NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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.

Shannon Bradley, an auto writer at NerdWallet, shares insights on how tariffs are reshaping the car market and the potential for rising prices. She offers tips on when to buy a car to avoid increasing costs. Amanda Barroso, a personal finance expert, discusses balancing saving and spending, tailored budgeting strategies, and how to enhance credit scores for moving out. The hosts navigate the emotional aspects of financial independence while helping listeners align their financial decisions with personal goals.

In this engaging discussion, Bella Avila, a NerdWallet tax writer, shares her insights on effective tax filing and document management. The conversation covers essential tips for organizing financial documents, including what to keep and for how long, plus safe disposal methods. Avila answers listener questions about managing unexpected tax bills and navigating tax obligations in multiple states. With strategies for personal tax management and encouragement to take control of your financial situation, this talk is both informative and empowering.

Anna Helhoski, a senior news writer at NerdWallet, breaks down the complexities of the U.S. national debt, explaining its implications for everyday Americans. She discusses who the U.S. owes money to and the importance of understanding this debt in the context of personal finance. The conversation shifts to compare 401(k) plans and brokerage accounts for retirement savings, weighing their pros and cons. The experts highlight investment flexibility and the benefits of diversifying beyond employer-offered plans, guiding listeners to make informed financial decisions.

Discover the truth behind wealth-building myths and how you can achieve financial success without starting a business. Learn about the benefits of consistent investment strategies versus entrepreneurship. A married couple shares their journey towards aligning financial goals, discussing shared values and balancing short- and long-term priorities. Delve into retirement savings options, comparing Roth IRAs to Roth 401(k)s, and find out how to effectively utilize extra budget space for emergency funds and future family savings.

In this insightful discussion, Anna Helhoski, a senior news writer at NerdWallet, shares her expertise on recession risks and economic indicators. She explains how to budget effectively with the 50/30/20 rule and the importance of building an emergency fund. Joining the conversation is Lisa Green, NerdWallet's insurance expert, who delves into car insurance essentials. She breaks down coverage types, discusses minimum limits, and shares savvy tips on how to lower your insurance costs by seeking discounts and raising deductibles.

Jonathon Haddad, President of Next Door Lending, brings his mortgage brokerage expertise, explaining the financial benefits of using a broker, including potential savings of over $10,000 in interest. Kate Wood, NerdWallet's mortgage expert, tackles budgeting strategies for home buying, highlighting overlooked expenses first-time buyers face. They explore the ins and outs of mortgage shopping, the impact of down payment sizes, and how to navigate today's changing housing market, equipping listeners with essential knowledge for informed decisions.