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
Oct 3, 2024 • 26min
Election Economics: How Can Presidents Really Impact Your Pocketbook?
Donald Trump, a former president known for his controversial economic policies, joins the hosts to explore the real effects of presidential promises on your wallet. They discuss how much power a president truly has over the economy, revealing the complexities behind their influence on taxes and inflation. Insights into the Federal Reserve's independence are shared, along with the impact of policies like student loan relief on personal finances. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critically assessing political commitments and understanding economic realities.
Oct 2, 2024 • 13min
Hack or Hoax? Spot Social Media Money Tips That Actually Work
Explore the whirlwind world of social media money hacks and learn how to differentiate the reliable from the risky. Dive into alarming TikTok trends that led to harmful financial choices and the importance of not blindly following influencers. Discover effective budgeting strategies like cash stuffing and debt snowball methods, while also navigating pitfalls like revenge spending. Stay informed with the latest money news, including inflation updates and legal battles impacting consumers. Uncover practical tips for smarter money management!
Sep 30, 2024 • 45min
Let Someone Else Book Your Award Flights for You: Presenting Unpacked by AFAR
Join the adventure of booking travel with points and miles without the hassle! Discover a service that simplifies planning while maximizing credit card rewards. Hear personal stories of exciting journeys made possible through strategic use of miles. Dive into unique processes for booking award flights, especially to Japan, and learn tips on securing those elusive business class seats. Plus, explore the perks of meal delivery for busy travelers and luxury driving options that elevate your travel experience!
Sep 26, 2024 • 20min
The Best Ways to Use Credit and Debit Cards When Traveling Abroad
Discover strategies for using credit and debit cards effectively while traveling abroad. Learn how to avoid pesky fees, avoid conversion pitfalls, and maximize rewards for stress-free adventures. Hear tips on charging in local currency and managing credit card use before your next trip. The conversation also highlights the benefits of obtaining local currency ahead of time and the importance of travel protections. Plus, enjoy anecdotes that bring a humorous twist to holiday travel!
Sep 25, 2024 • 15min
Medicare Confusion? Get the Facts Before It Hits You (or Your Parents)
Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance expert, joins to unravel the complexities of Medicare open enrollment. She shares crucial tips on how to reassess your Medicare coverage and navigate uncertainties, especially for those unsure they've picked the right plan. The discussion also touches on interesting financial news, like the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and their impact on the housing market. Plus, learn about new SEC rules allowing stock prices to be quoted in half-cent increments, highlighting shifts in the trading landscape.
8 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 36min
Budget Like a Boss: How to Drive Down Debt and Park Money in Savings (Video Episode)
Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, joins to offer actionable financial advice. They discuss balancing multiple goals like paying down debt, saving for retirement, and major purchases. Jessica, a listener, shares her challenges, including $22,000 in credit card debt. The conversation covers smart budgeting techniques, the benefits of high-yield savings accounts, and ways to increase income through side jobs. Practical tips for supporting dependents while managing expenses in an expensive city are also explored.
Sep 19, 2024 • 24min
Pack Smarter, Save More: Expert Tips for Efficient Travel Packing to Overcome Luggage Hassles
Discover expert tips for efficient travel packing and how to save on baggage fees. Learn clever tricks for maximizing carry-on luggage, especially for international trips. The hosts share strategies like rolling clothes, creating a versatile wardrobe, and using smaller bags to avoid overpacking. Find out how to track your luggage with AirTags and navigate airline compensation for delays. Plus, get insights on the pros and cons of carry-on versus checked bags, ensuring you travel stress-free this holiday season!
Sep 18, 2024 • 16min
Fed Up with High Rates? Here’s How a Cut Impacts Your Loans and Savings
Discover how the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cuts could reshape your financial landscape. Learn about potential benefits for mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans, plus the impact on refinancing. The conversation also dives into recent inflation trends and household income gains, revealing how these factors affect savings strategies. Catch the latest headlines on student loans and servicing challenges, and get insights on navigating personal finance in this changing economic climate.
Sep 16, 2024 • 27min
Refresh Your Fall Finances: A Money Check-Up and Investment Diversification Deep Dive
Get ready for fall with savvy budgeting strategies and tips for prepping your finances for the holiday season. Discover how a diversified investment portfolio can potentially grow significantly over time, even without additional contributions. The hosts discuss managing emotional attachment to investments, the need for smart diversification, and practical advice for reviewing insurance options and beneficiary designations. Tune in for insights that blend personal finance with everyday enjoyment this autumn!
Sep 12, 2024 • 22min
How to Save Money on Holiday Travel Without Using Any Points
Learn expert tips and tricks for saving money on holiday travel booking, from the best time to book to when you should use rewards points.When should you book your holiday travel? How can you save money on travel during the busiest travel season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle talk to travel rewards Nerd Sam Kemmis about how to save money when booking holiday travel, with tips and tricks on using companion fares, the optimal time to book holiday flights, and understanding the fine print of airline programs. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of standby flights, the value of subscribing to flight deal newsletters, and the advantages of using credit card points and transferring them to partner airlines. By exploring these topics, the hosts aim to provide listeners with actionable advice to make holiday travel more affordable and less stressful.Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: holiday travel tips, budget travel, travel savings, cheap flights, holiday travel deals, affordable holiday travel, companion fares, Alaska Airlines, credit card points, holiday airfare, hotel deals, flight deal newsletters, Thanksgiving travel, flexible travel plans, standby flights, holiday travel booking, holiday travel strategies, travel on a budget, holiday travel expenses, holiday season travel, slashing travel costs, save money on travel, holiday travel flexibility, travel credit cards, international travel deals, Google Flights, spontaneous travel options, travel savings tips, avoiding holiday travel costs, affordable festive getaways, cheaper holiday trips, holiday travel experiences, travel rewards programs, and holiday flight deals.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
