NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Episodes
Money News: Cracking Down on Junk Fees: Bidenomics in Action
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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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...
Overcoming Millennial Money Problems for Financial Wellness
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how global events molded millennial finances, and hear ideas for addressing economic challenges and financial trauma. In this Nerdy deep dive...
Are CDs Worth It, and Managing a Life-Changing Windfall
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The rates on certificates of deposit have shot up over the past year. But are CDs really a good option, especially when high-yield savings accounts ar...
Employee Stock Purchase Plans and AI Travel Planning
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore how AI can help with personalized travel planning, then learn about Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs). 01:08 This Week in Your Money: Trav...
Alternative Investments and Speculation in Your Portfolio
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how alternative investments could help you diversify your portfolio. Have you ever wondered about the potential of alternative investments in...
Overcoming Financial Fears, and Appliance Repair Tips
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why a broken appliance doesn’t have to drain your savings, and how to fight financial fears to enjoy your money. 1:13 This Week in Your Money:...
Options Trading, Short Sales and Derivatives: A Nerdy Guide
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the risks and rewards of options trading, short selling and margin trading in this nerdy derivatives deep dive. Hosts Sean Pyles and Andy Rose...
When and How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Finances
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to have crucial financial discussions with your aging parents while preserving their dignity and security. In this Nerdy Book Club episode, ...
Seasonal Housing Market Trends and Travel Credit Card Tips
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to take advantage of seasonal housing market trends and enjoy travel credit card rewards — even in small cities. 1:03 This Week in Your Mo...
Day Trading Highs and Lows: A Nerdy Guide to Calculating Risk
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get an inside look into strategies and pitfalls of the high-risk, high-reward world of day trading. Hosts Sean Pyles and Andy Rosen discuss the high-s...
Student Loan Repayments and a Nerdy Midyear Money Review
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover actionable tips for ensuring your money is working for you, and how to plan for resuming student loan payments. 01:28 This Week in Your Money:...
Smart Strategies for Advanced Investing and Active Trading
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the risks and rewards of active investing, and when to consider calling in professionals for trading decisions. If you’re ready to take you...
Smart Saving Tips for Disney Trips, and Self-Employed Retirement
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn Nerdy tips to plan a Disney vacation without going broke, and how to choose a retirement plan when self-employed. 01:08 This Week in Your Money:...
Smart Credit Building and Saving for a Secure Retirement
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understand the implications of adding authorized users to credit cards, and how to plan retirement so your money lasts. 01:40 Today’s first Money Qu...
Outsmart Student Loan Scams, and Child Care Budgeting Tips
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keep your money safe by spotting student loan scams, then learn how to cover child care costs without going into debt. 01:02 This Week in Your Money: ...
Smart Ways to Get Out of Debt, and Pet Insurance Planning
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn ways to handle your debt, including some options you might not know about. And find out how pet insurance works, how much it costs and ways to b...
Social Media Shopping Tips, and Smart Spare Cash Investing
17 Jul 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. 00:48 This Week in Your Mone...
Nerdy Guide to Brokerage Fees and Investment Advisors
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to avoid overspending on investing and brokerage fees, and get smart about how to choose a financial advisor. 01:55 Today’s First Money Qu...
Human Longevity Literacy, and How Debt Impacts Credit Scores
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Improve your longevity literacy so you don’t retire too early (or late!), then learn how debt affects your credit score. 01:31 This Week in Your Mon...
Bill Disputes, Managing a Raise, and Smart Saving Early
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how checking your bills can prevent you from overspending, how to manage a raise and how to build wealth early. 01:14 This Week in Your Money: S...
When to Merge Finances — or Not
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Sa...
Student Loan Forgiveness Struck Down by Supreme Court. Now What?
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Supreme Court has struck down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. Sean and Anna discuss what this means for consumers — includin...
The Price of Parenthood: In Vitro Fertilization and the Future of Parenthood
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In vitro Fertilization — or IVF — is an effective way to become pregnant. But is it only for the wealthy? In this final episode of our Nerdy Dee...
Nerdy Tips on Tipping, and Managing High Credit Card Annual Fees
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Feel less awkward about tipping with our Nerds’ tipping tips. Then learn about credit cards with high annual fees. 01:12 This Week in Your Money: Se...
The Price of Parenthood: How Egg Freezing Works
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Egg freezing lets would-be parents put their plans on ice. But is it a realistic option for everyone? In the third episode of our nerdy deep dive in...
Nerdy Travel Tips, and Budgeting for a Non-Traditional Life
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Avoid costly travel mistakes with expert tips from our Nerds. Then, learn how to budget for a non-traditional lifestyle. You can help us improve our s...
The Price of Parenthood: What It Takes to Adopt
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The price of adoption can vary greatly — from under $1,000 to over $60,000. In this episode of our nerdy deep dive into the price of parenthood, S...
Money Scams, and Renting Credit Card Tradelines for Cash
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about how to avoid the latest money scams and whether it’s worth using your credit score to earn extra income. This Week in Your Money (00:00 ...
The Price of Parenthood: What It Costs to Be a Parent
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a parent is unavoidably expensive. But this is a financial decision that’s about a lot more than just money. To kick off our nerdy deep d...
Making Hobbies Affordable, and Saving Money Priorities
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to make your hobbies more affordable. Plus, decide what to save for first: an emergency, a house or retirement. This Week In Your Money (0:0...
Get Creative About Money With Paco de Leon
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If traditional money advice doesn’t work for you, then you might want to consider a more creative approach. In this episode, personal finance Nerd...
The Cost of Climate Change: Preparing for the Worst
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How would you recover if your life was upended by a huge disaster — a fire, hurricane or flood? Getting your affairs in order before a disaster hits...
More Money Hot Takes, and When to Leave Your Job
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of influencers peddle classes with guarantees of helping you become rich and successful. But are they legit — or just another moneymaking sche...
The Cost of Climate Change: Investing (and Banking) for a Greener World
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You really want to effect change around climate issues? Put your money to work for you. In this episode of our nerdy deep dive into how climate change...
Top Consumer Complaints, and Car Shopping in 2023
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The car market has been a mess for … a while. Is now a better time to buy than a year ago? And how is the car market looking for the rest of the yea...
Why Moms Face a Pay Penalty — and What to Do About It
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a mother can transform your life: providing a new sense of purpose, expanding your family and, potentially, limiting your earning power. In t...
The Cost of Climate Change: How to Protect Your Home From Disaster
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If a natural disaster struck your home — whether you own or rent — would you be covered? Many consumers aren’t as protected as they might think....
How to (Really) Save on Groceries
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be expensive — or boring. In this episode, Nerds Sean Pyles and Kimberly Palmer talk with Toni Okamoto, ...
The Future of College Debt, and Rent vs. Buy (With a Dog)
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding whether to keep on renting or get serious about buying a house is rarely easy. But in an area where houses are expensive and many apartments ...
The Cost of Climate Change: The Big Picture
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change is going to have profound effects on our lives — including our money. To kick off this nerdy deep dive into climate change and financ...
Your Social Security Benefits, and Tax Efficient Retirement Investing
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing how much you could get from Social Security is a big part of retirement planning (and, yes, cynical listeners — you will be getting these be...
Money and Happiness: Building (and Buying) Your Happiness
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s here at last: This episode, the simple formula to your happier, more prosperous life will finally be revealed! Just kidding. Turns out, happine...
Money News: What’s the Deal With ‘Junk Fees’?
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You don’t have to be a Taylor Swift fan to feel like you’re being personally attacked by hidden fees and surcharges. These so-called junk fees can...
Neurodiverse Money, and Financial Infidelity
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If your partner hid tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt from you, would you bail — or help them pay it off? In this episode of the podc...
Money and Happiness: Happiness for a Bargain
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s wheel out the cliche “money can’t buy happiness.” In truth, we know that’s not really the case, right? Research shows that the more mo...
Making Your Big Money Reset, With Jill Schlesinger
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you wanted to dramatically upend your life overnight, you probably could — but it could have unintended consequences. You do have the power to ...
Money and Happiness: Uncover Your Money History
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is your first money memory? And how is it influencing your finances today? In this episode of our deep dive into money and happiness, Sean explor...
Recession Anxiety, and Retirement Savings vs. Mortgage Payoff
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A recession is imminent. Or, maybe it isn’t? News stories about looming recession can feel incessant, only for the economic turmoil to never materia...
