NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

• Watch the Nerds Sweat It Out: Hot Wings Meet Hot Money Takes (Video Episode)

  In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth and special guests eat spicy wings and share hot takes on saving versus investing, inflation, crypto, and when to trade up for an electric vehicle. When should you prioritize investing over traditional savings? How do you know when to keep repairing your car versus trading it in for something new, like an EV? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share their zestiest financial takes over hot wings, blending financial insights with fiery fun. NerdWallet YouTube creator Stephen Smith joins them in-person at NerdWallet HQ in Scottsdale, AZ, for a lively discussion which, like the hot sauce, gets eye-wateringly spicy. They debate whether saving in a checking account makes sense, how high-yield savings stack up against inflation, and whether the U.S. dollar could one day be backed by cryptocurrency. They also dig into why consumer debt is so easy to rack up, including the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later for everyday purchases. Then, listener Sandra joins the in-person conversation with Sean and Elizabeth as they discuss whether she should keep repairing her Acura or buy a new EV. They explore repair costs versus new car payments, the impact of high-yield savings rates, trade-in timing, and refinancing considerations. The episode wraps with practical insights on how to balance financial security with lifestyle goals like travel, education savings, and staying debt-free. Get matched with a financial planner for free using NerdWallet Advisors Match: https://nerdwalletadvisors.com/match  Smart Money is a finalist for TWO Signal Awards! Please take a moment to vote for us here: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/individual-episodes/genre/money-finance  https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/money-finance  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Bitcoin reserve currency, dollar backed by crypto, consumer debt in America, Buy Now Pay Later pros and cons, Klarna food delivery, Klarna at Chipotle, financing gas with BNPL, credit card debt cycle, checking account interest rates, financial literacy for kids, trust fund for children, custodial accounts for kids, Acura MDX, car repair costs, car repair vs new car cost, average car payment 2025, EV tariffs 2025, zero APR car financing, mortgage refinance break-even, 529 vs Roth IRA rollover, saving for college vs high-yield savings, passing down a car to kids, luxury vehicle maintenance costs, average miles per year US drivers, opportunity cost of buying a car, travel vs new car decision, and financial security vs lifestyle goals.. 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

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• Budget Rehab: What Our Hosts’ Spending Reveals About Smarter Money Moves (Video Episode)

  In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth give each other a “budget rehab,” revealing their own budgets to help you fix yours. How can you feel more in control of your spending? How can you plan for irregular expenses like credit card annual fees or surprise bills? In this video episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola give each other a “budget rehab” to reveal how they really manage their money — and how you can apply the same strategies to your own finances. But first, they’re joined by NerdWallet senior writer Anna Helhoski to discuss new NerdWallet survey findings about money stress and what steps you can take to alleviate it. They discuss why money stress hits some groups harder than others and share practical tips for easing the pressure. Then, Sean and Elizabeth present a personal “Budget Rehab” segment where they analyze each other’s real numbers while sitting eye to eye at NerdWallet HQ. Sean shares how he balances rental income, savings, and splurges, while Elizabeth maps her freelance income, high savings rate, and family priorities. Together, they highlight the pros and cons of tactics like setting up multiple savings buckets, trimming recurring costs, maxing out tax-advantaged accounts, and planning ahead for annual fees and surprise expenses. Smart Money is a finalist for TWO Signal Awards! Please take a moment to vote for us here: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/individual-episodes/genre/money-finance  https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/money-finance  Want the cheapest prepaid phone plan that still fits your phone service needs? Read NerdWallet’s article on the best cheap cell phone plans: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/finance/cheap-cell-phone-plans  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: money anxiety, reduce financial stress, generational money differences, Gen Z money habits, Millennial money habits, Gen X finances, Baby Boomer finances, grocery inflation, high food prices, emergency savings, build emergency cushion, debt payoff strategies, debt snowball vs avalanche, credit card debt payoff, homeownership vs renting, housing costs, mortgage vs rent, rental affordability, HSA benefits, high-deductible health plan, maxing out 401k, brokerage account investing, saving for car replacement, sinking fund examples, subscription audit tips, lower utility bills, cheaper phone plan, cutting cell phone costs, donating to charity, values-based spending, overspending triggers, budget burnout, financial literacy gaps, improve financial confidence, setting financial goals, FIRE movement, early retirement savings, family budgeting, and teaching kids about money. 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

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• Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025

