NerdWallet SmartMoney Podcast Archive NerdWallet
NerdWallet SmartMoney Podcast Archive - NerdWallet Advertiser Disclosure
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Then they talk about all things inflation — what’s driving it and when it might slow down — with Darian Woods from NPR’s podcast “The Indicator from Planet Money.” Read more…
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use their savings — whether they should put it toward a mortgage or a wedding. Read more…
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Episode archive
How the Nerds Do It How a Travel Nerd Books a Trip
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 our “How the Nerds Do It” series, travel Nerd Sam Kemmis talks through how he books his vacations and how you can get into the points game yourself. Read more …Money Hot Takes and Too Many Credit Cards
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. Sean goes off about why buy now, pay later loans aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. And Liz shares her thoughts on how the credit bureaus can fix the way they handle your data. Then they answer a listener’s money question about when you might have too many credit cards — and what to do about it if you do. Read more …How the Nerds Do It How an Investing Nerd Maxed Out Her Roth IRA
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 investing Nerd Alana Benson about how she maxed out her retirement account. Alana explains what finally made her able to invest and her unique strategy for funding her Roth IRA. She also gives tips to make the most of your retirement savings. Read more …What the Fed News Means for You and Choosing a New Bank
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 various parts of your finances, like your savings and credit cards? We give you the rundown to start off this episode. Then we answer a listener’s money question about how to choose a new bank — including how to find one that fits your family’s needs. Read more …Beating Money Procrastination and When to Unfreeze Credit
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. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how to overcome money procrastination. Then they answer a few recent listener questions about student debt cancellation. And in this episode’s money question segment, they talk about when to unfreeze your credit. Read more …Fall Money Tasks and Saving Enough to Retire
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 the year right. Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to save enough money to retire — including when to start spending what you’ve saved up. Read more …Live From Las Vegas
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 of the podcast — recorded at a NerdWallet conference in Las Vegas this summer — Sean and Sara cover these topics and more. Read more …Student Debt Cancellation News and Money 101
The dust is settling after President Biden announced his student debt cancellation and repayment plan. But there are still a number of unknowns. This episode, Sean, Liz and Sara talk about the latest debt cancellation news, including new scams that are popping up. Then they answer a listener’s question about the best way to set up their finances for long-term success. At the end of the episode, they give their tips for the best investments you can make in yourself. Read more …How to Manage Medical Debt with Emily Maloney
Medical debt can be confusing and, for some, financially debilitating. In this episode of the Nerdy Book Club series, NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer talks with author Emily Maloney about her personal experience with the health care system — both as an ER worker and a patient. Maloney also sheds light on how quickly medical costs can spiral out of control. In her book of essays, “Cost of Living,” Emily Maloney shares how, after accumulating thousands of dollars of debt, she eventually gets free of it and suggests ways that those currently weighed down by medical debt can do the same. She also offers insight into the debt collection process in light of recent changes. Read more …Booking a Dream Disney Vacation for Cheap
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 lodging and food, you can easily spend thousands of dollars on a Disney trip. This episode, Sean and Liz talk with NerdWallet travel writer Sally French about how she booked her dream Disney vacation for cheap — and how you can, too. Read more …Investing for Your Dream Life
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 family up for success over the long term by investing and saving for her son’s college education. Read more …What the Heck Is Crypto Anyway
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 newfangled digital money? In this episode, NerdWallet crypto writer Andy Rosen attempts to explain crypto to his aunt and uncle, including what drives its valuation, how the underlying technology works and what to consider before investing in any digital currency. Read more …Answering Kids Money Questions Where Does Money Come From
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 a couple of kids’ money questions that get at some of the more existential aspects of money. Namely, where does money come from, and where does it go? And when you have it, how much should you spend? Read more…Nerdy Business Building a Brick-and-Mortar Business
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 owns Beauty Bar, a full-service beauty salon with two locations in Colorado Springs. Le walks us through the ups and downs of securing financing to open her first location, getting a liquor license, hiring and growing her employees and weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more…Questioning the 50 30 20 Budget and Company Stock
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 this budget still make sense? To start this episode, Sean and Liz discuss the merits — and limits — of the 50/30/20 budget. Then they answer a few listeners’ questions about navigating company stock. Read more…Nerdy Business Building the Right Team
