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

When Travel Insurance Is Worth It, and Buying an Electric Car

With more travelers taking to the sky, should they be booking travel insurance? Liz and Sean discuss. Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to buy an electric car, including how to negotiate with salespeople and how to take advantage of financial incentives for electric vehicles. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 14, 202127 min

Crypto-Earning Credit Cards, and Short-Term Investing

Credit cards are hopping aboard the crypto hype train, with some offering rewards in cryptocurrency. Sean, Liz and Sara discuss what they are and their risks. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to approach short-term investing. Also, please take a few seconds to fill out our two-question survey: http://bit.ly/nerdwallet-podcast-survey To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ...

Jun 07, 202120 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, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 31, 202128 min

Buy Now, Pay Later Loans, and Getting Started Building Wealth

You’ve probably seen the offers when shopping online: Break up your purchase into smaller payments over a few weeks or months. But are buy now, pay later loans a good deal? Sean and Liz break it down. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to get started building wealth. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 202125 min

Big Purchases, and Overcoming Money Guilt

On this episode, Liz starts off by talking with credit card Nerd Sara Rathner about how to manage a big expense on a credit card — including how to earn the most points and avoid paying interest. Then Sean joins Liz to answer a listener’s question about overcoming money guilt. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 17, 202132 min

Free Health Insurance, and Finding Scholarships

Sean and Liz break down how to find out if you’re eligible for free or lower-cost health insurance under the American Rescue Plan. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to find scholarships and make higher education more affordable. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 202124 min

Pet Scams, and Buying Different Home Types

If you’re in the market for a new pet, scammers may have you in their sights. Sean and Liz talk about avoiding common pet scams. Then they answer a couple of listener questions about buying different home types, including new homes, existing homes, condos and more. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 03, 202124 min

Air Travel, and Collections Accounts on Credit Reports

More travelers are taking to the sky as vaccines roll out. Sean and Liz discuss how to find affordable flights as ticket prices climb. Then they answer a listener’s question about how long a collections account stays on your credit report — and how to mitigate any damage to your credit score. 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. Learn more abo...

Apr 26, 202116 min

Cannabis Investing, and Too Much Cash

Cannabis investing — specifically in ETFs — might seem like a savvy move to break into a budding industry. But there are unique risks to investing in cannabis. Sean and Liz discuss the pros and cons with investing Nerd Chris Davis. Then they answer a listener’s money question about whether you can have too much cash in your accounts. To contact 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 episo...

Apr 19, 202123 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 12, 202126 min

Pandemic Savings Goals, and Taxes on Inheritance

Find yourself saving more cash during the pandemic? On this episode, Sean talks with banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette about what people are doing with their pandemic-driven savings. Then, Liz and Sean answer a listener’s question about when you owe taxes on an inheritance. To have the Nerds answer 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. V...

Apr 05, 202126 min

Spring Cleaning, and COVID Taxes

On this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how they’re approaching spring cleaning their finances this year, including tidying up their digital lives. Then, they answer a listener’s question about how to manage filing taxes in the age of COVID — including whether you owe taxes on your stimulus. To have the Nerds answer 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 ab...

Mar 29, 202124 min

Redlining, and the Credit Impact of Paying Off a Car Loan

On this episode, Sean talks with mortgage writer Linda Bell about the legacy of redlining and the racial wealth gap. Then, Liz and Sean answer a listener's question about whether to pay off a car loan early — and the potential impact on their credit. To have the Nerds answer 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/adc...

Mar 22, 202124 min

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 15, 202124 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 08, 202130 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 01, 202126 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 202131 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

Feb 15, 202124 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 08, 202135 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. Lea...

Feb 01, 202125 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 25, 202128 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 18, 202123 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 11, 202126 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 L...

Jan 04, 202127 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. Learn more about your ad cho...

Dec 28, 202022 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 202025 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 202025 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 07, 202022 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 202027 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Nov 23, 202028 min
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