NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

In this discussion, investing expert Sam Taube shares insights on maximizing Roth IRA contributions and correcting over-contribution mistakes. Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner explore 'lazy' money management tactics like automating investments for easy growth. They highlight the importance of year-end contributions and discuss strategies for setting up a backdoor Roth IRA. Listeners learn about income limits, penalties for over-contributing, and smart ways to enhance retirement savings just in time for tax season!

Kate Wood, a housing expert at NerdWallet, shares invaluable insights on homebuying strategies. She unpacks the often-overlooked role of title agencies, offering tips on how to choose the right one and highlighting potential costs. The discussion pivots to the pros and cons of using home equity versus savings to buy a home outright. Tune in for advice on navigating the current housing market, understanding mortgage options, and balancing emotional and financial goals in real estate decisions.

Learn the pros and cons of layaway and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and how to choose the best option for holiday shopping.What is the difference between layaway and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)? Which payment option is better for holiday shopping? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss these two financing tools, how they work, and which might be the smarter choice for holiday shopping. Lauren Schwahn, a writer at NerdWallet who covers credit, debt, budgeting and money, joins Sean and Anna to break down the basics of layaway and BNPL, highlighting differences in payment timing, access to purchased items, and impact on credit. They also discuss when you’ll receive your item, the repayment timelines, potential fees for missed payments. why BNPL appeals to Gen Z, and how either option can fit into a shopper’s financial strategy. Plus: tips for avoiding pitfalls with BNPL, such as setting payment reminders and avoiding multiple loans. Then, Sean and Anna break down this week’s money headlines, including the latest jobs report, the CFPB’s crackdown on illegal junk fees, and the rise of market timing among investors.There are a lot of ways to invest money — high-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all options. To learn more, read NerdWallet's writeup on the best ways to invest money right now: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/the-best-investments-right-now In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: buy now pay later, BNPL pros and cons, layaway vs BNPL, holiday shopping tips, budget-friendly shopping, buy now pay later risks, layaway payment plans, how BNPL works, shopping on a budget, avoiding holiday debt, payment plan comparison, layaway benefits, BNPL for Gen Z, holiday financing tips, budgeting for big purchases, holiday shopping savings, credit impact of BNPL, layaway financing, BNPL fees, installment payment plans, choosing BNPL or layaway, holiday gift financing, Klarna, Afterpay guide, Affirm payment plans, layaway history, BNPL for beginners, managing BNPL loans, credit card vs BNPL, smart financing options, how to use layaway, BNPL payment reminders, financing options for gifts, and understanding BNPL terms.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.

Dive into the world of mortgage refinancing and discover when it's best to make the switch. Unpack the details of Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and learn how to lock in favorable rates. Explore the impact of recent interest rate changes on your finances and uncover strategies for managing credit card debt, especially during the holiday season. Celebrate achievements like passing the CFP exam while gaining practical tips on aligning your financial decisions with personal goals.

In this discussion, guest Alana Benson, Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares her expertise on smart investment strategies and ethical investing. She explains how to effectively diversify an investment portfolio and maximize the use of tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. The hosts delve into practical tips for growing $26K to $44K in seven years, highlighting the importance of index funds, managing risk, and setting achievable financial goals. They also address listener questions, providing actionable insights into building a stable investment future.

Unpack the world of tariffs and how they can affect your wallet, from rising consumer prices to implications for the economy. Explore the potential impacts of proposed trade policies, including those by Donald Trump, on manufacturing and global supply chains. Delve into inflationary concerns and the historical context of U.S. trade policy. Plus, get insights from recent shopping trends after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, along with a sneak peek at holiday travel ideas and stock market predictions.

Discover how to master the Southwest Companion Pass and save big on travel by bringing a friend along for free. Learn strategic ways to earn this valuable perk while maximizing your travel rewards. Transitioning to charitable giving, experts share insights on making your donations count, emphasizing the importance of aligning gifts with personal goals and overcoming common pitfalls. The conversation explores year-round giving strategies and the emotional dynamics of philanthropy, helping you ensure your contributions have a meaningful impact.

Dive into the hilarious highlights of 2024’s biggest financial blunders! Discover why grocery prices continue to rise and how ghost jobs are misleading job seekers. Join the hosts as they roast this year’s financial turkeys while sharing relatable stories about inflation and job market chaos. Enjoy a light-hearted take on personal finance with laughs and valuable insights, making it easier to navigate today’s economic struggles together.

In this engaging discussion, Amanda Barroso, a consumer credit expert, and Kurt Woock, a mortgage specialist, delve into how AI can revolutionize your holiday shopping. They reveal how tools like ChatGPT can provide personalized gift ideas and help compare options efficiently. There’s a cautionary note on the limitations and biases of AI, ensuring consumers are savvy in their use. Additionally, the conversation touches on current trends like Black Friday labor protests and the changing costs of Thanksgiving dinner, making for a well-rounded listen.

Tessa White, the dynamic Founder and CEO of The Job Doctor, joins to share her expertise on salary negotiation and career advancement. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your role's expectations and measuring your contributions with tangible metrics. The discussion covers effective strategies for negotiating raises and the power of informal mentorship in career growth. Listeners will learn how increasing income can significantly impact long-term financial stability and why self-advocacy is essential in today’s job market.