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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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Losing your health insurance, and setting financial goals
Losing your health insurance can expose you to medical bills that could bankrupt you. Most people can get subsidized coverage through HealthCare.gov. Also, setting financial goals requires thinking about what’s most important to you and then making a plan.
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.
32:3927/07/2020
COVID impulse spending, and building credit while paying debt
Spending more impulsively because of the pandemic? You’re not alone. Also, different debt payoff methods have their merits, but paying off small balances first can help your credit.
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.
19:5820/07/2020
Tax returns are due, and how to get started creating wealth
The IRS has payment plans if you can’t pay what you owe on July 15. Also, the steps to building wealth are simple, even if they’re not easy: spend less than you earn and save or invest the difference.
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.
22:0313/07/2020
The wealth gap, and how to cope with variable rate student loans
Discrimination affected wealth creation and opportunity in the U.S., leading to vastly different median incomes, unemployment levels and homeownership rates. Also, people with variable-rate student loans can struggle to predict what their future payments will be, which can make budgeting difficult.
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.
18:3206/07/2020
Setting money goals at milestone birthdays, and scoring big bucks with bank bonuses
As you approach your 30s, 40s or beyond, let the milestone birthday be an excuse to set some new money goals. Also, some banks will pay you to open a new bank account, but you need to look beyond the bonus to see if you’ll pay more in fees or collect less interest.
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.
22:2029/06/2020
What a recession economy means for you, and how to handle an inheritance
In this episode, Sean and Liz give tips for managing your finances in a recession. Then they answer a listener's money question about how to handle an inheritance — and whether you owe any taxes on it.
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.
21:2522/06/2020
The pandemic is changing our financial lives, and what to know about refinancing now
In this episode, Sean and Liz discuss survey results that show how money habits are changing as a result of COVID-19. Then, they answer a listener's money question about whether home improvement projects can help home refinancing odds — and if it’s still a good time to refinance.
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.
22:2815/06/2020
Make your donations go further; Plan for new baby expenses
In this episode, Sean and Liz start off by discussing how you can make your donations to social causes go further.
Then, they answer a listener's money question about how to plan for expenses as a new parent. Kim Palmer, a Nerd with a lot of first-hand experience managing baby costs, joins the conversation.
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.
21:5208/06/2020
Is identity theft protection worth the cost?
Can identity theft protection services really protect us from identity theft? No, but they can serve as an (expensive) early warning signal. Most people should first consider some free ways to reduce the chances of becoming a victim, such as credit freezes and monitoring a credit score.
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.
23:3301/06/2020
Is Bitcoin a safe investment?
People who invest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies need to be ready for a wild ride. Values can soar and plunge, plus there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back. Cryptocurrency is more of a gamble than an investment, and shouldn’t be more than a small portion of your overall portfolio.
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.
22:1526/05/2020
I Got Laid Off! What Should I Do with My Retirement Fund?
Getting your retirement account squared away is just one of the many tasks facing the newly unemployed, but it’s an important one. Rolling the money into an IRA could be the best choice, particularly if your former employer isn’t allowing the new “coronavirus hardship withdrawals.” 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.
24:3718/05/2020
Where have all the 0% offers gone?
It used to be easy for people with good credit scores to get 0% balance transfer offers. As lenders pull back, those with credit card debt may need alternative plans to deal with their balances.
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.
16:1611/05/2020
How can I buy my first home in an expensive city?
Being a first-time homeowner can be daunting, especially in a pricey market like Southern California. Chris Browning of the Popcorn Finance podcast has questions about what to expect, and he turns to the Nerds for some answers.
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.
20:0104/05/2020
Where's my coronavirus relief check — and how should I use it?
Most American adults are eligible for government relief checks of $1,200, but many are still waiting for their money — plus the usual advice about what to do with a windfall doesn’t apply in a crisis. Sean and Liz discuss how to find out where your payment is and put it to the best use.
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.
15:2727/04/2020
How should I spring-clean my finances?
Don’t stop with your closets. Spring cleaning your finances can be just as satisfying, not to mention more lucrative. Whip your budget into shape, check your credit and make sure your investments are on track.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
14:5520/04/2020
Help! I owe the IRS!
