NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast Insurance in 2026: Best Auto, Home, Life, and Pet Insurance Picks—Plus a Wake-Up Call on Credit Card Debt
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Jan 15, 2026 Kaz Weida, an insurance expert at NerdWallet, shares insights on the evolving insurance landscape in 2026. He discusses the factors driving rising insurance rates, like inflation and severe weather. Kaz advises on how to lower auto and homeowners premiums without compromising coverage. He highlights the importance of life insurance for those with dependents and explains when renters and pet insurance are worth considering. Plus, he reveals NerdWallet’s top picks for budget-friendly insurance options to help listeners save smartly.
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Rising Credit Card Debt Is Becoming Normal
- Revolving credit card debt rose over 4% and averages $11,413 for households carrying balances.
- Many people now view carrying balances as normal, which can reduce urgency to pay them off.
Both Necessity And Shopping Drive Revolving Debt
- Revolving debt climbed after pandemic paydowns ended, driven by necessities and shopping.
- The mix suggests both essential costs and discretionary spending fuel the rise.
Add Small Extra Payments To Speed Payoff
- If you can't pay aggressively, add small extra amounts to minimum payments to save years and thousands of dollars.
- Adding just $50 or $100 a month noticeably speeds payoff and cuts interest costs.