  In a special presentation of Smart Travel, learn what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover recent travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ new partnership with EVA Air, Frontier’s companion certificate promotion and status match, and JetBlue opening up award bookings with Condor Airlines. Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss NerdWallet’s latest airline, hotel, and credit card point valuations, with tips and tricks on comparing loyalty programs, maximizing transfer partners, and deciding when cash is more valuable than points. They also discuss the impact of devaluations, how close-in bookings can save you points, and why premium cabins can sometimes offer outsized redemption value. Plus: Craig’s hot take on airport lounges. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-frontier-airlines-world-mastercard-worth-its-annual-fee Citi Strata Credit Card Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata  Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending ​​https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-double-cash  Citi Custom Cash Card Review: Low-Maintenance 5% Cash Back https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-custom-cash  Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier  Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-summit-card-worth-its-annual-fee  Resources discussed in this episode: Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles  How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. In this episode, the Nerds discuss: points and miles valuation, airline miles value, hotel points value, credit card points value, Southwest EVA Air partnership, Frontier Companion Certificate, JetBlue Condor award booking, Citi American Airlines transfer, Amex Membership Rewards value, Capital One points value, Bilt points value, Hyatt points value, Hilton points value, Marriott points value, Wyndham points value, IHG points value, Alaska miles value, JetBlue points value, American Airlines miles value, United miles value, Southwest points value, Virgin Atlantic miles value, ANA miles value, Avianca LifeMiles value, best way to use Amex points, best way to use Citi points, best way to use Capital One points, use cash or points for flights, last minute award flight value, premium cabin redemption value, economy flight points value, airline devaluation, hotel point devaluation, cash vs points travel booking, when to transfer credit card points, how to maximize travel rewards, and NerdWallet points and miles calculator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely

  Learn how to prepare for a government shutdown and where to put $600 a month after building your emergency fund. What happens in a federal government shutdown? Where should you put $600/month after funding an emergency cushion? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the looming shutdown before answering a listener’s question about where to allocate their extra income. They begin with senior news writer Anna Helhoski, breaking down how a lapse in government funding could affect benefits, travel, parks, mail, and taxes, and how to keep your own plan steady. Then, Elizabeth and Sean answer a listener’s question about how to think about allocating $600/month. They discuss automating IRA/solo 401(k)/SEP IRA contributions, using diversified index or mutual funds and a taxable brokerage, balancing a home down payment with retirement via time horizons and DTI/credit score, and what to look for in funds. They also explore how habit-building and automation can help you grow retirement savings while still working toward a down payment. Get matched with a financial advisor for free: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/advisor-match-financial  Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s free calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Social Security during shutdown, TSA delays shutdown, Medicare during shutdown, Medicaid during shutdown, WIC benefits shutdown, IRS refund delays, FAFSA processing delay, federal employees furlough, furloughed vs essential workers, continuing resolution, national park closures shutdown, food safety inspections shutdown, EPA inspections shutdown, FDA inspections shutdown, NIH grants shutdown, unemployment benefits shutdown, debt-to-income ratio mortgage, mortgage approval process, credit score mortgage requirement, down payment savings strategy, closing costs when buying a home, emergency savings for home repairs, retirement calculator, 15 percent retirement savings rule, ETF vs mutual fund, S&P 500 index fund, expense ratio explained, index fund performance history, index fund tracking error, taxable brokerage account basics, diversification in investing, automate retirement contributions, solo 401k contribution limit, and SEP IRA contribution limit. 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

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• Preparing Finances for Fall and How to Help Parents Who Haven’t Saved Enough

  Learn how to prepare your finances for fall and support aging parents who have limited retirement savings. How can you check in on your finances this fall? What’s the best way to help parents with little savings retire? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explain how you can give yourself a fall financial check-in before they answer a listener’s question about supporting aging parents. They begin with a discussion of fall planning and open enrollment season, with tips for using this year’s health costs to choose next year’s plan, reviewing IRA/401(k) contributions and allocations, and setting a realistic holiday budget while tracking travel prices. Then, NerdWallet lead writer Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how a listener can support their aging parents who haven’t saved much. They discuss how to start sensitive money talks, navigate Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage (plus SHIP and Medicaid resources), and practical ways to help, including how to cover specific bills, explore subsidized senior housing, and avoid raiding your own retirement fund in order to help. See the latest rates in NerdWallet’s roundups of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/banking/standout-online-savings-accounts-2  Read NerdWallet’s 2024 Financially Assisting Aging Parents Report: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/2024-financially-assisting-aging-parents-report  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: open enrollment, Medicare vs Medicare Advantage, Social Security benefits, holiday budget, IRA contribution limits, 401(k) contribution limit, high-yield savings accounts, emergency fund, claiming parents as dependents, subsidized senior housing, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), retirement planning checklist, talking to parents about money, healthcare plan comparison, out-of-pocket maximum, Summary of Benefits and Coverage, Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA, SSA account estimate, travel prices Thanksgiving, Christmas flight prices, budget for gifts, avoid 401(k) loans, elder law attorney, support aging parents financially, pay parents’ bills vs cash, cost of Medicare Advantage networks, housing downsize for retirees, public benefits for seniors, SNAP for seniors, utility assistance programs, property tax relief seniors, high-yield savings rate 4 percent, set savings buckets, wedding budget overrun, and school-year child care costs. 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

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