Being the victim of identity theft can be traumatic, especially when your own mother is the perpetrator. In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kimberly Palmer talks with Axton Betz-Hamilton, author of “The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity.” Betz-Hamilton talks about her experience being the victim of familial identity theft and shares tips on how to protect your identity — and how to recover if you are a victim. To send the Nerds your money q...
Feb 23, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for some money hot takes. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz share their (maybe unpopular) opinions about personal finance topics. Sean goes off about why buy now, pay later loans aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. And Liz shares her thoughts on how the credit bureaus can fix the way they handle your data. Then they answer a listener’s money question about when you might have too many credit cards — and what to do about it if you do. Also, we want to hear how your life — and you...
Feb 20, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are many ways for Black women and mothers to invest to build wealth for their families. Choosing the one that fits best can be a challenge, especially when you have competing priorities. In this episode, we explore different methods to invest, including various retirement accounts and 529 college savings accounts, and how to decide whether to save for yourself or your children when money is tight. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or emai...
Feb 16, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast At a certain point in your relationship, merging your finances can feel like a natural step … or not. To start this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner talk about why combining your finances with a partner isn’t always a great idea. Then Sean is joined by Nerds Liz Weston and Kim Palmer to answer a listener's question about how to manage multiple credit card accounts when merging finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podca...
Feb 13, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes anger is the best response to finding out you’ve been deprived of an opportunity. The steps you take from there may require research – and trade-offs. In this episode of our “Color of Wealth” series, personal finance Nerd Elizabeth Ayoola talks with Dasha Kennedy, founder of the financial advocacy group The Broke Black Girl, about how to balance emotions and building wealth. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwalle...
Feb 10, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast This month the Supreme Court will hear cases to decide the fate of those hoping for federal student debt cancelation. In this Money News episode of the podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski give you the rundown on those cases — including whether debt cancellation is likely to be upheld and when you might have to restart payment on your student loans. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Pl...
Feb 08, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are making headlines — but can they be trusted to give personal finance advice? To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston have ChatGPT answer some common money questions. Then Liz and regular Smart Money host Sara Rathner answer a listener’s question about how to make money from investment properties. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Also, we are running a bo...
Feb 06, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Black women face distinct challenges when building wealth. So what can they do about it? To kick off this new series, “The Color of Wealth,” NerdWallet writer Elizabeth Ayoola talks with Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about what Black women and mothers can do individually to grow their wealth. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell ...
Feb 02, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast A no-spend month is a chance to retool your relationship with how you spend money — and tuck away some extra cash. To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about how they’re approaching the no-spend-month challenge this year. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to recover from damage to their credit, including how to land an apartment or get a car loan. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com....
Jan 30, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Uncertainty is the new normal. So, what can you do about it? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles, Liz Weston and Sara Rathner talk about how to improve your financial resilience, including savings strategies, setting your mindset and leaning on your community. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
Jan 26, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast A number of high-profile companies have reported data breaches recently. That means we have to be extra vigilant to secure our information. To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about the breaches and how you can protect yourself. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to catch up on retirement contributions — including whether you can open an LLC to contribute with no limits. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email...
Jan 23, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast What can the housing market of 1981 teach us about 2023? A lot, apparently. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about what would-be home buyers and sellers should think about this year — including how the past can inform the present, whether a housing crash is imminent and how to navigate the new twists of the market in 2023. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a rev...
Jan 19, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Getting a hold of customer service representatives can be a nightmare. Working with them to actually solve your problems can be even less fun. To start this episode, Liz Weston and Sara Rathner talk about the art of complaining. Then Liz and regular Smart Money co-host Sean Pyles answer a listener’s question about how to save for your kids’ future — whether they go to college or not. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet...
Jan 16, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast The stock market had a rough year in 2022. But for the savvy investor, the market downturn meant a big opportunity. And that good fortune could continue in 2023. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about investing in 2023, including the lessons of the past year, ideas for investing in a recession, and how to find the right investment tools for your financial goals. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. L...
Jan 13, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Important changes are coming to how you can save for retirement — including one that will allow your student debt payments to count toward retirement contributions. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski run through the retirement benefits that were passed by Congress at the end of last year and when those changes go into effect. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a revi...
Jan 11, 2023•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast What are you doing to improve your money in the new year? If you’re not sure where to start, we have some ideas. To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk through ways to start off the new year right financially. Then they answer a listener’s money question about whether they should pay off their mortgage early — or just go on more vacations. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This Week...
Jan 09, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Setting money goals in the new year is a time-honored tradition. But ditching them after a month (or a week) is all too common. This year, use your values to guide your financial ambitions. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss how you can set goals you’ll actually keep in 2023 — and what to do if you still need ideas for your money this year. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Pl...
Jan 05, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Student loans are a tool, as well as a dreaded financial reality, for most Americans who attend college. In this two-part Nerdy Deep Dive into student loans, Sean and student loans Nerd Anna Helhoski explore how taking on huge amounts of student debt has become the norm in America. They also discuss what’s shifting now in today’s student debt conversation. In Part 1, we trace the origins of student loan debt and how college got so expensive. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text t...
Jan 02, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Going from a two-income household to a one-income household is not solely a financial challenge. But this change also creates opportunities to strengthen your relationship and set clear expectations. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz discuss how to manage finances in a one-income household. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s money question about using HSAs and FSAs. Both can cover health care expenses, but only one can be used as an investment vehicle. To send the Nerds your money quest...
Dec 26, 2022•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast A lot can happen to your finances in a year. Raises, curveball expenses, luxurious vacations. Each step along your money journey in 2022 has its own lesson. And in this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston look back at the year that was and celebrate what our listeners did with their money during the year — and what they’re most excited about in 2023. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please le...
Dec 19, 2022•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Fed is poised to raise interest rates — again. To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about who’s actually hurt when the Fed raises rates and what you can do about it. Then they answer a listener’s question about which budgeting apps are the best and whether you might want to use multiple budgeting apps to track your money. Also, next year, the Smart Money team wants to talk with you, on the podcast, to answer your money questions. We’ll be able to explore what’s really dri...
Dec 12, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Talking about money doesn’t have to be boring. In this episode of our Nerdy Book Club series, NerdWallet writer Kimberly Palmer talks with former financial advisor Joe Saul-Sehy, co-author of “Stacked: Your Super-Serious Guide to Modern Money Management” and co-host of “The Stacking Benjamins Show” podcast, about setting money goals, recovering from big financial mistakes and how to have a good time while figuring out your finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd h...
Dec 09, 2022•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast The job market is strong — but thousands of workers have been laid off in recent months. So, what’s happening? And what does this mean for the labor market in 2023? In this episode, Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski talk about the latest jobs report with NerdWallet data writer Liz Renter, including why the job market is so weird right now and what it means for you. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear...
Dec 07, 2022•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Credit card rewards programs might be on the chopping block in Congress. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk with a credit card Nerd about what’s happening and what it might mean for your credit card rewards. Then Sean is joined by personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer to answer a listener’s question about when to cancel a luxury credit card. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Timestamps: This We...
Dec 05, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast The 50/30/20 budget is a simple way to organize your finances. But as rent prices soar and inflation impacts everything from gas to groceries, does this budget still make sense? To start this episode, Sean and Liz discuss the merits — and limits — of the 50/30/20 budget. Then they answer a few listeners’ questions about navigating company stock. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Also, for a special end-of-year e...
Nov 28, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Shockwaves rippled through the crypto world with the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss what happened — and what it might mean for your finances. Then Sean talks with personal finance Nerds Kim Palmer and Kate Wood about how to grow your money quickly ahead of home improvement projects. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Also, for a special end-of-yea...
Nov 21, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Scammers alleging to help you cancel your student debt are coming for you — whether you actually have student debt or not. To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston walk you through how to outsmart these fraudsters. Then Sean and Liz are joined by their regular co-host, Sara Rathner, to talk about how you can save for retirement when your employer makes you wait to access its retirement plan. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email...
Nov 14, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is your bank holding out on you? If you haven’t checked on your savings accounts lately, you should — or risk losing out on money you could be earning. In this episode, hosts Liz Weston and Sean Pyles talk about how Liz discovered her supposedly high-yield savings account was anything but. Then Sean is joined by personal finance Nerds Kim Palmer and Sara Rathner to discuss whether you should put your credit on the line to help a loved one by co-signing. To send the Nerds your money questions, ca...
Nov 07, 2022•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fear can control your life — if you let it. And when it comes to financial fears, what haunts you can mean the difference between a life of prosperity and one of anxiety. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about their financial fears — and how you can overcome your own. Then they answer a listener’s money question about whether they should get life insurance, even if they don’t have children. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-...
Oct 31, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paying off student debt isn’t easy — even for a Nerd who writes about it. In this episode of our “How the Nerds Do It” series, student loans Nerd Anna Helhoski talks about how she paid off her debt, the challenges she faced along the way and how you can find the fastest and most affordable way to resolve your student loans. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a...
Oct 27, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
