NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

NerdWallet Personal Finance•nerdwallet.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/

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Episodes

Procrastination, and Paying Student Loans vs. Investing

Fear of making mistakes can fuel procrastination, but that can be costly when you’re putting off important money tasks. One task that may be OK to delay, however, is paying off student loans. To send the Nerds 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.

Mar 15, 2021•24 min

Pandemic Debt, and Moving Costs

On this episode, Sean and Liz discuss how to manage debt in our K-shaped economic recovery. Then they answer a listener's question about how to manage expenses for a cross-country move. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Mar 08, 2021•30 min

Saving at the Pump, and 401(k) Limits

You may have noticed that gas prices are on the rise. On this episode, Sean and Liz break down how you can save at the pump, including how to find the best prices and how to manage your fuel efficiency. Then they answer a listener's question about 401(k) contribution limits. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Mar 01, 2021•26 min

Why to File Your Taxes Early, and Tapping Your Home's Equity

Filing your taxes isn't fun, we get it. On this episode, Sean and Liz give you three reasons why to file early (including how it can save you money). Then, they answer a listener's question about when to tap your home's equity. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Feb 22, 2021•31 min

Money News You Missed, and the 50/30/20 Budget

A lot happened at the end of 2020. Sean and Liz discuss news you might have missed about important changes that could affect college financial aid and/or your employee benefits. Then they answer a listener's question about how to use the 50/30/20 budget. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Feb 15, 2021•24 min

Stock Market Shenanigans, and Talking About Money with Your Partner

On this episode, Sean talks with investing Nerd Chris Davis about whether the GameStop frenzy will affect your retirement account. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener's question about how to start having money conversations with your partner. The secret? Talk openly, often and set shared goals. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Feb 08, 2021•35 min

Jackpot Windfall, and Extra COVID Cash

Suddenly find yourself the winner of a billion dollars? Sean and Liz discuss how you should think about your winnings — and other windfalls, like tax refunds. Then they're joined by personal finance Nerd Amrita Jayakumar to answer a listener's money question about how to change your money habits and use cash saved up during the pandemic. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info.

Feb 01, 2021•25 min

How to Buy a House in 2021

Wrapping up the #NewMoneyGoals series, Liz and Sean talk with home buying Nerd Holden Lewis about what would-be homebuyers need to know in 2021. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Jan 25, 2021•28 min

Buying Crypto, and Dealing with Debt

Ever wanted to buy cryptocurrency? Well, on this episode you can live vicariously through Sean, who talks with Liz about his experience dabbling in Dogecoin. Then, they discuss our current debt crisis and how to manage debt in 2021. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.

Jan 18, 2021•23 min

New COVID Scams, and Easy Money Moves

Here’s how to recognize COVID-related scams and what to do if you’ve given out information you should not have, plus, small changes in your money that can have an outsized impact. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Jan 11, 2021•26 min

How You Can Achieve Money Goals in 2021

What do you want to accomplish in 2021? This month, our #NewMoneyGoals bootcamp will set you up for success. To start, know how to craft — and actually achieve — your money goals. That means making them SMART. Sean and Liz talk with money Nerd Kim Palmer about how you can get what you want from your money in 2021. Turn to the Nerds for help with 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

Jan 04, 2021•27 min

Spot fake reviews, and see if you're saving too much

We're off for the holiday break, so here's an episode from our archives. Learn how to spot fake online reviews to save money. Speaking of saving, don't avoid retirement accounts from a fear that you won’t be “liquid” enough. You typically can borrow or withdraw retirement funds in an emergency. 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.

Dec 28, 2020•22 min

What our listeners learned from the pandemic

2020 was a year of challenges — and opportunities. In this episode, listeners share the money lessons they learned over the past year, including why savings is more important than ever and the benefits of debt payoff. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! 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.

Dec 21, 2020•25 min

Charitable giving, and using savings to pay student loans

Feeling charitable this holiday season? Use discretion as you choose where to give. Also, Sean and Liz answer a listener's question about whether to use savings to pay off student loans. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! 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.

