NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 9:47 Money Question segment: 9:48 - 20:29 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 7:42 Money Question segment: 7:43 - 24:50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 are 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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 13:08 Money Question segment: 13:09 - 32:18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 earn the most points and avoid paying interest. Then Sean joins Liz to answer a listener’s question about overcoming money guilt. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-12:01 Money Question segment: 12:02-23:11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-10:12 Money Question segment: 10:13-29:07 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-7:51 Money Question segment: 7:52-23:08 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-8:34 Money Question segment: 8:35-25:23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Timestamps: This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00-9:15 Money question segment: 9:16-24:40 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to manage your fuel efficiency. Then they answer a listener's question about 401(k) contribution limits. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 earn the most points and avoid paying interest. Then Sean joins Liz to answer a listener’s question about overcoming money guilt. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the NerdHotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Sean talks with mortgage writer Linda Bell about the legacy of redlining and the racial wealth gap. Then, Liz and Sean answer a listener's question about whether to pay off a car loan early — and the potential impact on their credit. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have noticed that gas prices are on the rise. On this episode, Sean and Liz break down how you can save at the pump, including how to find the best prices and how to manage your fuel efficiency. Then they answer a listener's question about 401(k) contribution limits. Visit www.nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices