NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Anna Helhoski, a senior news writer at NerdWallet, joins the hosts to tackle the complexities behind 'Made in the USA' labels. They delve into how tariffs shape consumer prices and the challenges of identifying truly domestic products in a global market. The conversation then shifts to practical advice on managing finances for home repairs. They discuss how to choose between high-yield savings and money market accounts, smart savings strategies, and the importance of financial flexibility when juggling multiple home repair costs.

Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money to help you understand both the practical and emotional sides of financial well-being. NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer joins the show to share her conversation with Aja Evans, a financial therapist and author of Feel-Good Finance: Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being. They discuss money taboos and financial trauma, with tips and tricks on how to open up about money, build healthier habits, and understand your emotional triggers. Then, Bri, a listener from Chicago, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss navigating job loss and making tough financial decisions. They discuss how to choose between COBRA and marketplace health insurance, when to consider tapping savings or debt, and how to balance job search priorities without derailing your financial future. They also share smart strategies for cutting spending, staying motivated with rewards-based goals, and deciding what to do with old retirement accounts. Learn more about NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast Book Club: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/bookclub  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: job loss finances, what to do after losing a job, COBRA vs marketplace insurance, unemployment benefits, high-yield savings accounts, emotional spending, financial trauma, money shame, how to budget after layoff, unemployment job search tips, how to choose health insurance after job loss, rollover retirement account, how to talk about money, financial therapy, coping with job loss, 50/30/20 budget rule, rebuilding emergency funds, how to negotiate salary, unemployment and freelance work, how to cut spending fast, when to tap retirement savings, mental health and money, money mindset, smart budgeting strategies, financial stress relief, marketplace health insurance, spending triggers, navigating layoffs, unemployment and part-time work, personal budgeting goals, rebuilding after job loss, job loss recovery plan, financial therapy techniques, affordable health insurance options, rolling over 401(k), money taboos, improving financial habits, saving during unemployment, and the emotional impact of job loss. 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.

In this discussion, economist Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet delves into the implications of a shrinking GDP and the potential signs of a recession. She, alongside health insurance expert Kate Ashford, provides keen insights on effectively managing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), especially during employer contribution changes. They tackle crucial aspects like HSA rollovers, tax implications, and common pitfalls. Additionally, the conversation touches on the effects of inflation and tariffs on consumer behavior, painting a vivid picture of today's economic landscape.

Learn smart ways to budget for your wedding and how to navigate tipping expectations without overspending. What money lessons did you learn from your mom? How can you budget for a wedding without overspending — especially when your family is helping with costs? Sean and Elizabeth discuss the financial values we inherit and the realities of modern wedding planning to help you reflect on your own money habits and make smart spending decisions. They begin with a discussion about the money lessons they learned from their mothers, including the importance of saving consistently, using money to support joy and values, and balancing financial security with family priorities. Then, Lauren Kay, executive editor at The Knot, joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer listener Colleen’s questions about budgeting for her upcoming wedding. They explore how to prioritize spending when you're working with a fixed contribution from family, how to approach tipping vendors — especially when they own their own businesses — and which costs can easily catch you off guard. Whether you're in the middle of planning or just curious about the financial side of weddings, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights. Download the free NerdWallet app to get help with your budgeting: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: wedding budget tips, how to budget for a wedding, wedding tipping guide, who to tip at a wedding, how much to tip wedding vendors, budgeting for wedding expenses, saving for a wedding, splitting wedding costs with parents, tipping wedding vendors who own a business, cost-effective wedding planning, prioritizing wedding spending, how to stay under wedding budget, budgeting for a honeymoon, wedding spreadsheet tips, wedding transportation etiquette, managing family wedding contributions, early retirement inspiration, financial values from parents, learning about money from mom, budgeting lessons from childhood, saving and spending balance, how to use money to bring joy, wedding cost in urban areas, budgeting for a reception, how to cut wedding costs, tips for affordable weddings, tipping musicians at weddings, wedding vendor contracts, tipping etiquette weddings, wedding planning checklists, and wedding planning tools from The Knot. 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 what rising delinquencies mean for your finances, plus how to decide if you're truly ready to buy your first home. What happens if you fall behind on your loan or credit card payments? How much do you actually need to buy a house? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising debt delinquencies and first-time homebuying realities to help you protect your credit and avoid costly financial missteps. Joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they begin with a discussion of climbing delinquency rates across student loans, credit cards, auto loans, and government-backed mortgages, with tips and tricks on how to spot trouble early, prioritize which bills to pay first, and avoid risky quick-fix debt solutions. Then, mortgage Nerd Abby Badach Doyle joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss what it takes to buy a home for the first time. They discuss how much you actually need for a down payment, what to expect with closing costs, and smart alternatives to tapping your 401(k). You'll also hear the pros and cons of renting versus buying, why assembling a strong homebuying “squad” matters, and how to find down payment assistance that could make homeownership more realistic — even in today’s high-cost housing market. Use NerdWallet’s free home affordability calculator to see how far your homebuying budget could take you: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/how-much-house-can-i-afford  Learn how a first-time home buyer class can help you find grants, down payment assistance and a lower monthly payment: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/first-time-home-buyer-class  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: debt delinquencies, student loan default, FHA loan delinquency, auto loan delinquency, mortgage delinquencies, government loans vs conventional loans, student loan wage garnishment, rising credit card debt, prioritizing debt payments, what is PMI, down payment assistance programs, 401k loan for house, using IRA to buy home, renting vs buying a home, how much to put down on a house, closing costs explained, first time homebuyer loans, home affordability calculator, 28/36 rule mortgage, credit score for mortgage, PMI removal, VA loans, FHA loan requirements, USDA mortgage, best mortgage for first-time buyer, first-time homebuyer class, home buying on tight budget, mortgage broker vs lender, emotional readiness to buy a house, how to get rid of PMI, renting benefits, first-time homebuyer grants, how to avoid default, homebuying myths, home equity, and down payment myths. 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.

