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NerdWallet Personal Finance
NerdWallet’s objective finance journalists answer real-world questions empowering you to make smarter decisions with your money and help your finances thrive.
The Nerds are your resource to make the most of your personal finances, while cutting through the clutter and misinformation of today’s economic news and advice. You’ll get clarity on strategies to help you build your wealth, invest wisely, shop for financial products, and plan for major life events.
By the end of each episode, you’ll feel smarter and more informed to make the most of your finances. Future You will thank you.
Join hosts Sean Pyles, Sara Rathner, and other expert Nerds as they discuss everything personal finance, including:
- Credit cards: credit card rewards, different types of credit cards, credit card annual fees
- Investing and retirement: investment strategies, retirement planning, financial independence, investing in the stock market, money market accounts, financial strategies, mutual funds, short-term bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Roth IRA investing, robo-advisors, retirement savings
- Personal finance: budgeting methods, emergency funds, paying off debt, frugal living, money management tips, wealth accumulation, money habits, cultivating a money growth mindset, debt-free living, financial resources, budgeting apps and browser extensions, avoiding scams, tax bills, financial success and financial stability
- Banking: high-yield saving accounts, online banking, credit unions
- Loans: student loans, home equity loans, HELOC, student loan forgiveness
- Home: mortgage interest rates, homebuying, home improvement projects, homeowners insurance
- Insurance: travel insurance, pet insurance, auto insurance, home insurance
You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth.
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Job Scams, and Maxing Out Roth IRAs
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 now. Then they answer a listener’s question about the best way to max out a Roth IRA. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
20:0209/08/2021
Getting Ahead of Your Next Money Crisis with Michelle Singletary
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 smart moves under pressure. This episode Liz and Sean talk with Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about how to manage a money crisis and how her experience as a Black woman informs her writing.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
40:4302/08/2021
Health Insurance Deadline, and Getting the Best Car Insurance Rates
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 health insurance. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to find the best rates (and coverage) when shopping for car insurance. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
24:4326/07/2021
Rethinking Credit Reporting, and Lightning Round Money Questions
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 to back in a lightning round of money questions, including managing taxes while working remotely and how to find a high yield savings account. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
34:5419/07/2021
Combating Inflation, and Risks of Small Mortgage Lenders
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 what it means for your finances. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about the potential risks of going with a smaller mortgage lender. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
21:2412/07/2021
Midyear Money Check-In, and Managing Finances Abroad
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 from your money this year. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to manage their finances abroad, including how to save money on conversion rates and using credit cards strategically. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
27:4728/06/2021
Savings Tips, and Updates to the Child Tax Credit
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, including how to save with purpose and how to trim expenses. Then they answer a listener’s question about changes to the Child Tax Credit, and whether that should influence FSA contributions. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
21:4521/06/2021
When Travel Insurance Is Worth It, and Buying an Electric Car
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 about how to buy an electric car, including how to negotiate with salespeople and how to take advantage of financial incentives for electric vehicles. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
26:3914/06/2021
Crypto-Earning Credit Cards, and Short-Term Investing
Credit cards are hopping aboard the crypto hype train, with some offering rewards in cryptocurrency. Sean, Liz and Sara discuss what they are and their risks. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to approach short-term investing. Also, please take a few seconds to fill out our two-question survey: http://bit.ly/nerdwallet-podcast-survey To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
19:5807/06/2021
The Psychology of Debt, and When to Refinance
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 answer a listener's question about whether now is a good time to refinance, even if they just got the mortgage last year.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info.
28:0531/05/2021
Buy Now, Pay Later Loans, and Getting Started Building Wealth
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 later loans a good deal? Sean and Liz break it down. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to get started building wealth.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
24:5224/05/2021
Free Health Insurance, and Finding Scholarships
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 a listener’s question about how to find scholarships and make higher education more affordable.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
23:4610/05/2021
Pet Scams, and Buying Different Home Types
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 couple of listener questions about buying different home types, including new homes, existing homes, condos and more.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
24:1603/05/2021
Air Travel, and Collections Accounts on Credit Reports
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 answer a listener’s question about how long a collections account stays on your credit report — and how to mitigate any damage to your credit score.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
15:5626/04/2021
Cannabis Investing, and Too Much Cash
Cannabis investing — specifically in ETFs — might seem like a savvy move to break into a budding industry. But there are unique risks to investing in cannabis. Sean and Liz discuss the pros and cons with investing Nerd Chris Davis. Then they answer a listener’s money question about whether you can have too much cash in your accounts.
To contact the Nerds, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
22:5219/04/2021
Retiring Early, and Finding Lost Money
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 — here's how to find it.
To have your money question answered on a future episode, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
26:1412/04/2021
Pandemic Savings Goals, and Taxes on Inheritance
Find yourself saving more cash during the pandemic? On this episode, Sean talks with banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette about what people are doing with their pandemic-driven savings. Then, Liz and Sean answer a listener’s question about when you owe taxes on an inheritance.
To have the Nerds answer your money questions, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
26:1205/04/2021
Spring Cleaning, and COVID Taxes
On this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how they’re approaching spring cleaning their finances this year, including tidying up their digital lives. Then, they answer a listener’s question about how to manage filing taxes in the age of COVID — including whether you owe taxes on your stimulus.
To have the Nerds answer your money questions, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
23:4729/03/2021
Procrastination, and Paying Student Loans vs. Investing
Fear of making mistakes can fuel procrastination, but that can be costly when you’re putting off important money tasks. One task that may be OK to delay, however, is paying off student loans.
To send the Nerds your money questions, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
24:1415/03/2021
Pandemic Debt, and Moving Costs
On this episode, Sean and Liz discuss how to manage debt in our K-shaped economic recovery. Then they answer a listener's question about how to manage expenses for a cross-country move.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
29:5508/03/2021
Why to File Your Taxes Early, and Tapping Your Home's Equity
Filing your taxes isn't fun, we get it. On this episode, Sean and Liz give you three reasons why to file early (including how it can save you money). Then, they answer a listener's question about when to tap your home's equity.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
31:0022/02/2021
Money News You Missed, and the 50/30/20 Budget
A lot happened at the end of 2020. Sean and Liz discuss news you might have missed about important changes that could affect college financial aid and/or your employee benefits. Then they answer a listener's question about how to use the 50/30/20 budget.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
24:2715/02/2021
Stock Market Shenanigans, and Talking About Money with Your Partner
On this episode, Sean talks with investing Nerd Chris Davis about whether the GameStop frenzy will affect your retirement account. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener's question about how to start having money conversations with your partner. The secret? Talk openly, often and set shared goals.
Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
34:3208/02/2021
Jackpot Windfall, and Extra COVID Cash
Suddenly find yourself the winner of a billion dollars? Sean and Liz discuss how you should think about your winnings — and other windfalls, like tax refunds. Then they're joined by personal finance Nerd Amrita Jayakumar to answer a listener's money question about how to change your money habits and use cash saved up during the pandemic.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info.
24:3401/02/2021
How to Buy a House in 2021
Wrapping up the #NewMoneyGoals series, Liz and Sean talk with home buying Nerd Holden Lewis about what would-be homebuyers need to know in 2021. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
28:0825/01/2021
Buying Crypto, and Dealing with Debt
Ever wanted to buy cryptocurrency? Well, on this episode you can live vicariously through Sean, who talks with Liz about his experience dabbling in Dogecoin. Then, they discuss our current debt crisis and how to manage debt in 2021. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
23:1118/01/2021
New COVID Scams, and Easy Money Moves
Here’s how to recognize COVID-related scams and what to do if you’ve given out information you should not have, plus, small changes in your money that can have an outsized impact. Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
25:4911/01/2021
How You Can Achieve Money Goals in 2021
What do you want to accomplish in 2021? This month, our #NewMoneyGoals bootcamp will set you up for success. To start, know how to craft — and actually achieve — your money goals. That means making them SMART. Sean and Liz talk with money Nerd Kim Palmer about how you can get what you want from your money in 2021. Turn to the Nerds for help with your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info
27:2004/01/2021
Spot fake reviews, and see if you're saving too much
We're off for the holiday break, so here's an episode from our archives.
Learn how to spot fake online reviews to save money. Speaking of saving, don't avoid retirement accounts from a fear that you won’t be “liquid” enough. You typically can borrow or withdraw retirement funds in an emergency.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
22:0128/12/2020
What our listeners learned from the pandemic
2020 was a year of challenges — and opportunities. In this episode, listeners share the money lessons they learned over the past year, including why savings is more important than ever and the benefits of debt payoff.
You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
25:0621/12/2020
Charitable giving, and using savings to pay student loans
Feeling charitable this holiday season? Use discretion as you choose where to give. Also, Sean and Liz answer a listener's question about whether to use savings to pay off student loans.
You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
25:2614/12/2020
Pandemic money lessons, and balancing saving for a down payment vs retirement
Sean and Liz share what they learned about managing money during the pandemic. Then they answer a listener's money question about how to save for retirement while saving for a down payment on a house.
