NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast - podcast cover

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

NerdWallet Personal Financenerdwallet.com
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. Future You will thank you. 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

Plan Your Next Cruise: Tips on Booking, Excursions and Entertainment

Explore the ins and outs of planning a cruise, from choosing the right trip to coordinating on-board activities. What are the benefits of booking a group cruise for your friends and family? What amenities do cruises offer that could make travel easier for you and your group? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss how to choose and book the best cruise to help you understand the logistics of planning a group vacation at sea. They begin with a discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of going...

Mar 28, 202424 min

Money in Your Pocket: Biden's Bid to Banish College Junk Fees

Neera Tanden, domestic policy advisor to President Biden, discusses the fight against junk fees impacting college students. What hidden “junk fees” are college students facing? How is the Biden Administration addressing fees to make higher education more affordable? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the Biden Administration's recent efforts to combat junk fees in colleges, from financial products marketed to students like credit cards and bank accounts to textbook costs and unused meal ...

Mar 27, 202412 min

How Secure and Private Are Your Digital Wallet Transactions? Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and More

Learn the truth behind common credit score myths and get a better understanding of digital wallet privacy and security. 00:51 This Week in Your Money: Do you need to carry a credit card balance in order to maintain a good credit score? Does checking your credit score hurt your credit? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner debunk common credit score myths to help you understand the realities of your credit health. They offer valuable insights into how carrying a balance affects your credit score, the...

Mar 25, 202427 min

Save on Travel Transportation: Your Guide to Rental Cars, RVs and Public Transit

Get savvy about car rental services, pros and cons of RV rentals and navigating public transportation when traveling. What are the best transportation options when traveling with a group? When is it worth it to rent a car? NerdWallet’s Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss group transportation options and public transportation strategies to help you understand how to move your squad around efficiently and economically. They begin with a discussion of various modes of transportation, with tips an...

Mar 21, 202425 min

A Landmark Legal Settlement Could Make Home Buying and Selling More Complicated

Discover how a historic change in the way real estate agents are paid could impact prices for home buyers and sellers. Will housing costs become cheaper under new real estate commission rules? How will the recent settlement by the National Association of Realtors impact home buyers and sellers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the details of the $418 million settlement by the National Association of Realtors, discussing its potential implications on the home buying and selling proce...

Mar 20, 202415 min

Automate Your Way to Building Wealth with Vivian Tu, “Your Rich BFF”

“Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu explains how to adopt a millionaire’s mindset and shares key strategies for building wealth. How do wealthy people think about building wealth? What career choices can lead to a faster increase in income? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss spring financial planning and wealth-building strategies to help you understand how to effectively grow your finances and navigate career advancement. They begin with a discussion of setting SMARTR financial goals for spring, w...

Mar 18, 202432 min

Group Vacations: Affordable Accommodations, Cost-Splitting, and Embracing Flexibility

Discover tips and get answers to common questions for smooth group travel, from choosing accommodations to managing meals and costs for a successful trip. How can you find the perfect accommodations for group travel without overspending? How can you split group expenses fairly? NerdWallet’s Megan Coyle and Megan Lee discuss the ins and outs of group travel accommodations and the logistics of planning a group trip to help you understand how to orchestrate a seamless group vacation experience. The...

Mar 14, 202425 min

Crypto Makes Another Comeback: What's Different This Time?

Understand the recent resurgence of cryptocurrency prices and what the future may have in store for crypto investments. Why did Bitcoin’s price go back up? Why are cryptocurrencies controversial? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the recent resurgence of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, after its dramatic fall in previous years. They discuss the factors behind Bitcoin's recent rally, including the upcoming blockchain reward halving and the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, shedding...

Mar 13, 202412 min

How to Choose Between Paying Debt and Investing After a Windfall

Learn from others’ missteps in our new segment, “My Favorite Financial Mistake.” Plus: balancing paying debt vs. saving. 00:39 This Week in Your Money: What can you learn from making financial mistakes? Should you save and invest or pay off debt when you get a financial windfall? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner, along with their new co-host Elizabeth Ayoola, discuss turning financial blunders into learning opportunities to help you set up for future financial success. They begin with a candid ...

Mar 11, 202434 min

Elevate Your Family & Group Getaways: Get Travel Deals with Smart Planning and Points

Get expert tips on affordable group and family air travel, from maximizing points and rewards to booking the best flights and maximizing airline perks. How can you make group travel both enjoyable and affordable? What are the best strategies for using travel points and credit cards to your advantage when planning group trips? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss the intricacies of group travel planning and the mastery of travel points and credit card perks to help you understand how to have...

