NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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...

Big Purchases, and Overcoming Money Guilt

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Liz starts off by talking with credit card Nerd Sara Rathner about how to manage a big expense on a credit card — including how to ...

Holiday Shopping Trends, and Self-Employed Retirement Options

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What’s your plan for holiday shopping this year? To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about NerdWallet’s latest holiday shopping report, wh...

The Benefits of Being Boring with Your Money, and Why to Make a Will ASAP

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your money doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. To start off this episode, Liz Weston and occasional co-host Sara Rathner discuss the benefi...

3 Crypto Questions, and Improving Credit to Buy a House

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With crypto back in the news, you might be tempted to climb aboard the hype train. To start this episode, Liz and Sean talk through 3 questions you sh...

Holiday Shopping Scams, and Paying Off Law School Debt

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scammers are cooking up new ways to swindle your money from you. Two of their tactics this year? Social media ads and hyper-targeted emails. To start ...

What People Get Wrong About Credit, and Self-Employed Budgeting

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know the right way to manage your credit? To kick off this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner dig into a few common credit myths — and how ...

Finding a New Job, and Rent vs Buy in a New City

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More people are leaving their jobs, but it’s important to set yourself up for success when looking for your next gig. To start this episode, Sean an...

Nerdy Deep Dives: Investing, Part 3

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What’s your risk tolerance? Investing always carries the risk of loss — but can also build your wealth. How you choose to invest may mean the diff...

Haggling Tips, and What's Driving Volatile Car Valuation

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiating can save you money and help you earn more over the course of your career. To start off this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston give their ...

Nerdy Deep Dives: Investing, Part 2

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve heard of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But do you know how to use them to build wealth? In the second episode of our three-part deep dive i...

5 Financial Tasks for Fall, and Kid Debit Cards

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With fall officially here, how ready are you feeling for the final quarter of the year? Sean and Liz give you five financial tasks to take on this fal...

Nerdy Deep Dives: Investing, Part 1

23 Sep 2021

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...

DIY Investing, and Lightning Round Money Questions, Part 2

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

DIY investing has had a splashy year, but it might not be right for everyone. To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk about DIY investin...

Lifestyle Creep, and Booking Cheap Travel

13 Sep 2021

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...

Redlining, and the Credit Impact of Paying Off a Car Loan

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Sean Pyles talks with mortgage writer Linda Bell about the legacy of redlining and the racial wealth gap. Then, Liz Weston and Sean a...

Delta Spending Habits, and Marriage vs Mortgage

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How has the delta variant of the coronavirus changed how you’re managing your money? To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner talk about h...

School Supply Shopping Tips, and Breaking Bad Money Habits

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With supply chain issues and uncertainty about whether classes will be in person, virtual or a hybrid, back-to-school shopping this year poses unique ...

Home Affordability, and Unmarried Partners Buying a House

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re jumping into the housing market, know what you’re getting yourself into. This episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner talk with NerdWallet ...

Job Scams, and Maxing Out Roth IRAs

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More Americans are job hunting, but more are falling for job scams, too. Liz and Sean talk about how to spot and avoid scams in the job market right n...

Getting Ahead of Your Next Money Crisis with Michelle Singletary

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a matter of when — not if — you have a money crisis. No matter your financial circumstance, preparing for an emergency can help you make sm...

Health Insurance Deadline, and Getting the Best Car Insurance Rates

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An important deadline looms for getting health insurance on the ACA exchanges. Liz and Sean discuss what you should know, even if you already have hea...

Rethinking Credit Reporting, and Lightning Round Money Questions

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Credit reporting is flawed. Liz and Sean discuss what the issues are and how they can be fixed. Then they answer a number of listener questions back t...

Combating Inflation, and Risks of Small Mortgage Lenders

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation is on the rise, as your budget has surely noticed. This episode, Sean talks with investing Nerd Alana Benson about what’s happening and wh...

Saving at the Pump, and 401(k) Limits

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rising gas prices got you down? On this episode, Sean and Liz break down how you can save at the pump, including how to find the best prices and how t...

Midyear Money Check-In, and Managing Finances Abroad

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How are your 2021 money goals coming along? Now that we’re halfway through the year, Sean and Liz talk about how to do a check-in on what you want f...

Savings Tips, and Updates to the Child Tax Credit

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all want to save more money, but actually doing it can be a challenge. This episode, Sean and Liz share their favorite tips to make saving easier, ...

When Travel Insurance Is Worth It, and Buying an Electric Car

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With more travelers taking to the sky, should they be booking travel insurance? Liz and Sean discuss. Then they answer a listener’s money question a...

Crypto-Earning Credit Cards, and Short-Term Investing

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Credit cards are hopping aboard the crypto hype train, with some offering rewards in cryptocurrency. Sean, Liz and Sara discuss what they are and thei...

The Psychology of Debt, and When to Refinance

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Sean and Liz discuss the psychology of credit card debt — why some people see it as useful and others call it "evil." Then they ans...

Buy Now, Pay Later Loans, and Getting Started Building Wealth

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably seen the offers when shopping online: Break up your purchase into smaller payments over a few weeks or months. But are buy now, pay ...

Big Purchases, and Overcoming Money Guilt

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Liz starts off by talking with credit card Nerd Sara Rathner about how to manage a big expense on a credit card — including how to ...

Free Health Insurance, and Finding Scholarships

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sean and Liz break down how to find out if you’re eligible for free or lower-cost health insurance under the American Rescue Plan. Then they answer ...

Pet Scams, and Buying Different Home Types

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re in the market for a new pet, scammers may have you in their sights. Sean and Liz talk about avoiding common pet scams. Then they answer a ...

Air Travel, and Collections Accounts on Credit Reports

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More travelers are taking to the sky as vaccines roll out. Sean and Liz discuss how to find affordable flights as ticket prices climb. Then they answe...

Cannabis Investing, and Too Much Cash

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cannabis investing — specifically in ETFs — might seem like a savvy move to break into a budding industry. But there are unique risks to investing...

Retiring Early, and Finding Lost Money

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More Americans are retiring early, but not all of them are doing it the right way. And you may have long-forgotten money waiting to be claimed — her...

Pandemic Savings Goals, and Taxes on Inheritance

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Find yourself saving more cash during the pandemic? On this episode, Sean talks with banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette about what people are doing with t...

Spring Cleaning, and COVID Taxes

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how they’re approaching spring cleaning their finances this year, including tidying up their digital lives....