NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

‘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 ...

Questioning the 50/30/20 Budget and Company Stock

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The 50/30/20 budget is a simple way to organize your finances. But as rent prices soar and inflation impacts everything from gas to groceries, does th...

Crypto Crash, and Growing Money Fast

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shockwaves rippled through the crypto world with the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss...

Outsmart Scammers, and Waiting to Save for Retirement

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scammers alleging to help you cancel your student debt are coming for you — whether you actually have student debt or not. To kick off this episode,...

When Your Bank Stiffs You, and Co-Signing Risks

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is your bank holding out on you? If you haven’t checked on your savings accounts lately, you should — or risk losing out on money you could be ear...

Financial Fears, and Do You Need Life Insurance?

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fear can control your life — if you let it. And when it comes to financial fears, what haunts you can mean the difference between a life of prosperi...

How the Nerds Do It: How a Student Loans Nerd Paid Off Her Debt

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paying off student debt isn’t easy — even for a Nerd who writes about it. In this episode of our “How the Nerds Do It” series, student loans N...

Black Friday Is Canceled, and How to Get Holiday Travel Deals

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Black Friday isn’t the shopping extravaganza it once was. With rolling deals from major retailers, you might be able to get the best price for items...

How the Nerds Do It: How a Mortgage Nerd Bought a House

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Buying a house takes grit, know-how — and, frankly, a good amount of cash. In this episode of our “How the Nerds Do It” series, mortgage Nerd Ka...

Money News: How to Cancel Your Student Debt

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 It’s finally here: The application to cancel up to $20,000 of your federal student loan debt is live.  In this episode, Sean Pyles is joined by s...

Zelle Scams, and When to Sell Investments

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Do you know where your passwords are? To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the risks o...

How the Nerds Do It: How a Travel Nerd Books a Trip

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Points or cash. Bargain hunting or splurging. Deep research or impulse booking. A lot can go into booking the perfect vacation.  In this episode of o...

Money Hot Takes, and Too Many Credit Cards

10 Oct 2022

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...

How the Nerds Do It: How an Investing Nerd Maxed Out Her Roth IRA

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Saving for retirement can be a challenge for anyone — even our Nerds.  To kick off a new series called “How the Nerds Do It,” Sean talks with i...

What the Fed News Means for You, and Choosing a New Bank

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Fed has been in the news a lot lately, raising interest rates and causing recession fears. But what, exactly, do the interest rate hikes mean for ...

Beating Money Procrastination, and When to Unfreeze Credit

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes checking things off your financial to-do list can be a real slog. If you find yourself procrastinating, know that you have plenty of company...

Fall Money Tasks, and Saving Enough to Retire

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into fall, is your money where you want it to be? To start off this episode, Sean and Liz give you a few easy money tasks so you can end th...

Live From Las Vegas!

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The smart way to lose your money gambling, whether now is a good time to invest and how to manage a big financial gift. In the first-ever live episode...

Student Debt Cancellation News, and Money 101

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The dust is settling after President Biden announced his student debt cancellation and repayment plan. But there are still a number of unknowns. This ...

Protecting Your Privacy, and Front-Loading a 401(k)

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Maxing out a 401(k) is a great step toward saving for retirement, but have you ever thought about front-loading your plan? In this episode, hosts Sean...

How to Manage Medical Debt with Emily Maloney

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Medical debt can be confusing and, for some, financially debilitating. In this episode of the Nerdy Book Club series, NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer tal...

Booking a Dream Disney Vacation for Cheap

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Disney theme parks are some of the most magical places on Earth. But vacation-wise, they can also be some of the most expensive. From tickets to lodgi...

Investing for Your Dream Life

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Building wealth over your life takes planning — and know-how. This episode, Sean and Liz talk with Angel Grace, a DIY YouTuber who wants to set her ...

What the Heck Is Crypto, Anyway?

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve heard of crypto, but do you really know what it is? Do you think you could explain it to a family member who is totally clueless about this n...

Answering Kids’ Money Questions: Where Does Money Come From?

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kids aren’t known for having a lot of financial decisions to make, but that doesn’t mean they’re not curious about it.  This episode we take on...

Nerdy Business: Building a Brick-and-Mortar Business

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Opening a brick-and-mortar business isn’t for the faint of heart. This episode, Sean and small-business Nerd Rosalie Murphy interview Uyen Le. Le ow...

