NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

In this discussion, Kate Wood, NerdWallet's home expert, shares valuable insights on the fluctuating housing market. She reveals whether now is a smart time to buy property or if waiting may yield better results. The conversation dives into rising mortgage rates and the shifting landscape of U.S. cities. Additionally, tips abound for empowering teens to build responsible credit habits. Strategies for transitioning from student life to financial independence and encouraging long-term wealth are explored, making this a must-listen for savvy parents.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Taube, an Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares his insights on savings bonds and investment strategies. He breaks down different types of bonds, including Series EE and I Bonds, and highlights their tax implications. The talk also explores whether these bonds are worthwhile for long-term investments, particularly for children's education. Additionally, the hosts offer valuable tips on budgeting for group travel, emphasizing communication and financial boundaries to create memorable experiences.

Anna Helhoski, a senior news writer, delves into the implications of a major budget bill on taxes, detailing changes like new car loan deductions and clean energy credit rollbacks. She also discusses how these shifts may impact future tax strategies. Personal finance expert Kate Ashford then offers advice on managing finances while on disability, covering key topics like SSDI vs. SSI, saving strategies, and the emotional aspects of financial transitions. Essential insights for adapting to life’s changes and navigating financial challenges abound!

In this episode, financial expert Taylor Schulte, CFP and CEO of Define Financial, shares insights on achieving a 'work optional' retirement. He explains how to transfer Roth IRA funds penalty-free using the 60-day rollover rule while minimizing market risks. The conversation also covers essential budgeting strategies for present enjoyment versus future savings and evaluates various custodians for managing investments. Schulte emphasizes the importance of disability insurance and tailored financial plans, helping listeners navigate their financial journeys effectively.

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.

Learn how to approach Amazon Prime day without blowing your budget and hear how you can start to understand the emotions that might be driving your spending.  What are the best ways to take advantage of big sales like Amazon Prime Day but still stay on track with your budget? How can you get a handle on emotional spending and the guilt that comes with it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dive into how to approach your budget, whether it’s while gearing up for a sale or just in your everyday life. Joined by Jamil Ghani, the Vice President of Amazon Prime, they begin with a discussion of what to expect during Prime Day this year, and how to get the most out of the event, including info about invite-only deals and how AI-powered tools can help you find what you need.  Then, Sean and Elizabeth are joined by listener Catherine, who has questions about getting a handle on her emotional spending tendencies. They discuss what triggers emotional spending and how to recognize patterns of behavior. Plus, they explain different budgeting methods to help bring structure to your spending while still giving you the freedom to treat yourself without feeling guilty.  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  The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Amazon Prime Day 2025, Prime Day shopping tips, best Prime Day deals, Amazon AI shopping tools, Prime Day electronics discounts, Amazon invite-only deals, emotional spending help, budgeting for couples, 50 30 20 budget rule, NerdWallet Smart Money podcast, money guilt solutions, budgeting apps free, impulse spending solutions, coping with financial stress, Amazon savings for students, Prime Day household deals, CamelCamelCamel price tracker, how to stop emotional shopping, financial planning tips, budgeting without a system, money values journaling, Amazon Prime VP interview, Amazon shopping hacks, setting a shopping budget, NerdWallet budgeting advice, Smart Money money questions, financial therapy alternatives, personal finance podcast, how to prioritize spending, budgeting for grad school. 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

Learn how to navigate gas prices this summer, then hear how to make your money work after retiring early and moving abroad. What’s going on with gas prices this summer? How can early retirees turn their savings into income abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss gas price trends and smart investment options for early retirees to help you plan a smoother ride — both on the road and in your financial journey. Joined by NerdWallet’s Anna Helhoski and AAA’s Aixa Diaz, they begin with a discussion of 2025 gas prices, with tips and tricks on timing your fill-ups, choosing the right fuel blend, and prepping your car for summer travel. Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer a listener’s question about how to turn $150,000 in savings into ongoing passive income after achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and relocating to Spain. They discuss how to balance accessibility with growth through options like CD ladders, T-bills, REITs, and dividend ETFs. They also explore considerations around managing rental properties from abroad, currency risk, and the importance of working with a CPA to avoid tax pitfalls when investing internationally. Use NerdWallet’s free compound interest calculator to see how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/compound-interest-calculator  Dividend aristocrats are stocks that raise their dividends every year. Here’s an overview of how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/top-dividend-aristocrats-list Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. View NerdWallet’s list of the best high-dividend stocks and learn how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-dividend-stocks  Here’s NerdWallet’s list of the best ways to send money internationally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gas prices 2025, summer gas prices, how to save money on gas, why are gas prices rising, AAA fuel cost calculator, road trip cost calculator, gas price trends, crude oil price impact on gas, how to prepare for a road trip, car maintenance for road trips, road trip emergency kit checklist, what affects gas prices, hurricane impact on gas prices, early retirement abroad, how to generate passive income after FIRE, CD ladder strategy, high-yield savings alternatives, best short-term investments, moving to Spain finances, cost of living in Spain vs USA, living off rental income abroad, managing rental property from overseas, REIT vs dividend ETF, opening brokerage account abroad, FATCA rules for expats, real estate income planning, investing while living overseas, treasury bills vs CDs, compound interest calculator, diversifying passive income, financial planning after FIRE, and retiring in your 40s. 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

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.

Colette Stallbaumer, co-founder of Microsoft WorkLab and general manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot, delves into the 'infinite workday' phenomenon and its impact on work-life balance. She shares insights on how AI tools can help reclaim focus time and reduce burnout. The discussion also includes practical strategies for setting boundaries in an always-on culture. Additionally, listeners learn how stay-at-home parents can build retirement savings, with tips on using spousal IRAs and the power of compound interest to grow modest contributions into significant funds.

Join seasoned housing expert Holden Lewis as he shares insights on navigating today's competitive real estate market. He explains the intricacies of mortgage recasting and offers strategies for tackling tough financial decisions, such as whether to save for a larger down payment or pay off existing loans. The conversation also delves into the benefits of placing rental properties in trusts, alongside practical tips for standing out in a crowded market like New York City. Get ready to unlock smart home-buying strategies!