Alana Benson

In this discussion, guest Alana Benson, Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares her expertise on smart investment strategies and ethical investing. She explains how to effectively diversify an investment portfolio and maximize the use of tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. The hosts delve into practical tips for growing $26K to $44K in seven years, highlighting the importance of index funds, managing risk, and setting achievable financial goals. They also address listener questions, providing actionable insights into building a stable investment future.

Start your 2026 investing strategy with smarter moves, fewer fees, and less stress when markets get rocky. How should you invest in 2026 if tech stocks keep dominating the market? What’s a smart checklist for leveling up your investing this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss diversification and investing tools to help you grow your wealth with a plan you can stick to. Then investing writer Alana Benson joins them to unpack what 2025’s market swings can teach you, how to diversify beyond mega-cap tech stocks (including options like equal-weight funds), and how to choose the right account and platform while keeping fees and taxes in mind. Check out NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://nerdwallet.com/awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market 2026, how to start investing, passive investing, index funds, S&P 500, Magnificent 7, AI stock bubble, rebalancing portfolio, asset allocation, stocks vs bonds allocation, long-term investing, market volatility, timing the market, brokerage account, best brokerage for beginners, best investing app, best robo-advisor, Fidelity investing, Interactive Brokers, Wealthfront robo advisor, ETFs, target date fund, robo-advisor, IRA contribution limit 2026, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, SEP IRA, 401k match, 529 plan, college savings plan, and retirement investing. 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

Joining the discussion are Alana Benson, an Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, and Jackie Veling, a personal loans writer and BNPL authority. They dive into the nitty-gritty of Buy Now, Pay Later services, exploring how these options can impact credit scores. The conversation shifts to managing unexpected wealth, specifically a $124,000 inheritance, with tips on balancing investments, debt, and enjoying life. Listeners learn about the importance of understanding investment fees and selecting the right accounts for their financial goals.