Mar 07, 202429 min

“Dynamic Pricing” Could Save You Money at the Drive-Through

Understand how you may actually be able to save money on fast food thanks to “dynamic pricing.” What’s the difference between surge pricing and dynamic pricing? How can you take advantage of supply and demand timing for certain products and services? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski tackle the buzz around Wendy’s controversial new pricing strategy, dissecting the confusion surrounding surge pricing and clarifying Wendy’s actual plan of implementing dynamic pricing starting in 2025. They discus...

Mar 06, 202410 min

Tips to Save on Groceries and Navigate Tax Season

Learn about savvy grocery saving and expert tax filing tips to bolster your budget and ease tax season stress. 1:14 This Week in Your Money: How can you slash your grocery bills and still eat healthy foods amid rising costs? What’s new for this year’s tax season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss saving money on groceries and simplifying tax filing to help you understand how to eat smart, save big, and conquer tax season with ease. They begin with a discussion of frugal grocery shopping,...

Mar 04, 202426 min

Revitalize Your Budget with a 30-Day Money Cleanse

Discover how to revamp your finances with a 30-day money cleanse that aligns your spending with joy and personal values. How can you set a budget that aligns with your goals? How can you optimize your spending to reduce waste? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer talks to Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of The 30-Day Money Cleanse, to help you understand how small changes can make a significant impact on your financial health. They begin with a discussion of the financial cleanse, with tips and tricks on a...

Feb 29, 202421 min

Student Loan Debt Relief and the SAVE Plan’s Future with Secretary Miguel Cardona

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discusses the early rollout of $1.2B in student loan forgiveness and the future of debt relief. Why did the Biden administration accelerate student loan forgiveness by wiping away $1.2 billion in debt nearly six months ahead of schedule? How will eligible borrowers, especially those enrolled in the new income-driven repayment plan SAVE, be notified of this unexpected relief? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explain the latest in student loan forgiveness ...

Feb 28, 202412 min

Unlock the Benefits of 529 Plans to Save for College Tuition and Education Expenses

Learn how to utilize a tax advantaged 529 plan to help your or a friend’s children save for future education expenses. 00:57 This Week in Your Money: What are the risks of purchasing a home without an inspection? How can you plan for major expenses when healthcare providers can’t tell you how much their services will cost? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share their hot takes on unexpected financial challenges, with tips and tricks on handling surprise expenses, understanding the importance of...

Feb 26, 202427 min

Succeed in Self-Employment: How to Choose The Best Business Structure for Liability and Taxes (S Corps, C Corps, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships)

Learn how to choose the right business structure for financial success and legal protection as a self-employed entrepreneur with answers to common questions. How do you select the right business structure when you’re self-employed? What are the financial implications of different business structures on personal finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola help you understand how to navigate your business's legal identity by comparing business structures for self-employment. They begin with a ...

Feb 22, 202428 min

Navigating Surging Mortgage and Child Care Costs

Explore strategies to navigate surging mortgage and child care costs so you can meet your goals despite rising expenses. How are rising mortgage and child care costs impacting the typical American family? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski tackle the pressing issue of the dual financial burden faced by many households today. They discuss the nuances of the affordability crisis before NerdWallet writer and mortgage expert Kate Wood joins them to shed light on the housing market dynamics, explaini...

Feb 21, 202414 min

Wealth Building Strategies: Investing and Tax Tips for Financial Success

Learn investment and tax strategies to help you achieve financial security and prepare for a prosperous retirement. How can you balance saving for emergencies and investing for the future? What strategies can you employ to maximize your tax benefits and build a secure financial future? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer and Alana Benson discuss investment strategies and tax planning to help you understand how to navigate your financial journey effectively. They begin with a discussion of investment strateg...

Feb 19, 202436 min

Saving for Retirement When You’re Self-Employed: SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and Other Plans

Learn retirement savings strategies tailored for self-employed individuals to secure a financially stable future. How can self-employed individuals effectively save for retirement? What tailored retirement plans should freelancers and small business owners consider? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the unique challenges of retirement savings for the self-employed and the different retirement plans available to help you understand how to secure your financial future while runn...

Feb 15, 202430 min

Money News: Capitalize on New Car Price Drops and Job Market Resilience

Learn why now may be a good time to be in the market for a new car and why two industries are outliers in job layoffs. Why did new car prices drop in January? What’s driving layoffs in tech and media — and what does it mean for other jobs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss car prices and a recent surge in layoffs, particularly in the tech and media sectors. They kick off with an in-depth look at the auto industry, unraveling the reasons behind a significant drop in new vehicle prices an...

Feb 14, 202410 min

How to Have Difficult Money Conversations with Friends and Partners featuring Nicole Lapin

Apply lessons from physical fitness to improve your financial fitness. Plus: how to manage money in your relationships. 00:21 This Week in Your Money: How can you achieve both financial and physical wellness? How can you stick to your goals when you face setbacks? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss achieving financial wellness by borrowing lessons learned from people working to achieve physical wellness. NerdWallet UK writer and spokesperson Amy Knight joins Sean and Sara to share tips an...

Feb 12, 202433 min

Taxes for the Self-Employed: Avoid Common Tax Mistakes and Navigate Freelancer Finances

Learn about self-employment taxes and avoid common tax mistakes with expert strategies for managing your finances year-round. How do self-employed taxes work? What are some common tax mistakes self-employed people make? And can you really write off payments on a luxury vehicle if you use it for work purposes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the intricacies of self-employment taxes and strategies for financial success and IRS compliance to help you understand how to navigate tax sea...

Feb 08, 202428 min

Money News: Navigating News-Based Investing Strategies, Risks, and Alternatives

Understand news-based stock market trading strategies and risks and discover alternative strategies for smarter investing. Should you trade stocks based on news events? What are alternative investment strategies to news-based trading? Investing Nerd Sam Taube joins hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski to discuss the wisdom—or folly—of news-based trading strategies, after Sean and Anna break down the latest personal finance headlines around job market trends and consumer confidence from the Univers...

Feb 07, 202414 min

How to Freeze and Monitor Your Credit to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Learn about navigating retirement joyfully and how to defend against identity theft with credit freezing and monitoring. How do you embrace retirement when it’s time to retire? How can you use credit reports and credit monitoring to protect your financial identity? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss transitioning into retirement and safeguarding against identity theft to help you understand the emotional and practical aspects of retiring and the crucial steps to defend your financial info...

Feb 05, 202431 min

Is Self-Employment for You? A Financial Guide for Entrepreneurs

Master your self-employment finances with answers to questions about budgeting, planning, and separating funds. How can you manage your finances effectively after becoming self-employed? What can you do to plan for unpredictable income and the tax implications that come with being your own boss? NerdWallet's Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola host a discussion that delves deep into the world of self-employment. Elizabeth interviews Rianka Dorsonville, a self-employed certified financial planner, ab...

Feb 01, 202429 min

Money News: Some States, Cities Crank Up Minimum Wage While Feds Lag

Get an in-depth look at U.S. minimum wage variations, with budgeting tips and assistance programs for financial security. Are we in a recession? How much inflation has happened in the US recently? Is it too early to file your taxes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into this week’s financial headlines, including positive GDP growth and the implications of inflation on interest rates, before taking a closer look at the pressing issue of minimum wage in the United States. They address the ...

Jan 31, 202411 min

What’s an HSA? Growing Wealth with Health Savings Account Investing

Understand the different ways you can utilize a healthcare savings account and learn tips and tricks for HSA investing. 00:46 This Week in Your Money: Where can you find an unbiased analysis of the best financial products available? What products can help you make the most of your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards, a resource that can serve as a shortcut when it comes to finding the right financial tools for your goals. They share some highlights fro...

Jan 29, 202417 min

Saving Money with Credit Card Rewards Points: Travel, Cash Back and More

Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerdy expert tips. How can you travel more while spending less? How could changes in airline loyalty programs affect your travel plans? What are the benefits of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards versus flexible rewards cards? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Erin Hurd dive deep into credit card rewards points, addressing a range of topics that will r...

Jan 25, 202425 min

Money News: Strategies for Building a Safety Net and Single-Parent Finances Unpacked

Uncover 30-year trends in single-parent household finances with insights on growth, challenges and building a safety net. What should you do when stock markets hit record highs? Is now a good time to buy or sell a home now that mortgage rates have dropped again? How can you build a safety net when you’re a single parent? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down the latest headlines from the world of personal finance, including record-breaking stock market events, increases in consumer confi...

Jan 24, 202414 min

Wrinkles and Wealth: Navigate Skincare Costs and Net Worth Goals for Retirement

Learn how much anti-aging treatments may cost you (and how to budget for them), plus how to understand your net worth. 00:54 This Week in Your Money: How much does it cost to look younger? What can you do for free to maintain your youthful appearance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the costs associated with various anti-aging treatments like moisturizers, Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing, and how to budget to be able to pay for them over time. They also touch on preve...

Jan 22, 202441 min