NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Get expert tips on affordable group and family air travel, from maximizing points and rewards to booking the best flights and maximizing airline perks. How can you make group travel both enjoyable and affordable? What are the best strategies for using travel points and credit cards to your advantage when planning group trips? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss the intricacies of group travel planning and the mastery of travel points and credit card perks to help you understand how to have a memorable group trip without breaking the bank. They begin with a discussion of group travel planning, with tips and tricks on securing the best deals, navigating planning for multiple people, and leveraging travel credit cards to mitigate extra fees such as those for seat selection. Then, Meghan interviews credit card Nerd Erin Hurd about the nuances of booking flights for groups. They discuss strategies for using points effectively when traveling with a group, the benefits of programs like Southwest Airlines' Early Bird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding, and the flexibility of pooling points with hotel programs like Hilton and Marriott. Has this episode given you a travel bug? Then check out our list of the 15 Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2024. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: group travel, travel savings, travel rewards, travel tips, budget travel, group vacations, travel points, travel credit cards, Southwest airlines, early bird check-in, family travel, travel planning, airline points, companion passes, airport lounges, group flights, group lodging, travel experiences, airline perks, travel benefits, travel coordination, credit card perks, flight booking, pooling points, credit card rewards, airport lounge access, travel itineraries, airline status matching, airline incidental fees, and upgraded boarding. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand how you may actually be able to save money on fast food thanks to “dynamic pricing.” What’s the difference between surge pricing and dynamic pricing? How can you take advantage of supply and demand timing for certain products and services? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski tackle the buzz around Wendy’s controversial new pricing strategy, dissecting the confusion surrounding surge pricing and clarifying Wendy’s actual plan of implementing dynamic pricing starting in 2025. They discuss the potential impact this AI-driven pricing may have on consumers and how it could result in discounts based on factors like weather and demand, and its applications in other areas such as ticket sales, hotels, and airlines. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: dynamic pricing, fast food costs, AI technology, surge pricing, consumer impact, pricing strategies, Wendy’s, rideshare services, supply and demand, menu changes, digital menu boards, AI-enabled technology, real-time data, pricing decisions, ticket sales, value offers, fluctuating prices, industry trends, and price shifts. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about savvy grocery saving and expert tax filing tips to bolster your budget and ease tax season stress. 1:14 This Week in Your Money: How can you slash your grocery bills and still eat healthy foods amid rising costs? What’s new for this year’s tax season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss saving money on groceries and simplifying tax filing to help you understand how to eat smart, save big, and conquer tax season with ease. They begin with a discussion of frugal grocery shopping, with tips and tricks on comparing unit prices, the benefits of curbside pickup, and incorporating a plant-based diet. NerdWallet’s Alana Benson joins Sean and Sara to explain how she saved $800 on groceries over 5 months, highlighting the financial and health benefits of a plant-based diet and giving practical tips for those who are interested in cutting costs. 10:33 Today’s Money Question: Bella Avila from NerdWallet’s tax team joins Sean and Sara to discuss IRS updates for this tax season, including the new Direct File tax filing software and an update to standard deductions. They also demystify tax brackets, explain how to get your tax refund faster, and weigh the pros and cons of consulting with a professional advisor for personalized financial guidance. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tax filing, grocery shopping hacks, grocery bills, tax season, plant-based diets, money saving tips, tax refunds, IRS Direct File, standard deductions, tax brackets, healthy eating, tax filing deadline, tax updates, tax software, student loan interest deduction, curbside pickup, vegetarian meals, tax returns, frugal food shopping, maximizing your return, tax preparation, financial savings, navigating taxes, budgeting tips, tax filing tips, comparing prices, direct deposit, IRS updates, lentils and legumes, affordable eating, tax deductions, and tax rates. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how to revamp your finances with a 30-day money cleanse that aligns your spending with joy and personal values. How can you set a budget that aligns with your goals? How can you optimize your spending to reduce waste? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer talks to Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of The 30-Day Money Cleanse, to help you understand how small changes can make a significant impact on your financial health. They begin with a discussion of the financial cleanse, with tips and tricks on aligning spending with personal values, creating lasting habits in 30 days by using a method that has saved others an average of $950 over 30 days — without feeling deprived. They also discuss money management tactics that include keeping a money journal, practicing visualization and having money parties. They discuss the benefits of recording feelings associated with each purchase, indulging in simple low-cost activities that bring happiness and aligning spending with personal values for a more satisfying approach to personal finance. In this conversation, you’ll learn about: The 30-day Money Cleanse, financial wellbeing, saving money, frugal living, financial habits, money management, financial health, money mindfulness, budgeting tips, personal finance, spending patterns, financial planning, money journals, visualization techniques, aligning spending with values, financial discussions, financial empowerment, financial strategies, money challenge, saving tips, low-cost activities, financial cleansing, emotional spending, money mindset, money and happiness, fiscal fitness, wealth building, financial conversations, money saving challenge, and money decisions. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discusses the early rollout of $1.2B in student loan forgiveness and the future of debt relief. Why did the Biden administration accelerate student loan forgiveness by wiping away $1.2 billion in debt nearly six months ahead of schedule? How will eligible borrowers, especially those enrolled in the new income-driven repayment plan SAVE, be notified of this unexpected relief? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explain the latest in student loan forgiveness before Anna speaks with Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education. They break down the latest wave of debt relief, totaling a historic 138 billion dollars approved for cancellation among 3.9 million borrowers, all achieved through executive action. They also discuss the motivations behind prioritizing student debt forgiveness and the details of the SAVE plan, offering insights into who benefits, how eligible borrowers will be notified, and what lies ahead for student loan borrowers in 2024. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: student loans, loan forgiveness, Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, debt relief, income-driven repayment, financial aid, student debt, loan cancellation, loan eligibility, loan notification, executive action, loan benefits, repayment plan, loan borrowers, debt cancellation, loan relief, loan impact, loan insights, loan motivations, federal student aid, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to utilize a tax advantaged 529 plan to help your or a friend’s children save for future education expenses. 00:57 This Week in Your Money: What are the risks of purchasing a home without an inspection? How can you plan for major expenses when healthcare providers can’t tell you how much their services will cost? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share their hot takes on unexpected financial challenges, with tips and tricks on handling surprise expenses, understanding the importance of home inspections, and dealing with healthcare industry inefficiencies. 09:46 Today’s Money Question: What are the benefits of a 529 college savings plan? Can you contribute to a friend’s 529 plan to support their child’s future? NerdWallet writer Elizabeth Ayoola joins Sean and Sara to discuss the essentials of 529 college savings plans. They discuss the types of educational expenses covered, the tax benefits associated with 529 plans, and the flexibility of choosing different state plans. They also answer a listener’s question about how to approach the sensitive topic of financial gifts for education with parents, sharing methods for contributing to a loved one’s 529 plan without overstepping boundaries. Then, they discuss the implications of the Secure Act 2.0 on 529 plans, methods for estimating necessary savings for a child's education, and tactful ways to discuss educational contributions with parents. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 529 college savings plans, financial planning, educational savings, personal finance, budgeting, unexpected expenses, saving for college, tax-advantaged savings, financial gifts, college fund, education expenses, financial pressures, smart spending, investment plans, home inspection, healthcare costs, higher education, financial obstacles, educational funding, educational investments, financial strategies, money matters, budget woes, financial frustrations, financial storms, monetary setbacks, savvy spending, financial goals, state tax deductions, tax benefits, financial contributions, Roth IRA rollovers, financial planning skills, education costs, college tuition, and family finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to choose the right business structure for financial success and legal protection as a self-employed entrepreneur with answers to common questions. How do you select the right business structure when you’re self-employed? What are the financial implications of different business structures on personal finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola help you understand how to navigate your business's legal identity by comparing business structures for self-employment. They begin with a discussion of different business structures available for self-employment, with tips and tricks on separating personal liability from business, the ease of filing taxes as a pass-through entity, and the importance of obtaining an EIN for building business credit. Then, Elizabeth talks to Bryan Jackson, certified financial planner and senior wealth advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors, about the nuances of LLCs, S corporations, and traditional corporations. They discuss the pros and cons of each structure, the flexibility of LLCs in terms of membership and taxation and the more stringent requirements of S corps. How do you navigate the complex process of business formation? What should you consider when transitioning from self-employment to business ownership? Bryan talks through the critical questions that shape your enterprise's future, offering guidance on the implications of single versus multiple ownership, the relevance of non-U.S. partners and the significance of share transferability. He also delves into topics such as the distinction between being self-employed and a business owner, the benefits of formalizing a business early, and the different financial impacts of each business structure on personal finances. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: business structure, entrepreneurship, LLC, S corp or S corporations, sole proprietorship, business formation, financial success, self-employed, types of corporations, liability protection, tax implications, financial planning, business entities, choosing a business structure, small businesses, business credit, pass-through taxation, business ownership, liability, taxes, legal identity, business registration, EIN number, business bank account, corporate veil of protection, liability exposure, side hustles, business credit profile, business incorporation, liability separation, SBA loans, tax preparation, self-employment journey, business liabilities, business profits, and tax filing. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore strategies to navigate surging mortgage and child care costs so you can meet your goals despite rising expenses. How are rising mortgage and child care costs impacting the typical American family? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski tackle the pressing issue of the dual financial burden faced by many households today. They discuss the nuances of the affordability crisis before NerdWallet writer and mortgage expert Kate Wood joins them to shed light on the housing market dynamics, explaining how supply and demand, coupled with higher mortgage rates, are contributing to soaring home prices. They also share insights into the outlook for mortgages in the coming year and practical advice for prospective homebuyers, especially those grappling with high child care costs. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: mortgage costs, child care expenses, housing affordability crisis, financial challenges, high mortgage rates, home buying strategies, economic realities, rising living expenses, practical solutions, affordability crisis, real estate analysis, family finances, household income, affordable housing, child care budgets, housing market dynamics, financial well-being, financial impact, creative living situations, navigating expenses, financial resilience, child care subsidies, housing market trends, mortgage rates outlook, prospective home buyers, housing market outlook, financial insights, and financial strategies. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn investment and tax strategies to help you achieve financial security and prepare for a prosperous retirement. How can you balance saving for emergencies and investing for the future? What strategies can you employ to maximize your tax benefits and build a secure financial future? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer and Alana Benson discuss investment strategies and tax planning to help you understand how to navigate your financial journey effectively. They begin with a discussion of investment strategies, with tips and tricks on understanding different investment accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, leveraging compound interest, and the importance of starting investments early. Then, Alana discusses tax planning and filing in-depth, covering the intricacies of different tax forms like W-4s and W-2s, the significance of estimated taxes for freelancers, and strategies for managing capital gains taxes. Kim and Alana delve into retirement planning and the challenges of active versus passive investing. They provide a framework for prioritizing your finances, emphasizing the creation of an emergency fund, taking advantage of employer 401(k) matches, and understanding the role of asset allocation based on age and risk tolerance. Additionally, they tackle the decision-making process in personal finance, such as choosing between paying off debt and investing, and the pros and cons of having a financial advisor. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: getting started with investing, tax strategies, retirement planning, financial advisors, Roth IRA, 401(k), individual retirement accounts, compound interest, investment accounts, passive investing, active investing, index funds, emergency funds, capital gains taxes, how to build wealth, investment strategy, tax filings, W-4 and W-2 tax forms, estimated taxes, freelancing, financial goals, saving money, risk tolerance, asset allocation, tax planning, financial planning, investment tips, tax tips, financial decisions, savings account, and brokerage accounts. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn retirement savings strategies tailored for self-employed individuals to secure a financially stable future. How can self-employed individuals effectively save for retirement? What tailored retirement plans should freelancers and small business owners consider? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the unique challenges of retirement savings for the self-employed and the different retirement plans available to help you understand how to secure your financial future while running your own business. They begin with a discussion of the hurdles of inconsistent income and strategies to manage expenses, with tips and tricks on proactive contribution, the transformative power of compounding interest, and paying oneself a consistent salary. Ayesha Selden, a stock broker, certified financial planner, real estate investor, and art collector, joins Elizabeth to discuss the intricacies of various retirement accounts for the self-employed. They delve into the benefits of using qualified plans like solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs, aligning retirement plans with business models, and the strategy of funding retirement through the sale of a business. They also highlight the importance of diversification to mitigate risks, building strong savings habits early on, and the potential of setting a consistent salary for financial stability. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: retirement savings, self-employed financial planning, retirement plans, retirement strategy, retirement contributions, solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, compounding interest, certified financial planner, financial independence, retirement planning strategies, saving for retirement, business owners, retirement savings options, tax-deferred investments, managing expenses, investment diversification, retirement funding options, self-employment tax, financial management, employee and employer contributions, retirement accounts, consistent salary, fluctuating income, wealth management, retirement savings habits, retirement savings goals, employer matching, retirement savings accounts, retirement nest egg, saving habits, retirement planning advice, self-employment benefits, maximizing retirement savings, investment vessels, financial foresight, and retirement income streams. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn why now may be a good time to be in the market for a new car and why two industries are outliers in job layoffs. Why did new car prices drop in January? What’s driving layoffs in tech and media — and what does it mean for other jobs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss car prices and a recent surge in layoffs, particularly in the tech and media sectors. They kick off with an in-depth look at the auto industry, unraveling the reasons behind a significant drop in new vehicle prices and the impact of credit-tightening on car loans. The hosts share three key takeaways, emphasizing the implications for consumers looking to purchase a new car. Then, Sean and Sara delve into the complex landscape of layoffs, dissecting the trends in tech and media job cuts. They discuss the factors contributing to the tech industry's layoff spree and the challenges faced by the media sector, shedding light on the broader job market resilience despite specific sectorial challenges. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: car prices, layoffs, auto industry, credit-tightening, job market trends, tech layoffs, media job cuts, labor market resilience, interest rates, new vehicle prices, manufacturing, economic growth, consumer confidence, Dealertrack Auto Credit Total Loan Index, credit availability, inflation, economic indicators, stock market, personal finance news, job market analysis, economic outlook, job gains, unemployment rate, and financial trends. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apply lessons from physical fitness to improve your financial fitness. Plus: how to manage money in your relationships. 00:21 This Week in Your Money: How can you achieve both financial and physical wellness? How can you stick to your goals when you face setbacks? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss achieving financial wellness by borrowing lessons learned from people working to achieve physical wellness. NerdWallet UK writer and spokesperson Amy Knight joins Sean and Sara to share tips and tricks on setting realistic goals, developing sustainable habits, and being patient with your progress. She offers actionable takeaways on how to achieve your financial goals, whether you’re hoping to create an emergency fund, clear credit card debt, or increase pension contributions. 