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
Aug 19, 2024 • 36min
How to Weigh Career Moves for Financial and Lifestyle Gains
Discover how releasing societal pressures can lead to substantial savings and greater self-esteem. The hosts share tips on sustainable spending habits, like choosing vintage clothing and evaluating car purchases. They engage with a listener about the trade-offs of a new job with a higher salary versus a longer commute. Delve into the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and financial goals while navigating the complexities of work-life balance. These insights help you prioritize genuine happiness over social validation.
17 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 31min
Planning for Pet Emergencies: Vet Budgeting Tips to Avoid Financial Stress
Discover how to tackle the financial whirlwind of pet emergencies with insights from pet owners and experts. Uncover budgeting tips for unexpected veterinary costs, including the necessity of pet insurance. Hear firsthand stories, like Vivien's unexpected emergency with her pet. Learn the importance of setting up a dedicated savings account for pet care and emotional strategies for dealing with crises. The conversation emphasizes preparation and transparency in veterinary care, making sure you're ready for anything your furry friend might face.
Aug 14, 2024 • 14min
Back-to-School Budgeting: Strategies to Save on School Supplies
Sara Rathner, a NerdWallet contributor, shares insightful budgeting and money-saving tips for back-to-school shopping. She highlights spending habits revealed by a recent survey, emphasizing the importance of sticking to supply lists to avoid overspending. The conversation dives into how inflation is shaping buying choices, with families increasingly opting for secondhand items and using credit responsibly. Listeners also learn about effective strategies such as cashback apps and price tracking to maximize savings during this seasonal rush.
Aug 12, 2024 • 35min
Expert Budgeting and Spending Tips from a Live Financial Planning Session (Video Episode)
In this engaging conversation, certified financial planner Magda Doemeny guides listener Brinker, who struggles with budgeting and debt management. They dive into Brinker’s financial upbringing and her challenges, revealing the impact of lifestyle choices. Magda shares actionable strategies for tracking spending, creating a budget, and prioritizing debt repayment. They explore how to conquer impulsive spending and achieve financial goals, offering practical tips that anyone can emulate for better money management.
Aug 8, 2024 • 32min
Budget-Friendly Pet Care: Demystifying Pet Insurance and Hidden Costs
Discover the essential role of pet insurance in managing unforeseen veterinary costs. Learn about the rising expenses of pet care and the crucial differences between various pet insurance plans. Explore intriguing stats and history behind pet insurance in the US. Dive into budgeting strategies and the importance of saving for unexpected vet bills. Uncover hidden costs and alternative solutions, like vet subscription services, that can ease financial stress for pet owners.
19 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 18min
Fed Could Finally Cut Rate Soon: What Would That Mean for You?
In this discussion, Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter shares her insights on how the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions impact your personal finances. The conversation covers potential rate cuts, the implications for credit cards and mortgages, and the current state of retirement readiness in America. Listeners learn about alarming statistics on retirement savings and recent brokerage outages affecting investors. Renter highlights strategies for navigating economic changes and improving financial preparedness.
Aug 5, 2024 • 28min
FIRE Up Your Finances with Early Retirement and Credit Card Reward Tips
Explore the intriguing principles of the FIRE movement and discover various strategies for early retirement. Learn how to effectively save amidst rising costs and inflation. Delve into maximizing credit card rewards, including essential tips for couples on utilizing sign-up bonuses and managing points efficiently. Understand the real value of your credit card points and the challenges of redemption. Gain insights into navigating these financial waters and optimizing your path to financial independence with the right strategies.
Aug 1, 2024 • 36min
Overcome Rising Veterinary Costs: Affordable Pet Care Tips
Explore the financial realities of pet ownership with personal stories and insights into the rising costs of veterinary care. Learn how to budget for your furry friends without sacrificing quality. Discover tips for affordable pet care, from wellness plans to community support for pet-sitting. Hear from a new cat parent about the joys of feline companionship and get expert advice on navigating the financial aspects of adopting a pet. Dive into the importance of thoughtful purchasing and ethical adoption practices for a financially responsible pet journey.
Jul 31, 2024 • 17min
Financial, Crypto Oversight On the Ropes After Supreme Court Overturns a 40-Year Precedent
Join Sam Taube, a NerdWallet investment writer, as he dives into the recent Supreme Court ruling that dismantles the Chevron deference, altering financial and crypto regulations. Discover how this seismic change could trigger deregulation in various sectors, including implications for investor protections and federal authority. Gain insights into the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decisions, gig worker rights in California, and the new assigned seating policy from Southwest Airlines, all while navigating the shifting landscape of money management.
Jul 29, 2024 • 26min
Unlock Life Insurance Secrets: Investing, Variable Policies, and Financial Growth
Join Lisa Green, an insurance professional specializing in life insurance as an investment tool, as she reveals the secrets of variable policies and infinite banking. Discover how term and permanent life insurance differ and when each is most beneficial. Lisa dives into the complexities of investing within cash value policies, discussing guaranteed interest and market risks. Learn about the financial discipline needed for infinite banking and its potential pitfalls. This engaging conversation will transform how you view life insurance and your financial growth.
