NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Writer, producer, and actor Felicia Day shares her financial journey working in Hollywood, with tips for managing your budget when gigs are inconsistent. What is your time worth? How do you value your time outside of work?  How can you manage finances in an unpredictable career like acting?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the concept of time valuation to help you understand how to balance personal worth against income. They begin with a discussion of time valuation, offering insights on the average hourly value people place on their time, the impact of this valuation on life decisions and assessing the value of unpaid personal tasks.  06:10 Interview with Felicia Day Sean speaks with Felicia Day about the financial strategies she employed to maintain an unstable career in Hollywood. They tackle topics such as frugal habits, the significance of diversifying one's portfolio for career longevity and aligning creative passions with financial stability. Plus: How to understand the financial education that you may have received even without having ever been given a formal financial education. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Hollywood finances, managing finances, acting career, freelancing lifestyle, financial strategies, financial acumen, Hollywood journey, value of time, budgeting tactics, work-life balance, career growth, financial stability, creative careers, personal well-being, professional satisfaction, financial security, generational differences, personal time investment, freelancing finances, unstable careers, diversifying skills, frugality, budgeting skills, theoretical mathematics, content creation, business acumen, media industry, creative fulfillment, career shifts, entrepreneurial leaps, work-life harmony, managing a budget, career resilience, and skills 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand how first-gen Americans can achieve financial success with tips for balancing cultural obligations and wealth-building strategies. How can first-generation Americans grow their wealth and protect their money? How can you set financial boundaries with family and friends while staying committed to your long-term financial goals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer discuss the unique financial challenges faced by first-generation Americans and immigrant families to help you understand strategies for achieving financial independence. They begin with a discussion of tips and tricks on managing dual financial pressures of supporting oneself and one's parents and breaking cycles of poverty through self-compassion and financial education. Jannese Torres, host of the personal finance podcast Yo Quiero Dinero, joins Kim to discuss the importance of building a strong financial support network tailored to individual needs. They discuss strategies for identifying trustworthy financial advisors, setting and maintaining financial boundaries with family and friends, and gracefully declining costly invitations in favor of ensuring long-term financial success. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating cultural and familial obligations while striving for financial independence. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial success, first-generation Americans, wealth building strategies, Jannese Torres, mastering money, immigrant families, navigating financial challenges, first-gen success, building wealth, immigrant stories, financial freedom, new Americans, supporting family, financial goals, empowering immigrant communities, financial literacy, actionable advice, cultural responsibilities, retirement savings, breaking cycles of poverty, self-compassion, financial stability, culturally competent education, financial trauma, financial support network, trustworthy advisors, financial boundaries, costly events, long-term financial success, multiple income streams, personal finance, and money beliefs. 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn to navigate pet insurance options, costs, and smart budgeting strategies for your pet's health care. Is pet insurance worth it? How can pet owners afford the rising costs of veterinary care? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the ins and outs of pet insurance and various budgeting strategies to help you manage pet care expenses effectively. They begin with a discussion of the importance of pet insurance amidst escalating vet bills, with tips and tricks on the potential financial benefits of pet insurance, the low adoption rate of pet insurance in the US, and interesting trivia like the first US pet insurance policy issued for Lassie. Then, NerdWallet pet insurance expert Sarah Schlichter joins Sean and Ronita to discuss the basics of pet insurance. They discuss the different types of pet insurance plans available, common misconceptions about pet insurance, and other critical factors to consider, such as deductibles, co-pays, and policy exclusions. Plus: potential hidden fees and the nuances of claim payouts, key features to look for when comparing providers, and alternative financial strategies such as vet subscription services. Read NerdWallet’s article about the best pet insurance companies for 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/best-pet-insurance-companies  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: pet insurance, pet care budgeting, saving on vet bills, veterinary costs, pet insurance options, pet insurance costs, pet care solutions, financial side of pet care, pet insurance explained, pet insurance basics, navigating pet care costs, pet insurance coverage, pet insurance plans, understanding pet insurance, pet insurance benefits, pet insurance for dogs, pet insurance for cats, wellness care for pets, accident and illness insurance, pet insurance premiums, hidden fees in pet insurance, claim payouts, deductibles and copays, policy exclusions, reading sample plans, comparing pet insurance providers, dental disease coverage, alternative treatments for pets, behavioral therapy for pets, dedicated savings accounts for pets, vet subscription services, pre-existing conditions, choosing pet insurance, budget and risk tolerance, economic euthanasia, advanced veterinary treatments, pet insurance trivia, Lassie pet insurance, high-yield savings accounts for pets, and pet insurance misconceptions. 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can couples split housing expenses without splitting up? Learn how to keep your finances — and relationship — healthy. 