You were expecting a tax refund — but wound up owing money. Changing tax laws and the gig economy mean many taxpayers who traditionally got money back are now having to pay. Sean and Liz help a reader navigate paying a tax bill, as well as steps for avoiding a tax bill next year.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
15:0113/04/2020
Coronavirus Special Edition, Part IV: The CARES Act and Your Student Loans
The economic stimulus package gave millions of student loan borrowers some important breaks, but people are confused about what they are and what they have to do. Sean and Liz get the scoop from student loan nerd Ryan Lane.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
14:5206/04/2020
Coronavirus Special Edition, Part III: Coronavirus and Your Portfolio
Nauseating drops in the stock market can be hard to endure, but most of us should try to do just that -- and even invest more, if we can. If you need the money within five years or you’re losing sleep, though, you might need to get at least some of your portfolio to safer ground.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
11:2102/04/2020
Coronavirus Special Edition, Part II: Saving, Budgeting and Travel
The coronavirus pandemic has scrambled people’s travel plans and their budgets. Here are the most important things to know now about emergency funds, spending plans and travel in the coming months.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
11:1230/03/2020
Coronavirus Special Edition, Part I: Mortgages and the Market
Mortgage rates dropped and then soared, making life difficult for people who wanted to refinance and buy homes. Mortgage and real estate Nerd Holden Lewis explains why that happened and what the future may bring.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
11:5226/03/2020
How can I brace financially for coronavirus?
The economic impact of the novel coronavirus and the COVD-19 disease it causes is likely to be profound. Sean and Liz discuss how to cope with the potential financial fallout.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
14:3523/03/2020
My credit score randomly dropped — a lot. What happened?
Unexpected credit scores drops are the worst -- especially when you’re trying to do everything right. Sean and Liz dig into the details of how credit scores work to help a reader whose scores dived seemingly without reason.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
14:3816/03/2020
What's the best way to save for a down payment on a house?
Many first-time home buyers wonder how to save for a down payment and where to put the money while they’re saving. Sean and Liz talk to mortgage and real estate authority Holden Lewis about the options.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
14:0409/03/2020
How can I get into the travel credit card points game?
Want to get the most points from your travel credit card, but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. In this episode, Sean and Liz talk with travel Nerd Sara Rathner, who offers up her insider tips about how to get the most points from your travel. And if you want to become a savvy traveler but don't care about travel credit cards, we've got tips for you, too.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
15:3302/03/2020
Are Roth conversions a good idea?
Roth conversions can give you a big tax advantage in retirement, but they're not right for everyone. Sean and Liz talk with retirement Nerd Andrea Coombes to help you figure out if you could come out ahead with a Roth conversion.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
11:4024/02/2020
What's the best way to do a spending fast?
A spending fast can help you save money — fast! The idea is to hit the pause button on non-essential spending for a set period, usually a month. Sean and Liz are veterans of spending fasts and have some tips for how they work, what to watch out for and staying motivated.
As always, send us your money questions!
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
15:4117/02/2020
Should I invest or pay off my 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.
12:2510/02/2020
How do we manage money as a couple?
Yours? Mine? Ours? Managing your money as a couple can be stressful, and there’s no one right way to do it. Sean and Liz offer some strategies for figuring out what will work best for both of you.
As always, send us your money questions! Email [email protected] or call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373.
13:1803/02/2020
From the archive: "What's the best way to rack up travel rewards quickly?"
We'll be back in a couple weeks. In the meantime, here's how you can use these winter months to rack up the credit card points to fund your summer travel.
And be sure to send us your money questions! Call or text the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email [email protected].
11:0120/01/2020
From the archive: "How can I pay off my debt faster?"
We'll be back in a few weeks, so here's an episode from our archives that can help you tackle your holiday debt.
In the meantime, send us your money questions! Call or text the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email [email protected]. Talk to you soon!
13:1506/01/2020
Happy New Year from the SmartMoney team!
Thanks for a great 2019! We're taking a little holiday break but will be back in 2020 with loads of new episodes for you.
In the meantime, send us your money questions! Text or call our Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373, or email us at [email protected].
01:3530/12/2019
How can I (actually) keep my new year’s money resolution?
New Year’s money resolutions are common, sure. But keeping them is a whole different story. In this episode, Sean talks with Nerd Kim Palmer about the best tips that can help you actually achieve your money goals in the new year.
14:4716/12/2019
What are your best tips to save on family holiday travel?
Holiday travel can be expensive — especially if you’re traveling with family. But you have options to make the cost more manageable. In this episode, Sean talks with travel Nerd Sara Rathner about how you can save on family holiday travel costs.
14:2002/12/2019
Does Black Friday live up to the hype?
Black Friday might seem like the best time to get the biggest deals of the holiday shopping season. But is the shopping extravaganza all it’s made out to be? The answer: Sometimes. In this episode we give you the tips to get the best holiday shopping deals, including when and where to shop.
15:0718/11/2019
Which accounts can make me the most money?
You can make money just by putting your cash into the right account. Which account to choose depends on a few factors, though. In this episode, Sean talks with investing Nerd Arielle O’Shea about the best ways to make money off of cash you have sitting in a bank account.
14:2404/11/2019
How much house can I afford?
Think you’re finally ready to buy a home? Here’s how to know how much house you can afford with your budget, what you might need for a down payment, and how to think about the emotional aspect of homebuying.
14:5621/10/2019
How can I pay off my debt faster?
Want to pay off your debt fast? You can, with a bit of know-how. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston break down how you can find the payoff path that might work best for you and your debt.
12:4107/10/2019
How do I buy a used car?
Buying a used car can be confusing. Should you shop around a used car lot, or are the online classified ads a better route? With the help of NerdWallet car-buying whiz Philip Reed, that’s the debate Dayana and Sean settle this episode.
15:3023/09/2019
How can my credit score save me money?
Sure, you got a high credit score — but how can you make the most of it? Sean and Dayana talk with NerdWallet all-star Liz Weston to see how you could use your high credit score to save thousands of dollars.
14:1509/09/2019
Should I refinance my student loans?
Refinancing student loans might save you money — if you’re a good candidate. But that’s not the only way to help manage your student debt. In this episode Dayana and Sean get to the bottom of when student loan refinancing is a good idea, so you can see if it’s right for you.
14:1619/08/2019
My prescription drug costs are wrecking my budget. What can I do?
Having Type 1 diabetes can be expensive. Just ask Paloma Kemak, aka Glitter Glucose on Instagram, who pays over $1,000 a month for her insulin. Dayana and Sean talk with her about her experience living with diabetes and offer tips to help manage the costs.
13:1005/08/2019
What's the best way to rack up travel rewards quickly?
You can rack up travel credit card points quickly — if you know the right tips. In this episode, Sean and Dayana give you the inside scoop so you can earn points and miles fast to fund a vacation on credit card rewards.
For more, visit: https://www.nerdwallet.com/podcast/
10:1322/07/2019
Am I saving enough for retirement?
Here’s how to know if you’re saving enough for retirement — and what to do if you’re behind, or haven't even gotten started yet. Dayana and Sean explain easy steps to help you set aside a pot of gold to spend in your golden years.
10:4308/07/2019
Welcome to NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast!
Welcome to NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast, where we answer your money questions. Wondering how to start investing? Or which credit card is best for you? Maybe you just need some budget help. Whatever your question, turn to the Nerds.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
01:3101/07/2019
Travel-Hack the Holidays
Want to make holiday travel a little less hectic? Dayana and Sean get the scoop from NerdWallet’s travel-hacking expert, Joe Cortez, to give you the insider tips to do just that. Learn how to cut lines, make the most of your Priority Pass and more.
12:4712/11/2018
Inside student loan scams
Are companies that offer to reduce or eliminate your debt legit? We hear Selina’s story about what happened with her $60,000 student debt and tell you how to get real help.
15:4516/08/2017
What's a side hustle and should I start one?
There are a lot of side gigs out there. (Nerds took some for a test drive!) Here’s how to tell which ones are worth it and which are scams.
12:5209/08/2017
I want to invest. How should I start?
We dive into the basics — getting financially ready, finding a good first investment, how to wade in safely and get over the fear of losing money.
14:1902/08/2017
How to get out of debt: Interview with The Debt Free Guys
The Debt Free Guys, John Schneider and David Auten, reveal how they paid off over $50,000 in credit card debt, and the need for personal finance education in the LGBTQ community.
19:4426/07/2017
Is a travel credit card right for me?
From application, to acceptance, to acquiring and using points, NerdWallet card sharks share tips on finding the right rewards program.
16:0419/07/2017