Questioning the 50/30/20 Budget and Company Stock

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The 50/30/20 budget is a simple way to organize your finances. But as rent prices soar and inflation impacts everything from gas to groceries, does th...

Nerdy Business: Building the Right Team

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Starting a successful business means building the right team — and knowing when not to cut corners when hiring employees and partners.  This episod...

Summer Travel Tips and Conflicting Financial Priorities

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flight cancellations, rising gas prices and a surge of travelers — this year, summer travel might be more expensive (and headache-inducing). To star...

Nerdy Business: Setting Your Business Up for Success

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a side gig to a full-time job is a big — and daring — jump.  This episode, Sean and small-business Nerd Rosalie Murphy kick off the new Ne...

Why Are Homes Pricey in the U.S. and Abroad?

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The home affordability crisis isn’t just an issue in the United States. This episode, Sean hosts a roundtable discussion with Nerds from Canada, the...

Nerdy Deep Dive: Investing 101, Part 1

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You know you should start investing, but do you know the best way to get started? In the first episode of a three-part deep dive into investing, hosts...

Queer Money Talk

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

LGBTQ+ people face a number of unique personal finance challenges, including higher rates of poverty and a wage gap. As a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislat...

Small Business Inflation, and Sign-Up Bonuses

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation is hitting everyone’s budgets — including those of small-business owners. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how inflatio...

Taking On the Racial Wealth Gap

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The racial wealth gap was created and reinforced over centuries. Can it be solved in our lifetime? In this episode, Sean and Liz talk with journalist ...

What's Up With Eggs, and Home Improvement Projects

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eggs — why are they so expensive right now, and what can you do about it? To start this episode, Sean and Liz crack open the factors driving up egg ...

Nerdy Deep Dive: How to Reduce Child Care Costs

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Child care can be a strain on many families’ budgets — but there are opportunities for you to minimize the cost.  In Part 2 of this Nerdy deep di...

Recession Prep, and Lightning Round Money Questions

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A recession is (maybe) imminent. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how to prepare for a recession, including how to think about inves...

Nerdy Deep Dive: Why is Child Care So Expensive?

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Child care costs are pushing budgets to the brink. In the first episode of this two-part Nerdy deep dive, we go behind the scenes to untangle one of t...

Giving Family Money, and What's Happening with Inflation

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your family or friend needs money in a pinch. Do you help them out, or tell them to look elsewhere for cash? To start this episode, Sean and Liz discu...

Get Creative About Money With Paco de Leon

30 May 2022

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...

Nerdy Travel Diaries: Use Points to Fly in Luxury

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You can fly abroad in business class on points alone — if you know how to play the points game. To wrap up our Nerdy Travel Diaries series, Liz talk...

Fruitful Yard Sale, and When Not to Refinance

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to get rid of your junk and earn a buck? To start off this episode, Sean and Liz give you tips for a successful yard sale, including how to make ...

Nerdy Travel Diaries: Getaway to Costa Rica

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After two years of sitting on credit card points and staying at home, you might be in a great position to book some luxurious international travel.  ...

New Student Debt, and a Couple's Money Baggage

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Student debt cancellation may be on the horizon. But a new generation of graduates is set to take on another load of burdensome debt. To start off thi...

Nerdy Travel Diaries: Scrimping and Splurging in Japan

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling to Japan can be both expensive and intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of our Nerdy Travel Diaries series, NerdWal...

Bitcoin 401(k)s and Choosing the Best Crypto

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Crypto is coming to 401(k) accounts. Should you add it to your portfolio? And which crypto is the best to invest in right now?  In this episode, Liz ...

Nerdy Travel Diaries: Weightlifting in New Mexico

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Travel Nerds know how to get the most from any trip — whether they’re staying in a luxury hotel on credit card points or finding the best airf...

Small Business Benefits, and Buying a Hybrid

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shopping at small businesses may offer more benefits than you know, including access to exclusive deals and insider information. To start this episode...

Protecting Your Privacy, and Front-Loading a 401(k)

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Maxing out a 401(k) is a great step toward saving for retirement, but have you ever thought about front-loading your plan? In this episode, hosts Sean...

Student Debt Cancellation Debate, Part 2

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is student loan cancellation the key to liberating those crushed under burdensome debt, or a potentially-ineffective political ploy?  In this two-par...

Save Money at Weddings, and Vetting Mortgage Lenders

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wedding season is picking up steam. Are you — and your budget — ready? To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how you can save money at...