01:30 This Week in Your Money: What part of your life can have an unexpected impact on your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how personal experiences with ADHD and side hustles have had financial implications for them beyond what you might expect. Learn how unexpected opportunities and even scrolling social media can impact your buying decisions and affect your bottom line. 12:31 Today’s Money Question: What’s the best method for splitting housing costs with your significant other? How can you figure out what’s “fair” when one partner is making a lot more money than the other? NerdWallet writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about how to split living expenses like mortgage and utility bills when cohabitating with a loved one.  They explore various options for splitting rent or mortgage payments, including informal agreements, formal rental contracts and tenancy in common. They also weigh the pros and cons of a classic 50/50 split versus splitting housing costs proportionally based on income, and explain why having an emergency fund is especially important when living with a romantic partner. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how you can ensure fairness and transparency through practical tips that can keep both your relationship and your finances healthy. We also wanted to let you know about an upcoming webinar from our tax Nerds on Wednesday, January 17th at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, noon Eastern Time. You will get the rundown on all things taxes, like tax credits, deductions, tax advantaged accounts, and how to prepare for a filing season. Space is limited, so click the link in the episode description to register. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: finances, housing costs, cohabitation, sharing expenses, couples, money in relationships, mortgage, income-based strategies, impulse buys, written contracts, roommate tax implications, cohabitation agreements, managing money, sensitive financial discussions, transparency, cost-splitting methods, financial partnerships, housing budgeting, formalizing financial arrangements, rental agreements, tenancy in common, financial responsibilities, life goals, and emergency funds. 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gain 2024 investment insights and get answers to questions on long-term strategies, stock market volatility, real estate investments trusts and more. Investing writer Alana Benson joins host Sean Pyles to discuss investing in 2024. They discuss the importance of having a long-term investment strategy, the performance of the stock market in 2023, the impact of interest rates on investments, and the potential for growth in sectors such as AI and green energy.  They also touch on the benefits of investing in 10-year Treasury notes (T-notes), real estate investment trusts (REITs) and high-yield savings accounts, among other advice for those looking to grow their wealth by getting into investing in the new year.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market volatility, investment insights, 2024 investments, financial landscape, long-term financial goals, risk management, AI sector, high yield savings accounts, green energy, REIT, economic resilience, portfolio diversification, stock market performance, psychology and the economy, 10-year Treasury notes (T-notes), economic growth, active traders, economic vibes, and inflation. 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take your New Year’s Resolutions to the next level by establishing SMARTR financial goals that you can achieve in 2024. Wondering how to set financial goals you’ll actually follow through on? Have questions about how to avoid end-of-year financial regrets? The Nerds have you covered! Explore strategies for setting realistic goals in 2024 with hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Renter as they discuss “regrets and resolutions” and share ideas to help you take your 2023 experiences in stride, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones for creating a stable financial future.  They explore some of the financial regrets that haunted many Americans in 2023, including overspending and saving too little, and provide tips for avoiding common financial regrets, such as taking on too much credit card debt. Sean also explains his SMARTR framework for setting and achieving goals, which you can apply to your New Year’s Resolutions or any other goal you have in 2024. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: SMARTR financial goal setting, financial regrets, setting realistic goals, budgeting, saving, credit card debt, large expenses, New Year’s resolutions, goal setting framework, emergency funds, and 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn pro tips for shopping on social media so you don’t overspend, and smart strategies for investing your spare cash. This Week in Your Money: Get equipped with practical tips to shop smart on social media platforms and stay vigilant against overspending. Personal finance Nerd Kimberly Palmer joins hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston for a Nerdy look at how your social media feed may be leading you to spend more money than you should. You’ll learn about useful browser extensions to help you compare prices, a reminder to check customer reviews and how the setting and a false sense of urgency can lead people to spend too much money and perhaps share too much personal information. Today’s Money Question: Investing Nerd Sam Taube joins Sean and Liz to answer a listener’s question about how to invest extra money currently sitting in a high-yield savings account. The Nerds take a deep look into the importance of emergency funds and how to set realistic financial goals, offering practical advice on starting your own emergency fund and discussing how your cost of living can influence the amount you should consider saving. They also explain how using online banks can make savings goals more tangible, before they switch gears and dive into the vast world of investment options, including the mutual funds, exchange traded funds, individual stocks, high-interest savings accounts and money market accounts. Takeaway Tips. In their conversation, Sean and Liz discuss: social media shopping; influencer marketing; price comparison shopping; how to read customer reviews; smart shopping browser extensions; limited time offers; options for investing spare cash; emergency funds; cost of living adjustments; online bank savings buckets; short-term and long-term financial goals; money market savings accounts; money market mutual funds; CDs; and splurging. 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves of 2023 as submitted by their fellow colleagues. Some of the highlights include saving aggressively to prepare for future expenses, getting rid of private mortgage insurance, automating finances for budgeting and planning, setting up 529 college savings plans for children, shopping around for the best mortgage rates, and understanding the difference between an emergency fund and a rainy day fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices