NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet's senior economist, joins the discussion, bringing her expertise from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They delve into how spending behaviors differ across generations, highlighting Gen Z's higher spending ratios compared to older generations. Listeners learn about shifts in income peaks, the rising healthcare costs impacting spending, and the ways generational labels may obscure common financial patterns. The conversation also touches on recent IRS tax updates and celebrates the milestone of women gaining credit access without a male guarantor.

Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert and host of NerdWallet's book club series, joins the hosts to dive into maximizing credit card rewards for major purchases. They discuss savvy strategies to earn points while minimizing interest and protecting your credit score. Listeners also get creative budgeting tips for Halloween costumes, including DIY ideas and leveraging cash back apps. Palmer emphasizes financial planning for larger expenses, while the group highlights practical ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending.

Richard Frank, Director of The Center on Health Policy, shares insights on how presidential candidates could reshape healthcare costs, including the potential for lowering prescription drug prices and extending health tax credits. Eliza Haverstock, a student loan expert, explains the implications of student loan repayment policies and the future of public service loan forgiveness. They delve into the interconnectedness of political policies and personal finance, urging listeners to understand how upcoming election decisions might affect their wallets.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Taube, an investing expert at NerdWallet, sheds light on the stark differences between sports betting and the stock market. He stresses the addictive nature of gambling and the financial risks involved. The conversation dives into how long-term investing offers consistency in returns while sports betting can lead to impulsive decisions. Additionally, the hosts tackle the booming sports betting industry’s growth and legal aspects, highlighting the socio-economic implications and the need for financial responsibility.

In this discussion, Lacey Langford, an accredited financial coach and founder of MILMO, shares vital insights for military families navigating job changes. She explains the complexities of vesting schedules and offers strategies for maximizing retirement benefits through IRAs. Lacey emphasizes the importance of negotiating benefits with employers and leveraging community resources to enhance financial stability. The hosts also highlight personal achievements and the necessity of celebrating both big and small victories in the journey toward financial resilience.

Amy Hanaeur, Executive Director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, joins to unpack the tax plans of 2024 presidential candidates. They delve into proposals like corporate tax cuts and child tax credits. The conversation sheds light on how these plans could reshape individual finances and affect essential services. Hanaeur emphasizes the need for informed voting, explaining the disparities in tax impacts across income groups. They also explore potential changes to Social Security and the long-term consequences of these policies.

Lauren Schwahn, a NerdWallet writer with expertise in credit and budgeting, joins to discuss vital strategies for protecting your Social Security number from identity theft. She offers practical advice on freezing credit and monitoring reports to safeguard personal information amid rising data breaches. The conversation also touches on current financial news, including inflation trends affecting consumer spending and how health insurance costs are rising. Finally, they discuss Halloween spending habits, providing an intriguing snapshot of seasonal financial behavior.

Sally French and Meghan Coyle, both Travel Nerds at NerdWallet, share their expertise on maximizing travel rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, including its limited-time sign-up bonus. They offer tips on integrating travel credit cards into long-term financial strategies. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet's senior economist, discusses the economic implications of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, explaining how these changes can influence consumer borrowing, spending, and overall economic growth.

Derek Stimel, an associate professor of economics at UC Davis, joins the discussion to unpack how presidential policies influence everyday expenses. They delve into how tariffs can spike the cost of imported goods and the significant role immigration plays in labor costs and wages. Understanding inflation is key, as they explore its measurement and driving factors. They also critique the effectiveness of campaign promises on prices and examine the broader impact of economic policies on gas and grocery prices.

Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet's senior news editor and an expert on the gig economy, delves into the financial realities faced by gig workers. Discover how this workforce, which surged during the pandemic, navigates challenges like tax management and retirement savings without traditional benefits. VanderKnyff shares critical tips for budgeting and self-employment taxes tailored for freelancers. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of gig work and potential legislative changes to better support these independent contractors.