10:44 Today’s Money Question: How do you talk about money with your romantic partner — or your friends? Why should you try to build a financially interdependent relationship? Personal finance journalist and podcaster Nicole Lapin joins Sean to discuss the delicate balance of finance in friendships and romance. They explore the importance of being cautious while open to trust, handling financial disparities among friends, and the significance of being financially interdependent as a balance between codependence and independence. They cover topics such as financial conversations evolving with the relationship stage, managing differing financial priorities, and supporting friends through financial challenges. You can listen to Nicole's podcast, "Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin," at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-rehab-with-nicole-lapin/id1559564016 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, financial wellness, fitness and finance, money management, budgeting, financial goals, emergency funds, credit card debt, financial habits, sustainable habits, physical fitness, relationship finance, financial conversations, estate planning, financial planning, financial interdependence, money and relationships, setting goals, financial discipline, financial dialogues, financial priorities, transparency in finance, financial disparities, money talks, financial infidelity, budget constraints, financial advisors, debt management, financial integrity, managing finances, awkward money conversations, love and money, fiscal fitness, and talking about money in platonic and romantic relationships. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about self-employment taxes and avoid common tax mistakes with expert strategies for managing your finances year-round. How do self-employed taxes work? What are some common tax mistakes self-employed people make? And can you really write off payments on a luxury vehicle if you use it for work purposes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the intricacies of self-employment taxes and strategies for financial success and IRS compliance to help you understand how to navigate tax season as an independent worker. CPA and financial strategist Krystal Todd joins them to delve further into the details of self-employment taxes, with tips and tricks on budgeting for personal and professional life, the importance of making quarterly tax payments, and whether to DIY taxes or hire a professional. They also discuss strategies like depreciating assets, the benefits of hiring family members and navigating the complexities of tax deductions. Plus: financial strategies for handling unexpected income and managing self-employment taxes, the importance of setting aside funds for unexpected expenses, and the advantages of timing revenue recognition and prepaying expenses for tax benefits. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, self-employment taxes, tax season for the self-employed, quarterly tax payments, financial success, IRS compliance, tax planning, tax deductions, managing finances, budgeting for self-employed, S Corporation benefits, tax mistakes, estimated taxes, IRS payment plans, financial tracking, tax law, Corporate Transparency Act, tax strategies, luxury vehicle tax writeoff, freelancer taxes, gig worker taxes, solo entrepreneur taxes, tax compliance, tax penalties, IRS audit, proactive money management, business growth, cash basis accounting, tax professionals, tax schemes, financial surprises, budgeting tips, bookkeeping tips, and tax planning on an inconsistent income. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand news-based stock market trading strategies and risks and discover alternative strategies for smarter investing. Should you trade stocks based on news events? What are alternative investment strategies to news-based trading? Investing Nerd Sam Taube joins hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski to discuss the wisdom—or folly—of news-based trading strategies, after Sean and Anna break down the latest personal finance headlines around job market trends and consumer confidence from the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Sam explains how news has played out in the stock market, including some unexpected outcomes that illustrate the difficulty in predicting market movements based on news events. The hosts transition to a discussion on alternative investment strategies, such as value investing, growth investing, and dividend investing. They delve into the nuances of these approaches, offering three listener-focused takeaways to help navigate the complexities of the stock market. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, investing strategies, stock trading, financial news, alternative investments, value investing, growth investing, dividend investing, market trends, economic data, interest rates, consumer confidence, money headlines, job market, stock market, news-based trading strategies, investing tips, wealth management, market analysis, financial literacy, money management, investment options, economic indicators, stock market outlook, financial trends, investment decisions, news events, market volatility, economic outlook, investing education, and portfolio management. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about navigating retirement joyfully and how to defend against identity theft with credit freezing and monitoring. How do you embrace retirement when it’s time to retire? How can you use credit reports and credit monitoring to protect your financial identity? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss transitioning into retirement and safeguarding against identity theft to help you understand the emotional and practical aspects of retiring and the crucial steps to defend your financial information. 00:50 This Week in Your Money: Recently retired podcast alum Liz Weston joins Sean and Sara to discuss her transition into retirement. She offers tips and tricks on overcoming fear of the unknown, ensuring financial and health insurance plans are in place, and finding fulfilling post-career activities. 10:30 Today’s Money Question: Listener Catie joins Sean and Sara to share a story about identity theft and to ask how she can safeguard herself from similar issues in the future. Sean and Sara discuss the necessity of credit freezes, strategies to monitor credit reports, and adopting vigilant password practices. They also explain how you can freeze your credit with relative ease, retrieve a copy of your credit report for free as often as once a week, and weigh the decision of whether to monitor your own credit or outsource it to a credit monitoring service. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, retirement planning, identity theft, financial identity protection, credit freeze, credit bureaus, personal finance, financial planning, life transitions, identity theft prevention, credit card fraud, financial security, Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, credit report, safeguarding finances, retirement advice, financial legacy, navigating retirement, credit monitoring services, credit card security features, protecting personal finances, credit fraud, freezing credit, credit theft, post-career life, emotional aspects of retirement, retirement goals, credit report freezing, financial identity theft, retirement strategies, and credit card application fraud. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master your self-employment finances with answers to questions about budgeting, planning, and separating funds. How can you manage your finances effectively after becoming self-employed? What can you do to plan for unpredictable income and the tax implications that come with being your own boss? NerdWallet's Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola host a discussion that delves deep into the world of self-employment. Elizabeth interviews Rianka Dorsonville, a self-employed certified financial planner, about critical questions to consider before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey. She also discusses the importance of budgeting, the necessity of maintaining separate personal and business finances, and the significance of establishing an emergency fund. Aspiring to be financially savvy while managing your own business can be daunting, especially when dealing with variable income and tax requirements. The podcast offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone considering or already navigating the solo financial journey. Rianka, with her expertise, sheds light on creating a simple yet effective budgeting framework, avoiding the pitfalls of commingling finances, and the psychological aspects of self-employment, including the benefits of professional help and therapy. This episode is a guide to crafting a stable financial foundation for anyone looking to become economically self-sufficient through entrepreneurship. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: self-employment, financial journey, self-employed certified financial planner, entrepreneurship, budgeting, emergency funds, bookkeeping, independent business, fiscal solvency, financial independence, taxes, income unpredictability, personal and business finances, expense management, emotional rollercoasters, professional help, therapy, tax strategies, navigating self-employment, financial pitfalls, 1099 workers, business entities, tax rules, retirement options, financial security, and side hustles. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get an in-depth look at U.S. minimum wage variations, with budgeting tips and assistance programs for financial security. Are we in a recession? How much inflation has happened in the US recently? Is it too early to file your taxes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into this week’s financial headlines, including positive GDP growth and the implications of inflation on interest rates, before taking a closer look at the pressing issue of minimum wage in the United States. They address the disparities in minimum wage across states and cities and how it impacts workers. Plus, analysis of data on minimum wage increases in various areas, highlighting significant bumps in pay rates. Their discussion covers the highest minimum wages in the U.S., emphasize the challenges faced by those stuck at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and the struggles of hourly workers to keep up with inflation, and offer suggestions to help listeners facing financial difficulties, including budgeting tips and reaching out to organizations equipped to offer support for those who need it. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: minimum wages, budgeting tips, financial assistance, hourly workers, inflation, GDP growth, interest rates, personal finance, money headlines, tax season, federal minimum wage, income, consumer confidence, financial crisis, eviction, food insecurity, assistance programs, 50/30/20 rule, SNAP benefits, bills, payment plans, mortgage, rental assistance, legal aid, economic outlook, economic trends, gross domestic product, Federal Reserve, inflation-adjusted GDP, disposable incomes, financial counselors, 211, Emergency Rental Assistance Programs, Legal Services Corporation, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Inflation Reduction Act, stock market, recession predictions, part-time jobs, gig economy, and financial security. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand the different ways you can utilize a healthcare savings account and learn tips and tricks for HSA investing. 00:46 This Week in Your Money: Where can you find an unbiased analysis of the best financial products available? What products can help you make the most of your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards, a resource that can serve as a shortcut when it comes to finding the right financial tools for your goals. They share some highlights from this year’s awards, including the best all-purpose travel rewards credit card and the best broker for beginner investors. 06:23 Today’s Money Question: How does HSA investing work? Investing Nerd Alieza Durana joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s questions about health savings accounts — what are HSAs, how do they work, and what are the benefits of having one? She discusses how you can use HSA funds for qualified medical expenses, how HSAs are similar to 401(k)s or Roth IRAs, and the triple tax advantages of HSAs. She also addresses the debate around whether to spend HSA funds on current medical expenses or save them for future healthcare costs in retirement, which leads to a discussion on balancing the need for immediate healthcare with long-term savings goals. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: health savings accounts, HSA investing, financial products, financial tools, financial future, investment potential, credit cards, investment accounts, financial landscape, tax-free growth, retirement healthcare costs, Best-Of Awards, unbiased reviews, mortgages, savings accounts, financial decision-making, prosperity, spend or invest, annual contributions, high deductible health plans, HDHP, qualified medical expenses, investment potential, shopping smart, managing money, and financial maximization. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerdy expert tips. How can you travel more while spending less? How could changes in airline loyalty programs affect your travel plans? What are the benefits of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards versus flexible rewards cards? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Erin Hurd dive deep into credit card rewards points, addressing a range of topics that will resonate with anyone eager to maximize their credit card points and travel perks. They discuss recent changes in airline loyalty programs, including Delta and Alaska Airlines, and explore the advantages and drawbacks of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards and the benefits of using flexible rewards cards. They also present strategies for maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to fewer rewards, and offer tips for how you can track and manage credit card points and perks. Sean and Erin also explain the pitfalls of carrying a balance on travel credit cards, the implications of credit card fees and surcharges at local stores, potential industry changes, such as interest rates and fee structures, and the potential impact of the Credit Card Competition Act on rewards programs. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card points, travel rewards, personal finance, airline loyalty programs, Delta, Alaska Airlines, co-branded credit cards, flexible rewards cards, sign-up bonuses, spending traps, unused points, strategic spending, credit card portfolio, tracking perks, minimum spending requirements, bonus categories, carrying a balance, credit card fees, everyday purchases, travel booking, annual fees, credit card industry, interest rates, reward system changes, credit card perks, value of points, credit card bonuses, and the Credit Card Competition Act. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Show Note Links: What Is the ‘Chase Trifecta’? How to Maximize Rewards With the AmEx Trifecta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncover 30-year trends in single-parent household finances with insights on growth, challenges and building a safety net. What should you do when stock markets hit record highs? Is now a good time to buy or sell a home now that mortgage rates have dropped again? How can you build a safety net when you’re a single parent? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down the latest headlines from the world of personal finance, including record-breaking stock market events, increases in consumer confidence, and the lowest mortgage rates since May 2023. NerdWallet Senior Writer Elizabeth Renter then joins Sean and Anna to discuss a new NerdWallet report that delves into the financial well-being of single-parent households – a group that includes nearly a quarter of all children in the U.S. She provides valuable insights into the trends, improvements, and challenges faced by single-parent households over the years. Drawing from her personal experience as a single parent, Elizabeth shares strategies for building a financial safety net for those facing unique challenges. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, financial well-being, single-parent households, NerdWallet report, stock market, bull market, S&P 500, Dow Jones, consumer sentiment, inflation, gas prices, housing market, mortgage rates, homebuyers, home sellers, real estate, financial trends, long-term investment, market movements, economic outlook, financial challenges, income growth, net worth, homeownership, financial opportunities, and emergency funds. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how much anti-aging treatments may cost you (and how to budget for them), plus how to understand your net worth. 00:54 This Week in Your Money: How much does it cost to look younger? What can you do for free to maintain your youthful appearance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the costs associated with various anti-aging treatments like moisturizers, Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing, and how to budget to be able to pay for them over time. They also touch on preventative care, underscoring the effectiveness and affordability of daily sunscreen use and topical serums as foundational elements in maintaining a youthful appearance. 12:59 Today’s Money Question: Charlene, a 29-year-old listener in Texas, joins Sean and Sara to discuss her questions about net worth. They talk about the significance of net worth as a financial metric and the common pitfalls of comparing one's net worth to that of others. Charlene shares her disciplined approach to saving and her aspirations for financial independence and an early retirement, and how net worth relates to her progress towards achieving her goals. Sean and Sara address the concept of net worth beyond just 401(k) balances and the potential pressure of societal expectations on financial milestones, with information that could serve as a guide for listeners aiming for similar goals. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, skincare, financial freedom, early retirement, beauty investments, cosmetic procedures, Botox, fillers, laser treatments, sunscreen, serums, calculating your net worth, savings discipline, compound interest, retirement calculators, frugality hacks, financial independence, anti-aging treatments, dermatology, preventative care, financial planning, wealth-building, retirement savings, FIRE movement, aggressive saving, investing strategies, and retirement benchmarks. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand your options for buying or selling a home in the rapidly evolving 2024 housing market — and how to time it, or not. When will homes become more affordable? Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? How can you figure out how much house you can afford? Homes and Mortgages Writer Kate Wood joins host Sean Pyles with an in-depth analysis of the 2024 housing market, providing strategies for both buyers and sellers to tackle the challenges posed by high mortgage rates and a limited housing supply. They begin with a discussion on the complexities of the current market and the importance of credit-building and budgeting for potential buyers. For sellers, they share tips for making smart home improvements and preparing more generally for selling a home in the current housing market. Kate also explains mortgage rate locks and discusses recent fluctuations in mortgage interest rates and their impact on the market. She shares a historical perspective comparing past mortgage rate highs and lows, emphasizes the significance of personal timing over market timing when making real estate decisions, and breaks down the role of the Federal Reserve in influencing mortgage rates. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 2024 housing market, strategies for buyers, strategies for sellers, high mortgage rates, housing inventory, real estate, home buying success, financial readiness, rate protection, mortgage rate lock, mortgage interest rate fluctuations, historical rate comparisons, Federal Reserve influence, housing market timing, home ownership, real estate transactions, Zillow predictions, Realtor.com predictions, housing affordability, good credit, down payment, bidding wars, and first-time homebuyer programs. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand the implications of Americans’ $1.2 trillion credit card debt, the latest inflation stats, and SAVE plan news. Are you eligible for student loan forgiveness if you’ve been on the SAVE plan? What do the Commerce Department’s latest inflation figures mean for how much things cost? How can you pay off debt, which more Americans faced in 2023 than in the previous year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down this week’s headlines to help you understand how they could affect you — and your wallet. You’ll learn about what makes certain people on the SAVE plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) eligible for student loan forgiveness, how recent inflation numbers could impact your expenses, and a reminder as to why you should be mindful of financial scams. Plus: longtime podcast host Sara Rathner joins Sean and Anna to discuss the results of NerdWallet’s annual household debt study, providing essential insights into the challenges faced by those with revolving credit card debt and offering practical steps for navigating the complexities of household finances. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance news, NerdWallet’s annual household debt study, credit card debt, student loans, student loan forgiveness, inflation, Commerce Department, interest rates, Andy Cohen, financial scams, debt management, debt crisis, the US economy, financial burdens, and managing household finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to our webinar on how banking right can help you grow your money, with tips for choosing accounts and changing banks. What are the benefits of online banks or credit unions over traditional banks? What should you consider before changing banks? How can you passively grow your wealth by putting your money into savings accounts and CDs? NerdWallet’s Kim Palmer moderates a discussion on banking-specific topics that could help you get more from your money. 01:34 Choosing a Banking Institution: Banking Nerd Spencer Tierney explores the essentials of banking, from choosing the right bank accounts to understanding the benefits of different banking institutions like online banks, credit unions and national banks. He discusses the importance of federal deposit insurance for account safety and how banks use your deposits to fund loans and investments, potentially paying you interest in return. He also touches on the convenience and security offered by banks through services like direct deposits, bill payments, and encrypted online platforms, and covers the pros and cons of online banks. 10:47 Different Types of Bank Accounts: Banking Nerd Chanelle Bassette explains basic types of bank accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs), each serving different financial purposes. She emphasizes the importance of high interest rates and savings features like automatic transfers and roundup programs. Then, she discusses how CDs can help you reach medium to long-term savings goals. 22:34 Leveraging Savings Accounts for Financial Growth: Banking Nerd Margarette Burnette discusses the benefits and strategies for optimizing savings through high-yield savings accounts. She discusses the security provided by federally insured accounts and the impact of rising federal interest rates that can benefit savers. She also explains the power of compound interest by comparing the growth offered by traditional low-interest savings accounts with the gains possible from high-yield accounts, and touches on the difference between simple interest and APY. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance decisions, smart banking, financial growth, bank selection, savings accounts, choosing the right bank, high-yield savings accounts, avoiding fees, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, CDs, direct deposits, federal deposit insurance, FDIC, online banking, credit unions, national banks, financial empowerment, banking strategies, automatic savings features, account safety, interest rates, APY, simple interest, banking landscapes, financial aspirations, banking tools, encrypted online platforms, consumer banking, overdraft fees, shopping for banks, second chance checking accounts, fresh start checking accounts, bank accounts, savings goals, compound interest, federal interest rates, federally insured accounts, money management, financial services, financial institutions, and banking fees. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prepare for financial health in 2024 with expert strategies for managing your credit and getting and staying out of debt. What’s the right amount of credit utilization to maintain a high credit score? How can reviewing your credit reports impact your financial health? Credit Nerd Lauren Schwahn joins host Sean Pyles to answer these questions and more as they delve into the intricate world of credit and debt management. They discuss how you can overcome the financial strain that typically follows the holiday season and focus on strategies that could enhance your fiscal health. They explore many different aspects of credit management, including analyzing holiday spending patterns, maximizing credit card rewards, assessing the value of annual fees, and planning for upcoming major expenses. Sean and Lauren also talk through the complexities of credit scores and offer strategies for paying down credit card debt, especially in the context of rising interest rates. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial freedom, credit management, debt strategies, credit card rewards, fiscal reset, annual fees, major expenses, financial success, credit reports, credit fraud, credit score, timely payments, interest rates, savings strategies, budgeting hacks, financial well-being, post-holiday recovery, holiday spend habits, credit utilization, credit limits, authorized users, loan terms, balance transfer credit cards, debt avalanche, debt snowball, 50/30/20 budget, credit counseling, credit score improvement, minimum payments, credit bureaus, annualcreditreport.com, credit score tiers, APR, debt management, and student loan payments. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore FAFSA’s impact on college finances, including changes to the application process and shifts in aid eligibility. How do changes to FAFSA affect your eligibility for federal student loans and need-based grants? What’s the best way to navigate the recent rollout amid technical issues with the website when it launched last month? What information do you need in order to complete your FAFSA application, and what happens after you submit it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the chaos surrounding the release of the revamped FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with special guest Eliza Haverstock, NerdWallet’s expert on student loans. You’ll walk away with essential advice on completing FAFSA paperwork, timeline expectations for applicants, and avenues for seeking assistance. Plus: hear the latest financial headlines around surprising job market figures, fluctuating gas prices, the FDA's approval for Florida to import drugs from Canada, and the Education Department's actions on student loan servicers. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial aid, college expenses, new FAFSA changes, student loans, tuition, education costs, scholarships, grants, application process, college affordability, federal aid, student financial aid packages, college funding, tuition fees, aid eligibility, student aid index, college financials, education expenses, FAFSA glitches, aid impact, financial aid awards, aid alterations, student aid formulas, college financing, December jobs report, Labor Department, hiring binge, gas prices, drug imports from Canada, Florida law, MOHELA, Aidvantage, EdFinancial, Nelnet, Department of Education, and FSA ID. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can couples split housing expenses without splitting up? Learn how to keep your finances — and relationship — healthy. 01:30 This Week in Your Money: What part of your life can have an unexpected impact on your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how personal experiences with ADHD and side hustles have had financial implications for them beyond what you might expect. Learn how unexpected opportunities and even scrolling social media can impact your buying decisions and affect your bottom line. 12:31 Today’s Money Question: What’s the best method for splitting housing costs with your significant other? How can you figure out what’s “fair” when one partner is making a lot more money than the other? NerdWallet writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about how to split living expenses like mortgage and utility bills when cohabitating with a loved one. They explore various options for splitting rent or mortgage payments, including informal agreements, formal rental contracts and tenancy in common. They also weigh the pros and cons of a classic 50/50 split versus splitting housing costs proportionally based on income, and explain why having an emergency fund is especially important when living with a romantic partner. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how you can ensure fairness and transparency through practical tips that can keep both your relationship and your finances healthy. We also wanted to let you know about an upcoming webinar from our tax Nerds on Wednesday, January 17th at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, noon Eastern Time. You will get the rundown on all things taxes, like tax credits, deductions, tax advantaged accounts, and how to prepare for a filing season. Space is limited, so click the link in the episode description to register. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: finances, housing costs, cohabitation, sharing expenses, couples, money in relationships, mortgage, income-based strategies, impulse buys, written contracts, roommate tax implications, cohabitation agreements, managing money, sensitive financial discussions, transparency, cost-splitting methods, financial partnerships, housing budgeting, formalizing financial arrangements, rental agreements, tenancy in common, financial responsibilities, life goals, and emergency funds. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gain 2024 investment insights and get answers to questions on long-term strategies, stock market volatility, real estate investments trusts and more. Investing writer Alana Benson joins host Sean Pyles to discuss investing in 2024. They discuss the importance of having a long-term investment strategy, the performance of the stock market in 2023, the impact of interest rates on investments, and the potential for growth in sectors such as AI and green energy. They also touch on the benefits of investing in 10-year Treasury notes (T-notes), real estate investment trusts (REITs) and high-yield savings accounts, among other advice for those looking to grow their wealth by getting into investing in the new year. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market volatility, investment insights, 2024 investments, financial landscape, long-term financial goals, risk management, AI sector, high yield savings accounts, green energy, REIT, economic resilience, portfolio diversification, stock market performance, psychology and the economy, 10-year Treasury notes (T-notes), economic growth, active traders, economic vibes, and inflation. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take your New Year’s Resolutions to the next level by establishing SMARTR financial goals that you can achieve in 2024. Wondering how to set financial goals you’ll actually follow through on? Have questions about how to avoid end-of-year financial regrets? The Nerds have you covered! Explore strategies for setting realistic goals in 2024 with hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Renter as they discuss “regrets and resolutions” and share ideas to help you take your 2023 experiences in stride, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones for creating a stable financial future. They explore some of the financial regrets that haunted many Americans in 2023, including overspending and saving too little, and provide tips for avoiding common financial regrets, such as taking on too much credit card debt. Sean also explains his SMARTR framework for setting and achieving goals, which you can apply to your New Year’s Resolutions or any other goal you have in 2024. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: SMARTR financial goal setting, financial regrets, setting realistic goals, budgeting, saving, credit card debt, large expenses, New Year’s resolutions, goal setting framework, emergency funds, and retirement savings. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn pro tips for shopping on social media so you don’t overspend, and smart strategies for investing your spare cash. This Week in Your Money: Get equipped with practical tips to shop smart on social media platforms and stay vigilant against overspending. Personal finance Nerd Kimberly Palmer joins hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston for a Nerdy look at how your social media feed may be leading you to spend more money than you should. You’ll learn about useful browser extensions to help you compare prices, a reminder to check customer reviews and how the setting and a false sense of urgency can lead people to spend too much money and perhaps share too much personal information. Today’s Money Question: Investing Nerd Sam Taube joins Sean and Liz to answer a listener’s question about how to invest extra money currently sitting in a high-yield savings account. The Nerds take a deep look into the importance of emergency funds and how to set realistic financial goals, offering practical advice on starting your own emergency fund and discussing how your cost of living can influence the amount you should consider saving. They also explain how using online banks can make savings goals more tangible, before they switch gears and dive into the vast world of investment options, including the mutual funds, exchange traded funds, individual stocks, high-interest savings accounts and money market accounts. Takeaway Tips. In their conversation, Sean and Liz discuss: social media shopping; influencer marketing; price comparison shopping; how to read customer reviews; smart shopping browser extensions; limited time offers; options for investing spare cash; emergency funds; cost of living adjustments; online bank savings buckets; short-term and long-term financial goals; money market savings accounts; money market mutual funds; CDs; and splurging. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves of 2023 as submitted by their fellow colleagues. Some of the highlights include saving aggressively to prepare for future expenses, getting rid of private mortgage insurance, automating finances for budgeting and planning, setting up 529 college savings plans for children, shopping around for the best mortgage rates, and understanding the difference between an emergency fund and a rainy day fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recap the financial rollercoaster that was 2023, including interest rates, market movements, travel mishaps and more. Before reviewing this year’s biggest financial news headlines, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss federal interest rates, dropping mortgage rates, strong holiday spending numbers, and two new record highs — one for the stock market, and the other for a Southwest Airlines fine. Then, Sean and Anna turn their attention to an analysis of the economy's bizarre yet resilient nature in 2023. They discuss the strength of the job market, inflation fluctuations, surprising deflation in certain sectors, Congress's tussles over the debt ceiling, banks collapsing, and the trials of student loan borrowers. They also discuss the news that came at the conclusion of 2023, including looming government shutdown concerns and ongoing Congressional debates, setting the stage for what could unfold in the financial landscape of the coming year. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance news, Federal Reserve, interest rates, mortgage rates, housing market, stock market, inflation, the US economy, holiday spending, Southwest Airlines, travel, unemployment, debt ceiling, Congress, banks, student loans, job market, inflation, government shutdown, strikes, gas prices, financial events, economic analysis, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a record high. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about practical money management tasks to set yourself up for success in 2024 and tips for choosing a budgeting app. 01:11 This Week in Your Money: Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner propose three money tasks to tackle this winter. The first is a task to do this week, the next is something to do over the course of a month, and the last is something you can do over the whole winter season. By completing these tasks, you may be able to put yourself in a better financial position going into the new year. They also share their personal strategies for setting budgeting boundaries and practicing radical acceptance with family members during the holiday season. 11:55 Today’s Money Question: NerdWallet writer Lauren Schwahn joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about how to choose a new budgeting app, with many consumers in the market following the news that the Mint app is shutting down. They discuss different types of budgeting apps and how to understand your own needs to ensure that you choose an app that’s well-suited to your preferences. They also specifically discuss the NerdWallet, Copilot, and YNAB budgeting apps. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finances, money management, budgeting apps, financial success, planning for 2024, Copilot app, YNAB app, spending trackers, financial checkups, Mint closure, budgeting boundaries, financial success, new year, financial empowerment, winter money tasks, financial checkup, money goals, unused subscriptions, spending habits, comparing budgeting apps, features, costs, security, customer support, money management styles, budgeting for beginners, budget categories, financial institutions, and budgeting app user reviews. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share feedback and constructive criticism from listeners over the past year. They discuss topics such as the need for more representation minority groups in financial discussions, the importance of highlighting issues related to race and gender, the coverage of alternative healthcare in insurance plans, and the challenges of discussing controversial topics from a financial perspective. They also address listener comments about their personal experiences and perspectives on money management. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to use AI for help with budgeting and saving money, then learn whether credit cards or debit cards are safer. 01:30 This Week in Your Money: NerdWallet banking writer Chanelle Bessette joins hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner to discuss how AI can be used to help with budgeting and saving money. They explore how AI chatbots can assist in creating a budget and setting savings goals, why it’s important to double check chatbots’ math and consider seeking official financial advice for more risky decisions. They also talk about the benefits of incorporating AI into money management and DIY projects by providing cost estimates and step-by-step instructions. 12:47 Today’s Money Question: NerdWallet writer Melissa Lamberina joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about whether it’s safer to use a debit card or a credit card. She breaks down the differences in protections for credit and debit cards, including built-in safeguards and liability limits. They also explore the benefits of using credit cards and share their personal approaches to using credit and debit cards for daily transactions. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: AI chatbots, personal finance, budgeting help, savings, banking, money management, DIY projects, credit cards, debit cards, fraud protection, tracking expenses, financial strategies, daily transactions, artificial intelligence, credit card rewards, Electronic Funds Transfer Act, Fair Credit Billing Act, and liabilities for fraudulent charges. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Smart Money podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves made by their listeners in 2023. Some of the wins include listeners who moved their Roth IRA account away from a pricey financial advisor, one who paid off their student loans and started a business, and another who successfully managed their money with ADHD. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Roth IRAs, credit scores, student loans, estate planning, home buying, credit cards, financial advisors, high-yield savings accounts, paying off cars, money market accounts, 401ks, and HSAs. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how the Department of Justice is tackling the ticketing industry — and what it could mean for buyers and sellers. Before focusing on Congress’ latest ticketing industry crackdown, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the IRS' delayed online seller rule, a revision to Q3 GDP figures, a new survey on money and happiness, the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, and self-serve airplane snacks. Get ready for an episode that dissects the struggle for fair ticket prices and the potential consequences of a ticketing market in need of change. Then, Sean and Anna explore the chaotic world of concert ticketing, focusing on an investigation by Congress and the Justice Department into Live Nation Entertainment. They unpack the sky-high prices and dive into class-action lawsuits that Swifties and other concertgoers have leveled in recent years before explaining what could happen next. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, news roundup, form 1099-K, ticketing industry investigation, Congress, the Justice Department, Ticketmaster, Live Nation Entertainment, high prices, lawsuits, IRS, digital payment processors, Q3 GDP, money and happiness survey, airline mergers, self-serve snacks, finance news, Congress investigation, event ticketing, fees, Biden Administration, and transparency of fees for event ticketing. 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 To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protect yourself from sophisticated holiday shopping scams and explore the psychology behind changing your money mindset. 01:07 This Week in Your Money: Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss tactics for avoiding three common money scams, including social media ad scams, charity scams, and gift card scams. 10:08 Today’s Money Question: Sean and Sara answer a listener’s question about how to change your money mindset. They discuss methods you can use to understand your current attitudes and behaviors towards money, the emotional connection to money and the stories we tell ourselves about our finances. They explain how past experiences and family dynamics can shape your money mindset, and offer tips for identifying and potentially changing harmful money habits. They also provide three clear steps for shifting your money mindset. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: holiday shopping scams, social media ad scams, charity scams, gift card scams, safe payment methods, financial attitudes, wealth, personal finances, money habits, financial self-awareness, money management, mindset shifting, impulse buys, financial goals, online shopping, fraud protection, financial challenges, financial empowerment, money mindset, financial management, saving habits, spending habits, financial growth, budgeting, impulse purchases, reverse budgeting, money mindset transformation, holiday fraud, and personal finance psychology. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer real-world money questions. In this episode: Nerds Sean Pyles and Kimberly Palmer speak with Farnoosh Torabi, author of the new book, “A Healthy State of Panic.” She explains how we can use our fears as a superpower to make better decisions when it comes to finances, career and life. Torabi is a personal finance expert and host of the “So Money” podcast. In their discussion, Torabi shares how her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants taught her to be fearful of certain things, but that as an adult, she realized that embracing her natural fear of negative outcomes actually helps her to make better choices. During the pandemic, she decided to take the risk of buying a new home, even though she was scared of taking such a big leap. In retrospect, she says, it was one of the best decisions she and her family could have made. Torabi also shares her advice on how to overcome paralyzing fear. Sometimes, she says, it’s a good idea to actually think through every terrible outcome that could occur, so you can realize that those results are unlikely to become reality. And in some cases, she adds, fear stops you from making truly bad choices. And while confronting such heavy topics, Torabi always maintains her trademark humor, bringing levity to difficult conversations. Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify NerdWallet stories related to this episode: A Scarcity Mindset Can Cost You Mentally and Financially Money Envy Harms Mental Health Emergency Fund Calculator: How Much Will Protect You? Have a money question? Text or call us at 901-730-6373. Or you can email us at [email protected]. To hear previous episodes, go to the podcast homepage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncover the true cost of making financial decisions (and financial indecision) and get tips for shopping for a new bank. 01:19 This Week in Your Money: Explore the concept of financial opportunity cost and the trade-offs we make with our money with hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner. They discuss the risks associated with sticking with the status quo, the importance of periodically reassessing your financial decisions, the potential pitfalls of always relying on automatic payments, and the benefits of switching banks and taking advantage of sign-up bonuses. 10:05 Today’s Money Question: Andee, a 69-year-old listener, joins Sean and Sara to discuss the challenges associated with finding the right bank for her financial needs. They talk about how to navigate the process of researching and switching banks for easier management and better interest rates. They discuss the sometimes misleading allure of signup bonuses, tips on how to compare banks, and options for managing savings and expenses through high-yield savings accounts. They also explain how you can use these accounts for both short-term and long-term goals, such as paying for recurring costs like mortgages and daycare, as well as saving for home renovations. 27:17 Wrap-up. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial choices, changing banks, high-yield savings accounts, financial decisions, bank bonuses, financial trade-offs, managing personal finances, automatic payments, long-term financial goals, online banking, keeping multiple savings accounts, financial advisors, opportunity costs, financial trade-offs, maintaining the status quo, financial brand loyalty, interest rates, navigating customer reviews, banking customer service, checking accounts, savings accounts, sign up bonuses, and strategic financial planning. 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 To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn which prices are slowing down—or even dropping—as a result of deflation, including your Thanksgiving feast. Before focusing on price deflation, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore recent financial updates, including the rising income among first-time homebuyers, the United Autoworkers Union (UAW) ratifying new contracts with the Big Three automakers, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales trends. Then, Sean and Anna explain what’s happening behind recent price deflation. They highlight significant price drops across various goods and services, including eggs, smartphones, health insurance, gas, and Thanksgiving dinner essentials. They also break down the significance of these price reductions amid ongoing inflationary pressures, potentially offering a glimpse of relief for consumers in specific sectors. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: homebuyer demographics, rising incomes, housing market shifts, UAW contracts, Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday sales, philanthropic gestures, deflation insights, price drop analysis, consumer trends, Thanksgiving food prices, holiday deals, charitable legacies, inflation impact, and deflation. 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 To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you really need money to be happy? Or is money the reason you’re unhappy? Either way, chances are your relationship to money and happiness is a little, well, messy. To kick off this Nerdy deep dive into money and happiness, Sean talks with happiness experts Gretchen Rubin and Robert Puff to understand what happiness really means. Then Sean talks with Morgan Housel, author of “The Psychology of Money,” about where money and happiness intersect. 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 To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn tactics to make and manage a budget, understand credit scores, and manage debt to improve your financial health. 02:02 Budgeting Basics: Personal Finance Nerd Elizabeth Ayoola discusses how you can create and stick to a budget. She explains how to use the 50-30-20 method to allocate your income, gives tips on how to adjust your budget to fit your needs, and methods for budgeting and stretching your paycheck when it arrives at different intervals, like monthly or biweekly. 13:35 Credit Scores and Credit Reports: NerdWallet writer Lauren Schwahn breaks down the basics of credit scores and credit reports. She explains how to get negative or incorrect information off of your credit report, how to get a higher credit limit, and how different sources of debt can affect your credit. She also discusses the differences between good debt and bad debt. 25:59 How to Manage Debt: Elizabeth shares strategies you can use to manage debt in order to improve your financial health. She covers debt to income ratios, snowball and avalanche methods of debt repayment, debt consolidation, how to allocate extra income from side hustles, and the legal process of bankruptcy. 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 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance tips, budgeting, managing debt, credit scores, financial goals, 50-30-20 method, expense tracking, credit reports, debt-to-income ratios, snowball method, avalanche method, debt consolidation, financial health, paying bills, budgeting strategies, income tracking, variable income, saving, debt repayment, bankruptcy, debt settlement, side hustles, financial discipline, credit utilization, emergency funds, and financial planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delve into recent stock market developments. Plus, tax bracket adjustments. Before taking an in-depth look at what’s going on in the stock and bond markets, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the recent developments in personal finance news. They start by breaking down the latest inflation numbers. Then, they discuss the concerning increase in credit card delinquencies, shedding light on rising balances and the generational shift in credit card usage before offering smart tips on managing credit balances in a high-interest rate environment. They then turn their attention to the latest IRS tax bracket adjustments and break down the implications for taxpayers. Investing Nerd Sam Taube then joins Sean and Anna to talk about recent stock market developments, unraveling the connection between rising Treasury yields, bond market shifts, and their impact on stock prices. They discuss potential implications for investors, diversification strategies for the current financial climate, and key economic events to watch for in November. 