NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

In this episode, Elizabeth Renter, a Senior Economist at NerdWallet, shares insights into the job market and its paradoxes. She discusses why economic data can seem optimistic while public sentiment feels grim. The conversation covers potential interest rate shifts, consumer behavior influenced by media narratives, and how perceptions of the economy can distort reality. Additionally, they touch on the rising trend of 401k millionaires and share tips on assessing gadget upgrades. A fascinating blend of economics and personal finance awaits!

A certified financial planner offers a listener actionable advice to help him save for a big move while maintaining financial stability.NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024.How much should you save before you move to a new city? How can you reach your savings goals while also spending on your lifestyle? Recording in-person from a studio in Chicago, host Sean Pyles sits down with Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, to host an actual financial planning session with a listener. Jim, a 36-year-old nonprofit worker, joins them to share his aspirations of moving to a higher cost-of-living area without a job lined up. Magda advises him on how much money in living expenses he should consider saving before making the move, the practicality of high-yield savings accounts, and the benefits and limitations of using a Roth IRA for a down payment, among other practical strategies for reaching his goals while maintaining financial stability.NerdWallet Advisory LLC, dba NerdWallet Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances.In their conversation, you’ll hear about: smart financial planning, major life transitions, certified financial planners, financial stability, dream relocation, higher cost of living, Roth IRA for a down payment, high-yield savings accounts, budgeting tips, saving for relocation, emergency savings, long-term financial health, actionable financial strategies, transportation costs, retirement savings adjustments, financial goals, balancing life changes, moving to San Diego, cost of living, clear financial goals, financial risks, increasing income, trimming expenses, side gigs, prioritizing savings goals, healthcare coverage costs, affordable financial planning, financial plan, setting financial goals, car purchase planning, and moving expenses.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

Get insider tips for stress-free holiday travel, from booking strategies to maximizing credit card points and more.What’s the best way to avoid stress when traveling during the holidays? Is it better to book with points when you’re traveling for the holidays? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss the challenges of holiday travel and share effective booking strategies to help you understand how to navigate the busiest travel days with ease and efficiency. Travel Nerd Sally French joins them to discuss common holiday travel hurdles, including the benefits of early morning flights, the advantages of extending holiday trips to avoid peak travel days, and strategies for using travel points and rewards effectively during the holidays. They also explore the perks of lounge access, the efficiency of TSA PreCheck, and clever ways to use travel points during peak seasons.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, stress-free holiday travel, best time to book flights, maximize credit card points, TSA PreCheck benefits, lounge access perks, avoid flight cancellations, early morning flights, busiest travel days, holiday staycation, travel strategies, Southwest flight credits, holiday travel chaos, extend holiday trips, travel trends 2024, holiday travel season, travel points usage, travel delays, layover tips, airline reliability, Google Flights alerts, avoiding holiday crowds, booking smarter, record-breaking travel, holiday flight booking, travel tips and tricks, avoiding holiday rush, sentimental holiday travel, Thanksgiving travel tips, Christmas travel tips, booking refundable flights, holiday travel planning, navigating TSA lines, airport lounge benefits, travel rewards strategies, flying on holidays, travel stories, and 2024 holiday travel outlook.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

Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet, discusses recent changes in real estate commission rules following a settlement against the National Association of Realtors. He explains how these new regulations will impact home buyers and sellers, focusing on decreased commission rates and shifting negotiation dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding agent compensation and empowers sellers and buyers to make informed decisions in their transactions. Learn how to navigate this evolving landscape and what it means for your next real estate deal.