NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast (NerdWallet Personal Finance)

As you approach your 30s, 40s or beyond, let the milestone birthday be an excuse to set some new money goals. Also, some banks will pay you to open a new bank account, but you need to look beyond the bonus to see if you’ll pay more in fees or collect less interest. As always, send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

In this episode, Sean and Liz discuss survey results that show how money habits are changing as a result of COVID-19. Then, they answer a listener's money question about whether home improvement projects can help home refinancing odds — and if it’s still a good time to refinance. As always, send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Nerds explain this week’s personal finance news, with a focus on labor unrest as the United Auto Workers union prepares to strike. In Smart Money’s new weekly personal finance news roundup, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski take a look at recent developments in the world of money and then go in-depth on an issue that could be important to your life — and your bottom line.  Today’s topics include rising home prices, the latest statistics on household wealth and debt, the rise in poverty from 2021 and 2022, and high-yield savings accounts. Plus, Sean and Anna take a deep look at the United Auto Workers' (UAW) threatened strike against the three largest automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Learn what the workers want and what it could mean for your car shopping prospects if their demands aren’t met. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Understand the implications of adding authorized users to credit cards, and how to plan retirement so your money lasts. 01:40 Today’s first Money Question: A listener asks whether it’s a good idea to help a friend or family member build credit by adding them as an authorized user on your credit card. Credit expert Bev O’Shea joins Sean Pyles and Liz Weston to discuss the risks and benefits of adding authorized users, including the impact it can have on a person’s credit profile, the conditions under which it might be unfavorable and how many people a credit card holder can add as authorized users. 13:35 Today’s second Money Question: Sean and Liz turn their attention to the complex world of retirement planning. They discuss methods for evaluating whether you've saved enough for retirement, common pitfalls to avoid and why it's key to consult with a fee-only financial planner. The discussion digs deep into critical decisions around Medicare and Social Security and how to manage them effectively, how to ensure your retirement funds last and the impact of inflation on retirement plans. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card authorized users; credit management; credit profiles; financial planners; retirement planning; Medicare; Social Security; retirement funds; inflation; health insurance; filing bankruptcy; and retirement savings. Please take our listener survey at https://nerdwallet.com/survey to help us improve the show! Survey participants will be automatically entered into our Smart Money Podcast Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card when you complete and submit the survey form. The Sweepstakes period is from June 19, 2023 to August 7, 2023. Limit One (1) Entry per person. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Odds of winning will be determined by the number of eligible entries received. Read the Official Rules for more details. If you enjoyed today’s episode, then please vote for us in the 18th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards! Register at https://podcastawards.com and find “NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast” in the Business category. Voting in other categories is optional. We appreciate it! To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Explore the risks and rewards of options trading, short selling and margin trading in this nerdy derivatives deep dive. Hosts Sean Pyles and Andy Rosen explain the concept behind derivatives trading before investing Nerd Sam Taube joins the show for a closer look at the ins and outs of specific types of derivatives. Sam explains the speculative and protective reasons for derivatives trading — and the average retail trader’s chances of finding success. Sam also delves into put options and call options when it comes to options trading, as well as the relative risks involved with each. He then gets into short sales and the role that shorting plays in the way our financial markets work. The discussion then leads to an examination of margin trading, including what happens when it goes right or wrong for an individual. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: derivatives, options trading, short sales, margin trading, the price discovery process of markets, options strategies, risk management, and portfolio diversification. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Airbnb used to be a go-to option for fun, one-of-a-kind lodging. Then the cleaning fees started stacking up. Are Airbnbs worth it anymore, or are hotels the better route to go? In this episode, host Sean Pyles talks with travel Nerd Sam Kemmis about how to decide between an Airbnb and a hotel. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Maxing out a 401(k) is a great step toward saving for retirement, but have you ever thought about front-loading your plan? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk with investing Nerd Alana Benson about the pros, cons and potential pitfalls of front-loading your employer-sponsored retirement plan.  Sean and Liz also talk about how to protect your privacy from companies that want to (literally) track your every move.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373, or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and navigate complex insurance choices. What’s the right life insurance policy for you? What is “infinite banking” and how hard is it to set up? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the intricacies of life insurance as both a protective measure and a financial instrument to help you understand its potential for investment and financial growth. NerdWallet insurance pro Lisa Green joins Sean and Sara to explain term life insurance and more complex life insurance options, such as variable life insurance, and the concept of “infinite banking.” They discuss the nuances of investing extra money into the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy, highlighting guaranteed interest rates versus market risks, and who might benefit from these types of policies. Additionally, they delve into the infinite banking concept, explaining how it works, the financial discipline it requires, and potential pitfalls. This episode is designed to help listeners navigate their life insurance choices and create a balanced financial plan. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: term life insurance, permanent life insurance, life insurance investment, life insurance premiums, variable life insurance, infinite banking, cash value life insurance, life insurance strategies, life insurance options, term vs permanent life insurance, life insurance costs, life insurance benefits, financial planning, life insurance risks, borrowing against life insurance, financial growth, investing in life insurance, high-yield investments, insurance market risks, life insurance for smokers, funeral expense insurance, and financial security. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

A lot happened at the end of 2020. Sean and Liz discuss news you might have missed about important changes that could affect college financial aid and/or your employee benefits. Then they answer a listener's question about how to use the 50/30/20 budget.  Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Get tips for saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations, plus how to leverage credit cards when making big purchases. How can you use credit cards to maximize rewards when making big purchases? What are some ways to save money on Halloween costumes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations to help you understand how to be festive without breaking the bank. They begin with a discussion of Halloween budgeting, with tips and tricks on DIY costume ideas, using cash back apps, and repurposing items you already have.  Then, Personal Finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss the best ways to use credit cards for major expenses. They discuss how to earn rewards while minimizing interest, ways to protect your credit score, and how to make use of a health savings account (HSA) for medical-related purchases. Cash back apps help you save a little bit of money on everyday purchases. Here’s NerdWallet’s list of 8 great cash back apps and why each stands out: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/cash-back-apps  Here’s NerdWallet’s list of the best budget apps: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/best-budget-apps  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit cards, big purchases, credit card rewards, saving money on Halloween, DIY costumes, cashback apps, Halloween budgeting, credit card interest, maximizing credit card points, health savings account, HSA, personal finance, budgeting tips, managing credit utilization, DIY Halloween ideas, saving money on costumes, repurposing costumes, cashback rewards, credit card sign-up bonus, using credit cards wisely, paying off credit card debt, zero APR credit cards, financial planning, paying off big expenses, cash-back vs points, credit card rewards strategies, making big purchases with credit cards, budgeting for big purchases, and sign-up bonus strategies. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Learn how to balance risk and reward in your investments, rebalance your portfolio, and avoid common investing pitfalls. How can you manage risk and reward when investing? What are the best strategies for rebalancing your portfolio for 2025? Host Sean Pyles and Investing Nerd Sam Taube discuss how to set yourself up for long-term financial success by evaluating your investment strategy and taking actionable steps to achieve your goals. They begin with a discussion of investment basics, including tips and tricks on building a balanced portfolio, understanding stock market trends, and preparing for potential risks and rewards. Then, Sean and Sam discuss strategies for rebalancing your portfolio to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. They cover how to identify when it’s time to rebalance, the benefits of diversifying investments, and common investment pitfalls to avoid. The episode also dives into avoiding scams and red flags in the investing world, so you can make the smartest decisions to set yourself up for long-term growth. NerdWallet’s roundup of the best IRA accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/ira-accounts Best brokers for beginner investors: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/online-brokers-for-beginners  Best brokers for options trading: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/options-trading-brokers  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to invest, risk and reward in investing, rebalancing portfolio strategies, building a balanced portfolio, stock market trends, long-term financial success, avoiding investment scams, index fund investing, S&P 500 index fund, how to diversify investments, financial goals for investing, portfolio risk tolerance, investment basics, retirement account strategies, financial planning for 2025, clean energy stocks, tech stocks, financial services sector, meme stock trends, solar energy investments, tech regulation, banking regulations, index fund advantages, tax credit changes, and smart investing strategies. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

You really want to effect change around climate issues? Put your money to work for you. In this episode of our nerdy deep dive into how climate change affects your money, we discuss ways your banking and investing choices can reflect your climate goals — and how to avoid greenwashing. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

2020 was a year of challenges — and opportunities. In this episode, listeners share the money lessons they learned over the past year, including why savings is more important than ever and the benefits of debt payoff. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Knowing how much you could get from Social Security is a big part of retirement planning (and, yes, cynical listeners — you will be getting these benefits!). To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about a new tool that can help you estimate your benefits.  Then Sean and Sara answer a listener’s question about tax efficient investments for retirement accounts.  Need help with a money question? Call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. You can also email us your voice memos.  Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 10:45  Money Question segment: 10:46 - 31:02  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Want to pay off your debt fast? You can, with a bit of know-how. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston break down how you can find the payoff path that might work best for you and your debt.

Credit card rewards programs might be on the chopping block in Congress. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk with a credit card Nerd about what’s happening and what it might mean for your credit card rewards. Then Sean is joined by personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer to answer a listener’s question about when to cancel a luxury credit card. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 11:29  Money Question segment: 11:30 - 28:08  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

We'll be back in a couple weeks. In the meantime, here's how you can use these winter months to rack up the credit card points to fund your summer travel. And be sure to send us your money questions! Call or text the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

Selling your house right now might sound like a great way to inject unnecessary stress into your life. But it could also be very lucrative, if you do it right. To start this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how and why you might want to sell your house.  Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to manage fees on investment accounts.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 16:11  Money Question segment: 16:12 - 29:13  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn to navigate Amazon Prime Day deals, track prices, and avoid overspending with expert shopping strategies and tools. Are Amazon Prime Day deals truly worth it, or are they just savvy marketing tactics? Hosts Anna Helhoski and Sara Rathner explain how consumers can identify genuine bargains amidst the sea of discounts. NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall joins them to discuss the evolution of Prime Day from its inception in 2015 to its current status as a major shopping event, shedding light on the difference between list prices and typical prices to help listeners make more informed purchasing decisions. They begin with a discussion of the significance of price tracking tools, offering tips and tricks on leveraging CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, maintaining skepticism toward discounts, and understanding dynamic pricing patterns. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Amazon Prime Day, Prime Day deals, online shopping tips, genuine bargains, price tracking tools, Amazon marketing tactics, avoiding inflated discounts, making smarter buying decisions, online shopping pitfalls, Prime Day strategy, list prices vs typical prices, skepticism in online deals, price history tracking, dynamic pricing, Amazon price drops, Walmart sales, Target sales, cashback apps, Black Friday in July, Amazon competitors, Best Buy sales, overspending traps, necessary purchases, back-to-school deals, tech gadgets, Amazon devices, Echo deals, Kindle Fire deals, Apple product deals, electronics discounts, noise-canceling headphones, baby gear deals, toy discounts, Dyson vacuum sales, kitchen gadgets, and Amazon essentials. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

More Americans are retiring early, but not all of them are doing it the right way. And you may have long-forgotten money waiting to be claimed — here's how to find it.  To have your money question answered on a future episode, email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Get budgeting tips for conventions and hobbies straight from New York Comic Con, then learn about money saving strategies for car and home insurance. 01:20 This Week in Your Money: Having just returned from New York Comic Con, host Sean Pyles discusses what he learned about budgeting for conventions, hobbies and cosplay outfits. He also shares an interview with Kayden Phoenix, a Los Angeles-based comic book writer known for her Latina superheroes. Kayden shares her experiences attending Comic Con and other conventions, including the costs associated with attending such events and how she has managed to minimize expenses for her business. Following their interview, Sean highlights the strong sense of community and shares his overall impressions of the event. 13:17 Today’s Money Question: Insurance Nerd Ryan Brady joins Sean to help answer a listener’s question about car and home insurance, breaking down important elements to consider, what different coverages mean and how to save money. He first explains the different types of car insurance, including liability insurance, comprehensive and collision insurance, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. He and Sean also discuss how to save money on car insurance by shopping around, asking about discounts, and raising deductibles. Ryan then moves on to home insurance and explains the different types of coverage, including dwelling coverage, personal property insurance, personal liability coverage, and loss of use coverage. He discusses the importance of insuring your home and the risks of not having insurance or being underinsured. The Nerds also provide tips for shopping for home insurance, such as comparing quotes and considering the coverage limits.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: car insurance, home insurance, New York Comic Con, Kayden Phoenix, Latina superheroes, cosplay culture, dwelling coverage, personal property insurance, loss of use coverage, climate-related risks, insurance literacy, car insurance types, liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, insurance deductibles, cheap car insurance, insurance agents, insurance brokers, insurance discounts, raising insurance deductibles, being overinsured or underinsured, traffic accidents, and insurance claims. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app 

Learn how to budget for a mortgage, compare lenders, and prep for home buying or selling in today’s changing housing market. How can you shop smart for a mortgage and pick the right broker or lender? How do you budget for a home purchase? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mortgage shopping and home affordability to help you understand how to make informed, strategic choices when buying or selling a home. Joined by Jonathon Haddad, president of Next Door Lending, and Kate Wood, NerdWallet mortgage expert, they cover how brokers work, what to look for in a lender, and how to avoid common pitfalls when comparing loan offers. They begin with a conversation with Jonathon Haddad about the benefits of using a mortgage broker, how much money borrowers could save, and key questions to ask when shopping for a loan. Then, Kate Wood helps answer a listener’s question about selling a home in 2025, including tips on agent commissions and how market shifts could affect sellers. They discuss how to budget for a down payment, what expenses first-time homebuyers often overlook, and how to know if you’re financially ready to buy.  If you’re ready to find the right mortgage with expert guidance every step of the way, get started today at https://www.nerdwallet.com/prequalify/m/mortgage-experts/lp1  Here’s what mortgage brokers are and how to find one: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/how-to-find-a-mortgage-broker See how far your homebuying budget could take you with NerdWallet’s home affordability calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/how-much-house-can-i-afford  First-time home buyer programs by state: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/first-time-home-buyer-programs-by-state  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to find a mortgage broker, mortgage broker vs lender, mortgage broker fees, best way to shop for a mortgage, how to compare mortgage lenders, mortgage broker savings, mortgage loan estimate tips, choosing a mortgage broker, home buying budget calculator, how to budget for a house, down payment assistance programs, closing costs for first time home buyers, private mortgage insurance, how to prepare for buying a home, home buying tips 2025, first time home buyer loans, FHA loan down payment, conventional loan down payment, va loan down payment, usda loan down payment, home buying closing costs, real estate agent commission 2025, how to sell your house, how to choose a real estate agent, realtor commission changes 2025, selling a house in 2025, how to budget for home maintenance, moving costs when buying a house, first time home buyer help, what credit score do you need for a mortgage To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Becoming a mother can transform your life: providing a new sense of purpose, expanding your family and, potentially, limiting your earning power. In this episode, Sean and NerdWallet writer Amanda Barroso dig into the motherhood pay gap, including what it is, where it comes from and how to fix it. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

More Americans are job hunting, but more are falling for job scams, too. Liz and Sean talk about how to spot and avoid scams in the job market right now. Then they answer a listener’s question about the best way to max out a Roth IRA. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

How would you recover if your life was upended by a huge disaster — a fire, hurricane or flood? Getting your affairs in order before a disaster hits — and knowing what help is available afterward — can help you recover faster and more fully. In this episode of our nerdy deep dive into climate change and your money, we talk about how to rebuild your finances after the worst happens.

Discover how global events molded millennial finances, and hear ideas for addressing economic challenges and financial trauma. In this Nerdy deep dive, personal finance Nerd Tiffany Curtis joins host Sean Pyles to discuss millennial money woes, from generational financial trauma to structural challenges that have made financial life more difficult for Americans between 27 and 42 years old. They discuss the changing ways that generations are studied and explore how world events such as the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped people’s financial attitudes.  Tiffany also talks with Angela Moore, certified financial planner and founder of Modern Money Education, a financial education firm. They discuss the historic and present-day factors that have shaped millennials’ relationship with money and ways that they can take ownership of their finances. They also debunk myths surrounding millennials and money, the impact of the internet on financial empowerment, how the millennial pursuit of happiness impacts their career choices, lifestyle, and relationship with money. You’ll walk away with valuable insights into the tools millennials can use to empower themselves financially, including organizing finances, setting goals, and understanding the importance of insurance and estate planning.  In their conversation, Angela and Tiffany discuss: millennials, financial behavior, modern money education, generational financial trauma, wealth inequality, financial attitudes, career choices, generational divisions, disability insurance, estate planning, money management, generational wealth, retirement planning, budgeting, and financial goals. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Understand the implications of Americans’ $1.2 trillion credit card debt, the latest inflation stats, and SAVE plan news. Are you eligible for student loan forgiveness if you’ve been on the SAVE plan? What do the Commerce Department’s latest inflation figures mean for how much things cost? How can you pay off debt, which more Americans faced in 2023 than in the previous year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down this week’s headlines to help you understand how they could affect you — and your wallet. You’ll learn about what makes certain people on the SAVE plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) eligible for student loan forgiveness, how recent inflation numbers could impact your expenses, and a reminder as to why you should be mindful of financial scams. Plus: longtime podcast host Sara Rathner joins Sean and Anna to discuss the results of NerdWallet’s annual household debt study, providing essential insights into the challenges faced by those with revolving credit card debt and offering practical steps for navigating the complexities of household finances. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance news, NerdWallet’s annual household debt study, credit card debt, student loans, student loan forgiveness, inflation, Commerce Department, interest rates, Andy Cohen, financial scams, debt management, debt crisis, the US economy, financial burdens, and managing household finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn why tariffs are driving up prices and how you can still save money. Plus, how to catch up on retirement savings if you started late. How will new tariffs impact your grocery bill and big-ticket purchases? Is early retirement an option if you’re behind on retirement savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising costs due to tariffs and strategies for catching up on retirement savings. They’re joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, who leads a conversation with personal finance writers Kim Palmer and Amanda Barroso about the latest trade developments and their effects on consumer prices. They begin with a discussion on tariffs, explaining which everyday items — like groceries, gas, and electronics — are likely to get more expensive, how these price hikes trickle down to domestic goods, and why panic-buying may not be the best response.  Then, Amy, a listener in Wisconsin, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss retirement planning after starting savings later in life. They explore realistic ways to build a retirement nest egg, including catch-up contributions, rethinking lifestyle costs, and alternative approaches to the FIRE movement — AKA financial independence, retire early.  Here’s how to find out how much you should save for retirement: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-much-to-save-for-retirement User NerdWallet’s retirement calculator to find out if you’re on track to save enough for retirement: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  Learn about the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early): https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/financial-independence-retire-early  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tariffs 2025, grocery prices rising, grocery price inflation, how tariffs affect prices, consumer goods tariffs, grocery savings tips, meal planning apps, best grocery list apps, grocery price hikes, food inflation 2024, how to save on groceries, price increase on imported goods, China tariffs, Mexico tariffs, Canada tariffs, retirement savings strategies, how to catch up on retirement savings, Barista FIRE, early retirement strategies, how to invest for retirement, retirement savings at 50, compound interest retirement, financial planner retirement, Roth IRA vs 401k, employer 401k match, best investments for retirement, late starter retirement plan, retirement planning mistakes, financial independence, cost of living in retirement, how to retire abroad, and expat retirement planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn from others’ missteps in our new segment, “My Favorite Financial Mistake.” Plus: balancing paying debt vs. saving. 00:39 This Week in Your Money: What can you learn from making financial mistakes? Should you save and invest or pay off debt when you get a financial windfall? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner, along with their new co-host Elizabeth Ayoola, discuss turning financial blunders into learning opportunities to help you set up for future financial success. They begin with a candid discussion about their personal financial missteps, offering insights on mental accounting, the perils of emotional spending, and the importance of maintaining flexibility in your financial planning.  13:22 Today’s Money Question: Adam, a Colorado firefighter, joins Sean and Sara to discuss cash windfalls and long-term planning. They delve into the intricacies of choosing between paying off debt and investing in a 529 college savings plan, the merits of a zero percent APR balance transfer, and the joy of spending on memorable family experiences. They also explore long-term financial goals and the art of balancing immediate financial needs with future planning. They highlight the benefits of starting an emergency fund with modest contributions, the strategy of tackling high-interest credit card debt while saving, and the value of investing in life experiences.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, money management, paying off debt, 529 college savings plan, retirement savings, emergency funds, financial goals, investment strategies, credit card debt, high-yield savings accounts, long-term wealth creation, financial windfall, financial mistakes, educational savings accounts, budgeting, personal finance, managing finances, mental accounting, emotional spending, financial balance, financial empowerment, financial success, economic stability, budgetary slips, financial blunders, credit challenges, money missteps, financial faux pas, long-term planning, financial fears, and financial shame. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn Nerdy tips to plan a Disney vacation without going broke, and how to choose a retirement plan when self-employed. 01:08 This Week in Your Money: Unlock the magic of making your next Disney vacation more affordable with insider tips from travel Nerd Sally French. She joins hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston to unveil the secrets behind experiencing Disneyland and Disney World on a budget, from strategic hotel choices to the types of tickets you might want to avoid. Plus: The Nerds discuss the value of early entry benefits, share their hot takes on whether Genie+ tickets are worth the splurge and explore methods for saving money on food and souvenirs. 13:00 Today’s Money Question: Investing Nerd June Sham joins Sean and Liz to answer a listener’s question about how to manage retirement plans and quarterly taxes as a self-employed professional. The Nerds go deep into 401(k) contribution limits, mega backdoor Roth 401(k) and IRA plans and SEP, or simplified employee pension, plans. You’ll discover money-saving strategies, understand when it’s important to budget for quarterly taxes and learn when you might need a tax professional to keep your finances in check. 29:04 Takeaway Tips. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Disney vacations; theme park tips; early entry benefits; Genie Plus tickets; Disney World and Disneyland hotels; how to avoid long lines; retirement plans; backdoor Roth IRAs; solo 401(k) plans; quarterly taxes; money-saving strategies; budgeting; simplified employee pension plans; using tax professionals; and maxing out retirement accounts. Please take our listener survey at https://nerdwallet.com/podsurvey to help us improve the show! Survey participants will be automatically entered into our Smart Money Podcast Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card when you complete and submit the survey form. The Sweepstakes period is from June 19, 2023, to August 7, 2023. Limit One (1) Entry per person. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Odds of winning will be determined by the number of eligible entries received. Read the Official Rules for more details. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Tax season is in full swing. And this episode, we’re taking on popular questions, including when you’re fine filing on your own — and when you might want to hire help. We also discuss why so many Americans who are eligible to file their taxes for free end up paying anyway.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 11:36  Money Question segment: 11:37 - 36:45  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Renters are far more likely to be struggling in the pandemic than homeowners. Also, don’t put off a 401(k) rollover. If you want to move money out of an old employer’s plan, ask if your new employer will take it or consider rolling over to an IRA. Send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Learn to maximize retirement savings with tax diversification by balancing your Roth and traditional IRA contributions. 00:27 This Week in Your Money: What are expense ratios? How do you decide between a Roth and traditional 401(k)? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss understanding investment terms and retirement account options and strategies to help you understand how to make more informed and beneficial financial decisions. They begin with a new segment called Nerdy Vocab, in which they explain tips and tricks on recognizing how expense ratios affect your investments. They offer clarity on how fees can eat into your returns, explain how to utilize tools like the FINRA Fund Analyzer, and explain considerations for selecting cost-effective funds. 09:27 Today’s Money Question: NerdWallet writer Alieza Durana joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about how to decide between investing funds in a Roth versus a traditional 401(k). They discuss the tax implications of different retirement accounts, how to harmonize retirement savings with other financial priorities, and the importance of tax diversification in an investment strategy. Their discussion covers the tax benefits of traditional and Roth 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs, and the importance of balancing retirement contributions with immediate financial needs like debt and emergency funds. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: retirement savings, investment fees, Roth 401(k), traditional 401(k), expense ratios, IRAs, retirement planning, maximize returns, minimize fees, financial planning, nest egg, investment strategies, tax diversification, employer match, retirement accounts, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, passively managed funds, actively managed funds, FINRA Fund Analyzer, tax benefits, contribution limits, debt management, emergency funds, capital gains, tax-free withdrawals, tax implications, asset allocation, rebalancing your portfolio, tax season, pre-tax contributions, and after-tax contributions. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Roth conversions can give you a big tax advantage in retirement, but they're not right for everyone. Sean and Liz talk with retirement Nerd Andrea Coombes to help you figure out if you could come out ahead with a Roth conversion. As always, send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.