Student Loans and the Cancellation Debate, Part 1

14 Apr 2022

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...

3 Money Tasks for Spring, and Alternative Debt Payoff Options

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With spring in the air, money tasks might be the last thing on your mind. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about three easy tasks to knock ...

Using Your Tax Refund, and Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The windfall of a tax refund can be a boon to your savings, help fund a vacation — and more. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about diffe...

The Fed Interest Rate Hike, and What’s a Credit Card Authorized User?

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. To explore what it means for you, Sean kicks off this episode with a roundtable discussion about how th...

Single-Income Couples, and When to Use Your HSA and FSA

21 Mar 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...

How I Got Here: Tori Dunlap of Her First $100K

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to save $100K by your mid-20s? Just ask Tori Dunlap, founder of the blog Her First $100K and the “Financial Feminist” podcast. I...

Combating Inflation, and Saving for Retirement Amid Climate Change

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gas, groceries and just about everything else are getting more expensive. Sean and Liz share tips for protecting your purchasing power, including cutt...

Why to Sell Your House, and Managing Investment Fees

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Selling your house right now might sound like a great way to inject unnecessary stress into your life. But it could also be very lucrative, if you do ...

The Tax Episode

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Taxes: You’ve got questions about ‘em, and we’ve got answers. On this episode, Sean and Liz answer a number of listener money questions about fi...

Lifestyle Creep, and Booking Cheap Travel

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lifestyle creep — where your growing expenses outpace salary increases — can deflate your budget and prevent you from building wealth. To start th...

Nerdy Book Club: Building Your Financial Smarts With Bola Sokunbi

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Taking charge of your own financial education can help you get ahead and avoid classic money mistakes.  In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kim Pa...

Credit Union Perks, and Getting Into the Housing Market

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Where you bank can have a big impact on your community. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about the benefits of credit unions, including ho...

Stock Market Shakiness, and Car Buying in 2022

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Has the recent stock market shakiness left you feeling jittery? To start off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how you can manage your anxiety —...

No-Spend Month, and Making Money While Raising Kids

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A no-spend month can help you reset your money habits and save cash. To start this episode, Sean and Liz kick off their no-spend month challenge and t...

Make a Plan to Achieve Your Dreams

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing what you want from your life and your money is one thing. Actually knowing how to make it happen is another. In this episode, Sean and Liz int...

COVID Tests, and Reversing a Credit Score Drop

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finding (and paying for) COVID tests is overly complicated. This episode, Sean and occasional co-host Sara Rathner start off by talking about how you ...

Making Your Dream Life

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Living in a van, traveling the country and working wherever you want might sound like an odd dream, but that’s the life NerdWallet travel writer Sam...

How Nerds Choose the Best, and Paying for College

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sifting through financial products can be a pain. That’s where NerdWallet comes in. Our Nerds just released the 2022 Best-Of Awards so you can find ...

Saving for Your Dream Retirement

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vacations across the world, spending quality time with your friends and family and — most importantly — not being obligated to work a 9-to-5 job: ...

New Money Resolutions, and Strategizing Debt Payoff

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not too late to make your money resolutions for the new year. To kick off the episode, Sean and Liz discuss why you might want to take time to ...

Buying Your Dream House

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do to buy your dream house? Move across the country? Maybe even purchase it sight unseen? That’s exactly what one Nerd did.  To kick...

Saving at the Pump, and 401(k) Limits

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, Sean and Liz share their tips for saving at the pump, including how the way you drive and when you get gas can make a difference. Then t...

What Our Listeners Accomplished This Year, Part 2

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As 2021 comes to a close, we are continuing our celebration of what our listeners accomplished with their money in 2021. Sean and Liz discuss mortgage...

What Our Listeners Accomplished This Year, Part 1

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 Did you buy a house in 2021? Maybe you got a new job or finally hit a big savings goal. We encouraged our listeners to brag about what they did with...

Countering Uncertainty, and Building Wealth Early

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The best time to start building wealth was yesterday. The second best time is today. This episode, Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about h...

Why to Question Your Bills, and Making the Most of a Raise

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Question your bills. Otherwise, you might be paying more  than you need to for things like healthcare, car insurance and even bar tabs. To start off ...

Travel Tips, and Finding the Right Financial Advisors

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling during the holidays can be a drag, but it doesn’t have to be. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about recent trends in holiday t...