

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

Jan 29, 2024 • 18min
What’s an HSA? Growing Wealth with Health Savings Account Investing
Learn about the benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and how to invest in them. The hosts discuss the best financial products, the mechanics of HSA investing, and the debate of using HSA funds for current expenses or saving them for retirement.

Jan 25, 2024 • 25min
Saving Money with Credit Card Rewards Points: Travel, Cash Back and More
Learn how to maximize credit card rewards points and avoid pitfalls. Topics include changes in airline loyalty programs, benefits of co-branded cards, maximizing sign-up bonuses, and managing points. Expert tips on traveling more while spending less.

Jan 24, 2024 • 15min
Money News: Strategies for Building a Safety Net and Single-Parent Finances Unpacked
Explore trends in single-parent household finances, stock market records, consumer confidence, and low mortgage rates. Learn about the financial well-being of single-parent households and strategies for building a safety net. Gain insights into income growth, net worth, and homeownership for single parents. Discover the factors behind the increased net worth of single-parent households over 30 years. Get tips on navigating financial challenges and creating a safety net as a single parent.

Jan 22, 2024 • 42min
Wrinkles and Wealth: Navigate Skincare Costs and Net Worth Goals for Retirement
Learn about the costs of anti-aging treatments and how to budget for them. Understand the significance of net worth and the pitfalls of comparing it to others. Hear tips for maintaining youthful skin and saving money for cosmetic procedures. Explore strategies for retirement savings and using net worth as a gauge for retirement goals. Discover the importance of reassessing financial goals and joining online communities for support.

Jan 18, 2024 • 21min
How to Navigate Home Buying and Selling in 2024: Real Estate Prices, Interest Rates and More
Explore the challenges of buying and selling homes in the 2024 housing market, including high mortgage rates and limited inventory. Learn strategies for buyers, such as credit-building and budgeting, and for sellers, such as making smart home improvements. Understand the relationship between mortgage interest rates and home prices, and the importance of personal timing over market timing when making real estate decisions. Discover the potential impact of a court decision on real estate agents. Get insights into the forecasted 2024 housing market and a preview of the next episode on maximizing credit card benefits.

Jan 17, 2024 • 16min
Money News: Conquer Your Part of $1.2 Trillion in U.S. Credit Card Debt
Explore the topics of American credit card debt, inflation rates, student loan forgiveness, and financial scams. Learn about the challenges of paying off debt and strategies for debt management. Discover ways to lower interest rates on credit card debt.

Jan 15, 2024 • 39min
Your Guide to Choosing Banks and Accounts for Building Wealth
Learn how to choose the right bank and bank accounts for building wealth. Explore the benefits of online banks and credit unions over traditional banks. Discover the different types of bank accounts, including checking accounts and savings accounts. Understand the concept of certificates of deposit (CDs) for long-term savings goals. Find out how to shop for a bank with low fees and high interest rates. Get insights into cashback rewards, sub accounts, and the impact of interest rates on savings accounts. Learn about CD laddering for flexibility and potential earnings.

Jan 11, 2024 • 26min
How to Manage Credit and Debt for Financial Wellness
Learn expert strategies for managing credit and debt, including holiday spending analysis, maximizing credit card rewards, paying down credit card debt, and the impact of rising interest rates. Discover tips for financial wellness like the 50/30/20 budget method, managing credit card debt, and the impact of federal student loan resumption on credit and debt life. Find out how to improve credit scores with practical steps like making on-time payments and fixing credit reports.

Jan 10, 2024 • 15min
Money News: How to Navigate New FAFSA for Federal Student Loan Aid
Explore the impact of new FAFSA changes on college finances, including eligibility for federal student loans and grants. Learn how to navigate the recent rollout amid technical issues, complete the FAFSA application, and seek assistance. Also, hear about financial headlines on job market figures, gas prices, FDA's approval for drug import, and Education Department's actions on student loan servicers.

Jan 8, 2024 • 41min
Romance and Real Estate: Navigating Shared Rent and Housing Expenses
Learn how to navigate shared rent and housing expenses in relationships. Discover the pros and cons of informal agreements and the importance of formal rental contracts. Explore the challenges of discussing finances in relationships and the significance of financial independence and having an emergency fund.