It’s officially spring, which means it’s time to bust out the duster, broom — and your bank account logins. To start this episode, Sean and Sara talk about how you can do a little financial spring-cleaning. Then they answer a listener’s question about paying off different debts, like taxes and credit cards.  Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 10:34 Money Question segment: 10:35 - 27:04

Sean and Liz dig into what unemployment trends mean for our economy. Then they answer a listener's money question about whether it's best to buy a new or a used car. Want your money question answered by our Nerds? Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app 

Learn how the gig economy impacts workers' finances and get tips for managing taxes, savings, and benefits. How does the gig economy affect people financially? How can gig workers save for taxes and retirement without employer benefits? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Sara Rathner are joined by Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet’s senior news editor, to explore what defines a gig worker, how many Americans are involved in gig work, and what this means for benefits like healthcare and retirement. They discuss the complexities of gig work, its rise during the pandemic, and what gig workers can do to manage their finances and save for the future. Plus: Tess and Sara cover some of the week’s top financial headlines, including the latest job market report, tax filing extensions for Hurricane Helene victims, and rising interest rates on credit card debt.  Learn about the best no balance transfer fee credit cards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gig economy, gig workers, freelance jobs, side hustles, independent contractors, gig work benefits, gig worker taxes, freelancer taxes, how to save as a freelancer, managing freelance income, self-employment tips, self-employment tax, gig economy trends, freelance health insurance, gig work flexibility, saving for retirement as a freelancer, freelancer budgeting, part-time jobs, gig economy apps, freelance income tips, budgeting for gig workers, self-employed retirement plans, healthcare for gig workers, gig economy statistics, gig economy news, freelance careers, gig worker rights, independent worker benefits, alternative work arrangements, and freelance tax tips. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Break free from debt cycles and rethink your spending habits with tips on no-buy challenges and financial therapy. How can you stop falling into a cycle of paying off debt, only to rack it back up again? What is a no-buy year, and how can it help you control your spending? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for breaking unhealthy spending patterns and staying out of debt for good. They begin with a conversation about the benefits of a no-buy year with NerdWallet personal finance writer Amanda Barroso, who shares tips on setting clear spending rules, resisting impulse purchases, and tracking progress to reinforce financial discipline. Then, Sean welcomes co-host Sara Rathner and personal finance Nerd Melissa Lambarena to dive into a listener’s struggle with recurring credit card debt. They discuss the psychological factors behind compulsive spending, the benefits of financial therapy, and practical steps to curb overspending, including strategies for budgeting, limiting credit card use, and practicing delayed gratification. Read NerdWallet’s write-up of the best no balance transfer fee credit cards to help you compare your options for ways to climb out of debt: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card debt, how to stop overspending, no-buy year, budgeting tips, financial therapy, money habits, debt cycle, breaking bad money habits, impulse spending, debt-free living, financial discipline, how to stop using credit cards, saving money strategies, debt management, mindful spending, financial goals, spending freeze, personal finance tips, credit card traps, emotional spending, how to budget, debt repayment, how to stay out of debt, no-spend challenge, frugal living, debt-free journey, saving money on shopping, financial accountability, budget planner, financial self-control, spending detox, credit card debt help, how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, best budgeting methods, overcoming debt, financial self-awareness, debt-free motivation, and how to track spending habits. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Buying a house takes grit, know-how — and, frankly, a good amount of cash. In this episode of our “How the Nerds Do It” series, mortgage Nerd Kate Wood talks about how she bought her first home, and why she almost fell for a house with a poisoned well. Kate also gives you her tips for buying a house, including the importance of finding a real estate agent whom you can trust.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

The 50/30/20 budget is a simple way to organize your finances. But as rent prices soar and inflation impacts everything from gas to groceries, does this budget still make sense? To start this episode, Sean and Liz discuss the merits — and limits — of the 50/30/20 budget. Then they answer a few listeners’ questions about navigating company stock. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 7:44  Money Question segment: 7:45 - 26:32

Learn how to prepare financially for uncertain times and balance debt payoff with saving for emergencies and retirement. How much emergency cash should you keep on hand? Should you focus on paying off debt or saving for retirement first? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss financial preparedness and debt payoff strategies to help you feel more financially secure. They begin with a discussion on personal and financial resilience, covering tips on keeping emergency cash, building a support network, and taking proactive financial actions. Then, Sean and Elizabeth talk with listener Michaela, a 24-year-old paralegal, about balancing debt repayment with savings and investing. They explore the debt snowball vs. debt avalanche methods, how much to save for emergencies, and why starting retirement savings early — even while in debt — can pay off in the long run. NerdWallet’s guide to how to prepare for your next emergency: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-prepare-for-your-next-emergency  How to open a Roth IRA: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-and-where-to-open-a-roth-ira  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: emergency cash savings, how much cash to keep at home, personal finance preparedness, financial resilience, budgeting for emergencies, how to build an emergency fund, debt snowball vs. debt avalanche, should I pay off debt or save, how to start investing in your 20s, best budgeting methods, 50/30/20 budget, zero-based budgeting, how to save for retirement early, Roth IRA vs. 401(k), why you need an emergency fund, financial security tips, community and financial support, mutual aid groups, debt repayment strategies, credit card debt payoff, investing while in debt, how to budget better, personal loan repayment, car loan interest rates, financial planning for young professionals, cash vs. credit in an emergency, preparing for a crisis financially, high-interest debt payoff, how to avoid debt traps, savings vs. debt payoff balance, and financial habits to build in your 20s. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Avoid costly travel mistakes with expert tips from our Nerds. Then, learn how to budget for a non-traditional lifestyle. You can help us improve our show! Please take our listener survey at: https://nerdwallet.com/podsurvey  01:00 This Week in Your Money: Summer travel costs are soaring this year — but that doesn’t mean your expenses have to. Sean Pyles and Liz Weston offer tips for planning ahead to decrease your costs, from capitalizing on credit card rewards points to scheduling your trips when airfares aren’t so high.  08:54 Today’s Money Question: Gabe S. Dunn, host of the podcast Bad With Money with Gabe Dunn, joins Sean and Liz to help answer a listener’s question about planning for retirement as a gay man who finds planning templates and other financial resources to be heteronormative and not necessarily helpful in his financial planning. They discuss the challenges of living a “non-traditional” lifestyle — and the fact that you don’t have to be queer to be non-traditional. They also share tips on overcoming the fear of seeking financial help and advice, and discuss the importance of finding the right financial advisor who can explain things in plain language. 33:00 Final Thoughts In their conversation, Sean and Liz discuss: vacation costs; credit card travel points; bonus rewards points from airlines and hotels; foreign transaction fees; buy now, pay later loans; gas prices; free night certificates; Google Flights; Hopper; hidden fees like resort fees; LGBTQ+ lifestyles; marginalized communities; Finance for the People by Paco de Leon; being afraid to ask questions; retirement planning; solo aging; and the unique freedom that living a non-traditional lifestyle can offer. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn practical financial tips to save on rising commuting costs as workers increasingly return to the office. Before discussing the rising costs of commuting, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski review noteworthy financial headlines, including the Federal Reserve's influence on interest rates, the latest Commerce Department report on retail sales, the Mercer CFA Institute’s Global Pension Index ranking of 47 different kinds of retirement systems from around the world, and the IRS's pilot program for free tax preparation software called Direct File. Then, Sean and Anna welcome NerdWallet’s Liz Renter to take a deep dive into the escalating costs of commuting to work. The Nerds explore the demographics of commuters, factors driving car ownership costs, the fluctuation in gas prices and the international events affecting fuel costs, and the used car market. They also discuss whether consumers can expect relief in the near future and share practical strategies for keeping costs down. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, money news, commuting, car ownership, money headlines, the Federal Reserve, interest rates, retirement systems, the IRS, tax preparation software, commuting costs, auto insurance, gas prices, used car prices, economic trends, carpooling, savings, consumer spending, government debt, wealth, retirement savings, and fuel costs. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn what powers the president does and does not have to influence the economy and your wallet. Does the president really have power over the economy? How do presidential promises impact your wallet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the grand economic promises made by presidential candidates and the intricate realities of presidential influence on the economy to help you understand the real effects on your daily finances. They begin with a discussion of the policy proposals from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with tips and tricks on understanding the scope of presidential influence on taxes, inflation and economic growth. Then, Anna talks to NerdWallet Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter about the complexities of the business cycle and the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. They discuss the limited presidential power over economic cycles, the structure and independence of the Federal Reserve, and the direct effects of presidential actions like student loan relief on individual finances. Listen to Smart Money’s coverage of the “No Tax on Tips” policy:   Stay up to date on the latest financial news by visiting NerdWallet’s Financial News Hub: In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: presidential promises, economic policies, financial impact, presidential influence, economic realities, Federal Reserve, Donald Trump economic policies, Kamala Harris economic policies, taxes, deregulation, economic growth, cost reduction, small business support, down payment assistance, business cycle, Federal Reserve structure, Fed independence, Fed governors, monetary policy, student loan relief, macroeconomy, personal finances, campaign promises, tax policies, inflation control, healthcare impact, banking regulations, economic cycles, consumer sentiment, government spending, fiscal policy, executive orders, economic output, GDP growth, unemployment rates, economic downturns, financial stability, economic sentiment, policy and finance, and election impact. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