In a new Smart Planning segment, a finance expert tackles retirement goals and savings questions with a listener. How can you gift savings bonds? When is it time to stop saving for retirement early? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola offer tips for “spring cleaning” your finances, including refreshing your budget, resetting your financial goals, updating your insurance and estate plans, and getting back on track if emotional spending crept up earlier this year. Then, they debut Smart Planning, a new segment where a registered financial advisor helps a listener tackle real-life money questions. In this session, Certified Financial Planner Barbara Ginty, host of the Future Rich podcast, talks with listener Kay about navigating the transition from saving to spending. They dive into how to know when you’ve saved enough to scale back at work, how to plan for rising medical costs in retirement, and how to gift savings bonds the right way. If you’ve ever wondered what financial freedom could look like after decades of diligent saving, this conversation is packed with insight. Inspired to navigate your finances with an advisor? Use NerdWallet Advisors Match to find vetted professionals today at https://www.nerdwalletadvisors.com/match  Track your budget and credit score on the NerdWallet app, and let the Nerds guide you toward your financial goals: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/mobile-app  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: updating financial goals, savings bonds, how to gift savings bonds, budgeting tools, emotional spending, estate planning checklist, updating beneficiaries, Roth IRA contributions, SEP IRA contributions, dollar-cost averaging investing, semi-retirement planning, when to stop saving for retirement, how much to save for retirement by 55, Medicare vs Medicare Advantage, retirement healthcare costs, setting up travel insurance, travel insurance for seniors, Roth vs traditional IRA in retirement, retirement income planning, safe withdrawal rate, 4% rule retirement, and required minimum distributions.. 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 how a weakening U.S. dollar affects your wallet and how you can escape the cycle of never-ending credit card debt.Why is the U.S. dollar losing value and how does that affect day-to-day spending? How can you make progress on credit card debt that feels impossible to tackle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of the U.S. dollar and strategies to break free from credit card debt. Joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they begin with a discussion of what’s behind the dollar’s recent decline, with tips and tricks on how it affects your travel budget, why prices may rise, and what to expect from currency exchange rates.Then, Sean and Elizabeth dig into a listener’s question about persistent credit card debt through a unique role-play segment. They discuss how to prioritize which card to pay down first, how to manage the emotional burden of debt, and ways to balance living your life while staying committed to repayment. If you've ever felt stuck with revolving debt or curious about how global trade policies might impact your wallet, this episode offers practical guidance and empathetic insights.Track your credit score, cash flow, net worth, and insurance for free using the NerdWallet app: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/mobile-app Debt Snowball Method: What It Is and How to Use It https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/what-is-a-debt-snowball In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: why the dollar is weakening, dollar value today, what affects dollar strength, how to track dollar index, USDX explained, how tariffs affect the dollar, U.S. dollar and inflation, dollar exchange rate travel, international travel exchange rate tips, how a weak dollar affects prices, adjusting your budget for inflation, credit card debt payoff tips, how to pay off credit card debt faster, credit card debt emotional toll, debt snowball vs avalanche, paying off high-interest cards, how to prioritize credit card debt, managing debt and lifestyle, balancing debt and enjoyment, debt payoff motivation, financial anxiety and debt, impact of Trump trade policy on dollar, Federal Reserve interest rates and the dollar, how investor confidence affects currency, fiat currency explained, weak dollar travel planning, credit card payoff challenges, credit card debt mental health, and making progress on credit card debt.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.

Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing.What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of investing in high-quality kitchen gear and what to consider when moving your money to an online bank so you can make smarter, more intentional financial choices. They begin by speaking with Michele Norris, host of the podcast Your Mama’s Kitchen. She explains how you can align your purchases with your cooking habits — without falling for social media hype. Plus, they discuss how to think about home kitchen upgrades, including tips and tricks on choosing the right knife or stove, knowing when to skip premium brands, and avoiding aesthetic-driven purchases that don’t match your lifestyle. Then, NerdWallet consumer banking editor Ruth Sarreal joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to evaluate whether switching banks makes sense. They explore how to compare rates and fees, keep your auto-payments organized, and transition smoothly without damaging your credit or missing a bill.NerdWallet’s roundup of the best online checking accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/online-checking-accounts In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: high yield savings account, switching banks, best kitchen appliances to buy, online-only banks, SoFi checking account, bank account switching process, best knives for home cooks, Vitamix vs Ninja blender, Le Creuset alternatives, when to splurge on appliances, budgeting for kitchen upgrades, online banks vs traditional banks, how to switch banks, ATM access with online banks, pros and cons of online banks, choosing a stove, best air fryer to buy, kitchen appliances worth the money, countertop appliances, instant pot storage, what to look for in a blender, managing multiple bank accounts, best checking accounts, how to avoid bank fees, how to transfer auto-payments, comparing bank APYs, personal finance for home cooks, financial planning for kitchen purchases, emotional value of kitchen gear, and sentimental kitchen items.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 how to stay calm during market volatility and whether a HELOC or cash-out refi makes sense for your home reno goals.What should you do with your investments when the stock market is particularly volatile? What’s the difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss coping with market volatility as well as borrowing against home equity to help you understand how to navigate uncertainty and also make smart decisions about home renovations. First, NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski and investing writer Sam Taube offer different strategies for approaching recent market volatility, including tips for ignoring short-term investment noise, building financial resilience, and understanding how tariffs affect the economy.Then, NerdWallet mortgage writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to borrow against your home’s value. They discuss the pros and cons of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and cash-out refinances, how to evaluate which option may suit your renovation goals, and strategies to avoid financial regret down the road.NerdWallet’s free HELOC calculator can help you figure out whether you could be eligible for a home equity line of credit—and how much you might be able to borrow: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/heloc-calculator In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market volatility, what to do when the stock market drops, HELOC vs cash-out refinance, home equity loan pros and cons, how to fund home renovations, building financial resilience, emergency fund tips, tariffs and the stock market, inflation and investments, Fed interest rate policy, bear market meaning, market downturn tips, investing during volatility, how tariffs affect the economy, bond ladder strategy, best time for HELOC, home equity loan risks, saving for home renovation, California home prices, budgeting for renovations, mortgage and equity options, financial impact of home improvements, refinance or HELOC for renovations, Vanguard FTSE All-World Ex-US ETF, iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF, international stocks vs US stocks, when to use a cash-out refinance, credit card debt vs investing, student loans and home equity, home improvement timeline planning, setting renovation budgets, housing equity strategies, planning for college savings, market correction vs crash, coping with investment stress, and financial planning in uncertain times.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.

Shannah Game, host of Everyone's Talkin' Money and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money, joins the discussion on transforming your money mindset. She emphasizes the impact of childhood beliefs on current financial habits and introduces the concept of weekly "money dates". The conversation then shifts to practical strategies for those navigating tight budgets, like building an emergency fund and investing small amounts. Listeners gain insights into leveraging budgeting tools and retirement accounts, ensuring a balanced approach to savings and longer-term goals.