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
Sep 2, 2024 • 33min
Survive and Thrive: Felicia Day’s Gig Economy Playbook for Success
Writer, producer, and actor Felicia Day shares her financial journey working in Hollywood, with tips for managing your budget when gigs are inconsistent.What is your time worth?How do you value your time outside of work? How can you manage finances in an unpredictable career like acting? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the concept of time valuation to help you understand how to balance personal worth against income. They begin with a discussion of time valuation, offering insights on the average hourly value people place on their time, the impact of this valuation on life decisions and assessing the value of unpaid personal tasks. 06:10 Interview with Felicia DaySean speaks with Felicia Day about the financial strategies she employed to maintain an unstable career in Hollywood. They tackle topics such as frugal habits, the significance of diversifying one's portfolio for career longevity and aligning creative passions with financial stability. Plus: How to understand the financial education that you may have received even without having ever been given a formal financial education.In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Hollywood finances, managing finances, acting career, freelancing lifestyle, financial strategies, financial acumen, Hollywood journey, value of time, budgeting tactics, work-life balance, career growth, financial stability, creative careers, personal well-being, professional satisfaction, financial security, generational differences, personal time investment, freelancing finances, unstable careers, diversifying skills, frugality, budgeting skills, theoretical mathematics, content creation, business acumen, media industry, creative fulfillment, career shifts, entrepreneurial leaps, work-life harmony, managing a budget, career resilience, and skills diversification.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
Aug 29, 2024 • 27min
Balance Traditions and Wealth-Building with ‘Culturally Competent’ Tips from Jannese Torres
Jannese Torres, a financial strategist and host of 'Yo Quiero Dinero', shares culturally competent insights for first-generation Americans striving for financial success. She discusses unique challenges like supporting immigrant parents while maintaining personal financial goals. Torres emphasizes the significance of building a strong financial support network and setting firm boundaries with family and friends. Tips on diversifying income streams and effective budgeting strategies provide listeners with actionable steps toward achieving financial independence.
Aug 28, 2024 • 17min
Safeguarding Your Identity After the National Public Data Breach
Bob Sullivan, an investigative journalist, dives deep into the fallout from the National Public Data breach, unveiling how this incident might jeopardize personal information. He provides essential tips on safeguarding your identity and discusses the role of data brokers in this risky landscape. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of current financial headlines, including insights on interest rates and the turbulent real estate market amidst an antitrust lawsuit against RealPage. Protect your data and navigate financial challenges with expert advice!
Aug 26, 2024 • 38min
Reduce Financial Anxiety Now: Actionable Tips from a Live Planning Session (Video Episode)
In this session, certified financial planner Magda Doemeny offers insightful strategies to combat financial anxiety. She engages with a listener named Sean, diving into his financial journey and helping him set clear goals. Topics include budgeting tips, compartmentalizing savings, and understanding investment risks and rewards. Magda stresses the importance of enjoying money while managing stress over spending, providing actionable steps to achieve financial peace of mind.
Aug 22, 2024 • 29min
Prepare for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care: Balancing Love, Costs and Comfort
Explore the heart-wrenching reality of pet end-of-life care, where love meets tough financial choices. Discussion highlights the need for early planning to avoid emotional turmoil and ensure quality of life. A veterinary expert shares insights on navigating options like hospice versus euthanasia. Personal stories and practical advice offer support for pet owners facing these difficult decisions. Plus, learn about available resources for grief support and managing costs to help in this challenging journey.
Aug 21, 2024 • 15min
Why Experts Criticize “No Tax on Tips” and What It Means for Your Wallet
Donald Trump, the former president, and Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, dive into the controversial 'no tax on tips' proposal. They discuss how this policy could impact tipped and non-tipped workers, revealing skepticism from tax experts. The conversation highlights the complexities of the U.S. tipping system and the potential repercussions on social welfare. Additionally, they explore significant economic updates, including retail sales trends and the implications of the Kroger-Albertsons merger on grocery prices.
Aug 19, 2024 • 35min
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 • 30min
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 • 34min
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.
