NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Episodes
Leveraging the Strong US Dollar: Insights for Travelers and Investors
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Safeguard Your Finances: Tips on Emergency Funds, Insurance, and Index Fund Investments
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 resili...
Cash in on Collectibles: How to Monetize Your Passions and Memorabilia
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Latest Trends in Housing: Why Renting Is Gaining Momentum
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
What Does the Car Market Really Look Like Right Now?
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Explore car buying in 2024, from Ca...
How You Can Maximize Multiple Credit Cards for Cheaper Travel
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A personal finance enthusiast with 37 active credit cards shares tips to strategically open and maintain multiple cards to travel cheaply and answers ...
Presenting Everyone's Talkin' Money
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this special presentation of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, a podcast from our friend Shannah Game, a money wellness expert, financial therapist ...
How to Correct Roth IRA Overcontributions and Maximize Your Savings
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mo...
Overcome AI Fraud: Navigating Voice Cloning and Digital Scams
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 prote...
Some Investors Are Using AI to Make Decisions. Should You?
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how investors use artificial intelligence to make decisions. Plus: AI’s current capabilities and limitations in finance. How does AI affect i...
Money Management for Couples and the Benefits of Fiduciaries
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover methods to achieve financial harmony in relationships and learn why fiduciary advisors are often considered trustworthy. 0:52 Sara’s Corner...
Understand and Avoid Financial Scams: Phishing, Vishing, Smishing and More
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to spot and avoid online scams, including imposter scams, investment scams, phishing, vishing and smishing. How can you protect yourself fro...
Save on Home Insurance Amid Rising Costs and Coverage Hurdles
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why homeowners insurance costs are rising, tactics to find affordable coverage, and how to know if you have enough. Why are homeowners insuranc...
How to Overcome Common Psychological Financial Mistakes: Framing, Loss Aversion, and the Gambler’s Fallacy
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bias...
How To Guard Against Cyber Fraud: Essential Steps to Protect Your Identity
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore how to protect yourself from identity fraud, understand its emotional toll and learn fraud recovery steps. How can you protect yourself from i...
Summer Travel Insights: Maximize Your Vacation Budget
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock insights on vacation spending to leverage summer travel trends, and dive into the latest employment report. Planning to travel this summer? I...
How to Own a Home: Strategies for Buying, Selling, and Improving
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get a comprehensive breakdown of strategies for buying, selling, and improving homes in our homeowners lightning round. 00:42 This Month’s Nerdy Que...
Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to protect your identity from theft and fraud by understanding how criminals are exposing authentication flaws. How can you protect yourself...
Decoding Economic Health: Inflation, Growth, and Employment Trends
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 no...
Diversify Your Portfolio: A Guide to Roth vs. Traditional Retirement Accounts
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn to maximize retirement savings with tax diversification by balancing your Roth and traditional IRA contributions. 00:27 This Week in Your Money:...
Plan Your Next Cruise: Tips on Booking, Excursions and Entertainment
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the ins and outs of planning a cruise, from choosing the right trip to coordinating on-board activities. What are the benefits of booking a gr...
Money in Your Pocket: Biden's Bid to Banish College Junk Fees
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Neera Tanden, domestic policy advisor to President Biden, discusses the fight against junk fees impacting college students. What hidden “junk fees”...
How Secure and Private Are Your Digital Wallet Transactions? Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and More
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the truth behind common credit score myths and get a better understanding of digital wallet privacy and security. 00:51 This Week in Your Money:...
Save on Travel Transportation: Your Guide to Rental Cars, RVs and Public Transit
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get savvy about car rental services, pros and cons of RV rentals and navigating public transportation when traveling. What are the best transportation...
A Landmark Legal Settlement Could Make Home Buying and Selling More Complicated
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how a historic change in the way real estate agents are paid could impact prices for home buyers and sellers. Will housing costs become chea...
Automate Your Way to Building Wealth with Vivian Tu, “Your Rich BFF”
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu explains how to adopt a millionaire’s mindset and shares key strategies for building wealth. How do wealthy people thi...
Group Vacations: Affordable Accommodations, Cost-Splitting, and Embracing Flexibility
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover tips and get answers to common questions for smooth group travel, from choosing accommodations to managing meals and costs for a successful t...
Crypto Makes Another Comeback: What's Different This Time?
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the recent resurgence of cryptocurrency prices and what the future may have in store for crypto investments. Why did Bitcoin’s price go ...
How to Choose Between Paying Debt and Investing After a Windfall
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn from others’ missteps in our new segment, “My Favorite Financial Mistake.” Plus: balancing paying debt vs. saving. 00:39 This Week in Your...
Elevate Your Family & Group Getaways: Get Travel Deals with Smart Planning and Points
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get expert tips on affordable group and family air travel, from maximizing points and rewards to booking the best flights and maximizing airline perks...
“Dynamic Pricing” Could Save You Money at the Drive-Through
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand how you may actually be able to save money on fast food thanks to “dynamic pricing.” What’s the difference between surge pricing and...
Tips to Save on Groceries and Navigate Tax Season
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about savvy grocery saving and expert tax filing tips to bolster your budget and ease tax season stress. 1:14 This Week in Your Money: How can y...
Revitalize Your Budget with a 30-Day Money Cleanse
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to revamp your finances with a 30-day money cleanse that aligns your spending with joy and personal values. How can you set a budget that...
Student Loan Debt Relief and the SAVE Plan’s Future with Secretary Miguel Cardona
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discusses the early rollout of $1.2B in student loan forgiveness and the future of debt relief. Why did the B...
Unlock the Benefits of 529 Plans to Save for College Tuition and Education Expenses
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to utilize a tax advantaged 529 plan to help your or a friend’s children save for future education expenses. 00:57 This Week in Your Money...
Succeed in Self-Employment: How to Choose The Best Business Structure for Liability and Taxes (S Corps, C Corps, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships)
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to choose the right business structure for financial success and legal protection as a self-employed entrepreneur with answers to common que...
Navigating Surging Mortgage and Child Care Costs
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore strategies to navigate surging mortgage and child care costs so you can meet your goals despite rising expenses. How are rising mortgage and c...
Wealth Building Strategies: Investing and Tax Tips for Financial Success
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn investment and tax strategies to help you achieve financial security and prepare for a prosperous retirement. How can you balance saving for em...
Saving for Retirement When You’re Self-Employed: SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and Other Plans
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn retirement savings strategies tailored for self-employed individuals to secure a financially stable future. How can self-employed individuals ef...
Money News: Capitalize on New Car Price Drops and Job Market Resilience
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why now may be a good time to be in the market for a new car and why two industries are outliers in job layoffs. Why did new car prices drop in ...
How to Have Difficult Money Conversations with Friends and Partners featuring Nicole Lapin
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Apply lessons from physical fitness to improve your financial fitness. Plus: how to manage money in your relationships. 00:21 This Week in Your Money:...
Taxes for the Self-Employed: Avoid Common Tax Mistakes and Navigate Freelancer Finances
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about self-employment taxes and avoid common tax mistakes with expert strategies for managing your finances year-round. How do self-employed tax...
Money News: Navigating News-Based Investing Strategies, Risks, and Alternatives
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand news-based stock market trading strategies and risks and discover alternative strategies for smarter investing. Should you trade stocks bas...
How to Freeze and Monitor Your Credit to Help Prevent Identity Theft
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about navigating retirement joyfully and how to defend against identity theft with credit freezing and monitoring. How do you embrace retirement...
Is Self-Employment for You? A Financial Guide for Entrepreneurs
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Master your self-employment finances with answers to questions about budgeting, planning, and separating funds. How can you manage your finances effec...
Money News: Some States, Cities Crank Up Minimum Wage While Feds Lag
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get an in-depth look at U.S. minimum wage variations, with budgeting tips and assistance programs for financial security. Are we in a recession? How ...
What’s an HSA? Growing Wealth with Health Savings Account Investing
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the different ways you can utilize a healthcare savings account and learn tips and tricks for HSA investing. 00:46 This Week in Your Money:...
Saving Money with Credit Card Rewards Points: Travel, Cash Back and More
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerd...
Money News: Strategies for Building a Safety Net and Single-Parent Finances Unpacked
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover 30-year trends in single-parent household finances with insights on growth, challenges and building a safety net. What should you do when stoc...
Wrinkles and Wealth: Navigate Skincare Costs and Net Worth Goals for Retirement
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how much anti-aging treatments may cost you (and how to budget for them), plus how to understand your net worth. 00:54 This Week in Your Money: ...
How to Navigate Home Buying and Selling in 2024: Real Estate Prices, Interest Rates and More
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand your options for buying or selling a home in the rapidly evolving 2024 housing market — and how to time it, or not. When will homes beco...
Money News: Conquer Your Part of $1.2 Trillion in U.S. Credit Card Debt
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the implications of Americans’ $1.2 trillion credit card debt, the latest inflation stats, and SAVE plan news. Are you eligible for stude...
Your Guide to Choosing Banks and Accounts for Building Wealth
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to our webinar on how banking right can help you grow your money, with tips for choosing accounts and changing banks. What are the benefits o...
How to Manage Credit and Debt for Financial Wellness
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare for financial health in 2024 with expert strategies for managing your credit and getting and staying out of debt. What’s the right amount of...
Money News: How to Navigate New FAFSA for Federal Student Loan Aid
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore FAFSA’s impact on college finances, including changes to the application process and shifts in aid eligibility. How do changes to FAFSA affe...
Romance and Real Estate: Navigating Shared Rent and Housing Expenses
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can couples split housing expenses without splitting up? Learn how to keep your finances — and relationship — healthy. 01:30 This Week in Your...
Your Money in 2024: Investment Strategies for Financial Success
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gain 2024 investment insights and get answers to questions on long-term strategies, stock market volatility, real estate investments trusts and more. ...
How to Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take your New Year’s Resolutions to the next level by establishing SMARTR financial goals that you can achieve in 2024. Wondering how to set financi...
Social Media Shopping Tips and Smart Spare Cash Investing
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn pro tips for shopping on social media so you don’t overspend, and smart strategies for investing your spare cash. This Week in Your Money: Get...
Learn From The Nerds: Best Money Moves of 2023
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves of 2023 as submitted by their fellow...
Money News: Financial Insights from 2023's Biggest Headlines
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We recap the financial rollercoaster that was 2023, including interest rates, market movements, travel mishaps and more. Before reviewing this year’...
Year-End Money Tasks to Thrive in 2024 and How to Choose a Budgeting App
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about practical money management tasks to set yourself up for success in 2024 and tips for choosing a budgeting app. 01:11 This Week in Your Mo...
How Your Feedback Shapes Our Podcast: Listener Messages from 2023
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share feedback and constructive criticism from listeners over t...
Using AI to Budget and Save and Debit vs. Credit Card Pros and Cons
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to use AI for help with budgeting and saving money, then learn whether credit cards or debit cards are safer. 01:30 This Week in Your Money:...
Financial Success Stories: Learn from Listener Wins in 2023
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Smart Money podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves made by their listeners in 2023. Some of the ...
Money News: Ticketmaster Trouble, Alaska Airlines Merger, GDP Updates and More
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the Department of Justice is tackling the ticketing industry — and what it could mean for buyers and sellers. Before focusing on Congress...
Avoiding Financial Scams and Changing Your Money Mindset
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Protect yourself from sophisticated holiday shopping scams and explore the psychology behind changing your money mindset. 01:07 This Week in Your Mone...
Using Your Financial Anxiety to Make Better Decisions
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer real-world money questions. In this episode: Nerds Sean Pyles and Kimberly Palmer spe...
Is Your Personal Finance Indecision Costing You? Plus, How to Shop for a New Bank
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover the true cost of making financial decisions (and financial indecision) and get tips for shopping for a new bank. 01:19 This Week in Your Money...
Money News: Where to Save Money on Falling Prices from Deflation
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn which prices are slowing down—or even dropping—as a result of deflation, including your Thanksgiving feast. Before focusing on price deflati...
Money and Happiness: What's Happiness Really Worth?
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you really need money to be happy? Or is money the reason you’re unhappy? Either way, chances are your relationship to money and happiness is a l...
Your Guide to Budgeting, Credit and Debt Management Strategies
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn tactics to make and manage a budget, understand credit scores, and manage debt to improve your financial health. 02:02 Budgeting Basics: Person...
Money News: Latest Stock Market News, New IRS Tax Brackets, Tipping Trends
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Delve into recent stock market developments. Plus, tax bracket adjustments. Before taking an in-depth look at what’s going on in the stock and bond ...
Plan Your Black Friday Shopping Strategy and Should You Wait to Buy a Home?
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Craft your holiday shopping plan with Black Friday insights, then understand options for buying a home in today’s market. 01:24 This Week in Your Mo...
Maximizing Your Benefits: A Guide to Employer-Provided Perks
09 Nov 2023
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 o...
Money News: Lawsuit Could Change How Houses are Sold; Also, a $23.5K Payout … in Coins
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how recent headlines could impact your finances, including a federal real estate ruling and new employment figures. Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna He...
2 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score, Budgeting Tips, and Investing 403b and 529 Plans
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about two quick credit tips, 403b and 529 plans, delinquencies on old loans, and budgeting when you only get paid once a month. 01:11 This Week ...
Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and More
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore coverage options to protect your income in worst-case scenarios, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Wes...
Money News: Should You Rent or Buy Amid Rising Interest Rates?
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the costs of renting versus buying a home. Plus: the UAW strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, and AI policy. Before discussing housing aff...
Options for Paying Off Credit Card Debt: Hardship Programs, Balance Transfer Cards, Loans and More
28 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hear Nerds’ “financial horror stories” and explore solutions for paying credit card debt, from 401k loans to bankruptcy. 01:20 This Week in Your...
Choosing a Healthcare Plan via Open Enrollment (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More)
26 Oct 2023
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 dive...
Money News: Save Money on Commuting Costs in a Changing Economy
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn practical financial tips to save on rising commuting costs as workers increasingly return to the office. Before discussing the rising costs of ...
Money Saving Tips On Car & Home Insurance, plus Budgeting for Conventions and Hobbies @ Comic Con
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get budgeting tips for conventions and hobbies straight from New York Comic Con, then learn about money saving strategies for car and home insurance. ...
HIV Prevention and Gender-Affirming Care: Costs, Solutions and Legalities of LGBTQ+ Health Care
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the financial and legal challenges in LGBTQ+ health care, including HIV treatment and gender-affirming surgery. NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles a...
Money News: Cracking Down on Junk Fees: Bidenomics in Action
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Retirement Planning Guide: Estate Planning, Social Security, Long-Term Care and Medicare Explained
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to plan for the golden years with a deep dive into long-term care, Social Security, Medicare and estate planning. 3:23 Long-Term Care Insura...
Your Guide to Reproductive Health Care Costs, Options and Economic Implications
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand recent and upcoming changes in costs and access to reproductive care, as well as resources to manage them. This episode delves into the com...
Money News: CFPB Removes Medical Debt from Credit Reports
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how removing medical debt from credit reports will protect consumers. Plus: rising interest rates and falling stock prices. Before discussing n...
If You’re Traveling for the Holidays, Start Planning Now
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why it’s a good time to check your credit card interest rates, and why to start planning your holiday travel now. 01:03 This Week in Your Mone...
Behind the Rising Health Care Costs of Bodily Autonomy
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand how legal restrictions and policies are increasing health care costs, especially for marginalized communities. This episode explores rising...
Money News: What to Know About Student Loan Repayments, Gas Prices, SkyMiles and Other Financial News Stories
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about federal student loan payments resuming, alongside an analysis of this week’s biggest financial stories. Before discussing this week’s...
Understand Your Options for Buying and Selling Cars
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand how to avoid “dark patterns” companies use to trick you, then learn different financial approaches for buying a car. 01:11 This Week in...
Money News: Why The Fed Paused Interest Rates, The CFPB, and “Dumb Money”
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why the Fed paused interest rates. Plus: the Supreme Court's CFPB hearing, NFT prices, and a new GameStop movie. Join hosts Sean Pyles and Anna...
How to Approach Wedding Costs and Gift-Giving Budgets
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn methods for planning a wedding that makes sense for your budget, then hear how the Nerds think about gift-giving etiquette. 01:12 This Week in Y...
How Millennial Money Woes Are Reshaping the American Dream
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Experts discuss how millennials are redefining the American dream and finding ways to thrive despite hard economic times. Have you ever wondered how y...
Money News: How a Government Shutdown Could Impact Your Finances
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how a government shutdown would impact your finances. Plus: updates on inflation, retail sales and Delta SkyMiles. In this financial news round...
International Budget Travel, and Firing Financial Advisors
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to travel abroad on a budget and how to part ways with a financial advisor whose services are unsatisfactory. 1:15 This Week in Your Money: ...
Navigating Generational Financial Trauma in a Digital World
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the impact of generational financial trauma on millennials, how social media amplifies it and ideas for healing. Personal Finance Nerd Tiffany...
Money News: How UAW Strike Could Affect Workers — and Car Costs
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nerds explain this week’s personal finance news, with a focus on labor unrest as the United Auto Workers union prepares to strike. In Smart Money’...
Important Job Interview Questions and Travel Insurance Tips
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ace your next job interview with questions you may not have considered asking, then learn how travel insurance works. 01:13 This Week in Your Money: B...