NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
NerdWallet Personal Finance
NerdWallet’s trusted finance journalists answer real-world money questions to help you make smarter financial decisions with confidence.Each episode dives deep into topics like budgeting, saving, investing, home buying, and credit cards, cutting through misinformation to bring you clear, actionable advice backed by thorough research.By the end of every episode, you’ll have the latest financial insights and the tools you’ll need to manage your money wisely, build wealth, and plan for life’s milestones. And if you have questions for the Nerds, you can leave them a voicemail at 901-730-6373.Join hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, Elizabeth Ayoola, and other expert Nerds as they answer your biggest money questions and share strategies to help you build wealth and reach your financial goals, including:– Investing: Advanced investment strategies, integrating ETFs and mutual funds into a diversified portfolio, tax-efficient retirement planning, understanding Roth IRA conversions, and navigating robo-advisors.– Credit Cards: Top credit cards for travel rewards and luxury perks, balance transfer strategies, maximizing credit card points, and optimizing credit card usage to boost your credit score.– Personal Finance: Advanced budgeting tips, building generational wealth, creating effective savings plans, managing high-income expenses, and developing a strong money growth mindset.– Home: Smart strategies for homebuying in competitive markets, leveraging home equity loans and HELOCs, refinancing for long-term savings, first-time homebuying tips, and budgeting for major home improvements.If you’re searching for the best personal finance podcasts or want practical knowledge to make smarter money decisions, then follow NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast.You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like: Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl,Money Guy Show, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth.NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 26min
Are You Saving Enough in 2025? What the Data Says About Falling Short (Plus: Where to Keep Conservatorship Funds)
Margarette Burnette, a banking writer at NerdWallet, dives into the nuances of managing conservatorship accounts in this engaging discussion. She highlights the unique requirements for these accounts and the importance of finding financial institutions that understand these needs. Listeners learn about barriers to savings for everyday Americans, effective strategies like sinking funds, and the best options for securing interest on conservatorship funds. Don't miss her insights on navigating credit unions versus online banks for optimal service and compliance!
Jun 16, 2025 • 36min
Smart Planning Sessions: Digging Out of $36K in Debt — Without Derailing Retirement
Guest Daniel Messeca, a Certified Financial Planner and co-host of Check Your Balances, shares insights on managing debt without jeopardizing retirement plans. He discusses the risks of tapping into retirement funds to pay off credit card debt, emphasizing the importance of evaluating long-term implications. Messeca also highlights strategies for spotting budget leaks and the benefits of nonprofit credit counseling. Additionally, the conversation includes navigating the pitfalls of debt consolidation and the value of seeking professional financial advice.
10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 32min
Will AI Take Your Job — or Just Your Time? Plus, Rebuilding Credit After Debt Consolidation
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.
12 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 38min
How to Negotiate a Raise in a Tough Economy (w/ Brown Ambition’s Mandi Money)
In this engaging discussion, Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a career coach and personal finance expert, provides invaluable insights on negotiating raises in today’s challenging economy. She shares tips on understanding your market value and building a robust professional network. The conversation also dives into the pros and cons of Roth and traditional retirement accounts, emphasizing the importance of tax diversification for financial flexibility. Mandi's expertise empowers listeners to confidently enhance their earning potential and make informed retirement decisions.
Jun 5, 2025 • 34min
Economic Chaos and Car Costs: How to Weigh Risks in Uncertain Times
Elizabeth Renter, a NerdWallet data journalist and senior economist, joins car buying authority Shannon Bradley to tackle economic uncertainty and its impact on auto purchases. They discuss whether now is the right time to buy a car amid fluctuating tariffs and market instability. Tips include assessing your financial situation, understanding market trends, and managing news consumption. Listeners learn about the implications of ownership decisions and tools to analyze financing options, ensuring they can navigate the current chaotic landscape confidently.
13 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 39min
Recover from Vacation Overspending and Avoid Costly Rental Property Management Mistakes
Lisa Green, a NerdWallet writer and seasoned rental property owner, joins the hosts to share her insights. They tackle post-vacation budgeting strategies, including tips for cutting back on spending and resetting financial goals after a trip. Lisa also reveals the ins and outs of rental property management, discussing the choice between DIY management and hiring professionals. The conversation highlights the challenges of passive income, tax considerations, and the realities of becoming a landlord with practical advice and personal stories.
11 snips
May 29, 2025 • 28min
What to Do When the U.S. Gets Downgraded and Your Travel Credit Card Stops Paying Off
In this discussion, credit cards expert Melissa Lambarena shares her wisdom on navigating the complexities of travel credit cards. She reveals what the recent U.S. credit downgrade means for personal investments and how it could impact borrowing costs. The conversation also covers when to reconsider high-fee travel cards and how to assess their true value. Listeners get tips on minimizing credit score impacts and optimizing benefits like lounge access. It's all about making informed financial choices in uncertain times!
15 snips
May 26, 2025 • 23min
Should You Keep Your Old Home? The Financial Case for Selling vs. Renting
In this engaging discussion, Lisa Green, a NerdWallet writer and rental property expert, shares her insights on the challenges of managing rental properties from afar. She and host Sean Pyles dive into the pros and cons of selling versus renting a home when relocating. Listeners learn tips for long-distance landlording, including hiring property managers and maintaining a financial cushion. They also explore maximizing rental income, tax benefits, and smart strategies for withdrawing from various accounts to fund a new down payment.
11 snips
May 22, 2025 • 34min
How to Prepare for Stagflation and Make Your Insurance Work Harder
Discover how stagflation can impact your financial future and the key indicators to watch for. The hosts dive into whether life insurance is still necessary even with substantial wealth. Get insights on adjusting your savings strategy in uncertain times and the importance of monitoring inflation. A listener joins to discuss insurance coverage, the benefits of umbrella insurance, and how to tackle college savings for three kids. Tune in for expert advice on evaluating life insurance and making informed financial decisions.
16 snips
May 19, 2025 • 47min
Smart Planning Sessions: Investing Through Uncertainty and Planning for Early Retirement Abroad
Ross Anderson, founder of Kraftwerk Capital and co-host of Check Your Balances, shares sharp insights on navigating uncertain financial times. He dives into the value of maintaining 401(k) contributions, even amid job security fears. The discussion covers practical investment strategies like dollar-cost averaging and the FIRE movement, even for late starters. They also explore retiring abroad, emphasizing potential international tax hurdles and the need for proper financial planning. Tune in for actionable advice to safeguard your financial future!
