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
6 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 25min
Simple Steps to Budget Better and Manage Credit With Confidence
In this discussion, Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, shares her insights on effective budgeting and responsible credit management. She outlines the flexible 50/30/20 budgeting method and stresses the importance of customizing strategies to fit individual needs. Kim delves into smart credit card use, emphasizing transaction monitoring and maintaining low credit utilization. The conversation wraps up with practical tips for managing debt and enhancing credit health, all essential for building a solid financial foundation for 2025.
Jan 15, 2025 • 31min
Disaster-Resistant Finances: What to Do Before and After Catastrophes
Join Caitlin Constantine, an insurance writer specializing in home coverage and disaster preparedness, along with Kate Bolger, a disaster recovery expert, as they dive into strategies for financial resilience in the face of natural disasters. Discover practical tips for preparing your finances, such as creating a home inventory and understanding insurance. They also tackle post-disaster recovery, discussing how to work with insurance companies, access aid from FEMA, and avoid scams. It's an essential listen for anyone looking to safeguard their financial future against climate impacts!
13 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 27min
What to Know About Managing Money Before Traveling or Living Abroad
Explore money management strategies for travelers and expats, tackling the intricacies of credit card debt and international banking. Learn effective repayment tactics while navigating rising debt trends. Discover essential tips for managing finances abroad, including avoiding high fees and selecting the right credit cards. The conversation also dives into the emotional impacts of debt, focusing on proactive repayment and prioritizing financial goals. Finally, gain insights into navigating taxes and the benefits of professional assistance for expatriates.
9 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 21min
From Meme Stocks to Index Funds: A 2025 Investing Guide
In this insightful discussion, Sam Taube, an Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares his expertise on investment strategies for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of balancing risk and reward in investing and offers practical tips for rebalancing your portfolio. The conversation highlights the significance of diversification to navigate market uncertainty, warns against common investment pitfalls, and explains how to recognize scam signals. Sam also introduces index funds and briefly touches on cryptocurrency as speculative options for the future.
13 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 25min
Stop Scrolling, Start Saving: Better Habits and Budgets for 2025
Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert from NerdWallet, joins the hosts to tackle the challenges of budgeting with irregular income. They discuss strategies for dividing large paychecks into manageable monthly budgets and the role of high-yield savings accounts. The conversation highlights the importance of tracking expenses and cutting mindless spending habits, alongside tips for making sustainable financial resolutions for the new year. There's also a look at engaging budgeting methods and apps to help streamline the process.
Jan 2, 2025 • 24min
Regret Less, Save More: How to Make Smarter Money Moves in 2025
In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Renter, a Senior Economist at NerdWallet, shares her insights on avoiding financial regrets and making the most out of 2025. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic money goals and offers practical advice for mindful spending and budgeting. Key strategies include automating savings, building healthy credit habits, and creating flexible financial plans. Listeners learn how to reflect on past decisions to improve future financial health and set boundaries that lead to smarter money moves.
Dec 30, 2024 • 34min
Live Financial Planning Session: Expert Budgeting and Spending Tips
Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from NerdWallet Advisors, shares invaluable budgeting and debt management insights with listener Brinker, who struggles with spending habits and debt. They explore methods for tracking expenses and setting financial goals, while Magda emphasizes the importance of prioritizing debt repayment and creating a sustainable budget. The conversation also touches on Brinker’s childhood financial experiences and how they influence her current money management, making for a relatable and educational session.
12 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 33min
Net Worth and Chill: How Your Wealth Measures Up and Vivian Tu’s Tips for Financial Success
Dive into the fascinating world of net worth and discover how to assess and leverage it for financial success. Learn why it's normal to have a low or negative net worth in your 20s and hear unique insights on setting realistic financial goals. A listener shares her journey of saving and aspirations for financial independence. Plus, gain valuable tips from Vivian Tu, who emphasizes the importance of transparent money conversations and side hustles as paths to achieving your dreams. Explore this rich discussion on personal finance and wealth-building.
4 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 31min
Deck the Bills: Smart Spending and Credit Tips for the Holidays
Amanda Barroso, a NerdWallet credit writer with expertise in policy analysis and journalism, joins the hosts to discuss smart holiday spending and credit recovery. They tackle the dangers of impulsive shopping and advocate for intentional giving. Barroso offers strategies to improve your credit score, including writing goodwill letters and disputing errors. The conversation also highlights how renters can report on-time payments to enhance their credit and the importance of maintaining payment consistency. Packed with practical tips for holiday budgeting!
12 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 25min
Crush Debt or Grow Investments? How to Make the Best Choice for You
Discover effective strategies for tackling credit card debt while considering investment options. The hosts dive into how to wisely use a financial windfall, discussing balance transfers and automating payments. Explore the pros and cons of the snowball versus avalanche debt payoff methods. They also weigh the benefits of prioritizing high-interest debt repayment against long-term investments. Listeners learn about balancing financial goals with the desire to enjoy life, making informed decisions tailored to their unique situations.