Starting a successful business means building the right team — and knowing when not to cut corners when hiring employees and partners. This episode, Sean and small-business Nerd Rosalie Murphy talk with Mariyah Saifuddin, co-owner of IT consulting firm Innovative Solution Partners. She shares what she’s learned over 20 years in business, from choosing the right vendors to continually diversifying your customer base. Read more…Summer Travel Tips and Conflicting Financial Priorities
Flight cancellations, rising gas prices and a surge of travelers — this year, summer travel might be more expensive (and headache-inducing). To start this episode, Sean and Liz share their tips for making the most of summer travel this year. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to balance conflicting financial priorities. Read more…Nerdy Business Setting Your Business Up for Success
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 Nerdy Business series, where they interview business owners about how they got to where they are today and the lessons they have for other entrepreneurs. Sean and Rosalie talk with Theresa E. Gonzales, owner of 5-E Leadership and Marketing and host of the podcast “Latinas From the Block to the Boardroom.” She discusses how she identified a target market and leveraged her expertise to grow her consulting work into a full-time business. Read more…Why Are Homes Pricey in the U S and Abroad
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 U.K. and the U.S. to explore what is driving up home prices in each country — and what consumers can do about it. Our countries might have more in common than you think. Read more…Queer Money Talk
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+ legislation is enacted across the country, how can members of this community protect their money to strengthen their personal resilience? This episode Sean and Liz talk with David Auten and John Schneider, also known as the Debt Free Guys and hosts of the Queer Money Podcast, about how LGBTQ+ people can improve their personal finances while following their morals. David and John also talk about their experience paying off credit card debt. Read more…Small Business Inflation and Sign-Up Bonuses
Inflation is hitting everyone’s budgets — including those of small-business owners. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how inflation is impacting small businesses, and how you can still shop local as prices climb. Then they answer a listener’s question about the smart way to earn sign-up bonuses while protecting your credit score. Read more…Taking On the Racial Wealth Gap
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 Kimberly Atkins Stohr about her series for The Emancipator about solving the racial wealth gap. Read more…What s Up With Eggs and Home Improvement Projects
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 prices at the moment. They also share their tips for making groceries more affordable, including whether you should start your own chicken coop. Then they talk about how to approach home improvement season in 2022. Materials and contractors can be expensive and hard to come by, so you might need to get creative to accomplish your goals. Read more…Nerdy Deep Dive How to Reduce Child Care Costs
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 dive, we talk with two of our own Nerds to highlight existing financial resources for parents at the federal and state level. We also discuss personal finance strategies that can help parents think long term, even if money is tight at the moment. Read more…Recession Prep and Lightning Round Money Questions
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 investing. Then they answer a number of your questions in a lightning round. This time they talk about how to grow money, buying cars and travel credit cards.Read more…
Nerdy Deep Dive Why Is Child Care So Expensive
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 the largest budget items for many families. By listening to this series, parents and listeners of all stripes will become more aware of the system and know how to take advantage of supports that currently exist — while the fight for widespread policy changes continues. Read more…Giving Family Money and What’ s Happening with Inflation
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 discuss different approaches to giving loved ones money.Then they talk about all things inflation — what’s driving it and when it might slow down — with Darian Woods from NPR’s podcast “The Indicator from Planet Money.” Read more…
Get Creative About Money with Paco de Leon
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 Kim Palmer talks with Paco de Leon, author of the new personal finance book, “Finance for the People.” She is also an illustrator, musician and founder of a financial education firm and bookkeeping agency. De Leon shares how to take a visual and creative approach to budgeting and making money decisions, including why — and how — to write a letter to your own debt.Read more…
Nerdy Travel Diaries Using Points to Fly in Luxury
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 talks with travel Nerd Elina Geller about her strategy for booking international business class flights. Read more…Fruitful Yard Sale and When Not to Refinance
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 your wares look more appealing to buyers and how to price items. Then they answer a listener’s money question about when it doesn’t make sense to refinance a mortgage. Read more…Nerdy Travel Diaries Anniversary Getaway to Costa Rica
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. In this episode of our Nerdy Travel Diaries series, Sean talks with NerdWallet travel editor Kevin Berry about his recent trip to an all-inclusive luxury resort in Costa Rica that he booked with points. They also discuss how you can use points to book your own international vacation. Read more…New Student Debt and a Couple’ s Money Baggage
