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

Overcome Impulsive Shopping: Strategies to Resist Social Media Spending

Understand the urge to spend money while scrolling on social media and learn strategies to control impulsive purchases. How does social media influence spending habits? What are practical strategies to spend less money while scrolling? Hosts Sean Pyles and Amanda Barroso discuss the psychological tricks of social media and emotional spending to help you understand the subconscious factors that drive your online purchases. Amanda interviews Jillian Knight, a licensed marriage and family therapist...

Jun 06, 202437 min

Are You Lying on Your Insurance Applications? Here’s What Could Happen

Discover how many people lie on insurance applications and the potential consequences you face when you do so. Is it okay to lie on your insurance application? What are the consequences if you do? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the findings from a recent NerdWallet survey revealing how many Americans admit to intentionally providing inaccurate information on their insurance applications and delve into the generational and gender differences in attitudes toward this behavior. Learn wh...

Jun 05, 20249 min

Credit Card Secrets Revealed and How to Balance Multiple Loans

Learn handy tips you probably didn’t know about credit cards and why paying off loans could actually lower your credit score. 00:35 Credit Card Tips: What are some helpful credit card tips? Can paying off your student debt negatively affect your credit score? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss insider credit card tips to help you understand our options when shopping for and using credit cards. They begin with tips and tricks on navigating interest rate changes, maximizing reward points, l...

Jun 03, 202426 min

The Intricacies of Interest: The Backbone of Mastering Your Finances

Author Jake Cousineau explains why it’s important to teach interest and budgeting to students — and how to learn as an adult. How can you understand complex personal finance topics as an adult? What strategies can young people use to achieve financial independence? Personal Finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks to Jake Cousineau, author of How to Adult: Personal Finance in the Real World, about the significance of personal finance education and the intricacies of interest rates to help you understand th...

May 30, 202423 min

Learn How Random Investments Can Outperform Managed Funds

Learn why randomly choosing individual stocks can beat expert investing strategies — and what that means for your portfolio. Can random stock picks outperform Wall Street professionals? What kind of portfolio returns can low-cost index investing drive? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the astonishing results of a dart-throwing experiment by Wall Street Journal columnist Spencer Jakab and his team, which pitted random stock selections against high-profile hedge fund picks. The hosts ...

May 29, 202418 min

Cash Back vs. Points Deep Dive: Presenting All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

Are credit card rewards points more valuable than cash back? This special presentation of All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins features deep dive into credit cards, with a focus on cash back versus points. Chris goes deep on strategies for every spending category and shares his analysis of how to optimize points vs. cash back for the best return on investment. All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins is a podcast about optimizing all aspects of your life, from travel to money to health to work and more. C...

May 27, 202444 min

Embrace Financial Vulnerability to Get Out of Debt: Social Media’s Impact on Financial Freedom

Brittney Reynolds explains how sharing her finances publicly on social media helped her get out of debt and develop a new community. What are the benefits of sharing your finances publicly? How is social media changing the way people talk about money? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rise of financial transparency on social media and its impact on community building to help you understand the power of vulnerability in achieving financial freedom. Sean speaks with Brittney Reynol...

May 23, 202427 min

Finance Your Creative Career with Felicia Day’s Gig Economy Survival Guide

Writer, producer, and actor Felicia Day shares her financial journey working in Hollywood, with tips for managing your budget when gigs are inconsistent. What Is Your Time Worth? How do you value your time outside of work? How can you manage finances in an unpredictable career like acting? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the concept of time valuation to help you understand how to balance personal worth against income. They begin with a discussion of time valuation, offering insights on...

May 22, 202432 min

How the CFPB's Supreme Court Win Helps Consumers

Learn how the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) affects your finances. How does the CFPB protect consumers? Why does the recent CFPB court decision matter? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the CFPB’s funding structure, explaining its significance and what it means for consumer protections. They also explain the history and function of the CFPB, including its role in consumer finances, and provide...

May 22, 202411 min

Save More with Coupon Tactics for the Digital World

“Krazy Coupon Lady” Joanie Demer shares couponing tactics and how coupons work to help you outsmart rising costs even in today’s digital marketplaces. How can you use coupons to help you afford everyday essentials? Are digital deals and loyalty programs the same as using coupons? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the thrill of couponing and the evolution of coupon strategies to help you understand how to combat rising living costs effectively. Joanie Demer, one half of the duo known ...

May 16, 202430 min

Leveraging the Strong US Dollar: Insights for Travelers and Investors

Learn how the strength of the US dollar impacts your finances, as well as its ramifications on the US and global economies. What does it mean to have a strong dollar? Who benefits the most from a strong US dollar? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the implications of a strong dollar on both domestic and global economies. They interview Cris deRitis, deputy chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, to demystify what a strong dollar means beyond its impact on travelers, along with what wil...

May 15, 202415 min

Safeguard Your Finances: Tips on Emergency Funds, Insurance, and Index Fund Investments

Learn how to build a financial safety net to conserve your wealth and the ins and outs of investing in index funds. How can you build financial resilience to protect yourself from life's economic curveballs? How do index funds work, and what should you consider when choosing one? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how you can use elements of financial planning to minimize risk exposure. They offer tips and tricks for financial risk mitigation, including the importance of establishing an e...

May 13, 202423 min

Cash in on Collectibles: How to Monetize Your Passions and Memorabilia

Discover how you could turn your collectibles and passions into an actual business and stay ahead of market trends. How hard is it to make money from collectibles? What kinds of things typically become collectible? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the unconventional method of selling collectibles to earn income to help you understand how your passions could yield financial gain. Sean speaks with Tyler Feldman, the Founder and CEO of Inscriptagraphs, a sports and entertainment memora...

May 09, 202429 min

The Latest Trends in Housing: Why Renting Is Gaining Momentum

Explore key insights into the current real estate market as the Nerds unpack the results of the 2024 Home Buyer Report. Should you rent or own your home? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore the financial and lifestyle implications of each choice, drawing insights from a recent NerdWallet survey and a firsthand account from fellow Nerd Elizabeth Renter, who transitioned from homeownership to renting. From rising home prices and mortgage rates to the hidden costs of homeownership, this epis...

May 08, 202414 min

What Does the Car Market Really Look Like Right Now?

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Explore car buying in 2024, from Carvana's process to the electric vehicle surge and how to maximize your car's sale value. Budgets Beyond the Numbers: How do you manage the emotional aspects of budgeting? What’s the car buying market like in 2024? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss personal budgeting and the future of car buying to help you understand how to navigate financi...

May 06, 202429 min

How You Can Maximize Multiple Credit Cards for Cheaper Travel

A personal finance enthusiast with 37 active credit cards shares tips to strategically open and maintain multiple cards to travel cheaply and answers common questions around maximizing rewards. How many credit cards can you have at the same time? What can credit card points and miles help you afford? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss quirky money management techniques and the mastery of credit card rewards to help you understand how to make your money go farther. They begin with a di...

May 02, 202428 min

Presenting Everyone's Talkin' Money

Enjoy this special presentation of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, a podcast from our friend Shannah Game, a money wellness expert, financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner. Shannah brings you honest, relevant, and forward-thinking conversations about money. This special episode explores how a simple question can unlock secrets to a wealthier life and transform your relationship with money. Say goodbye to complexity and hello to financial mastery as we break down the seven critical areas wh...

May 01, 202442 min

How to Correct Roth IRA Overcontributions and Maximize Your Savings

Learn about fundamentals to consider before buying an individual stock and what to do if you over-contribute to a Roth IRA. 00:58 This Week in Your Money: What fundamentals should you consider before buying an individual stock? What should you do if you accidentally over-contribute to a Roth IRA? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss cautionary tales from the stock market to help you understand how to safeguard your investments. They begin with a discussion of Trump Media & Technology Gr...

Apr 29, 202421 min

Overcome AI Fraud: Navigating Voice Cloning and Digital Scams

Learn how scammers deceive victims by using AI for voice cloning and learn how you can protect yourself from other AI-related fraud. How can you protect yourself from AI-driven scams that target your finances? What new scams are happening as technology advances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the alarming use of AI in scams and the future of fraud to help you understand how to safeguard your personal security. They begin with a discussion of AI-driven voice scams, with tips and tricks...

Apr 25, 202431 min

Some Investors Are Using AI to Make Decisions. Should You?

Learn how investors use artificial intelligence to make decisions. Plus: AI’s current capabilities and limitations in finance. How does AI affect investment decisions? What are AI’s limitations in finance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore these questions and more with Sam Taube, an investing writer at NerdWallet, who shares insights on AI's role in investment research and stock selection. They break down the potential of AI-powered ETFs and mutual funds, including their performance tre...

Apr 24, 20248 min

Money Management for Couples and the Benefits of Fiduciaries

Discover methods to achieve financial harmony in relationships and learn why fiduciary advisors are often considered trustworthy. 0:52 Sara’s Corner: How can couples equitably share the mental load of managing finances? Can you trust fiduciary financial advisors? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner begin with a discussion about the division of financial responsibilities among couples to help you understand how to create financial harmony in your relationship. 12:18 Today’s Money Question: Elizabet...

Apr 22, 202428 min

Understand and Avoid Financial Scams: Phishing, Vishing, Smishing and More

Learn how to spot and avoid online scams, including imposter scams, investment scams, phishing, vishing and smishing. How can you protect yourself from financial scams? What steps should you take if you fall victim to one of these schemes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the pressing issue of online frauds and strategies for safeguarding personal finances to help you avoid falling prey to digital tricksters. They begin with a discussion of recognizing and avoiding various scams, with t...

Apr 18, 202437 min

Save on Home Insurance Amid Rising Costs and Coverage Hurdles

Learn why homeowners insurance costs are rising, tactics to find affordable coverage, and how to know if you have enough. Why are homeowners insurance costs rising? How can you tell if you have enough insurance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the factors behind rising home insurance premiums, from climate change-induced disasters to inflation’s impact on repair costs. They’re joined by Caitlin Constantine, an insurance editor at NerdWallet, who breaks down the details. She shares ...

Apr 17, 202410 min

How to Overcome Common Psychological Financial Mistakes: Framing, Loss Aversion, and the Gambler’s Fallacy

Learn how to control your behavioral economics biases and whether it’s ever worth it to use a credit repair service. 00:58 Behavioral Economics Biases: How can you master the psychology behind your financial decisions? Are credit repair services really worth the investment? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss behavioral finance biases to help you understand the psychological factors that influence your financial choices, including loss aversion, framing, and the gambler’s fallacy, also kno...

Apr 15, 202421 min

How To Guard Against Cyber Fraud: Essential Steps to Protect Your Identity

Explore how to protect yourself from identity fraud, understand its emotional toll and learn fraud recovery steps. How can you protect yourself from identity theft and fraud? What steps should you take if you become a victim of financial fraud? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner delve into the unsettling world of identity theft and fraud prevention to help listeners safeguard their finances and wellbeing. They begin with a discussion on the various facets of identity theft, with tips and tricks o...

Apr 11, 202431 min

Summer Travel Insights: Maximize Your Vacation Budget

Unlock insights on vacation spending to leverage summer travel trends, and dive into the latest employment report. Planning to travel this summer? In this episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the world of summer travel. They discuss the key findings from NerdWallet’s 2024 Summer Travel Report, revealing insights into Americans’ vacation plans and expected spending. NerdWallet travel rewards expert Sally French joins them to dissect the latest...

Apr 10, 202414 min

How to Own a Home: Strategies for Buying, Selling, and Improving

Get a comprehensive breakdown of strategies for buying, selling, and improving homes in our homeowners lightning round. 00:42 This Month’s Nerdy Question: What’s the best thing you spent your money on this month? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner kick off a new segment by sharing some of their recent purchases, in a new segment designed to encourage you to think about your consumption habits. 08:24 Today’s Money Question: Should you shop around for a title agency? What are the pros and cons of o...

Apr 08, 202439 min

Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Learn how to protect your identity from theft and fraud by understanding how criminals are exposing authentication flaws. How can you protect yourself from identity theft and financial scams? What steps should you take if your identity has been compromised? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the pervasiveness of identity theft and practical defense strategies to help you safeguard your financial well-being. They begin with a discussion of protecting yourself from identity theft, with tips...

Apr 04, 202433 min

Decoding Economic Health: Inflation, Growth, and Employment Trends

Explore the latest on inflation, employment, and growth trends, and what it means for the future of the US economy. How is the economy doing right now and what does it mean for inflation, growth, and jobs? What do recent credit card settlement news and updates on inflation rates mean for your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the current state of the economy, dissecting the latest data on inflation, growth, and employment. Joined by NerdWallet data journalist Elizabeth Rent...

Apr 03, 202418 min

Diversify Your Portfolio: A Guide to Roth vs. Traditional Retirement Accounts

Learn to maximize retirement savings with tax diversification by balancing your Roth and traditional IRA contributions. 00:27 This Week in Your Money: What are expense ratios? How do you decide between a Roth and traditional 401(k)? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss understanding investment terms and retirement account options and strategies to help you understand how to make more informed and beneficial financial decisions. They begin with a new segment called Nerdy Vocab, in which they...

Apr 01, 202422 min