Amanda Barroso

Amanda Barroso, a consumer credit expert at NerdWallet, joins the hosts to demystify credit freezes and provide essential tips for protecting your financial identity. Listeners learn when and why to freeze their credit, comparing it with fraud alerts and credit locks. The discussion includes practical steps for freezing at all three bureaus, using apps for quick thaws, and avoiding common mistakes. Tune in to discover how the recent Fed rate cut affects loans and savings and what it means for your borrowing strategies.

Amanda Barroso, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, shares insights on recovering from credit score drops after debt consolidation. Maria Curi, a technology policy reporter for Axios, discusses how generative AI is transforming the job market and personal finance strategies. They dive into practical ways to utilize AI for budgeting and managing finances while highlighting the importance of data privacy. The conversation also covers alternatives to debt consolidation, revealing strategies to improve credit scores and avoid financial pitfalls.

In this engaging discussion, Amanda Barroso, a consumer credit expert, and Kurt Woock, a mortgage specialist, delve into how AI can revolutionize your holiday shopping. They reveal how tools like ChatGPT can provide personalized gift ideas and help compare options efficiently. There’s a cautionary note on the limitations and biases of AI, ensuring consumers are savvy in their use. Additionally, the conversation touches on current trends like Black Friday labor protests and the changing costs of Thanksgiving dinner, making for a well-rounded listen.

Anna Helhoski, a Senior news writer at NerdWallet, discusses insights from the 2026 Consumer Outlook survey, revealing how Americans feel about their financial future. Amanda Barroso, a credit writer, and Taryn Phaneuf, an investing writer, dive into strategies for managing a $1.2M TSP and 403(b) retirement savings, covering topics like asset allocation and estate planning. They emphasize the importance of balancing risk and taxes for a legacy while advising on options for retirement surprises and updating beneficiaries.

Amanda Barroso shares her low-buy journey, revealing how grief influenced her emotional spending. She emphasizes mindful budgeting, including planning for travel, and offers tips like creating a 'grief budget.' Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, discusses the alarming rise of job scams, highlighting red flags and recovery steps for victims. The conversation stresses the need for awareness in avoiding scams and encourages a proactive approach to protecting one’s finances.