A CFP helps a listener turn financial anxiety into actionable steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial peace of mind. NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024. How can you be more comfortable spending money? What are strategies for combating financial anxiety? Host Sean Pyles sits in on a live financial planning session where Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from the NerdWallet Advisors platform, gives a listener (also named Sean) specific advice to reduce anxiety around their finances (advice given on behalf of Nerdwallet Advisors, not NerdWallet). They begin with a discussion of Sean's personal financial journey before Magda offers tips and tricks on setting clear short to medium-term goals, compartmentalizing savings to reduce stress, and understanding the risks and rewards of investing. She recommends actionable steps for helping him enjoy his money more without needing to stress over where every dollar is spent. ​​NerdWallet Advisory LLC (dba NerdWallet Advisors) is an SEC-registered investment advisor, and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet, Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances. This discussion covers: financial anxiety, financial peace of mind, financial planning session, budgeting strategies, investing tips, asset portfolio, certified financial planner, managing finances, financial goals, retirement planning, financial security, financial management, smart investing, wealth building, financial discipline, savings accounts, financial communication, financial relationships, college tuition, home down payments, financial stability, financial relaxation, money management, anxiety about money, achieving financial goals, budgeting and investing, financial goals and relationships, financial goal-setting, financial reassurance, financial stress, and disciplined financial planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to protect your identity from theft and fraud by understanding how criminals are exposing authentication flaws. How can you protect yourself from identity theft and financial scams?  What steps should you take if your identity has been compromised?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the pervasiveness of identity theft and practical defense strategies to help you safeguard your financial well-being. They begin with a discussion of protecting yourself from identity theft, with tips and tricks on setting up fraud alerts, freezing your credit and using unique passwords with the aid of password managers.  Then, Eva Velasquez joins Sean to discuss the nuances of authentication and identity theft. They discuss the challenges businesses and individuals face in verifying identities online, the misuse of social security numbers and the rise in data breaches, particularly in the healthcare sector.  Plus: the alarming increase in data breaches in 2023, the importance of questioning every suspicious communication you receive, and the necessity for public and private organizations to refine their authentication methods. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: identity theft, financial scams, data breaches, cyber security, credit freeze, fraud alert, authentication, online identity, personal data protection, cybercriminals, financial fraud, password managers, financial well-being, data security, impostor scams, phishing, identity fraud, scam prevention, credit monitoring, sensitive information, identity protection, financial instruments, identity thieves, scam victims, credit card fraud, loan fraud, biometrics, cybersecurity strategies, data privacy, digital financial transactions, identity theft resource center, federal trade commission, IRS IP PIN, financial defense, digital predators, financial peace of mind, consumer protection, scam recovery, safeguarding data, and financial education. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Should you invest or pay off debt? This question can get especially tricky when you’re talking about investing in your company’s stock versus paying down your student loans. Sean and Liz help a listener who wants to know if she should exercise her stock options or focus on paying her $90,000 student loan debt. As always, send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.

You may have noticed that gas prices are on the rise. On this episode, Sean and Liz break down how you can save at the pump, including how to find the best prices and how to manage your fuel efficiency. Then they answer a listener's question about 401(k) contribution limits. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

If traditional money advice doesn’t work for you, then you might want to consider a more creative approach.  In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with Paco de Leon, author of the new personal finance book, “Finance for the People.” She is also an illustrator, musician and founder of a financial education firm and bookkeeping agency. De Leon shares how to take a visual and creative approach to budgeting and making money decisions, including why — and how — to write a letter to your own debt.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Building wealth over your life takes planning — and know-how. This episode, Sean and Liz talk with Angel Grace, a DIY YouTuber who wants to set her family up for success over the long term by investing and saving for her son’s college education. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how much anti-aging treatments may cost you (and how to budget for them), plus how to understand your net worth. 00:54 This Week in Your Money: How much does it cost to look younger? What can you do for free to maintain your youthful appearance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the costs associated with various anti-aging treatments like moisturizers, Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing, and how to budget to be able to pay for them over time. They also touch on preventative care, underscoring the effectiveness and affordability of daily sunscreen use and topical serums as foundational elements in maintaining a youthful appearance. 12:59 Today’s Money Question: Charlene, a 29-year-old listener in Texas, joins Sean and Sara to discuss her questions about net worth. They talk about the significance of net worth as a financial metric and the common pitfalls of comparing one's net worth to that of others. Charlene shares her disciplined approach to saving and her aspirations for financial independence and an early retirement, and how net worth relates to her progress towards achieving her goals. Sean and Sara address the concept of net worth beyond just 401(k) balances and the potential pressure of societal expectations on financial milestones, with information that could serve as a guide for listeners aiming for similar goals. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, skincare, financial freedom, early retirement, beauty investments, cosmetic procedures, Botox, fillers, laser treatments, sunscreen, serums, calculating your net worth, savings discipline, compound interest, retirement calculators, frugality hacks, financial independence, anti-aging treatments, dermatology, preventative care, financial planning, wealth-building, retirement savings, FIRE movement, aggressive saving, investing strategies, and retirement benchmarks. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Apply lessons from physical fitness to improve your financial fitness. Plus: how to manage money in your relationships. 00:21 This Week in Your Money: How can you achieve both financial and physical wellness? How can you stick to your goals when you face setbacks? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss achieving financial wellness by borrowing lessons learned from people working to achieve physical wellness. NerdWallet UK writer and spokesperson Amy Knight joins Sean and Sara to share tips and tricks on setting realistic goals, developing sustainable habits, and being patient with your progress. She offers actionable takeaways on how to achieve your financial goals, whether you’re hoping to create an emergency fund, clear credit card debt, or increase pension contributions. 10:44 Today’s Money Question: How do you talk about money with your romantic partner — or your friends? Why should you try to build a financially interdependent relationship? Personal finance journalist and podcaster Nicole Lapin joins Sean to discuss the delicate balance of finance in friendships and romance. They explore the importance of being cautious while open to trust, handling financial disparities among friends, and the significance of being financially interdependent as a balance between codependence and independence. They cover topics such as financial conversations evolving with the relationship stage, managing differing financial priorities, and supporting friends through financial challenges. You can listen to Nicole's podcast, "Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin," at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-rehab-with-nicole-lapin/id1559564016 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, financial wellness, fitness and finance, money management, budgeting, financial goals, emergency funds, credit card debt, financial habits, sustainable habits, physical fitness, relationship finance, financial conversations, estate planning, financial planning, financial interdependence, money and relationships, setting goals, financial discipline, financial dialogues, financial priorities, transparency in finance, financial disparities, money talks, financial infidelity, budget constraints, financial advisors, debt management, financial integrity, managing finances, awkward money conversations, love and money, fiscal fitness, and talking about money in platonic and romantic relationships. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn about savvy grocery saving and expert tax filing tips to bolster your budget and ease tax season stress. 1:14 This Week in Your Money: How can you slash your grocery bills and still eat healthy foods amid rising costs? What’s new for this year’s tax season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss saving money on groceries and simplifying tax filing to help you understand how to eat smart, save big, and conquer tax season with ease. They begin with a discussion of frugal grocery shopping, with tips and tricks on comparing unit prices, the benefits of curbside pickup, and incorporating a plant-based diet. NerdWallet’s Alana Benson joins Sean and Sara to explain how she saved $800 on groceries over 5 months, highlighting the financial and health benefits of a plant-based diet and giving practical tips for those who are interested in cutting costs. 10:33 Today’s Money Question: Bella Avila from NerdWallet’s tax team joins Sean and Sara to discuss IRS updates for this tax season, including the new Direct File tax filing software and an update to standard deductions. They also demystify tax brackets, explain how to get your tax refund faster, and weigh the pros and cons of consulting with a professional advisor for personalized financial guidance. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tax filing, grocery shopping hacks, grocery bills, tax season, plant-based diets, money saving tips, tax refunds, IRS Direct File, standard deductions, tax brackets, healthy eating, tax filing deadline, tax updates, tax software, student loan interest deduction, curbside pickup, vegetarian meals, tax returns, frugal food shopping, maximizing your return, tax preparation, financial savings, navigating taxes, budgeting tips, tax filing tips, comparing prices, direct deposit, IRS updates, lentils and legumes, affordable eating, tax deductions, and tax rates. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Understand the costs of renting versus buying a home. Plus: the UAW strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, and AI policy. Before discussing housing affordability, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski review noteworthy financial headlines, including an update on the UAW strike against major US automakers, the latest Commerce Department numbers on GDP growth, debit card merchant fees, and the White House’s wide-ranging executive order pertaining to artificial intelligence. Then, Sean and Anna welcome Jeff Tucker, a senior economist at the real estate website Zillow, to discuss the impact that rising interest rates could have on your decision to rent or buy a home. Jeff provides historical context, explains the factors contributing to the gap between renting and buying costs, and touches on the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The discussion also explores the impact of housing inventory on the market, including whether homes are pulled off the market or remain unsold for extended periods. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, AI Executive Order, housing affordability, renting vs. buying, personal finance, financial news, interest rates, inflation, mortgage rates, the economy, housing market, rental costs, down payments, homebuyers, housing inventory, AI technology, tech regulations, consumer spending, interest rate hikes, bank fees, and home ownership. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how you could save money by caring less about what other people think and how to weigh the pros and cons of a job offer. How can you save money by not caring about others' opinions? How does commute time factor into whether you should take an in-person job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss freeing yourself from the pressures of social validation and adopting smart spending habits to help you understand how these approaches can boost your financial well-being. They begin with a discussion of saving money by “not caring,” with tips and tricks on avoiding unnecessary spending influenced by social media influencers, focusing on purchases that genuinely make you happy, and recognizing the fleeting dopamine rush from new buys. They also delve into strategies such as choosing unique vintage clothing, the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, and making thoughtful car-buying decisions.  Then, hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sara Rathner talk to Andrew, a listener in Miami, about his decision to start a new job that would increase both his salary and his commute time. They discuss the trade-offs of job changes, the impact on work-life balance, and questions you can ask yourself to help align your career progression with core values. To see how much car you can really afford, check out NerdWallet’s auto loan calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/auto-loan-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial freedom, mindful spending, frugal living, social validation, smart spending, career decisions, financial well-being, fashion trends, financial fulfillment, savings boosts, self-esteem, social media influencers, vintage clothing, capsule wardrobe, car buying decisions, reliability over status, environmental impact, job change, lengthy commute, work-life balance, company culture, strategic financial decisions, emergency funds, automating savings, daycare expenses, salary increase, family time, freelance work, retirement savings, job switching, higher salary, outsourcing home tasks, remote work, hybrid roles, practical tips, dopamine hits, fashion creativity, and consumer purchases. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Being the victim of identity theft can be traumatic, especially when your own mother is the perpetrator. In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kimberly Palmer talks with Axton Betz-Hamilton, author of “The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity.” Betz-Hamilton talks about her experience being the victim of familial identity theft and shares tips on how to protect your identity — and how to recover if you are a victim.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to utilize a tax advantaged 529 plan to help your or a friend’s children save for future education expenses. 00:57 This Week in Your Money: What are the risks of purchasing a home without an inspection? How can you plan for major expenses when healthcare providers can’t tell you how much their services will cost? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share their hot takes on unexpected financial challenges, with tips and tricks on handling surprise expenses, understanding the importance of home inspections, and dealing with healthcare industry inefficiencies. 09:46 Today’s Money Question: What are the benefits of a 529 college savings plan? Can you contribute to a friend’s 529 plan to support their child’s future? NerdWallet writer Elizabeth Ayoola joins Sean and Sara to discuss the essentials of 529 college savings plans. They discuss the types of educational expenses covered, the tax benefits associated with 529 plans, and the flexibility of choosing different state plans. They also answer a listener’s question about how to approach the sensitive topic of financial gifts for education with parents, sharing methods for contributing to a loved one’s 529 plan without overstepping boundaries. Then, they discuss the implications of the Secure Act 2.0 on 529 plans, methods for estimating necessary savings for a child's education, and tactful ways to discuss educational contributions with parents. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 529 college savings plans, financial planning, educational savings, personal finance, budgeting, unexpected expenses, saving for college, tax-advantaged savings, financial gifts, college fund, education expenses, financial pressures, smart spending, investment plans, home inspection, healthcare costs, higher education, financial obstacles, educational funding, educational investments, financial strategies, money matters, budget woes, financial frustrations, financial storms, monetary setbacks, savvy spending, financial goals, state tax deductions, tax benefits, financial contributions, Roth IRA rollovers, financial planning skills, education costs, college tuition, and family finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn why experts criticize the “no tax on tips” policy and what it could mean for non-tipped workers if tips become tax-free. Why are some experts criticizing the proposed “no tax on tips” policy? Could it really benefit tipped workers as intended? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the nuances of the “no tax on tips” proposals from presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and break down why tax experts are skeptical about its effectiveness. Then, they cover the latest financial headlines, including updates on retail sales, car prices, and the potential Kroger-Albertsons merger. Calculating how much car you can afford before you visit the dealership can save you hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars in the long run. To do that for free, you can use NerdWallet’s car affordability calculator here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/much-spend-car  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: no tax on tips, tipping policies, federal income tax, tax exemption, tipped workers, minimum wage, inflation, car sales, grocery prices, Kroger Albertsons merger, consumer price index, CPI, retail sales, used car prices, payroll tax, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, recession, economic policy, subminimum wage, US presidential election, tax policy, financial headlines, tax credits, grocery merger, consumer spending, interest rates, federal minimum wage, Social Security, Medicare, restaurant industry, hospitality industry, tax loopholes, wage inequality, financial news, economic trends, car affordability, and tipping. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Travel credit cards can help you score the vacation of your dreams on points alone. But are they worth the hassle of playing the points game? In this episode of the “This or That” travel series, Sean talks with travel Nerd Sally French about why travel cards are worth the hype — and when a cash-back card might be the better option. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:  Explore car buying in 2024, from Carvana's process to the electric vehicle surge and how to maximize your car's sale value. Budgets Beyond the Numbers: How do you manage the emotional aspects of budgeting? What’s the car buying market like in 2024? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss personal budgeting and the future of car buying to help you understand how to navigate financial decisions with confidence. They begin with a discussion of budgeting “beyond the numbers,” with tips and tricks on categorizing expenses into their emotional impacts to make budgeting feel more personal. Today’s Money Question: Is Carvana a good service? Should you buy an electric vehicle if you’re in the market for a new car? NerdWallet autos writer Shannon Bradley joins hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner to delve deeper into the future of car purchases and the electric vehicle revolution. They explore the evolution of electric vehicles, the current state of the car market for both buyers and sellers, and strategies to get the best deal when selling your vehicle. The conversation aims to provide insights on choosing the right time to buy an electric car, understanding the market dynamics, and ensuring a smooth car selling experience. Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify NerdWallet stories related to this episode: Car-Buying Services: What To Know How to Buy a Used Car 7 Electric Vehicles That Cost Less Than $40,000 Have a money question? Text or call us at 901-730-6373. Or you can email us at podcast@nerdwallet.com. To hear previous episodes, go to the podcast homepage.

