NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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...

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

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

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

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hear an actual financial planning session where a CFP advises a listener on transforming her budget and spending habits. NerdWallet Advisors is no lo...

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

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 own...

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

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Overcome Rising Veterinary Costs: Affordable Pet Care Tips

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Che...

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

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and navigate complex insurance choices. What’s the right li...

How to Negotiate Your Salary to Boost Earnings and Benefits

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Boost Your Career and Income Prospects with Expert LinkedIn Tips

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to enhance your job and income prospects with tips from LinkedIn’s Andrew McCaskill. What are recruiter...

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

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn to navigate Amazon Prime Day deals, track prices, and avoid overspending with expert shopping strategies and tools. Are Amazon Prime Day deals ...

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

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about salary negotiation and investing strategies and how they can be especially helpful for women facing unique personal finance challenges. W...

Increase Your Income with Practical Tips for Salary and Career Growth

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover career growth strategies to boost your income, including negotiating raises, and navigating promotions and mentorship. What are some of the ...

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

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how to align education with job market demands, tackling underemployment and economic stagnation in “middle skills” jobs. What are “mi...

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

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Y...

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

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 peopl...

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

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get a breakdown of the hottest tips from Smart Money this year, including wealth-building strategies and managing money in relationships.  How can y...

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

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the financial impact of beauty expenses, societal pressures behind them, and tips for managing beauty-related costs. Are beauty purchases...

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

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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: W...

How to Navigate Income Swings in a Creative Career

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how to navigate financial uncertainty in a creative career with insights from a jazz saxophonist's personal journey. How can creative profess...

The "New" Meaning of Inflation and How It's Impacting Your Finances

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Understand the evolving definition of inflation, potential changes to medical debt reporting and their impact on your finances. Why does the consumer’...

Mathew Knowles on Drive, Success, and Destiny's Child: Presenting Earn & Invest

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What drives Mathew Knowles, respected record executive, entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and father to Beyonce and Solange? This special presenta...

Moving Could Benefit You: Budgeting for a Brighter, Safer Future in the LGBTQ+ Community

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how moving could benefit you if you feel compelled to relocate due to safety concerns — and how to budget for a sudden move. How do you financ...

How Consumers Feel About the Economy — and Why It Matters

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how consumer sentiment affects the economy and your finances, plus insights on job market trends and inflation impact. How do consumer sentimen...

Get Smart on Gambling Money Management, Mortgage Rates and Home Purchases

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the psychology of gambling and smart tips for making home buying decisions amid undesirable interest rates. How can you gamble responsibly...

Overcome Impulsive Shopping: Strategies to Resist Social Media Spending

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Understand the urge to spend money while scrolling on social media and learn strategies to control impulsive purchases. How does social media influenc...

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

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ap...

Credit Card Secrets Revealed and How to Balance Multiple Loans

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Intricacies of Interest: The Backbone of Mastering Your Finances

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 underst...

Learn How Random Investments Can Outperform Managed Funds

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why randomly choosing individual stocks can beat expert investing strategies — and what that means for your portfolio. Can random stock pick...

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

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are credit card rewards points more valuable than cash back? This special presentation of All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins features deep dive into cr...

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

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 bene...

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

22 May 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...

How the CFPB's Supreme Court Win Helps Consumers

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) affects your finances. How does the CFPB protect consume...

Save More with Coupon Tactics for the Digital World

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“Krazy Coupon Lady” Joanie Demer shares couponing tactics and how coupons work to help you outsmart rising costs even in today’s digital marketp...