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. 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

The pandemic is changing our financial lives, and what to know about refinancing now

In this episode, Sean and Liz discuss survey results that show how money habits are changing as a result of COVID-19. Then, they answer a listener's money question about whether home improvement projects can help home refinancing odds — and if it’s still a good time to refinance. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices...

Jun 15, 202022 min

Make your donations go further; Plan for new baby expenses

In this episode, Sean and Liz start off by discussing how you can make your donations to social causes go further. Then, they answer a listener's money question about how to plan for expenses as a new parent. Kim Palmer, a Nerd with a lot of first-hand experience managing baby costs, joins the conversation. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Lear...

Jun 08, 202022 min

Is identity theft protection worth the cost?

Can identity theft protection services really protect us from identity theft? No, but they can serve as an (expensive) early warning signal. Most people should first consider some free ways to reduce the chances of becoming a victim, such as credit freezes and monitoring a credit score. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad ...

Jun 01, 202024 min

Is Bitcoin a safe investment?

People who invest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies need to be ready for a wild ride. Values can soar and plunge, plus there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back. Cryptocurrency is more of a gamble than an investment, and shouldn’t be more than a small portion of your overall portfolio. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about...

May 26, 202022 min

I Got Laid Off! What Should I Do with My Retirement Fund?

Getting your retirement account squared away is just one of the many tasks facing the newly unemployed, but it’s an important one. Rolling the money into an IRA could be the best choice, particularly if your former employer isn’t allowing the new “coronavirus hardship withdrawals.” As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choic...

May 18, 202025 min

Where have all the 0% offers gone?

It used to be easy for people with good credit scores to get 0% balance transfer offers. As lenders pull back, those with credit card debt may need alternative plans to deal with their balances. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 11, 202016 min

How can I buy my first home in an expensive city?

Being a first-time homeowner can be daunting, especially in a pricey market like Southern California. Chris Browning of the Popcorn Finance podcast has questions about what to expect, and he turns to the Nerds for some answers. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 04, 202020 min

Where's my coronavirus relief check — and how should I use it?

Most American adults are eligible for government relief checks of $1,200, but many are still waiting for their money — plus the usual advice about what to do with a windfall doesn’t apply in a crisis. Sean and Liz discuss how to find out where your payment is and put it to the best use. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad ...

Apr 27, 202015 min

How should I spring-clean my finances?

Don’t stop with your closets. Spring cleaning your finances can be just as satisfying, not to mention more lucrative. Whip your budget into shape, check your credit and make sure your investments are on track. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 20, 202015 min

Help! I owe the IRS!

You were expecting a tax refund — but wound up owing money. Changing tax laws and the gig economy mean many taxpayers who traditionally got money back are now having to pay. Sean and Liz help a reader navigate paying a tax bill, as well as steps for avoiding a tax bill next year. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 13, 202015 min

Coronavirus Special Edition, Part IV: The CARES Act and Your Student Loans

The economic stimulus package gave millions of student loan borrowers some important breaks, but people are confused about what they are and what they have to do. Sean and Liz get the scoop from student loan nerd Ryan Lane. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 06, 202015 min

Coronavirus Special Edition, Part III: Coronavirus and Your Portfolio

Nauseating drops in the stock market can be hard to endure, but most of us should try to do just that -- and even invest more, if we can. If you need the money within five years or you’re losing sleep, though, you might need to get at least some of your portfolio to safer ground. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 02, 202011 min

Coronavirus Special Edition, Part II: Saving, Budgeting and Travel

The coronavirus pandemic has scrambled people’s travel plans and their budgets. Here are the most important things to know now about emergency funds, spending plans and travel in the coming months. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 202011 min

Coronavirus Special Edition, Part I: Mortgages and the Market

Mortgage rates dropped and then soared, making life difficult for people who wanted to refinance and buy homes. Mortgage and real estate Nerd Holden Lewis explains why that happened and what the future may bring. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 26, 202012 min

How can I brace financially for coronavirus?

The economic impact of the novel coronavirus and the COVD-19 disease it causes is likely to be profound. Sean and Liz discuss how to cope with the potential financial fallout. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 202015 min

My credit score randomly dropped — a lot. What happened?

Unexpected credit scores drops are the worst -- especially when you’re trying to do everything right. Sean and Liz dig into the details of how credit scores work to help a reader whose scores dived seemingly without reason. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 16, 202015 min

What's the best way to save for a down payment on a house?

Many first-time home buyers wonder how to save for a down payment and where to put the money while they’re saving. Sean and Liz talk to mortgage and real estate authority Holden Lewis about the options. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 09, 202014 min

How can I get into the travel credit card points game?

Want to get the most points from your travel credit card, but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. In this episode, Sean and Liz talk with travel Nerd Sara Rathner, who offers up her insider tips about how to get the most points from your travel. And if you want to become a savvy traveler but don't care about travel credit cards, we've got tips for you, too. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn m...

Mar 02, 202016 min

Are Roth conversions a good idea?

Roth conversions can give you a big tax advantage in retirement, but they're not right for everyone. Sean and Liz talk with retirement Nerd Andrea Coombes to help you figure out if you could come out ahead with a Roth conversion. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 202012 min

What's the best way to do a spending fast?

A spending fast can help you save money — fast! The idea is to hit the pause button on non-essential spending for a set period, usually a month. Sean and Liz are veterans of spending fasts and have some tips for how they work, what to watch out for and staying motivated. As always, send us your money questions! As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 202016 min

Should I invest or pay off my student loans?

Should you invest or pay off debt? This question can get especially tricky when you’re talking about investing in your company’s stock versus paying down your student loans. Sean and Liz help a listener who wants to know if she should exercise her stock options or focus on paying her $90,000 student loan debt. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 202012 min

How do we manage money as a couple?

Yours? Mine? Ours? Managing your money as a couple can be stressful, and there’s no one right way to do it. Sean and Liz offer some strategies for figuring out what will work best for both of you. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 03, 202013 min

From the archive: "How can I pay off my debt faster?"

We'll be back in a few weeks, so here's an episode from our archives that can help you tackle your holiday debt. In the meantime, send us your money questions! Call or text the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email [email protected]. Talk to you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 06, 202013 min

Happy New Year from the SmartMoney team!

Thanks for a great 2019! We're taking a little holiday break but will be back in 2020 with loads of new episodes for you. In the meantime, send us your money questions! Text or call our Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 20192 min

How can I (actually) keep my new year’s money resolution?

New Year’s money resolutions are common, sure. But keeping them is a whole different story. In this episode, Sean talks with Nerd Kim Palmer about the best tips that can help you actually achieve your money goals in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 201915 min

What are your best tips to save on family holiday travel?

Holiday travel can be expensive — especially if you’re traveling with family. But you have options to make the cost more manageable. In this episode, Sean talks with travel Nerd Sara Rathner about how you can save on family holiday travel costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 02, 201914 min

Does Black Friday live up to the hype?

Black Friday might seem like the best time to get the biggest deals of the holiday shopping season. But is the shopping extravaganza all it’s made out to be? The answer: Sometimes. In this episode we give you the tips to get the best holiday shopping deals, including when and where to shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 201915 min

Which accounts can make me the most money?

You can make money just by putting your cash into the right account. Which account to choose depends on a few factors, though. In this episode, Sean talks with investing Nerd Arielle O’Shea about the best ways to make money off of cash you have sitting in a bank account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 04, 201914 min

How much house can I afford?

Think you’re finally ready to buy a home? Here’s how to know how much house you can afford with your budget, what you might need for a down payment, and how to think about the emotional aspect of homebuying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 201915 min
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