NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Discover how to align education with job market demands, tackling underemployment and economic stagnation in “middle skills” jobs.What are “middle skills” and why are they in high demand? What are the economic implications of misalignment between middle skills credentials and job market demands? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the misalignment in the labor market concerning middle skills credentials and the impact of place-based policies on local economies to help you understand the complexities and challenges in securing middle skills jobs. They begin with a discussion of the misalignment between middle skills credentials and local job markets, with tips and tricks on recognizing high-demand fields, avoiding oversaturated programs, and the importance of aligning education with job market needs.Then, Anna speaks with Zach Mabel, one of the co-authors of “The Great Misalignment,” a new report from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. He discusses the challenges of place-based policies and their impact on middle skills training disparities. They discuss the racial and ethnic disparities in accessing middle skills programs, the funding challenges faced by public community colleges, and the importance of strategic alignment between educational programs and labor market demands to improve job placement and economic outcomes. Sean and Anna then break down the latest money headlines, including monthly job figures, a federal judge temporarily stopping the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on corporate non-compete agreements, and a new report from the Federal Trade Commission on pharmacy benefit managers.In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: future-proofing, middle skills jobs, job market demands, economic challenges, workforce insights, local economies, middle skills training, labor market alignment, education and job market, underemployment, economic stagnation, blue-collar jobs, business degrees, general studies degrees, place-based policies, racial disparities, ethnic disparities, community colleges, funding obstacles, job placement, economic outcomes, employment figures, corporate non-compete agreements, labor market, job credentials, associate degrees, trade schools, technical colleges, underproduction, credential overproduction, job openings, low-paying jobs, economic mobility, urban-rural divide, institutional employer partnerships, post-college movement patterns, free tuition programs, non-compete clauses, PBMs, the FTC, and middle skills providers.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

Tommy Tindall from NerdWallet shares insights on the income potential of working for DoorDash as a side hustle. The hosts discuss budgeting, early investing strategies, and the benefits of starting investments early. They cover topics such as gig economy jobs, saving strategies, passive vs active investing, and financial planning for young professionals.

Join hosts Ronald Young Jr. and June Thomas as they share tips on how freelancers can ensure timely payments. They discuss challenges like complex invoicing procedures, delays in payments, and the importance of clear payment terms in contracts. Tune in to learn how to navigate payment challenges and secure steady income as a freelancer.

Holden Lewis, NerdWallet home expert, discusses the challenges in the current housing market including high mortgage rates, slow sales, and high prices. They provide tips for homebuyers and tackle headlines on student loan forgiveness, IRS customer service issues, and financial literacy in high schools.

Financial experts Kim Palmer and Ashley Feinstein Gerstley share tips on money cleansing and building wealth. Strategies for investing early, saving on group travel, and aligning spending with personal values are discussed. Learn how small changes can lead to significant financial impact.

Explore the importance of estate planning for all individuals, not just the wealthy, with tips on will preparation and managing assets. Regina Kiperman shares insights on the significance of estate planning tools and strategies. Discover the role of advance directives like power of attorney and healthcare proxies in ensuring a smooth process. Learn about the factors influencing people's decisions on estate planning and the benefits of open conversations about end-of-life wishes.

Explore the financial impact of beauty expenses, societal pressures, and tips for managing beauty-related costs. Discover the rising costs of beauty products, services, and procedures leading to financial stress and debt. Dive into the societal pressures driving beauty spending and the concept of 'pretty privilege'. Also, learn about impending student loan forgiveness, a drop in construction of new homes, and the upcoming presidential debate.

Financial expert Shannah Game offers mid-year financial check-up strategies for a stress-free summer. Tips include budget-friendly summer activities, setting small financial goals, scrutinizing expenses, and overcoming emotional blocks about money.

Learn how creative professionals can navigate financial uncertainty in their careers with insights from a jazz saxophonist's journey. Explore managing unpredictable income, saving tips, and maintaining mental health. Delve into the challenges of pursuing a full-time music career, managing seasonal income, and the importance of financial planning. Discover strategies for thriving in the arts, balancing passion with financial stability, and building a supportive community.

Economists vs consumers: the perception of inflation, impact on economy. CFPB rule on medical debt, its effect on credit score. Exploring inflation growth, debt management, financial advice. Lawsuit against Adobe, Apple's Pay Later program update.