

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

Apr 25, 2024 • 31min
Overcome AI Fraud: Navigating Voice Cloning and Digital Scams
Discover how scammers use AI for voice cloning and digital fraud, tips for recognizing and protecting against AI-driven scams. Expert insights on personal security, phishing attacks, and the importance of skepticism. Learn about the psychological impact of scams and the role of technology safeguards in preventing fraud.

Apr 24, 2024 • 9min
Some Investors Are Using AI to Make Decisions. Should You?
Investing writer Sam Taube discusses the role of AI in finance, including its limitations and benefits. They explore AI-powered funds, investment research, and stock selection. The Nerds break down the potential of AI-powered ETFs and mutual funds, cautioning on the need for human oversight. They also discuss AI's impact on investment strategies, portfolio management, and future developments in the industry.

Apr 22, 2024 • 29min
Money Management for Couples and the Benefits of Fiduciaries
Learn how couples can achieve financial harmony and trust fiduciary advisors. Discover the importance of sharing financial responsibilities, choosing the right financial professional, and advocating for yourself. Explore the nuances of fiduciary compensation structures and the benefits of working with Certified Financial Planners. Find out how to navigate financial decisions and manage finances as a couple while prioritizing financial wellbeing and trust.

Apr 18, 2024 • 37min
Understand and Avoid Financial Scams: Phishing, Vishing, Smishing and More
Learn how to recognize and avoid online scams like phishing, vishing, and smishing. Hear about the alarming rise of financial scams in America and the tactics scammers use. Discover tips on safeguarding your finances and steps to take if you fall victim to a scam.

Apr 17, 2024 • 11min
Save on Home Insurance Amid Rising Costs and Coverage Hurdles
Insurance editor Caitlin Constantine from NerdWallet joins hosts to discuss rising homeowners insurance costs due to climate change and inflation, tips for finding affordable coverage, understanding insurance challenges, and navigating the evolving risks of climate-driven financial challenges.

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Apr 15, 2024 • 22min
How to Overcome Common Psychological Financial Mistakes: Framing, Loss Aversion, and the Gambler’s Fallacy
Learn how to overcome psychological biases in finance with tips on investments, credit repair services, and DIY credit management. Discover the impact of framing on decision-making and strategies to counter the Gambler's fallacy. Explore practical ways to improve your credit score and seek credit counseling for personalized financial planning.

Apr 11, 2024 • 31min
How To Guard Against Cyber Fraud: Essential Steps to Protect Your Identity
Discover essential steps to protect yourself against cyber fraud, including identifying fraudulent activity, enhancing personal banking security, and recovering from identity theft. Learn about the rise of new account fraud, the impact of zero-day vulnerabilities, and the importance of staying vigilant with software updates. Explore personal experiences of falling victim to deceptive banking scams and cyber fraud, emphasizing the emotional toll and the need for empathy and support for victims.

Apr 10, 2024 • 15min
Summer Travel Insights: Maximize Your Vacation Budget
NerdWallet's travel rewards expert Sally French joins hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski to discuss summer travel trends, airline fees, and budgeting tips. They also cover the latest employment report and a new student loan relief program in the financial landscape.

Apr 8, 2024 • 40min
How to Own a Home: Strategies for Buying, Selling, and Improving
In this podcast, they discuss strategies for buying, selling, and improving homes, including the best money spent recently, shopping for title agencies, using home equity for investments, and home improvement financing. They explore the emotional connection to purchases, navigating home repairs, and prioritizing functional upgrades over aesthetic improvements for personal enjoyment.

Apr 4, 2024 • 34min
Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Learn practical tips to protect yourself from identity theft and financial scams, including setting up fraud alerts and freezing your credit. Dive into the challenges of authentication online and the misuse of social security numbers. Explore the rise in data breaches, the importance of questioning suspicious communications, and the need for improved authentication methods.