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 28, 2024 • 14min
From Eggflation to Ghost Jobs: Roasting 2024’s Biggest Financial Turkeys
Dive into the hilarious highlights of 2024’s biggest financial blunders! Discover why grocery prices continue to rise and how ghost jobs are misleading job seekers. Join the hosts as they roast this year’s financial turkeys while sharing relatable stories about inflation and job market chaos. Enjoy a light-hearted take on personal finance with laughs and valuable insights, making it easier to navigate today’s economic struggles together.
16 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 20min
Santa’s New Helper: How AI Can Help You Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping
In this engaging discussion, Amanda Barroso, a consumer credit expert, and Kurt Woock, a mortgage specialist, delve into how AI can revolutionize your holiday shopping. They reveal how tools like ChatGPT can provide personalized gift ideas and help compare options efficiently. There’s a cautionary note on the limitations and biases of AI, ensuring consumers are savvy in their use. Additionally, the conversation touches on current trends like Black Friday labor protests and the changing costs of Thanksgiving dinner, making for a well-rounded listen.
Nov 25, 2024 • 30min
Boost Your Income and Career: Negotiating Salary, Navigating Promotions and More
Tessa White, the dynamic Founder and CEO of The Job Doctor, joins to share her expertise on salary negotiation and career advancement. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your role's expectations and measuring your contributions with tangible metrics. The discussion covers effective strategies for negotiating raises and the power of informal mentorship in career growth. Listeners will learn how increasing income can significantly impact long-term financial stability and why self-advocacy is essential in today’s job market.
Nov 21, 2024 • 30min
Maximizing Employer-Provided Perks: A Guide to Your Benefits
Amber Clayton, Senior Director at SHRM, shares her expertise on navigating the maze of employer-provided benefits during open enrollment. She highlights often-overlooked perks like pet insurance and legal assistance. Listen in as they uncover the ins and outs of dental and vision coverage, and discuss the rising importance of mental health resources. The conversation also touches on unique offerings such as adoption support, student loan assistance, and gym memberships, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their benefits.
Nov 20, 2024 • 16min
Prediction Markets Let You Bet on Just About Anything — But There Are Risks
Join Sam Taube, writer of the Nerdy Investor newsletter, as he dives into prediction markets like PredictIt and Polymarket. He explains how these platforms allow betting on event outcomes, navigating legal gray areas especially regarding elections. The discussion raises fascinating questions about the blurred lines between investing and gambling. Sam also shares insights into the regulatory challenges facing these markets, urging listeners to see them as entertainment rather than a sound financial strategy.
Nov 18, 2024 • 27min
Online Banking vs Neobanks: Understand FDIC Safety and Protect Your Money
Spencer Tierney, a banking expert at NerdWallet with nearly a decade of experience, dives into the complexities of online banking and neobanks. He clarifies the crucial differences between traditional banks and neobanks, emphasizing FDIC insurance's role in safeguarding deposits. The conversation highlights recent vulnerabilities in the neobanking sector, particularly in light of Synapse's bankruptcy, raising awareness about potential risks and protections for consumers. Also discussed are practical tips for affordable holiday hosting, linking festive spending to overall financial health.
Nov 14, 2024 • 37min
Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios: Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income
Ryan Brady, an Insurance Nerd at NerdWallet, and John Ryan, CEO of Ryan Insurance Strategy Consultants, share their expertise on vital income protection through insurance. They discuss the importance of life and disability insurance, revealing common pitfalls in coverage. The duo compares employer-provided options to individual policies, highlighting complexities in disability insurance. Listeners gain insights on safeguarding their financial future against worst-case scenarios, stressing the emotional responsibility of ensuring loved ones are protected.
Nov 13, 2024 • 25min
Navigating Life Insurance Choices: Investing, Variable Policies, and Financial Growth
Lisa Green, a NerdWallet insurance expert, shares her wealth of knowledge on navigating life insurance choices. She dives into the differences between term and permanent life insurance, revealing insights on cash value accumulation. The discussion also tackles the complexities of variable life insurance and its investment potential. Green explains the intriguing concept of infinite banking, including its benefits and risks, emphasizing the discipline required for successful implementation. Listeners gain practical strategies to choose the right policy for their financial goals.
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.