Learn what it truly means to work with a certified financial planner (CFP) and how personalized advice can help you set and achieve your financial goals. NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024. What should you know before working with a certified financial planner? What strategies can help you navigate societal pressures and make personal financial choices? Host Sean Pyles talks to Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, to discuss the power of personalized financial advice and behavioral budgeting to help you understand how to align your financial goals with your personal values. They begin with a discussion of the role of certified financial planners, including the fiduciary responsibility of CFPs, the specialized knowledge they bring to areas like estate planning, and common strategies for cutting through societal noise to focus on personal priorities. They also discuss the innovative concept of behavioral budgeting, which involves creating sustainable financial habits, like limiting dining out. NerdWallet Advisory LLC, dba NerdWallet Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, certified financial planner, personalized financial advice, financial goals, estate planning, financial anxiety, behavioral budgeting, fiduciary responsibility, financial choices, societal pressures, financial journey, managing finances, financial management, money questions, financial behavior, financial habits, spending habits, retirement savings, debt management, investment vehicles, financial coaching, personal values, and sustainable changes.. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are making headlines — but can they be trusted to give personal finance advice? To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston have ChatGPT answer some common money questions.  Then Liz and regular Smart Money host Sara Rathner answer a listener’s question about how to make money from investment properties. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Also, we are running a book sweepstakes ahead of our next Book Club episode! In February, we're talking with Axton Betz-Hamilton, author of "The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets and Stolen Identity,” a book about what happens when the person who steals your identity is a family member.  To enter for a chance to win our book giveaway, send an email to podcast@nerdwallet.com with the subject: "Book Sweepstakes" during the sweepstakes period. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on Feb. 16, 2023. Include the following information: your first and last name, email address, ZIP code and phone number. For more information, please visit our official sweepstakes rules page. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 10:30  Money Question segment: 10:31 - 36:31  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debuting Wednesday, February 12. NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder.  But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation. So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you've only dreamed about. Follow Smart Travel on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-travel-upgrade-your-getaways/id1794403843 Follow Smart Travel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3O8C6tHZGMzEMrlW2Lavw0?si=V3zpJB3VRhSG4W78GU_KsQ

Credit reporting is flawed. Liz and Sean discuss what the issues are and how they can be fixed. Then they answer a number of listener questions back to back in a lightning round of money questions, including managing taxes while working remotely and how to find a high yield savings account. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

Learn how values-based spending can help you curb impulse buys, avoid financial blindspots, and rethink your money habits How can you stop impulse spending? How do you know if you’re making good financial choices? This episode explores mindful spending and financial habits that may be holding you back. Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer kicks off the episode with a discussion on spending habits with guests Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of the new book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. They explore the pitfalls of extreme budgeting, how values-based spending leads to financial confidence, the importance of aligning spending with what truly matters, strategies to curb impulse purchases, and how to reframe financial mistakes without shame. Then, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss financial blindspots with Jeremy, a listener who works as a talent agent in New York City. They dive into how to evaluate whether you're on track with savings, when to prioritize your time over income, and how to address financial gaps you might not be aware of. Jeremy shares his detailed approach to budgeting and saving while expressing uncertainty about whether he's missing something in his financial plan. They explore retirement savings options beyond a 401(k), the importance of disability insurance, estate planning considerations, and how to balance long-term financial security with enjoying money in the present. Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s retirement calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: impulse spending, financial blindspots, mindful spending, values-based spending, budgeting tips, budgeting strategies, spending guilt, financial regrets, smart money habits, how to stop emotional spending, personal finance mistakes, how to balance saving and spending, financial security, how to make a financial plan, retirement savings, estate planning, disability insurance, high-yield savings, robo-advisor investing, early retirement planning, how to save for retirement, and brokerage account alternatives. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Looking to cut your tax bill? You have a few go-to strategies, but only a few months left to reduce what you'll owe next year. Also, the right investment platform depends on how you want to invest and how much help you need.  Want your money question answered by our Nerds? Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Learn how to assess your net worth, compare it wisely, and build a financial strategy to meet your long-term goals. What is net worth, and how do you calculate it? How can you use it as a tool to set realistic financial goals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how to define and calculate net worth, why it’s normal to have a low or negative net worth in your 20s, and how it evolves over time. They begin with a discussion of why net worth matters, with tips and tricks on assessing your current assets and liabilities, identifying realistic financial benchmarks, and staying focused on personal goals instead of comparisons. Charlene, a listener from Texas, joins Sean and Sara to discuss comparing net worth to peers and using it as a motivational tool. They discuss how benchmarks vary by age and location, the difference between averages and medians, and practical ways to build wealth through strategic saving, retirement planning and investments. Charlene also shares her disciplined approach to saving and her aspirations for financial independence and an early retirement, and how net worth relates to her progress towards achieving her goals. Sean and Sara address the concept of net worth beyond just 401(k) balances and the potential pressure of societal expectations on financial milestones, with information that could serve as a guide for listeners aiming for similar goals. Then, podcaster, social media influencer, and author Vivian Tu, also known as "Your Rich BFF," joins Sean to discuss wealth-building through passive income and active career decisions. They discuss the importance of making your money work for you, the psychological barriers to seeking higher income, and the significance of securing a meaningful raise or position shift every two years. She shares her insights on transitioning from Wall Street to digital media, democratizing financial knowledge, and cultivating a mindset for wealth accumulation.  Average net worth by age: how do you compare? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/average-net-worth-by-age  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: net worth calculator, how to calculate net worth, financial goals, comparing net worth, personal finance tips, saving for retirement, building wealth, assets and liabilities, financial health, financial planning, budgeting, emergency fund, retirement accounts, 401k savings, net worth benchmarks, wealth management, financial independence, passive income strategies, high-yield savings accounts, investment accounts, debt payoff, early retirement, net worth by location, financial comparisons, money mindset, wealth accumulation, understanding net worth, financial success, personal finances in your 20s, financial security, how to save money, financial tools, paying off loans, money management, financial literacy, personal savings, and long-term financial planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

From application, to acceptance, to acquiring and using points, NerdWallet card sharks share tips on finding the right rewards program.