Dec 14, 2020•25 min

Pandemic money lessons, and balancing saving for a down payment vs retirement

Sean and Liz share what they learned about managing money during the pandemic. Then they answer a listener's money question about how to save for retirement while saving for a down payment on a house. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! 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.

Dec 07, 2020•22 min

What Biden may do for your finances and how to make money

Consumer protection will see a revival in 2021, but student loan forgiveness and pandemic relief are still question marks. Plus, what to do if you need to get your hands on some money (relatively) fast. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! 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.

Nov 30, 2020•27 min

The holiday shopping episode

How are you planning to shop this holiday season? According to our shopping Nerds, we’ll shop differently, but we’ll still shop. Many stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, but the Black Friday deals have already begun. Here's how to find the best deals. You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! 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.

Nov 23, 2020•28 min

Holiday travel and giving money advice to family

The two things we should rethink this holiday season are travel and offering financial advice to family members. Either should be done cautiously, if at all. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Nov 16, 2020•27 min

Open Enrollment and HSA vs. FSA

Picking health insurance is a pain, but the right choice can save you serious cash. Also, a health savings account can be a great option if you can handle a high deductible health insurance plan, but it’s not for everyone. A traditional plan with a flexible savings account could be a better fit. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Nov 09, 2020•20 min

Finding financial stability and protecting yourself from ID theft

With the election, the pandemic and everything else that's happened in 2020, finding stability can be a challenge. Sean and Liz discuss how to make your money a source of security right now. Then, they answer a listener's money question about how to protect yourself from identity theft. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Nov 02, 2020•27 min

Beating burnout and the best college savings plans

Feel like you working longer and more draining hours during the pandemic? You're not alone. Liz and Sean share their tips to beat burnout. Then they answer a listener's question about how to choose the best college savings plan for their child with the help of Kim Palmer. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? 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.

Oct 26, 2020•28 min

Retiring early and finding lost money

More Americans are retiring early, but not all of them are doing it the right way. And you may have long-forgotten money waiting to be claimed — here's how to find it. To have your money question answered on a future episode, 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.

Oct 19, 2020•26 min

Cut your tax bill, and how to choose the best investment platform

Looking to cut your tax bill? You have a few go-to strategies, but only a few months left to reduce what you'll owe next year. Also, the right investment platform depends on how you want to invest and how much help you need. Want your money question answered by our Nerds? 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.

Oct 12, 2020•26 min

Unequal unemployment recovery, and whether to buy a new or a used car

Sean and Liz dig into what unemployment trends mean for our economy. Then they answer a listener's money question about whether it's best to buy a new or a used car. Want your money question answered by our Nerds? 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. If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app

Oct 05, 2020•36 min

The psychology of debt and when to refinance

On this episode, Sean and Liz discuss the psychology of credit card debt — why some people see it as useful and others call it "evil." Then they answer a listener's question about whether now is a good time to refinance their home, even if they just got the mortgage last year. 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.

Sep 28, 2020•28 min

Used cars in short supply, and Shea Couleé talks money

Tight supplies and steady demand are driving up used car prices, but you can still save money. Speaking of saving money, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is saving some of the $100,000 prize money to buy a house. 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.

Sep 21, 2020•30 min

Fake reviews and saving too much

Learning how to spot fake online reviews can save you money. Speaking of saving, you shouldn’t avoid retirement accounts from a fear that you won’t be “liquid” enough. You typically can borrow or withdraw retirement funds in an emergency. Saving a big chunk of your income while you’re young can give you a great start. 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.

Sep 14, 2020•21 min

Investing while paying off 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.

Sep 07, 2020•13 min

Renters are struggling, and what to do with an old 401(k)

Renters are far more likely to be struggling in the pandemic than homeowners. Also, don’t put off a 401(k) rollover. If you want to move money out of an old employer’s plan, ask if your new employer will take it or consider rolling over to an IRA. 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.

Aug 31, 2020•24 min

Buying local and emergency loans

Buying local could help a favorite small business survive the pandemic. Meanwhile, people who don’t have savings may be tempted to take out emergency loans to cover unexpected expenses. But these small dollar loans can come with high interest rates and short repayment terms, leading to a debt trap. 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.

Aug 24, 2020•22 min

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