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 17, 2024 • 26min
Paycheck Politics: What Presidential Tax Plans May Mean for Your Wallet
Amy Hanaeur, Executive Director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, joins to unpack the tax plans of 2024 presidential candidates. They delve into proposals like corporate tax cuts and child tax credits. The conversation sheds light on how these plans could reshape individual finances and affect essential services. Hanaeur emphasizes the need for informed voting, explaining the disparities in tax impacts across income groups. They also explore potential changes to Social Security and the long-term consequences of these policies.
Oct 16, 2024 • 13min
SSN SOS: How to Keep Your Social Security Number Safe from Data Breaches
Lauren Schwahn, a NerdWallet writer with expertise in credit and budgeting, joins to discuss vital strategies for protecting your Social Security number from identity theft. She offers practical advice on freezing credit and monitoring reports to safeguard personal information amid rising data breaches. The conversation also touches on current financial news, including inflation trends affecting consumer spending and how health insurance costs are rising. Finally, they discuss Halloween spending habits, providing an intriguing snapshot of seasonal financial behavior.
Oct 14, 2024 • 25min
How to Make The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Work for You
Sally French and Meghan Coyle, both Travel Nerds at NerdWallet, share their expertise on maximizing travel rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, including its limited-time sign-up bonus. They offer tips on integrating travel credit cards into long-term financial strategies. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet's senior economist, discusses the economic implications of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, explaining how these changes can influence consumer borrowing, spending, and overall economic growth.
Oct 10, 2024 • 29min
How Presidential Policies Affect Prices: Tariffs, Price Control, Immigration and More
Derek Stimel, an associate professor of economics at UC Davis, joins the discussion to unpack how presidential policies influence everyday expenses. They delve into how tariffs can spike the cost of imported goods and the significant role immigration plays in labor costs and wages. Understanding inflation is key, as they explore its measurement and driving factors. They also critique the effectiveness of campaign promises on prices and examine the broader impact of economic policies on gas and grocery prices.
Oct 9, 2024 • 19min
Understand the Gig Economy: Why Millions are Choosing Freelance and Side Hustles
Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet's senior news editor and an expert on the gig economy, delves into the financial realities faced by gig workers. Discover how this workforce, which surged during the pandemic, navigates challenges like tax management and retirement savings without traditional benefits. VanderKnyff shares critical tips for budgeting and self-employment taxes tailored for freelancers. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of gig work and potential legislative changes to better support these independent contractors.
Oct 7, 2024 • 27min
Budget Like a Boss: A Financial Planner’s Tips for Achieving Your Money Goals
Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, shares valuable insights on financial planning and behavioral budgeting. She explains the role of CFPs in helping individuals align their financial goals with personal values. The conversation delves into overcoming societal pressures, creating sustainable financial habits, and the transformative power of personalized advice. Listeners learn practical strategies for setting priorities, managing financial anxiety, and achieving long-term success, all while emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and realistic mindsets.
Oct 3, 2024 • 25min
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 • 44min
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 • 19min
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!