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 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, market swings, inflation, credit card delinquencies, inflation-adjusted tax brackets for tax year 2024, stock markets, Pew Research Center survey on tipping, investing, economic events, treasury yields, interest rates, portfolio diversification, market fluctuations, consumer price index, Federal Reserve, borrowing costs, Dow Jones, the S&P 500, active trading, and inflation data. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craft your holiday shopping plan with Black Friday insights, then understand options for buying a home in today’s market. 01:24 This Week in Your Money: Unlock the secrets of savvy shopping by learning about the biggest sales events of the year. Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the holiday shopping season with Personal Finance Nerd Tommy Tindall, who talks about the value of shopping on Black Friday versus other annual sales events like Cyber Monday, the best days of the season to find deals in certain categories like big ticket electronics and winter clothing, and helpful tips for how to budget for your holiday shopping list. 12:55 Today’s Money Question: Home and Mortgage Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s question about whether to purchase a home now or wait and see if interest rates go down. They discuss the current state of interest rates, the refinancing process, interest rate buy downs, adjustable rate mortgages, and how state and local programs can help first-time homebuyers. They also explore different types of homes such as condos or townhouses on their way to helping first-time buyers understand their options for making homeownership an affordable dream. 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 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Black Friday shopping tips, sales events, Cyber Monday, housing market, housing affordability crisis, 30-year mortgages, homeownership, adjustable rate mortgages, refinancing, home affordability calculator, housing affordability solutions, first-time home buyers, credit card debt, holiday shopping, home ownership, interest rates, real estate, and buy now, pay later loans. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand employer-provided benefits, from dental and vision coverage to more unique perks like legal assistance. In the third and final episode of our special series on open enrollment, hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss the various benefits that employers offer during open enrollment season aside from health insurance. Liz speaks with Amber Clayton (Society for Human Resource Management) about dental and vision coverage, long-term care insurance, pet insurance, legal assistance, adoption assistance, gym memberships, mental health benefits, and more. They offer tips for preparing for open enrollment, provide statistics on how common it is for certain benefits to be offered, and give an important reminder of upcoming enrollment deadlines for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, federal employee plans and private employer plans. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: employer-provided benefits, benefits packages, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), open enrollment season, dental coverage, vision coverage, ACA Marketplace, healthcare.gov, supplemental coverage, long-term care options, gym memberships, mental health benefits, employee benefits, pet insurance, in-network providers, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, financial planning, legal assistance, employee assistance programs, financial wellness, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, student loan reimbursements, 529 plan payroll deductions, company swag, free snacks, matching charitable contributions, and employee retention and recruitment. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how recent headlines could impact your finances, including a federal real estate ruling and new employment figures. Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski start by dissecting the latest monthly jobs report and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, then explain how a recent federal jury's decision on real estate agent commissions could reshape the way homes are bought and sold in the United States. They then turn their attention to former cryptocurrency billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction on various counts of criminal fraud. With the announcement that popular budgeting app Mint will be retiring, the Nerds offer tips on how to transition to alternative budgeting tools. They also discuss open enrollment season for health insurance and other benefits, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices about insurance coverage. To wrap up the episode, Sean and Anna share an unusual legal story involving a subcontractor, a welding company, and a large stash of coins. Find out why cash isn't always king and why it may not pay to be difficult to work with in your financial dealings. 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 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: job reports, a realtor price-fixing ruling, crypto convictions, coin payment, personal finance, money news, labor market, Federal Reserve, real estate commissions, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit, Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, Mint, budgeting apps, healthcare open enrollment, health insurance benefits,, financial news, federal jury, antitrust case, cryptocurrency, wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and paying with coins. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about two quick credit tips, 403b and 529 plans, delinquencies on old loans, and budgeting when you only get paid once a month. 01:11 This Week in Your Money: Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner provide two quick tips for improving credit scores. The first tip involves credit utilization, which is the amount of available credit that you're using. They also discuss the option of asking for an increased credit card limit. For their second tip, they discuss the benefits and risks of becoming an authorized user on a friend or family’s credit card. To wrap up their discussion, they advise on the benefits of checking your credit report for accuracy and why it may not be necessary to worry about your exact credit score if it’s already above 720. 11:11 Money Question Lightning Round: NerdWallet’s Liz Weston joins Sean to answer several listener questions. They discuss 529 plans and how they may impact eligibility for financial aid, whether a delinquency on an old loan will still show up on a credit report after the loan has been refinanced, tax-advantaged vehicles for retirement savings when a 401k plan is unavailable (like a thrift savings plan), how to manage money when you only get paid once a month, and how to decide whether a 403b retirement plan is worth using as opposed to alternative retirement plans. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit scores, financial future, credit utilization, strategic payments, higher credit limits, authorized users, credit reports, 529 savings plans, need-based financial aid, college savings strategies, private student loans, refinancing, budgeting, retirement planning, spending tracking, budgeting software, automated transfers, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), 401k and 403b retirement plans, retirement options, credit tips, credit card limit, credit bureaus, collections account, credit report error, budgeting tips, the savings bucket strategy, and lifestyle inflation. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore coverage options to protect your income in worst-case scenarios, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss the importance of insurance coverage, highlighting statistics around how many people are underinsured or lack adequate coverage. To dive deeper into different types of coverage, Liz welcomes Insurance Nerd Ryan Brady and John Ryan, founder and CEO of Ryan Insurance Strategy Consultants, to explain various types of insurance. In this episode, they talk about life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) insurance, and disability insurance, and explore the nuances of employer-provided life insurance and supplemental insurance. Plus: the complexities of disability insurance, comparing short-term and long-term coverage, and the interplay between employer-provided disability insurance, individual disability insurance, workers' compensation, and Social Security. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: life insurance, disability insurance, workplace benefits, financial needs, income protection, supplemental insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D), disability coverage, short-term disability, long-term disability, employer-provided disability insurance, choosing an insurance policy, workers' compensation, Social Security, insurance complexities, income safeguards, accidental death insurance, dismemberment insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity coverage, and pre-existing conditions clauses. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand the costs of renting versus buying a home. Plus: the UAW strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, and AI policy. Before discussing housing affordability, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski review noteworthy financial headlines, including an update on the UAW strike against major US automakers, the latest Commerce Department numbers on GDP growth, debit card merchant fees, and the White House’s wide-ranging executive order pertaining to artificial intelligence. Then, Sean and Anna welcome Jeff Tucker, a senior economist at the real estate website Zillow, to discuss the impact that rising interest rates could have on your decision to rent or buy a home. Jeff provides historical context, explains the factors contributing to the gap between renting and buying costs, and touches on the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The discussion also explores the impact of housing inventory on the market, including whether homes are pulled off the market or remain unsold for extended periods. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, AI Executive Order, housing affordability, renting vs. buying, personal finance, financial news, interest rates, inflation, mortgage rates, the economy, housing market, rental costs, down payments, homebuyers, housing inventory, AI technology, tech regulations, consumer spending, interest rate hikes, bank fees, and home ownership. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices