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
Nov 11, 2024 • 17min
Trump’s Economic Playbook: Get Clarity on Inflation, Taxes, and More
Dive into the financial implications of Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. Discover how his economic policies could influence inflation and what that means for consumer prices. Explore the expected impacts of his tax cuts and tariffs on American wallets. Unpack the consequences for housing and health care, along with the economic effects of his immigration strategies. Expert analyses reveal the uncertainties surrounding his proposals, shedding light on potential changes to the national economy and individual finances.
Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
Open Enrollment: Choosing a Healthcare Plan (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More)
In this insightful discussion, guests Kate Ashford, a certified senior advisor in Medicare and retirement, and Tina Orem, a NerdWallet tax expert, break down the open enrollment process. They simplify the intricacies of different healthcare plans like HMOs, PPOs, and HDHPs, discussing how to assess personal needs and budget effectively. They also explain the tax advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) versus Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), helping listeners navigate the complexities of selecting the right healthcare coverage.
Nov 6, 2024 • 14min
Life Insurance as an Investment? We Fact-Check the TikTok Trend
Alana Benson, an investing writer from NerdWallet, breaks down the rising trend of treating life insurance as an investment. She explains why life insurance should not replace a 401(k) and debunks common misconceptions propagated by TikTok influencers. Alana highlights critical differences between life insurance policies and retirement accounts, pinpointing hidden fees and potential conflicts of interest. The conversation also touches on the importance of scrutinizing financial advice on social media while discussing recent economic trends like GDP growth.
Nov 4, 2024 • 31min
Retirement Rollover Ready? Rules, Risks, and Rewards of 401k and IRA Transfers
In this engaging discussion, Jae Bratton, a NerdWallet credit card writer, shares her insights on retirement account rollovers, drawing from personal experiences. The conversation delves into the benefits of consolidating accounts for better financial security and explores the surprising risks of indirect rollovers. Additionally, tips on smart budgeting for the holidays and strategies to avoid impulsive spending are highlighted, making for a well-rounded talk on financial management and planning.
Oct 31, 2024 • 30min
Why Women Outperform When Investing — And How You Can, Too
Jessica Spangler, author of "Invest Like a Girl" and a popular money educator, shares her insights on why women often excel in investing. She discusses how patience and a focus on long-term goals lead to better outcomes. The hosts delve into practical strategies for overcoming financial hurdles, managing debt, and building wealth. With a blend of personal finance tips and gender-specific insights, they inspire listeners to take charge of their financial futures and invest confidently.
Oct 30, 2024 • 15min
Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers — Are You Spending Like Your Generational Peers?
Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet's senior economist, joins the discussion, bringing her expertise from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They delve into how spending behaviors differ across generations, highlighting Gen Z's higher spending ratios compared to older generations. Listeners learn about shifts in income peaks, the rising healthcare costs impacting spending, and the ways generational labels may obscure common financial patterns. The conversation also touches on recent IRS tax updates and celebrates the milestone of women gaining credit access without a male guarantor.
Oct 28, 2024 • 30min
How to Maximize Rewards on Big Credit Card Purchases
Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert and host of NerdWallet's book club series, joins the hosts to dive into maximizing credit card rewards for major purchases. They discuss savvy strategies to earn points while minimizing interest and protecting your credit score. Listeners also get creative budgeting tips for Halloween costumes, including DIY ideas and leveraging cash back apps. Palmer emphasizes financial planning for larger expenses, while the group highlights practical ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending.
Oct 24, 2024 • 32min
How the Next President Could Shift Health Care Costs and Student Loans
Richard Frank, Director of The Center on Health Policy, shares insights on how presidential candidates could reshape healthcare costs, including the potential for lowering prescription drug prices and extending health tax credits. Eliza Haverstock, a student loan expert, explains the implications of student loan repayment policies and the future of public service loan forgiveness. They delve into the interconnectedness of political policies and personal finance, urging listeners to understand how upcoming election decisions might affect their wallets.
Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
Rolling the Dice: Can Sports Betting Really Pay Off Like the Stock Market?
In this engaging discussion, Sam Taube, an investing expert at NerdWallet, sheds light on the stark differences between sports betting and the stock market. He stresses the addictive nature of gambling and the financial risks involved. The conversation dives into how long-term investing offers consistency in returns while sports betting can lead to impulsive decisions. Additionally, the hosts tackle the booming sports betting industry’s growth and legal aspects, highlighting the socio-economic implications and the need for financial responsibility.
Oct 21, 2024 • 30min
Vest Without the Stress: Mastering Job Transitions and Vesting Schedules
In this discussion, Lacey Langford, an accredited financial coach and founder of MILMO, shares vital insights for military families navigating job changes. She explains the complexities of vesting schedules and offers strategies for maximizing retirement benefits through IRAs. Lacey emphasizes the importance of negotiating benefits with employers and leveraging community resources to enhance financial stability. The hosts also highlight personal achievements and the necessity of celebrating both big and small victories in the journey toward financial resilience.