You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
21:5107/12/2020
What Biden may do for your finances and how to make money
Consumer protection will see a revival in 2021, but student loan forgiveness and pandemic relief are still question marks. Plus, what to do if you need to get your hands on some money (relatively) fast.
You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
27:0930/11/2020
The holiday shopping episode
How are you planning to shop this holiday season?
According to our shopping Nerds, we’ll shop differently, but we’ll still shop. Many stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, but the Black Friday deals have already begun. Here's how to find the best deals.
You know you have money questions — so send them to the Nerds! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
27:5023/11/2020
Holiday travel and giving money advice to family
The two things we should rethink this holiday season are travel and offering financial advice to family members. Either should be done cautiously, if at all.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
27:0716/11/2020
Open Enrollment and HSA vs. FSA
Picking health insurance is a pain, but the right choice can save you serious cash. Also, a health savings account can be a great option if you can handle a high deductible health insurance plan, but it’s not for everyone. A traditional plan with a flexible savings account could be a better fit.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
20:2309/11/2020
Finding financial stability and protecting yourself from ID theft
With the election, the pandemic and everything else that's happened in 2020, finding stability can be a challenge. Sean and Liz discuss how to make your money a source of security right now. Then, they answer a listener's money question about how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
27:2802/11/2020
Beating burnout and the best college savings plans
Feel like you working longer and more draining hours during the pandemic? You're not alone. Liz and Sean share their tips to beat burnout.
Then they answer a listener's question about how to choose the best college savings plan for their child with the help of Kim Palmer.
Want the Nerds to answer your money question? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
28:1926/10/2020
Retiring early and finding lost money
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 — here's how to find it.
To have your money question answered on a future episode, email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
25:4419/10/2020
Cut your tax bill, and how to choose the best investment platform
Looking to cut your tax bill? You have a few go-to strategies, but only a few months left to reduce what you'll owe next year. Also, the right investment platform depends on how you want to invest and how much help you need.
Want your money question answered by our Nerds? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
26:0612/10/2020
Unequal unemployment recovery, and whether to buy a new or a used car
Sean and Liz dig into what unemployment trends mean for our economy. Then they answer a listener's money question about whether it's best to buy a new or a used car. Want your money question answered by our Nerds? Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app
35:4305/10/2020
The psychology of debt and when to refinance
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 answer a listener's question about whether now is a good time to refinance their home, even if they just got the mortgage last year.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
27:4128/09/2020
Used cars in short supply, and Shea Couleé talks money
Tight supplies and steady demand are driving up used car prices, but you can still save money. Speaking of saving money, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is saving some of the $100,000 prize money to buy a house.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
30:0121/09/2020
Fake reviews and saving too much
Learning how to spot fake online reviews can save you money. Speaking of saving, you shouldn’t avoid retirement accounts from a fear that you won’t be “liquid” enough. You typically can borrow or withdraw retirement funds in an emergency. Saving a big chunk of your income while you’re young can give you a great start.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
21:2114/09/2020
Investing while paying off student loans
Should you invest or pay off debt? This question can get especially tricky when you’re talking about investing in your company’s stock versus paying down your student loans. Sean and Liz help a listener who wants to know if she should exercise her stock options or focus on paying her $90,000 student loan debt.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
13:0607/09/2020
Renters are struggling, and what to do with an old 401(k)
Renters are far more likely to be struggling in the pandemic than homeowners. Also, don’t put off a 401(k) rollover. If you want to move money out of an old employer’s plan, ask if your new employer will take it or consider rolling over to an IRA.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
23:5131/08/2020
Buying local and emergency loans
Buying local could help a favorite small business survive the pandemic. Meanwhile, people who don’t have savings may be tempted to take out emergency loans to cover unexpected expenses. But these small dollar loans can come with high interest rates and short repayment terms, leading to a debt trap.
Send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
21:3424/08/2020
Pet costs and extreme couponing
Pets can cost a lot more than you think. Pet insurance can help, but it’s not for everyone. Likewise, extreme couponing can pay off for the most dedicated adherents, but there are easier ways to use coupons to save.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
24:4817/08/2020
How to take advantage of lower rent and mortgage rates — and move safely
August is shaping up to be another record month on the mortgage front. Here’s what it means for you. And if you want to move apartments right now, look at your goals and know how to move safely.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
21:0510/08/2020
Is it safe to travel right now, and how to handle a collections to improve credit
Air travel brings you in close contact with others, sometimes for hours. A road trip may be a better option. Also, handle old collection accounts with care. Paying an old debt typically doesn’t help your credit, and may lead to a lawsuit. As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373. And visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode.
29:3403/08/2020