Learn how checking your bills can prevent you from overspending, how to manage a raise and how to build wealth early. 01:14 This Week in Your Money: Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss how you can prevent overspending by double-checking all your bills and share how doing so saved Sean more than $100 on just a single bill. They also discuss some surprising ways bills can demonstrate that you’re getting shortchanged. 07:58 Today’s First Money Question: Smart Money co-host Sara Rathner helps Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to prioritize spending and saving after a significant salary increase. The hosts dive into the 50/30/20 budget, how to combat the temptation of “lifestyle creep” that comes with entering a new income bracket, and methods for setting financial goals and establishing a path to meet them. They also look at how to prioritize debt repayment and retirement savings when you're in your 40s or 50s and your budget may be more stretched. 24:07 Today’s Second Money Question: Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Liz to answer a question from a 16-year-old listener about how to get an early start on setting up a bright financial future. Kim discusses options for starting to save early, the time value of money and when it may be worth considering switching banks. In their conversation, Sean and Liz discuss: bills; automatic bill pay; medical expenses; prioritizing spending and saving; credit card rewards points; budgeting; managing lifestyle changes; reaching financial goals; time as a monetary resource; fractional shares; compounding interest; emergency funds; retirement planning; money management; and budgeting, investing, and building wealth for teenagers. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

The car market has been a mess for … a while. Is now a better time to buy than a year ago? And how is the car market looking for the rest of the year? This episode, Sean and Sara answer a listener’s question about car buying in 2023. And to kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about the issues and providers that consumers are complaining about the most. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 6:24  Money Question segment: 6:25 - 26:40  Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to plan for the golden years with a deep dive into long-term care, Social Security, Medicare and estate planning. 3:23 Long-Term Care Insurance: Kate Ashford, a certified senior advisor specializing in Medicare and retirement topics, discusses the intricacies of long-term care insurance, including exactly what Medicare covers in terms of long-term care costs. Kate also discusses alternative options to long-term care insurance such as hybrid policies that combine permanent life insurance with a long-term care rider. 8:30 Social Security: Liz Weston, a certified financial planner and senior writer on the core personal finance team, offers insights into the misconceptions and complexities surrounding Social Security. Liz discusses the big benefits of delaying Social Security claims to maximize benefits, addresses the idea of Social Security going bankrupt, and explains the difference between the decision to stop working and the decision to apply for Social Security. Liz also breaks down what happens to Social Security benefits when one member of a married couple dies. 15:47 Medicare: Alex Rosenberg, a lead writer specializing in Medicare and information technology, provides a comprehensive understanding of Medicare, a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and over. Alex explains the different parts of Medicare, including Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (outpatient care), and Part D (prescription drugs), and their associated costs and coverage. Alex also discusses the pros and cons of the two ways of getting Medicare coverage and stresses the importance of knowing when to sign up, choosing the appropriate coverage, preparing for premiums, and planning for non-covered healthcare needs. 24:02 Estate Planning: Dalia Ramirez, a lead writer specializing in estate planning, explores the critical aspects of end-of-life planning and estate management. Dalia talks about the necessary tools for estate planning, such as wills, trusts, beneficiary designated accounts, and property deeds, and delves into the significance of healthcare and medical pre-planning, which includes power of attorney designation and living wills. Dalia also discusses the importance of having a plan in place for emergency scenarios and the roles you might serve for a loved one, such as being a power of attorney for medical decisions or a beneficiary of their property.  33:26 Q&A: The Nerds wrap up by explaining whether it’s possible to qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, broad guidelines for coordinating the many responsibilities siblings may share when it comes to taking care of aging parents, and how often a will should be revisited after it’s created. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: end-of-life planning, the 30/60 talk, the 40/70 talk, long-term care insurance, Social Security benefits, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, estate planning, health insurance, retirement planning, wills, trusts, power of attorney designation, living wills, emergency planning, family caregiving, managing medical and financial responsibilities, long-term financial decisions, healthcare pre-planning, beneficiary designations, and property deeds. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Saving for retirement can be a challenge for anyone — even our Nerds.  To kick off a new series called “How the Nerds Do It,” Sean talks with investing Nerd Alana Benson about how she maxed out her retirement account. Alana explains what finally made her able to invest and her unique strategy for funding her Roth IRA. She also gives tips to make the most of your retirement savings.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how you can balance the joy and financial responsibility of having a pet without having to compromise either of them. How much does it cost to own a pet? How can you make pet care affordable without compromising quality? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade share personal stories about their pets and discuss the rising costs of veterinary care to help you understand how to manage pet expenses effectively. They discuss various financial aspects of pet ownership, including tips and tricks on managing the rising costs of veterinary services, creating a rainy day fund for pet emergencies, and leveraging community support for pet-sitting. Chloe Butler, a new kitty parent in Tulsa, also joins the show to talk about the process of becoming a pet owner. Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, veterinarian and CEO of the San Francisco Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), joins Sean and Ronita to discuss strategies for affordable pet care and making informed decisions about pet adoption. They discuss the time and financial resources required for pet ownership, tips for sourcing cost-effective pet supplies and treats, and common financial pitfalls new pet owners should avoid.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: affordable pet care, pet ownership costs, pet care tips, financial responsibility for pets, cost-effective pet care, veterinary expenses, pet rainy day fund, multiple pets benefits, pet enrichment items, pet treats, travel with pets, community pet support, pet sitting tips, pet setup costs, ongoing pet maintenance, pet adoption considerations, pet insurance, unexpected vet expenses, pet financial planning, pet budgeting tips, pet parent tips, pet parenting guide, financially responsible pet ownership, managing pet expenses, maximizing pet joy, pet ownership challenges, pet care strategies, pet quality of life, pet grooming costs, pet food costs, pet medical needs, pet social needs, pet adoption fees, and pet community building. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Get expert tips on how to pack for travel efficiently and effectively, including clever ways to save on baggage fees. How can you keep luggage costs down during holiday travel? What are the best strategies for managing carry-on luggage, especially for international trips? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss efficient luggage management to help you understand how to save money on baggage fees. They begin with a discussion of minimizing luggage costs, with tips and tricks on rolling clothes, borrowing essentials from family members, and sticking to a carry-on bag. Then, travel writer Jessie Beck joins Meghan to discuss effective packing techniques, including the benefits of using smaller bags to prevent overpacking, creating a versatile travel capsule wardrobe, and dealing with potential issues like gate-checked bags and delayed luggage. They also cover the importance of miniaturizing items such as wallets, using airline apps and AirTags to track luggage, and understanding airline compensation policies for delayed bags.  Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel tips, holiday travel, packing light, carry-on luggage, minimalist packing, efficient packing, luggage costs, baggage claim, travel capsule wardrobe, international travel, gate-checked bags, airline apps, AirTags, delayed luggage compensation, travel credit cards, lost luggage, winter travel packing, sports trip packing, travel sized items, packing strategies, holiday season travel, airline policies, carry-on only travel, luggage fees, and luggage tracking. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Do you know the right way to manage your credit? To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner dig into a few common credit myths — and how people can confidently raise their credit.  Then Sean and Sara answer a listener’s money question about how to get a grip on their budget with an irregular income.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-9:15 Money question segment: 9:16-24:40

Wrapping up the #NewMoneyGoals series, Liz and Sean talk with home buying Nerd Holden Lewis about what would-be homebuyers need to know in 2021. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Learn how AI tools can help you brainstorm personalized gift ideas, compare options, and simplify your holiday shopping. How can AI help you save time and money? Should you trust AI for gift-giving advice? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski explore how artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can streamline holiday shopping. Joined by NerdWallet experts Amanda Barroso and Kurt Woock, they offer actionable tips for integrating AI into your shopping routine while staying cautious about its limitations. They discuss how AI can generate gift ideas tailored to your budget and preferences, provide practical starting points for decision-making, and even organize comparisons in easy-to-read formats. In addition to the AI discussion, Tess and Anna recap the latest financial headlines, including the upcoming Black Friday Amazon worker strikes, the surprising drop in Thanksgiving dinner costs this year, and a rise in existing home sales as mortgage rates decline.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: holiday shopping, AI shopping tools, Black Friday shopping, shopping with ChatGPT, using ChatGPT for holiday gift ideas, AI gift recommendations, online shopping, Christmas shopping, holiday sales, AI-generated gift ideas, personalized gift ideas, AI holiday planning, smart shopping with AI, time-saving holiday tips, and AI-driven gift ideas. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Knowing what you want from your life and your money is one thing. Actually knowing how to make it happen is another. In this episode, Sean and Liz interview Andrew DaCosta, a pilot who has sky-high ambitions, but needs some help to get them off the ground.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review. We appreciate it.

