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

Survive and Thrive: Felicia Day’s Gig Economy Playbook for Success

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...

Sep 02, 202433 min

Balance Traditions and Wealth-Building with ‘Culturally Competent’ Tips from Jannese Torres

Understand how first-gen Americans can achieve financial success with tips for balancing cultural obligations and wealth-building strategies. How can first-generation Americans grow their wealth and protect their money? How can you set financial boundaries with family and friends while staying committed to your long-term financial goals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer discuss the unique financial challenges faced by first-generation Americans and immigrant families to help you understand strate...

Aug 29, 202427 min

Safeguarding Your Identity After the National Public Data Breach

Learn how the National Public Data breach could affect you and what actions you can take after a major data breach occurs. What should you do after a major data breach? How can you secure your data from unscrupulous data brokers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the alarming security breach at National Public Data with investigative journalist Bob Sullivan, exploring the implications of the breach and providing actionable tips on how to protect your personal information from future thr...

Aug 28, 202416 min

Reduce Financial Anxiety Now: Actionable Tips from a Live Planning Session (Video Episode)

A CFP helps a listener turn financial anxiety into actionable steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial peace of mind. NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024. How can you be more comfortable spending money? What are strategies for combating financial anxiety? Host Sean Pyles sits in on a live financial planning session where Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from the NerdWallet...

Aug 26, 202438 min

Prepare for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care: Balancing Love, Costs and Comfort

Learn how to make compassionate, informed decisions for your pet's end-of-life care, balancing costs, emotions, and love. How can you plan for end of life care for your pet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the emotional and financial challenges of pet end-of-life care and the importance of early decision-making to help you understand how to make compassionate and practical choices that are realistic for your financial situation. They begin with a discussion of the gut-wrenchin...

Aug 22, 202429 min

Why Experts Criticize “No Tax on Tips” and What It Means for Your Wallet

Learn why experts criticize the “no tax on tips” policy and what it could mean for non-tipped workers if tips become tax-free. Why are some experts criticizing the proposed “no tax on tips” policy? Could it really benefit tipped workers as intended? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the nuances of the “no tax on tips” proposals from presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and break down why tax experts are skeptical about its effectiveness. Then, they cover the latest fin...

Aug 21, 202414 min

How to Weigh Career Moves for Financial and Lifestyle Gains

Learn how you could save money by caring less about what other people think and how to weigh the pros and cons of a job offer. How can you save money by not caring about others' opinions? How does commute time factor into whether you should take an in-person job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss freeing yourself from the pressures of social validation and adopting smart spending habits to help you understand how these approaches can boost your financial well-being. They begin with a dis...

Aug 19, 202435 min

Planning for Pet Emergencies: Vet Budgeting Tips to Avoid Financial Stress

Learn how to financially prepare for the costs of pet emergencies with firsthand experiences from pet owners and experts. How much does emergency pet care cost? How much should you budget for unexpected pet expenses? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the unpredictable nature of pet emergencies and the importance of financial readiness to help you understand how to effectively manage unexpected veterinary costs. They begin by sharing their personal experiences and discussing the ...

Aug 15, 202430 min

Back-to-School Budgeting: Strategies to Save on School Supplies

Learn budgeting and money-saving tips for back-to-school shopping to avoid debt and make the most of sales and discounts. What are the best ways to save on back-to-school shopping? How much do people usually spend on school supplies? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski dive into the latest NerdWallet survey results on back-to-school shopping, revealing spending habits and budgeting strategies. NerdWallet’s Sara Rathner joins the conversation to discuss the survey and provide actionable tips on sa...

Aug 14, 202413 min

Expert Budgeting and Spending Tips from a Live Financial Planning Session (Video Episode)

Hear an actual financial planning session where a CFP advises a listener on transforming her budget and spending habits. NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024. Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from the NerdWallet Advisors platform, gives a listener specific advice to improve their finances (advice given on behalf of Nerdwallet Advisors, not NerdWallet). Brinker, the listener, is struggling...

Aug 12, 202434 min

Budget-Friendly Pet Care: Demystifying Pet Insurance and Hidden Costs

Learn to navigate pet insurance options, costs, and smart budgeting strategies for your pet's health care. Is pet insurance worth it? How can pet owners afford the rising costs of veterinary care? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the ins and outs of pet insurance and various budgeting strategies to help you manage pet care expenses effectively. They begin with a discussion of the importance of pet insurance amidst escalating vet bills, with tips and tricks on the potential fina...

