NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Episodes
Is 'Made in the USA' Still Worth It with Tariffs? Plus: Best Accounts for Your Home Repair Savings
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When is buying “Made in the USA” worth it? Plus, learn where to stash savings for home repairs to maximize your returns. What does it mean when s...
Start Feeling Better About Money Today and Learn How to Manage Finances After a Layoff
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your m...
Are We in a Recession? What the Data Says—and How to Protect Your Finances
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what a shrinking GDP means for you. Plus: how to handle your HSA if your employer stops contributing. Is the U.S. in a recession? How do you ro...
Spend Smarter This Wedding Season: Travel, Tipping, and More, (featuring The Knot)
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn smart ways to budget for your wedding and how to navigate tipping expectations without overspending. What money lessons did you learn from yo...
How to Keep Your Credit Strong During Economic Shifts and Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what rising delinquencies mean for your finances, plus how to decide if you're truly ready to buy your first home. What happens if you fall b...
Smart Planning Sessions: When is it OK to Stop Saving? (Plus: Spring Cleaning Your Finances)
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a new Smart Planning segment, a finance expert tackles retirement goals and savings questions with a listener. How can you gift savings bonds? ...
Less Spending Power, More Debt? Navigate a Declining Dollar and Make Progress on Credit Card Bills
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how a weakening U.S. dollar affects your wallet and how you can escape the cycle of never-ending credit card debt. Why is the U.S. dollar losin...
Michele Norris Shares Kitchen Must-Haves and the Nerds Break Down Switching Banks for Better Rates
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing. What kitchen tools are actually w...
Strategies for Navigating Market Swings and Leveraging Home Equity Wisely
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to stay calm during market volatility and whether a HELOC or cash-out refi makes sense for your home reno goals. What should you do with yo...
How To Have a Better Relationship With Money and Maximize Every Dollar
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to explore your money beliefs and take real steps toward saving and investing, even on a tight income. What’s really behind your money ha...
Car Prices, Tariffs, and Trade-Offs: What to Know Before You Buy or Move Out
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how tariffs could impact car prices and how to know when it’s OK to spend instead of save. Should you buy a car now before prices rise due to...
Last-Minute Tax Questions Answered and Tips for Keeping Your Financial Documents Safe
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to store all your important documents and get some last-minute tips for filing your taxes. Where should you store your important financia...
401(k) vs. Brokerage Account: Which Is Better for Retirement Savings? Plus, the National Debt Explained
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the U.S. national debt and how it impacts economics and what options to explore if your employer-offered 401k plan seems limiting. What...
How to Build Wealth Right Now and How Couples Can Align on Financial Goals
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the truth behind myths about building wealth, plus hear from a couple looking to align on financial goals and values. Can you build wealth wi...
How to Get Ready for a Recession and Choose Enough Car Insurance
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to prepare for a possible recession and make sure your car insurance coverage is enough to protect your finances. What should you do to get...
From Broker to Budget: How to Buy or Sell a Home in 2025
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to budget for a mortgage, compare lenders, and prep for home buying or selling in today’s changing housing market. How can you shop smart...
Managing the Job Market and Your Parents’ Finances: Tips for the Sandwich Generation
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to juggle finances for aging parents and kids, plus what the latest labor market data means for your wallet. How do you navigate the financ...
How to Budget for Trips: When to Book and How to Avoid Hidden Fees
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to budget for travel, save on flights, and maximize credit card rewards for your next trip. How can you budget and save money for travel? H...
What to do When Groceries Cost More and Retirement Feels Out of Reach
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why tariffs are driving up prices and how you can still save money. Plus, how to catch up on retirement savings if you started late. How will n...
Can AI Really Manage Your Money? Plus: The Truth About Roth Conversions
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how AI can help you budget, invest, and build financial knowledge. Then, get expert insights on Roth conversions. How can AI help you manage yo...
How Tariffs Could Impact Your Retirement and What to Know for 2025 Taxes
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to respond to market volatility, the risks of private credit investing, and key tax updates for 2025. Should you adjust your 401(k) amid un...
How to Get Your Finances Ready for a Crisis and Tackle Debt Smarter
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to prepare financially for uncertain times and balance debt payoff with saving for emergencies and retirement. How much emergency cash shoul...
Egg Prices, Greenwashing, and Smarter Ways to Invest
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what’s causing egg prices to rise so dramatically, then explore ethical investing and how to manage savings wisely. Are ESG investments reall...
Behavioral Finance Mistakes That Hurt Your Portfolio and What “Good” Returns Look Like
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how behavioral biases impact your investments and what a “good” return from your portfolio looks like. How do behavioral biases affect your...
Welcome to NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola are here to answer your biggest financial questions and help you take control of your money. On NerdWal...
Marriage and Money Myths — and Why the Economy Feels 'Off'
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the financial pros and cons of marriage, from taxes to credit scores, and how it impacts your future. Is the economy as bad as people thin...
Why Traditional Budgeting Fails and What’s Missing from Your Money Plan
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how values-based spending can help you curb impulse buys, avoid financial blindspots, and rethink your money habits How can you stop impulse sp...
Cross-Country Moving Tips and What a CFPB Shutdown Could Mean for You
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what a CFBP shutdown could mean for consumers, plus how to financially manage a cross-country move — including whether to rent or sell your ho...
Debt in the Dating World and Retirement Planning for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how debt affects dating, plus expert advice on retirement planning for business owners navigating succession and savings. When does debt become...
Will New Tariffs and Tax Rules Cost You? (Plus: Travel Rewards & Roth IRA Tips)
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get the latest on tariffs, federal spending and the CFPB shake-up — plus answers to your travel credit card and Roth IRA questions. What tariffs ha...
Introducing Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, a NerdWallet Podcast
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debutin...
The Price Isn’t Right: How to Stop Overspending and Stay Debt-Free
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Break free from debt cycles and rethink your spending habits with tips on no-buy challenges and financial therapy. How can you stop falling into a cy...
Is It Time to Leave Your Job? Tips for Smart Moves and Strategic Growth
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to decide if it’s time to change jobs or careers and understand how to strategize before you make a big career move. How do you know if i...
Rising Insurance Costs and Choosing the Best Savings Account for Your Money
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how rising climate risks impact home insurance costs and compare high-yield savings against money market accounts. How can you protect your hom...
2025 Real Estate Trends: What Homebuyers and Sellers Need to Know
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to navigate the 2025 housing market with tips for buyers and sellers facing high rates, prices and tight inventory. What steps can you take...
The Best Financial Products of 2025 and Investing in Collectibles
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to pick the best financial tools for investing, mortgages, and travel rewards to meet your personal goals. What are the best financial tool...
Simple Steps to Budget Better and Manage Credit With Confidence
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to create an effective budget and manage credit responsibly to build a strong financial foundation for 2025. How can you create a budget th...
Disaster-Resistant Finances: What to Do Before and After Catastrophes
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to prepare financially for natural disasters with practical tips on planning, saving, and post-disaster recovery. How can you financially p...
What to Know About Managing Money Before Traveling or Living Abroad
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn actionable strategies to tackle credit card debt and ways to manage your money while traveling or living abroad. How can you manage your money ...
From Meme Stocks to Index Funds: A 2025 Investing Guide
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Learn how to balance risk and rewar...
Stop Scrolling, Start Saving: Better Habits and Budgets for 2025
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to budget irregular income, set sustainable financial goals, and curb mindless spending for a better 2025. How do you create a budget when ...
Regret Less, Save More: How to Make Smarter Money Moves in 2025
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to tackle financial regrets, set achievable money goals, and make 2025 your best year financially. How can you avoid repeating your biggest...
Live Financial Planning Session: Expert Budgeting and Spending Tips
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear an actual financial planning session where a CFP advises a listener on transforming her budget and spending habits. Magda Doemeny, a certified f...
Net Worth and Chill: How Your Wealth Measures Up and Vivian Tu’s Tips for Financial Success
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to assess your net worth, compare it wisely, and build a financial strategy to meet your long-term goals. What is net worth, and how do you...
Deck the Bills: Smart Spending and Credit Tips for the Holidays
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to avoid holiday shopping pitfalls and quickly improve your credit, with ideas for restoring your credit. How can you avoid overspending du...
Crush Debt or Grow Investments? How to Make the Best Choice for You
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to tackle credit card debt, build savings, and decide between debt payoff and investing for financial growth. How can you pay off credit ca...
Swindled or Safe? Improve Your Scam Awareness and Protect Your Finances
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how financial scammers exploit emotions and how you can protect your finances from their latest tactics. How can you protect your money from on...
End-of-Year IRA Fixes Before Tax Time: Roth Contribution and Correction Strategies
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to embrace “lazy” money management, maximize Roth IRA contributions and fix over-contribution mistakes. How can you passively grow y...
Cash or Mortgage? Navigating Home Equity and Title Agency Shopping
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to think about major homebuying decisions like shopping for title agencies, managing home equity, and when to buy a house with cash. How do...
Buy Now, Regret Later? Decoding BNPL and Layaway Payment Plans
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the pros and cons of layaway and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and how to choose the best option for holiday shopping. What is the difference betwe...
Smart Mortgage Strategies: From Refinancing to HELOC
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to refinance your mortgage, manage credit card debt, and navigate home equity with practical tips and strategies. When is the right time to...
How You Could Grow $26K to $44K in 7 Years: Smart Strategies to Try
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to diversify investments, leverage tax-advantaged accounts, and set realistic goals for long-term financial growth. How can you diversify y...
Tariff Talk: What Trade Policies Could Mean for Your Budget
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how tariffs affect prices, inflation, and manufacturing, plus tips to prepare for potential new economic changes. What are tariffs, and how do ...
Travel Smart, Give Smart: Southwest Companion Pass and Charitable Giving Strategies
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to maximize Southwest Companion Pass benefits and how to plan effective charitable giving to make your donations count. How can you get and...
From Eggflation to Ghost Jobs: Roasting 2024’s Biggest Financial Turkeys
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrate 2024’s Financial Turkeys as we spotlight the year's biggest money blunders and share tips to avoid them yourself. Why are grocery prices ...
Santa’s New Helper: How AI Can Help You Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how AI tools can help you brainstorm personalized gift ideas, compare options, and simplify your holiday shopping. How can AI help you save tim...
Boost Your Income and Career: Negotiating Salary, Navigating Promotions and More
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover career growth strategies to boost your income, including negotiating raises, and navigating career growth and mentorship. What are some of t...
Maximizing Employer-Provided Perks: A Guide to Your Benefits
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand employer-provided benefits, from dental and vision coverage to more unique perks like legal assistance. In the third and final episode of ...
Prediction Markets Let You Bet on Just About Anything — But There Are Risks
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how prediction markets work, the legal gray areas in which they operate, and how they could be regulated in the future. What are prediction mar...
Online Banking vs Neobanks: Understand FDIC Safety and Protect Your Money
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Learn how to distinguish neobanks ...
Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios: Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's open enrollment season, and a great time to explore coverage options to protect your income, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Ho...
Navigating Life Insurance Choices: Investing, Variable Policies, and Financial Growth
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and consider complex insurance choices. What’s the right li...
Trump’s Economic Playbook: Get Clarity on Inflation, Taxes, and More
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how Donald Trump's economic plans could influence inflation, taxes, and your finances as he prepares to enter a second term in office. How will...
Open Enrollment: Choosing a Healthcare Plan (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More)
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Expert Nerds talk through the complexities of open enrollment, starting with ways to assess healthcare plans and costs. This episode takes a deep div...
Life Insurance as an Investment? We Fact-Check the TikTok Trend
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why life insurance isn't a substitute for a 401(k) and how to spot reliable financial advice on social media. Is life insurance a better invest...
Retirement Rollover Ready? Rules, Risks, and Rewards of 401k and IRA Transfers
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the pros, cons, and methods of rolling over retirement accounts to simplify your finances so you can avoid costly mistakes. How can you budget ...
Why Women Outperform When Investing — And How You Can, Too
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how women can excel at investing, overcome financial challenges, and build wealth with practical strategies. What does it mean to invest like a...
Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers — Are You Spending Like Your Generational Peers?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how your spending compares to others in your generation using insights from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual Consumer Expenditure Survey...
How to Maximize Rewards on Big Credit Card Purchases
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get tips for saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations, plus how to leverage credit cards when making big purchases. How can you use credit ...
How the Next President Could Shift Health Care Costs and Student Loans
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the presidential candidates' policies on health care and student loans differ in how they could impact your finances. What impact could pre...
Rolling the Dice: Can Sports Betting Really Pay Off Like the Stock Market?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the key differences between sports betting and investing, plus tips for managing the financial risks of gambling. How is sports betting differe...
Vest Without the Stress: Mastering Job Transitions and Vesting Schedules
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to navigate job changes, maximize retirement benefits, and celebrate personal and financial accomplishments. How should you navigate job ch...
Paycheck Politics: What Presidential Tax Plans May Mean for Your Wallet
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore how the 2024 presidential candidates' tax plans could impact your finances and what to know before voting. What tax proposals are the 2024 pr...
SSN SOS: How to Keep Your Social Security Number Safe from Data Breaches
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to protect your Social Security number and stay safe from identity theft, plus the latest news on inflation and health insurance rates. How...
How to Make The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Work for You
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s limited time sign-up bonus and understand the impact of Federal Reserve interest rate changes. What...
How Presidential Policies Affect Prices: Tariffs, Price Control, Immigration and More
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how presidential policies on tariffs, immigration, and prices can impact your everyday expenses like groceries and gas. What can a president ac...
Understand the Gig Economy: Why Millions are Choosing Freelance and Side Hustles
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the gig economy impacts workers' finances and get tips for managing taxes, savings, and benefits. How does the gig economy affect people fi...
Budget Like a Boss: A Financial Planner’s Tips for Achieving Your Money Goals
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what it truly means to work with a certified financial planner (CFP) and how personalized advice can help you set and achieve your financial goa...
Election Economics: How Can Presidents Really Impact Your Pocketbook?
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what powers the president does and does not have to influence the economy and your wallet. Does the president really have power over the econom...
Hack or Hoax? Spot Social Media Money Tips That Actually Work
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn to spot risky social media money “hacks” and discover safe, effective financial strategies to follow instead. Are social media money hacks ...
Let Someone Else Book Your Award Flights for You: Presenting Unpacked by AFAR
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Booking travel using points and miles can be complicated — but you don't have to do it alone. In this special presentation of the podcast Unpacked b...
The Best Ways to Use Credit and Debit Cards When Traveling Abroad
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to optimize debit and credit cards abroad, avoid fees, and maximize rewards for stress-free international travel. What are the best ways to...
Medicare Confusion? Get the Facts Before It Hits You (or Your Parents)
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to reassess Medicare coverage during open enrollment and get the latest on interest rates, home sales, and stock prices. How can you know i...
Budget Like a Boss: How to Drive Down Debt and Park Money in Savings (Video Episode)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join a financial planning session with a listener who receives guidance on achieving multiple goals, including debt payoff and maximizing savings. Ne...
Pack Smarter, Save More: Expert Tips for Efficient Travel Packing to Overcome Luggage Hassles
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get expert tips on how to pack for travel efficiently and effectively, including clever ways to save on baggage fees. How can you keep luggage costs ...
Fed Up with High Rates? Here’s How a Cut Impacts Your Loans and Savings
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the Fed’s interest rate cuts may affect your loans, savings, and investments, as well as what to do about refinancing. How could interest...
Refresh Your Fall Finances: A Money Check-Up and Investment Diversification Deep Dive
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get fall-ready with budgeting tips and strategies for diversifying your investment portfolio to achieve financial goals. How can you reset your finan...
How to Save Money on Holiday Travel Without Using Any Points
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn expert tips and tricks for saving money on holiday travel booking, from the best time to book to when you should use rewards points. When shoul...
Jobs Up, Vibes Down: Why Economic Data Doesn’t Match How We Feel
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why the economy feels worse than the data suggests, and what the latest jobs report means for interest rates. Why do people feel negative about...
Financial Fitness for Big Moves: Achieving Your Goals Without Sacrificing Security (Video Episode)
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A certified financial planner offers a listener actionable advice to help him save for a big move while maintaining financial stability. NerdWallet A...
Book Smarter: Holiday Travel Tips for Stress-Free Trips
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get insider tips for stress-free holiday travel, from booking strategies to maximizing credit card points and more. What’s the best way to avoid st...
Realtor Roulette: How to Spin the New Commission Rules in Your Favor
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about new real estate commission rules and how they impact home buyers, sellers, and the future of agent fees. How will real estate commissions...
Survive and Thrive: Felicia Day’s Gig Economy Playbook for Success
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Writer, producer, and actor Felicia Day shares her financial journey working in Hollywood, with tips for managing your budget when gigs are inconsiste...
Balance Traditions and Wealth-Building with ‘Culturally Competent’ Tips from Jannese Torres
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand how first-gen Americans can achieve financial success with tips for balancing cultural obligations and wealth-building strategies. How can...
Safeguarding Your Identity After the National Public Data Breach
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Reduce Financial Anxiety Now: Actionable Tips from a Live Planning Session (Video Episode)
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A CFP helps a listener turn financial anxiety into actionable steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial peace of mind. NerdWallet Advis...
Prepare for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care: Balancing Love, Costs and Comfort
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why Experts Criticize “No Tax on Tips” and What It Means for Your Wallet
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 exper...
How to Weigh Career Moves for Financial and Lifestyle Gains
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Planning for Pet Emergencies: Vet Budgeting Tips to Avoid Financial Stress
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to financially prepare for the costs of pet emergencies with firsthand experiences from pet owners and experts. How much does emergency pet...