Learn how to tackle credit card debt, build savings, and decide between debt payoff and investing for financial growth. How can you pay off credit card debt faster and smarter? When should you prioritize paying off debt over investing your money? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss credit card payoff strategies and building an emergency fund to help you strengthen your financial security. They begin by talking to Adam, a Smart Money listener, who has questions about what to do with a windfall. They discuss options for paying down high-interest credit card debt, with tips and tricks on using balance transfers wisely, automating payments and reducing financial stress. They also discuss whether to prioritize debt payoff, fund investments or save for other financial goals — before getting into strategies for balancing long-term retirement planning, managing 0% APR debt effectively, and enjoying life without derailing financial progress. Then, host Elizabeth Ayoola and NerdWallet debt writer Tiffany Curtis join Sean to answer a listener’s question about loan payoff strategies while deciding when it’s better to focus on investing versus debt repayment. They explore the pros and cons of the snowball and avalanche debt payoff methods, how to calculate returns from paying down debt versus investing, and strategies for multitasking financial goals to build a stronger financial future. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: paying off credit card debt, prioritize debt or investing, snowball vs avalanche method, balance transfer tips, high-interest credit cards, emergency fund savings, how to pay off debt, investing vs paying debt, debt payoff strategies, personal finance tips, managing debt, 0% APR credit card, financial windfall tips, credit card debt help, debt-free planning, emergency fund tips, investing basics, save for retirement, Roth IRA strategies, 457 retirement plan, credit card payoff calculator, budgeting for savings, automating finances, debt-free goals, financial security tips, financial planning for families, saving for college, 529 plan benefits, high-yield savings accounts, avoiding credit card interest, tips for financial independence, and when to invest. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to use AI for help with budgeting and saving money, then learn whether credit cards or debit cards are safer. 01:30 This Week in Your Money: NerdWallet banking writer Chanelle Bessette joins hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner to discuss how AI can be used to help with budgeting and saving money. They explore how AI chatbots can assist in creating a budget and setting savings goals, why it’s important to double check chatbots’ math and consider seeking official financial advice for more risky decisions. They also talk about the benefits of incorporating AI into money management and DIY projects by providing cost estimates and step-by-step instructions.  12:47 Today’s Money Question: NerdWallet writer Melissa Lamberina joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about whether it’s safer to use a debit card or a credit card. She breaks down the differences in protections for credit and debit cards, including built-in safeguards and liability limits. They also explore the benefits of using credit cards and share their personal approaches to using credit and debit cards for daily transactions. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: AI chatbots, personal finance, budgeting help, savings, banking, money management, DIY projects, credit cards, debit cards, fraud protection, tracking expenses, financial strategies, daily transactions, artificial intelligence, credit card rewards, Electronic Funds Transfer Act, Fair Credit Billing Act, and liabilities for fraudulent charges. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

You can fly abroad in business class on points alone — if you know how to play the points game. To wrap up our Nerdy Travel Diaries series, Liz talks with travel Nerd Elina Geller about her strategy for booking international business class flights.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Find yourself saving more cash during the pandemic? On this episode, Sean talks with banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette about what people are doing with their pandemic-driven savings. Then, Liz and Sean answer a listener’s question about when you owe taxes on an inheritance. To have the Nerds answer your money questions, email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Understand employer-provided benefits, from dental and vision coverage to more unique perks like legal assistance. In the third and final episode of our special series on open enrollment, hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss the various benefits that employers offer during open enrollment season aside from health insurance. Liz speaks with Amber Clayton (Society for Human Resource Management) about dental and vision coverage, long-term care insurance, pet insurance, legal assistance, adoption assistance, gym memberships, mental health benefits, and more.  They offer tips for preparing for open enrollment and provide statistics on how common it is for certain benefits to be offered. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: employer-provided benefits, benefits packages, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), open enrollment season, dental coverage, vision coverage, ACA Marketplace, healthcare.gov, supplemental coverage, long-term care options, gym memberships, mental health benefits, employee benefits, pet insurance, in-network providers, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, financial planning, legal assistance, employee assistance programs, financial wellness, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, student loan reimbursements, 529 plan payroll deductions, company swag, free snacks, matching charitable contributions, and employee retention and recruitment. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Listen to our webinar on how banking right can help you grow your money, with tips for choosing accounts and changing banks.  What are the benefits of online banks or credit unions over traditional banks? What should you consider before changing banks? How can you passively grow your wealth by putting your money into savings accounts and CDs? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer moderates a discussion on banking-specific topics that could help you get more from your money. 01:34 Choosing a Banking Institution: Banking Nerd Spencer Tierney explores the essentials of banking, from choosing the right bank accounts to understanding the benefits of different banking institutions like online banks, credit unions and national banks. He discusses the importance of federal deposit insurance for account safety and how banks use your deposits to fund loans and investments, potentially paying you interest in return. He also touches on the convenience and security offered by banks through services like direct deposits, bill payments, and encrypted online platforms, and covers the pros and cons of online banks. 10:47 Different Types of Bank Accounts: Banking Nerd Chanelle Bassette explains basic types of bank accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs), each serving different financial purposes. She emphasizes the importance of high interest rates and savings features like automatic transfers and roundup programs. Then, she discusses how CDs can help you reach medium to long-term savings goals. 22:34 Leveraging Savings Accounts for Financial Growth: Banking Nerd Margarette Burnette discusses the benefits and strategies for optimizing savings through high-yield savings accounts. She discusses the security provided by federally insured accounts and the impact of rising federal interest rates that can benefit savers. She also explains the power of compound interest by comparing the growth offered by traditional low-interest savings accounts with the gains possible from high-yield accounts, and touches on the difference between simple interest and APY. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance decisions, smart banking, financial growth, bank selection, savings accounts, choosing the right bank, high-yield savings accounts, avoiding fees, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, CDs, direct deposits, federal deposit insurance, FDIC, online banking, credit unions, national banks, financial empowerment, banking strategies, automatic savings features, account safety, interest rates, APY, simple interest, banking landscapes, financial aspirations, banking tools, encrypted online platforms, consumer banking, overdraft fees, shopping for banks, second chance checking accounts, fresh start checking accounts, bank accounts, savings goals, compound interest, federal interest rates, federally insured accounts, money management, financial services, financial institutions, and banking fees. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

What’s your plan for holiday shopping this year? To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about NerdWallet’s latest holiday shopping report, which explores how shoppers are navigating — and paying for — this unusual holiday season. They also discuss how they’re approaching shopping this year.  Then they answer a listener’s question about retirement account options for self-employed workers. While these workers have a number of options to explore, the choice that is best for them may depend on how many employees they have.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-12:01 Money Question segment: 12:02-23:11

Discover career growth strategies to boost your income, including negotiating raises, and navigating career growth and mentorship. What are some of the best ways to increase your income?  What are strategies for negotiating a higher salary and excelling in your current role?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss career growth techniques and salary negotiation strategies to help you understand how to maximize your earnings and achieve financial stability. They begin with a discussion of the importance of increasing your income rather than solely focusing on cutting expenses, breaking down the long-term financial difference that seemingly small increases in your income can make over the course of your career.  Then, “The Job Doctor” Tessa White joins Alana to discuss how to excel in your current role and position yourself for promotions and raises within an organization. They discuss the necessity of understanding the true expectations of your role, measuring your contributions through tangible metrics and effectively communicating your value to your organization. Additionally, they explore the importance of informal mentorship and how to enhance your skills by observing and learning from those who excel in specific areas. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: career strategies, income potential, salary negotiation, financial stability, career growth, job market, financial future, career success, career advancement, career coaches, raise negotiations, job offers, informal mentorship, skill enhancement, job promotion, financial goals, earnings increase, career metrics, value proposition, workplace visibility, career mentors, market value, career coach, industry experience, job stability, promotion strategies, income jump, salary bump, corporate growth, financial planning, income investment, and company red zones. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

People who invest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies need to be ready for a wild ride. Values can soar and plunge, plus there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back. Cryptocurrency is more of a gamble than an investment, and shouldn’t be more than a small portion of your overall portfolio. As always, send us your money questions! Email podcast@nerdwallet.com or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing. What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of investing in high-quality kitchen gear and what to consider when moving your money to an online bank so you can make smarter, more intentional financial choices. They begin by speaking with Michele Norris, host of the podcast Your Mama’s Kitchen. She explains how you can align your purchases with your cooking habits — without falling for social media hype. Plus, they discuss how to think about home kitchen upgrades, including tips and tricks on choosing the right knife or stove, knowing when to skip premium brands, and avoiding aesthetic-driven purchases that don’t match your lifestyle.  Then, NerdWallet consumer banking editor Ruth Sarreal joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to evaluate whether switching banks makes sense. They explore how to compare rates and fees, keep your auto-payments organized, and transition smoothly without damaging your credit or missing a bill. NerdWallet’s roundup of the best online checking accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/online-checking-accounts  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: high yield savings account, switching banks, best kitchen appliances to buy, online-only banks, SoFi checking account, bank account switching process, best knives for home cooks, Vitamix vs Ninja blender, Le Creuset alternatives, when to splurge on appliances, budgeting for kitchen upgrades, online banks vs traditional banks, how to switch banks, ATM access with online banks, pros and cons of online banks, choosing a stove, best air fryer to buy, kitchen appliances worth the money, countertop appliances, instant pot storage, what to look for in a blender, managing multiple bank accounts, best checking accounts, how to avoid bank fees, how to transfer auto-payments, comparing bank APYs, personal finance for home cooks, financial planning for kitchen purchases, emotional value of kitchen gear, and sentimental kitchen items. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Explore FAFSA’s impact on college finances, including changes to the application process and shifts in aid eligibility. How do changes to FAFSA affect your eligibility for federal student loans and need-based grants? What’s the best way to navigate the recent rollout amid technical issues with the website when it launched last month? What information do you need in order to complete your FAFSA application, and what happens after you submit it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the chaos surrounding the release of the revamped FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with special guest Eliza Haverstock, NerdWallet’s expert on student loans.  You’ll walk away with essential advice on completing FAFSA paperwork, timeline expectations for applicants, and avenues for seeking assistance. Plus: hear the latest financial headlines around surprising job market figures, fluctuating gas prices, the FDA's approval for Florida to import drugs from Canada, and the Education Department's actions on student loan servicers.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial aid, college expenses, new FAFSA changes, student loans, tuition, education costs, scholarships, grants, application process, college affordability, federal aid, student financial aid packages, college funding, tuition fees, aid eligibility, student aid index, college financials, education expenses, FAFSA glitches, aid impact, financial aid awards, aid alterations, student aid formulas, college financing, December jobs report, Labor Department, hiring binge, gas prices, drug imports from Canada, Florida law, MOHELA, Aidvantage, EdFinancial, Nelnet, Department of Education, and FSA ID. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to navigate job changes, maximize retirement benefits, and celebrate personal and financial accomplishments. How should you navigate job changes when it affects your retirement benefits? What options do military spouses have for saving for retirement? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss managing unvested retirement funds to help you understand how to make the most of your employment benefits. They begin with a discussion of the importance of celebrating success after working towards a goal, financial or otherwise. Then Sean talks to Lacey Langford, an accredited financial coach and founder of MILMO, a platform to help the military community better their finances, about tips and tricks for financial planning for military families. Lacey helps Sean answer a listener’s question about changing jobs, discussing how vesting schedules work, how to negotiate benefits with employers, the challenges of frequent relocations, how to maximize retirement savings through IRAs and spousal IRAs, and the importance of tapping into community and government resources to build financial stability. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: retirement benefits, 401k vesting, job changes and retirement, military spouse financial planning, saving for retirement, how vesting schedules work, spousal IRA, financial tips for military families, retirement savings options, navigating job changes, maximizing employer benefits, retirement planning, emergency savings, career transitions, negotiating with employers, military spouse benefits, financial stability, investment strategies, saving for the future, IRA contributions, how to handle job transitions, individual retirement accounts, and navigating career changes. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Medical debt can be confusing and, for some, financially debilitating. In this episode of the Nerdy Book Club series, NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer talks with author Emily Maloney about her personal experience with the health care system — both as an ER worker and a patient. Maloney also sheds light on how quickly medical costs can spiral out of control.  In her book of essays, “Cost of Living,” Emily Maloney shares how, after accumulating thousands of dollars of debt, she eventually gets free of it and suggests ways that those currently weighed down by medical debt can do the same. She also offers insight into the debt collection process in light of recent changes. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

If you wanted to dramatically upend your life overnight, you probably could — but it could have unintended consequences.  You do have the power to transform your life, though, from your job, to where you live and how you manage your finances. In this episode, Sean and Sara talk with Jill Schlesinger — CBS business analyst, host of the “Jill on Money” podcast and author of “The Great Money Reset” — about how you can enact the changes you want in your life. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

We recap the financial rollercoaster that was 2023, including interest rates, market movements, travel mishaps and more. Before reviewing this year’s biggest financial news headlines, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss federal interest rates, dropping mortgage rates, strong holiday spending numbers, and two new record highs — one for the stock market, and the other for a Southwest Airlines fine. Then, Sean and Anna turn their attention to an analysis of the economy's bizarre yet resilient nature in 2023. They discuss the strength of the job market, inflation fluctuations, surprising deflation in certain sectors, Congress's tussles over the debt ceiling, banks collapsing, and the trials of student loan borrowers. They also discuss the news that came at the conclusion of 2023, including looming government shutdown concerns and ongoing Congressional debates, setting the stage for what could unfold in the financial landscape of the coming year.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance news, Federal Reserve, interest rates, mortgage rates, housing market, stock market, inflation, the US economy, holiday spending, Southwest Airlines, travel, unemployment, debt ceiling, Congress, banks, student loans, job market, inflation, government shutdown, strikes, gas prices, financial events, economic analysis, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a record high. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Craft your holiday shopping plan with Black Friday insights, then understand options for buying a home in today’s market. 01:24 This Week in Your Money: Unlock the secrets of savvy shopping by learning about the biggest sales events of the year. Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the holiday shopping season with Personal Finance Nerd Tommy Tindall, who talks about the value of shopping on Black Friday versus other annual sales events like Cyber Monday, the best days of the season to find deals in certain categories like big ticket electronics and winter clothing, and helpful tips for how to budget for your holiday shopping list.  12:55 Today’s Money Question: Home and Mortgage Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s question about whether to purchase a home now or wait and see if interest rates go down. They discuss the current state of interest rates, the refinancing process, interest rate buy downs, adjustable rate mortgages, and how state and local programs can help first-time homebuyers. They also explore different types of homes such as condos or townhouses on their way to helping first-time buyers understand their options for making homeownership an affordable dream. If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Black Friday shopping tips, sales events, Cyber Monday, housing market, housing affordability crisis, 30-year mortgages, homeownership, adjustable rate mortgages, refinancing, home affordability calculator, housing affordability solutions, first-time home buyers, credit card debt, holiday shopping, home ownership, interest rates, real estate, and buy now, pay later loans. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to diversify investments, leverage tax-advantaged accounts, and set realistic goals for long-term financial growth. How can you diversify your investment portfolio and reduce risk? What are the best ways to save and grow $44,000 in seven years? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss investment strategies and realistic goal setting to help you make smarter financial decisions. They begin by sharing a discussion of tax-advantaged accounts featuring Investing Nerd Alana Benson, with tips and tricks on understanding Roth IRAs and 401(k)s, leveraging employer matching, and choosing the right accounts for your needs. Alana also discusses how you can diversify investments for stability, why index funds can reduce risk, and the importance of knowing your timeline for financial goals. Then, Sean and Sara are joined by their co-host Elizabeth Ayoola to answer a listener’s question about how they can grow their investment portfolio to save $44,000 in seven years. The hosts explore strategies for diversifying investments, managing risk, and setting realistic financial goals, providing actionable advice on using tools like index funds, robo-advisors, and high-yield savings accounts. They also discuss the risks of undiversified portfolios and how to align investments with specific timelines and goals. Use NerdWallet’s free investment calculator to estimate how much your investments or savings will compound over time, based on factors like how much you plan to save or invest, your initial deposit and your expected rate of return: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/investment-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to diversify investments, investment risk management, Roth IRA vs traditional IRA, compound interest, index funds vs ETFs, tax-advantaged accounts, high-yield savings accounts, how to start investing, passive vs active investing, portfolio diversification, stock market basics, understanding 401(k) matching, investment calculators, robo-advisors, benefits of ETFs, how to manage investment risks, tax benefits of retirement accounts, how to set financial goals, saving for retirement tips, investment timeline strategies, benefits of index funds, investing in the S&P 500, how to balance risk in investments, savings account vs investment, building an emergency fund, how to invest with a 7-year timeline, tips for financial planning, saving vs investing, maximizing returns in a short timeframe, avoiding familiarity bias in investing, pros and cons of day trading, why passive investing works, realistic investment goals, investment options for beginners, risk of single-stock investments, and compound interest benefits for young investors. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to juggle finances for aging parents and kids, plus what the latest labor market data means for your wallet. How do you navigate the financial challenges of caring for aging parents while raising kids? How should the job market impact your financial decisions? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down the realities of the sandwich generation and the latest labor market trends shaping Americans’ financial outlook. They begin with a discussion of how economic sentiment differs from reality, exploring new data on job security, wage growth, and job seekers' frustrations. Senior news writer Anna Helhoski and NerdWallet economist Elizabeth Renter join to discuss how people’s perceptions of the labor market compare to actual employment data and why younger workers feel the impact of job market shifts more acutely. Then, NerdWallet Medicare authority and certified senior advisor (CSA)®  Kate Ashford joins to tackle the financial challenges of managing aging parents’ finances while also raising children. They discuss essential conversations to have with loved ones, strategies for handling medical and long-term care costs, and the importance of estate planning and power of attorney. Read NerdWallet’s new report looking at our perception of how things are relative to what they really are: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/labor-market-sentiment  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: managing parents’ finances, sandwich generation financial planning, how to care for aging parents financially, power of attorney for parents, how to talk to parents about money, estate planning for parents, best way to pay for long-term care, Medicare vs Medicaid long-term care, financial help for caregivers, how to manage caregiving costs, labor market trends 2025, job market outlook 2025, job market for Gen Z, wage growth vs inflation, worker sentiment survey, hiring trends 2025, job security in 2025, financial stress of caregiving, balancing kids and elderly parents, generational wealth planning, how to talk to family about money, financial stress and mental health, caregiving while working full-time, and budgeting for multi-generational households. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Explore key insights into the current real estate market as the Nerds unpack the results of the 2024 Home Buyer Report. Should you rent or own your home? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore the financial and lifestyle implications of each choice, drawing insights from a recent NerdWallet survey and a firsthand account from fellow Nerd Elizabeth Renter, who transitioned from homeownership to renting. From rising home prices and mortgage rates to the hidden costs of homeownership, this episode uncovers the reasons why renting might be a less stressful option in today’s market. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced considerations involved in deciding between renting and owning, along with actionable advice for managing the financial impact of each choice. Later in the episode, Sean and Anna discuss the latest money headlines, including insights into April’s job numbers, updates on Social Security’s financial outlook, and an intriguing ballot measure in California aimed at improving financial literacy through high school education.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: renting vs owning, homeownership, renting, home buying, money headlines, real estate market, property ownership, rental costs, home prices, mortgage rates, renting benefits, homeownership advantages, rental market trends, buying a house, renting tips, home affordability, renter demographics, owning a home, renting statistics, property investments, housing market analysis, cost of homeownership, real estate investments, renting lifestyle, home equity, home maintenance, property taxes, renting flexibility, housing affordability, home value appreciation, rental market data, homeownership myths, rental agreements, home repairs, mortgage affordability, housing expenses, rental income, and home ownership challenges.

Discover how you could turn your collectibles and passions into an actual business and stay ahead of market trends. How hard is it to make money from collectibles?  What kinds of things typically become collectible?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the unconventional method of selling collectibles to earn income to help you understand how your passions could yield financial gain. Sean speaks with Tyler Feldman, the Founder and CEO of Inscriptagraphs, a sports and entertainment memorabilia company, about the significance of researching market trends, leveraging platforms like eBay for sales, tips for staying ahead of market trends and how to find a balance between passion and practicality in the business of collecting. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: collectibles, memorabilia, monetizing collectibles, sports memorabilia, Inscriptographs, autographed memorabilia, Carrie Fisher movie scripts, Lady Gaga Oreos, baseball cards, comic books, vinyl records, childhood fascinations, nostalgia, financial success, Barbie dolls, entrepreneurial stories, memorabilia trading, autographs, the collectible market, investment in collectibles, trading cards, memorabilia value, nostalgia and memorabilia, unique collectibles, profitable collectibles, memorabilia industry, collecting tips, financial management, unconventional investments, making money from collectibles, Pokémon cards, eBay selling, collectible trends, autograph collecting, Mike Tyson memorabilia, and the sports collectibles market. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discusses the early rollout of $1.2B in student loan forgiveness and the future of debt relief. Why did the Biden administration accelerate student loan forgiveness by wiping away $1.2 billion in debt nearly six months ahead of schedule? How will eligible borrowers, especially those enrolled in the new income-driven repayment plan SAVE, be notified of this unexpected relief? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explain the latest in student loan forgiveness before Anna speaks with Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education. They break down the latest wave of debt relief, totaling a historic 138 billion dollars approved for cancellation among 3.9 million borrowers, all achieved through executive action. They also discuss the motivations behind prioritizing student debt forgiveness and the details of the SAVE plan, offering insights into who benefits, how eligible borrowers will be notified, and what lies ahead for student loan borrowers in 2024.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: student loans, loan forgiveness, Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, debt relief, income-driven repayment, financial aid, student debt, loan cancellation, loan eligibility, loan notification, executive action, loan benefits, repayment plan, loan borrowers, debt cancellation, loan relief, loan impact, loan insights, loan motivations, federal student aid, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how the strength of the US dollar impacts your finances, as well as its ramifications on the US and global economies. What does it mean to have a strong dollar? Who benefits the most from a strong US dollar? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the implications of a strong dollar on both domestic and global economies. They interview Cris deRitis, deputy chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, to demystify what a strong dollar means beyond its impact on travelers, along with what will happen if the dollar continues to become stronger. Then, Sean and Anna explore recent headlines, including major airlines’ resistance to transparent fee disclosures and record-breaking travel projections for Memorial Day weekend. They also discuss consumer discontent with credit card rewards programs, shedding light on hidden fees and devalued rewards. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: strong dollar, airline fees, credit card rewards, money news, global economy, domestic economy, travel impact, economic insights, airline transparency, travel fees, currency strength, dollar value, monetary policy, Federal Reserve, travel tips, consumer finance, economy analysis, finance trends, airline industry, vacation planning, personal finance, currency valuation, money management, economic stability, international travel, financial headlines, economic updates, financial education, and economic trends. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.