Aug 08, 202431 min

Fed Could Finally Cut Rate Soon: What Would That Mean for You?

Learn how the Fed's interest rate decisions impact your finances and get insights on retirement readiness and brokerage outages. What does the Fed's recent decision to maintain the current interest rate mean for you? How will a potential rate cut in September impact your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the implications of the Federal Reserve's latest moves and what you can expect from a potential rate cut in the near future. NerdWallet’s Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter joi...

Aug 07, 202417 min

FIRE Up Your Finances with Early Retirement and Credit Card Reward Tips

Discover strategies for achieving early retirement with the FIRE movement and learn how to maximize your credit card rewards. How much do you have to save if you want to retire early? Can you double your credit card rewards by paying off one card with another? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the FIRE movement and maximizing credit card rewards to help you understand how to achieve financial independence and optimize your financial strategies. They begin with a discussion of the FIR...

Aug 05, 202427 min

Overcome Rising Veterinary Costs: Affordable Pet Care Tips

Learn how you can balance the joy and financial responsibility of having a pet without having to compromise either of them. How much does it cost to own a pet? How can you make pet care affordable without compromising quality? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade share personal stories about their pets and discuss the rising costs of veterinary care to help you understand how to manage pet expenses effectively. They discuss various financial aspects of pet ownership, including tips and tri...

Aug 01, 202436 min

Financial, Crypto Oversight On the Ropes After Supreme Court Overturns a 40-Year Precedent

Learn how a recent Supreme Court decision impacts financial regulations and crypto, plus the latest money news and travel tips. Is the end of the Chevron deference really going to shake up the world of financial regulations? What does this mean for the future of crypto investments? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski and NerdWallet investing writer Sam Taube discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and how overturning the 40-year-old Chevron deferenc...

Jul 31, 202416 min

Unlock Life Insurance Secrets: Investing, Variable Policies, and Financial Growth

Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and navigate complex insurance choices. What’s the right life insurance policy for you? What is “infinite banking” and how hard is it to set up? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the intricacies of life insurance as both a protective measure and a financial instrument to help you understand its potential for investment and financial growth. NerdWallet insurance pro Lisa Green joins Sean and Sara to ex...

Jul 29, 202425 min

How to Negotiate Your Salary to Boost Earnings and Benefits

Learn how to negotiate for a higher salary and better benefits when you get a job offer. Plus: Tips for boosting your earning potential. What are the best ways to negotiate for a higher salary? How can you elevate your earnings and overall compensation package? Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss strategies for increasing your income and negotiating for a raise to help you understand how to navigate salary discussions confidently and effectively. Alana speaks with Catherine Tinsley, Raffin...

Jul 25, 202428 min

When It’s Time to Focus on Investing Instead of Paying Off Debt

Hear different perspectives on how to pay off debt — and when to stop paying off debt to focus on investing your money. When should you prioritize investing over paying off debt? What are different debt payoff methods to help you become debt-free? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola and NerdWallet debt writer Tiffany Curtis answer a listener’s question about balancing debt payoff and investing. They start by breaking down the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods of paying off debt, then de...

Jul 22, 202413 min

Boost Your Career and Income Prospects with Expert LinkedIn Tips

Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to enhance your job and income prospects with tips from LinkedIn’s Andrew McCaskill. What are recruiters looking for on LinkedIn? What’s the best way to optimize your LinkedIn profile? Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss LinkedIn optimization and professional growth to help you understand how to leverage the platform for career success. They begin with a discussion of LinkedIn optimization, with tips and tricks on highlighting essential skills, s...

Jul 18, 202433 min

Navigate Amazon Prime Day Like a Pro: Overcome Hype and Maximize Savings

Learn to navigate Amazon Prime Day deals, track prices, and avoid overspending with expert shopping strategies and tools. Are Amazon Prime Day deals truly worth it, or are they just savvy marketing tactics? Hosts Anna Helhoski and Sara Rathner explain how consumers can identify genuine bargains amidst the sea of discounts. NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall joins them to discuss the evolution of Prime Day from its inception in 2015 to its current status as a major shopping event, shedding light on ...

Jul 17, 202413 min

Unlock Financial Opportunities for Women: Jean Chatzky on Investing, Negotiating, and More

Learn about salary negotiation and investing strategies and how they can be especially helpful for women facing unique personal finance challenges. What financial challenges do women uniquely face? How can people find financial peace in a stressful world? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share some “money hot takes” before turning the conversation towards addressing the unique financial hurdles women face. HerMoney podcast host Jean Chatzky joins Sean to discuss the impact of the gender pay gap...

Jul 15, 202434 min

Increase Your Income with Practical Tips for Salary and Career Growth

Discover career growth strategies to boost your income, including negotiating raises, and navigating promotions and mentorship. What are some of the best ways to increase your income? What are strategies for negotiating a higher salary and excelling in your current role? Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss career growth techniques and salary negotiation strategies to help you understand how to maximize your earnings and achieve financial stability. They begin with a discussion of the impor...

Jul 11, 202430 min

Mind the “Middle Skills” Gap: Aligning Education with Today’s Job Demands

Discover how to align education with job market demands, tackling underemployment and economic stagnation in “middle skills” jobs. What are “middle skills” and why are they in high demand? What are the economic implications of misalignment between middle skills credentials and job market demands? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the misalignment in the labor market concerning middle skills credentials and the impact of place-based policies on local economies to help you understand the ...

Jul 10, 202421 min

How Much Can You Really Make from a Side Hustle Like DoorDash?

Understand how much extra income you could get from a side hustle like DoorDash and get a budgeting and investing basics refresh. 00:40 This Week in Your Money: How much extra money can you really make from side hustles? What are budgeting and early investment strategies for young professionals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the realities of gig economy jobs with Tommy Tindall, a NerdWallet writer who tried working for DoorDash to see what kind of income it would give him. He shares ...

Jul 08, 202431 min

How Can You Make Sure You Get Paid On Time? Introducing "Working Overtime" from Slate

As a freelancer or gig worker, how can you make sure you get paid on time? In this special presentation of Working from Slate Podcasts, hosts Ronald Young Jr. and June Thomas talk money, finances, and getting paid as a freelancer in a tough economy. They recount their own frustrating experiences with not getting paid on time and offer tips on how avoid those situations. Listen to Working wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at https://slate.com/podcasts/working

Jul 04, 202417 min

Home Sweet (Expensive) Home: Navigating a Tough Housing Market

Understand why the current housing market is so challenging, how people can afford to buy a home, and what’s next for interest rates. How are people able to afford to buy a home in the current housing market? When will houses be affordable again? Hosts Anna Helhoski and Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sean) discuss the current state of the housing market with NerdWallet home and mortgages expert Holden Lewis, exploring factors such as high mortgage rates, slow home sales, and high prices. They exp...

Jul 03, 202419 min

Refresh Your Finances with Money Cleansing, Investing, and Family Travel Tips

Get a breakdown of the hottest tips from Smart Money this year, including wealth-building strategies and managing money in relationships. How can you make your money work for you? What’s the best way to save on group travel? Host Sean Pyles presents some of the most impactful conversations we’ve had on Smart Money in order to help you make better decisions about your finances. 00:54 30-Day Money Cleanse: NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer talks to Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of The 30-Day Money Clean...

Jul 01, 202431 min

Estate Planning Essentials: What to DIY and When to Lawyer Up

Learn why estate planning is important even if you don’t own a lot of assets, along with when to ask for professional help. Why is estate planning important? What happens to your assets when you die without an estate plan? Hosts Sean Pyles and Dalia Ramirez discuss the essential aspects of estate planning and the common misconceptions that often deter people from creating an estate plan. They begin with a discussion of the critical importance of having a will, with tips and tricks on keeping upd...

Jun 27, 202433 min

Beauty and the Budget: How to Stress Less About the Costs of Looking Good

Learn about the financial impact of beauty expenses, societal pressures behind them, and tips for managing beauty-related costs. Are beauty purchases worth the financial stress? How do beauty-related expenses impact our budgets? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the rising costs of beauty products, services, and procedures and how they are leading to financial stress and debt among Americans. They explore the results of a recent survey that highlight the financial strain these expenses ...

Jun 26, 202412 min

Give Yourself a Mid-Year Money Check-in for a Smarter Summer, with Shannah Game

Beat the financial heat with fun summer savings tips and get mid-year financial check-up strategies for a stress-free season. Summer Activity Guide: What free things can you do to have a fun summer? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss summer money-saving tips to help you understand how to balance fun and finances during the warm months. They begin with a discussion of budget-friendly summer activities, offering tips and tricks on utilizing public facilities like pools and tennis courts, at...

Jun 24, 202436 min
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