Caitlin Constantine, NerdWallet's home insurance expert, dives into the rising costs of home insurance driven by climate risks, offering practical tips for finding competitive rates. She highlights the struggles faced by homeowners in high-risk areas, particularly after disasters like wildfires. Savings expert Margaret Burnett clarifies the differences between high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts, discussing the pros and cons of each, while providing insights on maximizing savings. This conversation equips listeners with vital tools to navigate their financial future.

Holden Lewis, a NerdWallet mortgage reporter, shares his expertise on navigating the complex housing market of 2025. He discusses crucial tips for homebuyers in a high-rate environment, emphasizing the importance of mortgage pre-approval and budgeting for rising insurance costs. For sellers, Holden highlights the value of curb appeal and professional staging to attract buyers. The conversation also delves into broader trends, including the effects of 'rate lock-in' and new real estate agent commission rules, providing listeners with valuable strategies for buying and selling.

Discover the top financial tools for 2025, including a look at the best investment app, Fidelity. Learn how to choose the right mortgage lenders and maximize travel rewards with the leading credit cards. The discussion then shifts to the world of collectibles—can designer handbags or Magic: The Gathering cards be smart investments? Explore the risks and rewards of these non-traditional assets, including the importance of diversification and extensive research before diving in.

In this discussion, Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, shares her insights on effective budgeting and responsible credit management. She outlines the flexible 50/30/20 budgeting method and stresses the importance of customizing strategies to fit individual needs. Kim delves into smart credit card use, emphasizing transaction monitoring and maintaining low credit utilization. The conversation wraps up with practical tips for managing debt and enhancing credit health, all essential for building a solid financial foundation for 2025.

Join Caitlin Constantine, an insurance writer specializing in home coverage and disaster preparedness, along with Kate Bolger, a disaster recovery expert, as they dive into strategies for financial resilience in the face of natural disasters. Discover practical tips for preparing your finances, such as creating a home inventory and understanding insurance. They also tackle post-disaster recovery, discussing how to work with insurance companies, access aid from FEMA, and avoid scams. It's an essential listen for anyone looking to safeguard their financial future against climate impacts!

Explore money management strategies for travelers and expats, tackling the intricacies of credit card debt and international banking. Learn effective repayment tactics while navigating rising debt trends. Discover essential tips for managing finances abroad, including avoiding high fees and selecting the right credit cards. The conversation also dives into the emotional impacts of debt, focusing on proactive repayment and prioritizing financial goals. Finally, gain insights into navigating taxes and the benefits of professional assistance for expatriates.

In this insightful discussion, Sam Taube, an Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares his expertise on investment strategies for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of balancing risk and reward in investing and offers practical tips for rebalancing your portfolio. The conversation highlights the significance of diversification to navigate market uncertainty, warns against common investment pitfalls, and explains how to recognize scam signals. Sam also introduces index funds and briefly touches on cryptocurrency as speculative options for the future.

Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert from NerdWallet, joins the hosts to tackle the challenges of budgeting with irregular income. They discuss strategies for dividing large paychecks into manageable monthly budgets and the role of high-yield savings accounts. The conversation highlights the importance of tracking expenses and cutting mindless spending habits, alongside tips for making sustainable financial resolutions for the new year. There's also a look at engaging budgeting methods and apps to help streamline the process.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Renter, a Senior Economist at NerdWallet, shares her insights on avoiding financial regrets and making the most out of 2025. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic money goals and offers practical advice for mindful spending and budgeting. Key strategies include automating savings, building healthy credit habits, and creating flexible financial plans. Listeners learn how to reflect on past decisions to improve future financial health and set boundaries that lead to smarter money moves.

Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from NerdWallet Advisors, shares invaluable budgeting and debt management insights with listener Brinker, who struggles with spending habits and debt. They explore methods for tracking expenses and setting financial goals, while Magda emphasizes the importance of prioritizing debt repayment and creating a sustainable budget. The conversation also touches on Brinker’s childhood financial experiences and how they influence her current money management, making for a relatable and educational session.