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 this episode, Sean and Liz talk with NerdWallet data writer Liz Renter about her new report on the debt high school graduates may face — and how they can mitigate it. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to get past the money baggage in their relationship and manifest an exceptional financial future together. Read more…Nerdy Travel Diaries Scrimping and Splurging in Japan
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, NerdWallet travel writer Sam Kemmis shares how he crafted a vacation in Tokyo that included both luxury amenities and cost-saving travel hacks. Read more…Bitcoin 401 k s and Choosing the Best Crypto
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 and Sara discuss how to think about investing in crypto, including how to understand which type will help you reach your financial goals. Read more…Nerdy Travel Diaries Weightlifting in New Mexico
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 airfare. To kick off this Nerdy Travel Diaries series, NerdWallet travel writer Sally French shares how she saved money on a trip to New Mexico for a weightlifting meet. One tip? Make sure you know where your credit card points have the most value.Read more…
Small Business Benefits and Buying a Hybrid
Shopping at small businesses may offer more benefits than you know, including access to exclusive deals and insider information. To start this episode, Sean and Liz talk about the benefits of shopping at small businesses. Then they answer a listener’s money question about whether switching to a hybrid vehicle is a smart financial move right now. Read more…Protecting Your Privacy and Front-Loading a 401 k
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 Pyles and Liz Weston talk with investing Nerd Alana Benson about the pros, cons and potential pitfalls of front-loading your employer-sponsored retirement plan. Sean and Liz also talk about how to protect your privacy from companies that want to (literally) track your every move. Read more…Student Debt Cancellation Debate Part 2
Is student loan cancellation the key to liberating those crushed under burdensome debt, or a potentially-ineffective political ploy? In this two-part Nerdy Deep Dive into student loans, Sean and student loans Nerd Anna Helhoski explore how taking on huge amounts of student debt has become the norm in America. They also discuss what’s shifting now in today’s student debt conversation. In Part 2, we speak with two experts — each falling on one side of the student debt cancellation debate. Read more…Save at Weddings and Vet Mortgage Lenders
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 attending weddings this year. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about the risks of going with the mortgage lender your real estate agent recommends.Read more…
How We Got to $1 75 Trillion in Student Loan Debt
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 loans, Sean and student loans Nerd Anna Helhoski explore how taking on huge amounts of student debt has become the norm in America. They also discuss what’s shifting now in today’s student debt conversation. Read more…3 Spring Money Tasks and Debt Payoff Options
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 out so you can have your money on track while you go enjoy the warmer weather. Then they answer a listener’s question about different ways to take care of their debt. Some routes can save you time and money — others can make a difficult situation worse. Read more…Single-Income Couples and When to Use Your HSA and FSA
Going from a two-income household to a one-income household is not solely a financial challenge. But this change also creates opportunities to strengthen your relationship and set clear expectations. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz discuss how to manage finances in a one-income household. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s money question about using HSAs and FSAs. Both can cover health care expenses, but only one can be used as an investment vehicle. Read more…The Fed Interest Rate Hike and What s a Credit Card Authorized User
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 the rate hike could affect mortgages, day-to-day finances and credit cards. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how making family members (or friends, for that matter) authorized users on your credit cards can help them boost their credit. Read more…Single-Income Couples and When to Use Your HSA and FSA
Going from a two-income household to a one-income household is not solely a financial challenge. But this change also creates opportunities to strengthen your relationship and set clear expectations. To start off this episode, Sean and Liz discuss how to manage finances in a one-income household. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s money question about using HSAs and FSAs. Both can cover health care expenses, but only one can be used as an investment vehicle. Read more…How I Got Here Tori Dunlap of Her First $100K
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. In this episode, Sean interviews Tori about how she got to where she is today, the lessons she learned along the way and her advice for you to make the most of your finances.Read more…
Combating Inflation and Saving for Retirement Amid Climate Change
Gas, groceries and just about everything else are getting more expensive. Sean and Liz share tips for protecting your purchasing power, including cutting expenses and using a savings account that earns interest at the rate of inflation. Then they answer a listener’s question about whether saving for retirement is worthwhile in the face of the climate crisis and other calamities. Read more…Why to Sell Your House and Managing Investment Fees
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 it right. To start this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how and why you might want to sell your house. Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to manage fees on investment accounts. Read more…The Tax Episode
Taxes: You’ve got questions about ‘em, and we’ve got answers. On this episode of the podcast, Sean and Liz answer a number of listener money questions about filing taxes this year, including how to navigate capital gains, when to hire a tax pro and knowing what you owe. Sean and Liz also discuss how to reduce your tax obligation through credits and deductions. Read more…Building Your Financial Smarts With Bola Sokunbi