Money and Happiness: What's Happiness Really Worth?
06 Apr 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...
Spring-Cleaning, and Paying Off Different Types of Debt
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s officially spring, which means it’s time to bust out the duster, broom — and your bank account logins. To start this episode, Sean and Sara...
‘This or That’: Lightning Round
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The travel Nerds have all sorts of opinions on when to get to the airport ahead of a flight, what sorts of upgrades or perks are most valuable to them...
Is Banking Stable, and Traditional vs. Online Banks
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The banking system has been feeling less than stable lately. But how worried should you really be? To start this episode, Sean and Sara discuss the co...
‘This or That’: Loyalty to One Travel Brand or Diversify?
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
So you’re deep in the points game (or want to be). Are you better off focusing your points earning and spending efforts on one brand, or diversifyin...
Are CDs Worth It, and Managing a Life-Changing Windfall
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The rates on certificates of deposit have shot up over the past year. But are CDs really a good option, especially when high-yield savings accounts ar...
‘This or That’: Travel Credit Card or Cash-Back Credit Card
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Travel credit cards can help you score the vacation of your dreams on points alone. But are they worth the hassle of playing the points game? In this ...
How COVID Changed Our Finances — and Our Advice
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The COVID-19 pandemic upended the world — and our finances. The tumult created a lot of opportunity and angst in its wake. In this episode, Sean hos...
‘This or That’: Booking With Points vs. Cash
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve got a trip coming up. Should you use cash or points to book your travel and lodging? In this episode, Sean Pyles talks with travel writer Meg...
How to Leverage Inflation for Your Benefit
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is affecting a lot more than the price of groceries. It’s also presenting financial opportunities — if you know where to look. In this e...
Money News: The Supreme Court Debates Student Debt Cancellation
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Supreme Court is getting closer to dashing or fulfilling folks’ dreams of student debt cancellation. This week, the justices heard arguments tha...
‘This or That’: Airbnb vs. Hotel
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Airbnb used to be a go-to option for fun, one-of-a-kind lodging. Then the cleaning fees started stacking up. Are Airbnbs worth it anymore, or are hote...
The Tax Episode 2023
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tax season is in full swing. And this episode, we’re taking on popular questions, including when you’re fine filing on your own — and when you m...
When Your Family Steals Your Identity
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being the victim of identity theft can be traumatic, especially when your own mother is the perpetrator. In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kimber...
Money Hot Takes, and Too Many Credit Cards
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. Se...
‘The Color of Wealth’: Investing for Your Family's Future
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, espe...
When to Merge Finances — or Not
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Sa...
‘The Color of Wealth’: The Emotional Trade-Offs of Wealth Building
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 – a...
Money News: Student Debt Cancellation at the Supreme Court
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
ChatGPT vs. the Nerds, and Rental Properties
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are making headlines — but can they be trusted to give personal finance advice? To kick off this episode,...
‘The Color of Wealth’: Overcoming Structural Challenges
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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,” NerdW...
No-Spend Month 2.0, and Recovering From Credit Damage
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Your Money in 2023: Managing Uncertainty
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Data Breaches, and Catching Up on Retirement Savings
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Your Money in 2023: Homebuying and Selling
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Art of Complaining, and Saving for Your Kids’ Future
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 star...
Your Money in 2023: Investing in the Stock Market
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 contin...
Retirement Changes You May Have Missed
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Important changes are coming to how you can save for retirement — including one that will allow your student debt payments to count toward retiremen...
January Money Moves, and Paying Off Your Mortgage Early
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pyle...
Your Money in 2023: Use Your Values to Set Your Goals
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 va...
Student Loans and the Cancellation Debate, Part 1
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Single-Income Couples, and When to Use Your HSA and FSA
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Going from a two-income household to a one-income household is not solely a financial challenge. But this change also creates opportunities to strengt...
What We Learned About Our Money in 2022
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Rising Interest Rates, and Budgeting With Apps
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Find the Humor in Money Management With Joe Saul-Sehy
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 fi...
Money News: What the Jobs Report and Recent Layoffs Mean for You
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 lab...
The End of Credit Card Rewards, and When to Cancel Luxury Credit Cards
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...