like the idea that investing is just gambling.

If you’ve been letting extra cash sit idle in checking, this episode will show you smarter, low-stress ways to put your money to work without taking on wild risks. Think of it as a reality check and an easy upgrade for your financial setup.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:28 The Inflation Trap

04:06 The Savings Account Solution

06:59 Grow Even More with Retirement Accounts

09:02 Knocking Down 3 Money Myths

10:57 The Bottom Line

That “free” $300 bank bonus? It’s real, but it’s not always easy money. In this follow-up to our beginner’s guide to bank bonus churning, we dive into the pitfalls and fine print that can turn your payday into a headache. From hidden fees to getting flagged by ChexSystems, this episode is all about protecting your profits and avoiding the most common mistakes that trip up new churners.

We walk through the top risks: monthly fees that quietly drain your balance, tax surprises, missed requirements that disqualify you from the bonus, and sneaky terms that claw it back if you close the account too early. But we also take things up a notch, exploring advanced strategies like running multiple bonuses at once, household churning with a partner, tapping into savings and business account promos, and creating a dedicated “bonus float” to keep your money in motion. You’ll also learn how seasoned churners track everything and recycle banks for repeat rewards.

Whether you’re curious about turning bank promotions into a lucrative side hustle or just want to make sure you don’t leave money on the table, this episode is packed with tips to help you churn smarter, not harder. Hit play to protect your earnings, boost your returns, and walk away with a strategy that actually works.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bank Bonus Churning

02:02 Avoid Monthly Account Fees

03:51 Tax Implications of Bank Bonuses

05:34 Do Banks Track Your Churning?

07:33 Navigating New Customer Limitations

08:15 Failing to Meet Requirements for Bonuses

09:50 Opportunity Cost of Large Deposits

11:29 Is It Worth the Hassle?

12:25 Do Not Commit Fraud

15:31 Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Bonuses

15:53 Staggering and Stacking Bonuses

16:46 Leveraging Household Churning

17:46 Exploring Savings and Business Account Bonuses

19:13 Utilizing Resources and Communities

20:21 Optimizing Bonus Funds Rotation

21:19 Meticulous Tracking for Success

22:05 Strategic Account Closures and Reopenings

22:54 Leveraging Referral Bonuses

23:35 Mind Your Credit

26:11 Taking Action