Taking charge of your own financial education can help you get ahead and avoid classic money mistakes. In this episode, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with money author and educator Bola Sokunbi about her book, “Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth.” Sokunbi discusses how her mom taught her about money growing up, financial mistakes she made and learned from, and why she says it’s so important to have a side hustle. Read more…Credit Union Perks and Getting Into the Housing Market
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 how they can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings accounts — while keeping your money local. Then Sean and occasional co-host Sara Rathner answer a listener’s money question about how to get into the housing market. Read more…Stock Market Shakiness and Car Buying in 2022
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 — and your portfolio — in moments of volatility. Turns out, sometimes doing nothing is the best thing you can do. Then they answer a listener’s money question about buying a car in 2022, including when the market might calm down a little. Read more…No-Spend Month and Making Money While Raising Kids
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 talk about how you can craft a plan that works for your lifestyle and budget. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to earn more money while raising kids. Read more…Make a Plan to Achieve Your Dreams
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 interview Andrew DaCosta, a pilot who has sky-high ambitions, but needs some help to get them off the ground. Read more…Making Your Dream Life
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 Kemmis designed for himself. To continue our series about financial dreams, Sean and Liz talk with Sam about his experience and his tips for making your dream life. Read more…COVID Tests and Reversing a Credit Score Drop
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 can navigate getting COVID tests right now. They also talk about avoiding COVID testing scams. Then Sean and Sara answer a listener’s question about how to reverse a credit score drop. Read more…How Nerds Choose the Best and Paying for College
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 the best products for your money goals. To kick off this episode, Sean and Liz talk with the head of the NerdWallet Content team, Hanah Cho, about how you can make the most of the Best-Of Awards and how we approach editorial independence. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to pay for college. Read more…Saving for a Dream Retirement
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: Your retirement is supposed to be about freedom. Getting to that point takes time, money and focus. To continue our series about financial dreams, Sean and Liz talk with personal finance YouTuber Marissa Lyda about how she plans to save in 2022 for her dream retirement. They also discuss how she’s made a full-time job out of YouTubing. Read more…New Money Resolutions and Strategizing Debt Payoff
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 detail what you want out of your money in 2022. They also give tips to help you achieve your goals. Then Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to balance paying off debt while achieving other financial goals like saving for a down payment on a house.Read more…
Buying Your Dream House
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 off our series about financial dreams, Sean and Liz talk with a Nerd who bought her dream house. They also discuss how you can buy your dream home, including preparing your finances and mindset for such a big purchase. Read more…What Our Listeners Accomplished This Year Part 2
We asked listeners to share their financial achievements in 2021 — and so many answered the call that we made two episodes out of it. Maybe some of their stories will inspire you in the coming year. Read more…What Our Listeners Accomplished This Year Part 1
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 their money this year — and so many answered the call that we made two episodes out of it. Sean and Liz also share what they accomplished in 2021. Read more…Countering Uncertainty and Building Wealth Early
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 how to start building wealth early. Before they get into that, Sean and Liz discuss how to counter today’s uncertainty. Focusing on the fundamentals and tapping your support system can help. Read more…Why to Question Your Bills and Making the Most of a Raise
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 this episode, Liz and Sean talk about how to scrutinize your bills. Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to manage their finances after getting a big raise, including balancing saving for retirement and paying down debt — and how to avoid lifestyle creep.Read more…
Travel Tips and Finding the Right Financial Advisors
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 travel. They also discuss how they’re approaching holiday travel and how to get back in the swing if you’re a little rusty. Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to find the right financial advisors for their needs. Seeking qualified experts is only one part of the puzzle — you should also search for financial advisors who put your interests first. Read more…Holiday Shopping Trends and Self-Employed Retirement Options
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, which explores how shoppers are navigating — and paying for — this unusual holiday season. They also discuss how they’re approaching shopping this year. Then they answer a listener’s question about retirement account options for self-employed workers. While these workers have a number of options to explore, the choice that is best for them may depend on how many employees they have. Read more…The Benefits of Being Boring with Your Money and Why to Make a Will ASAP
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 benefits of being boring with your finances. Then, Liz and co-host Sean Pyles answer a listener’s question about whether to make a will, including why setting it up isn’t as complicated — or time consuming — as you might think. Read more…3 Crypto Questions and Improving Credit to Buy a House
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 should ask yourself before jumping into the world of crypto. Then, Sean and Liz answer a listener’s question about how to improve their credit with the goal of buying a house, including whether a balance transfer credit card would help.Read more…
Holiday Shopping Scams and Paying Off Law School Debt
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 this episode, Sean and Liz talk about scams shoppers might encounter this holiday season and how to avoid them. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to pay off $200,000 in student loans. They also touch on the likelihood of student loan forgiveness and recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more…What People Get Wrong About Credit and Self-Employed Budgeting
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 people can confidently raise their credit. Then Sean and Sara answer a listener’s money question about how to get a grip on their budget with an irregular income.Read more…
Finding a New Job and Rent vs Buy in a New City
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 and Liz discuss how to put yourself in the best position to land your next job. Then Sean and occasional co-host Sara Rathner answer a listener’s question about whether to rent or buy when moving to a new city. They also get into how to make friends in a new city. Read more…Nerdy Deep Dives Investing Part 3
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 difference between high-risk investments with low returns or lower-risk investments that have greater returns. In the final episode of the three-part deep dive into investing, hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson talk about some different investing strategies and how they compare when it comes to risk and return. Learn about buy and hold versus day trading, and which may actually make you more money. Read more…Haggling Tips and What’ s Driving Volatile Car Valuation
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 favorite tips for haggling, whether you’re shopping for a mortgage, negotiating a salary or shopping online. Then Sean and occasional co-host Sara Rathner answer a listener’s question about why the value of their car keeps changing. They also discuss whether now is a good time to buy a car. Read more…Nerdy Deep Dives Investing Part 2
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 into investing, hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss each of these investment vehicles and help you understand their pros and cons. Read more…5 Financial Tasks for Fall and Kid Debit Cards
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 fall, including checking in on your money goals for the year and how to optimize your retirement savings. Then Sean is joined by occasional Smart Money co-host Sara Rathner to talk about kid debit cards — when they’re useful and whether there are any risks with these products.Read more…
Nerdy Deep Dives Investing Part 1
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 Sean Pyles and Alana Benson explore how to get into the investing mindset, do a bit of myth-busting around investing and discuss how to actually get started. Read more…DIY Investing and Lightning Round Money Questions
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 investing — what it is, how it works and potential risks. Then, you sent us your money questions, and we’re answering them — back to back to back. In this episode, Sean and Liz take on some of your questions in another lightning round. They give you their take on questions like how to increase your salary throughout your career, whether you can have too many credit cards and how to manage your credit score. Read more…Lifestyle Creep and Booking Cheap Travel
Lifestyle creep — where your growing expenses outpace salary increases — can deflate your budget and prevent you from building wealth. To start this episode, Nerds Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner talk about how to determine if you’re succumbing to lifestyle creep and how to be more intentional about your money, while still enjoying the finer things in life. Then Sean and Liz Weston answer a listener’s three-part question about whether to pay off student loans while they’re paused, what to do with their savings and how to find the best deals when booking travel. Read more…Delta Spending Habits and Marriage vs Mortgage
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 how they’re adapting to the latest chapter of the pandemic and what you can do to increase your financial resiliency. Then they answer a listener’s question about how to manage competing financial prioritiesuse their savings — whether they should put it toward a mortgage or a wedding. Read more…
School Supply Shopping Tips and Breaking Bad Money Habits
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 challenges. To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner give the Nerds’ favorite tips for how to save when buying school supplies. Then Sean and Sara answer a listener’s question about how to break bad money habits with the help of personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer. Read more…Home Affordability and Unmarried Partners Buying a House
If you’re jumping into the housing market, know what you’re getting yourself into. To start this episode, Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner talk with NerdWallet data writer Liz Renter about her new home buying report, including how first-time home buyers should navigate the market. Then Sean and Liz Weston answer a listener’s question about how to buy a house with a partner when you’re not married. To do it right, know your budget and how your credit scores affect your financing options.Read more…