NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how to navigate gas prices this summer, then hear how to make your money work after retiring early and moving abroad.

What’s going on with gas prices this summer? How can early retirees turn their savings into income abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss gas price trends and smart investment options for early retirees to help you plan a smoother ride — both on the road and in your financial journey. Joined by NerdWallet’s Anna Helhoski and AAA’s Aixa Diaz, they begin with a discussion of 2025 gas prices, with tips and tricks on timing your fill-ups, choosing the right fuel blend, and prepping your car for summer travel.

Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer a listener’s question about how to turn $150,000 in savings into ongoing passive income after achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and relocating to Spain. They discuss how to balance accessibility with growth through options like CD ladders, T-bills, REITs, and dividend ETFs. They also explore considerations around managing rental properties from abroad, currency risk, and the importance of working with a CPA to avoid tax pitfalls when investing internationally.

Use NerdWallet’s free compound interest calculator to see how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/compound-interest-calculator 

Dividend aristocrats are stocks that raise their dividends every year. Here’s an overview of how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/top-dividend-aristocrats-list

Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. View NerdWallet’s list of the best high-dividend stocks and learn how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-dividend-stocks 

Here’s NerdWallet’s list of the best ways to send money internationally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gas prices 2025, summer gas prices, how to save money on gas, why are gas prices rising, AAA fuel cost calculator, road trip cost calculator, gas price trends, crude oil price impact on gas, how to prepare for a road trip, car maintenance for road trips, road trip emergency kit checklist, what affects gas prices, hurricane impact on gas prices, early retirement abroad, how to generate passive income after FIRE, CD ladder strategy, high-yield savings alternatives, best short-term investments, moving to Spain finances, cost of living in Spain vs USA, living off rental income abroad, managing rental property from overseas, REIT vs dividend ETF, opening brokerage account abroad, FATCA rules for expats, real estate income planning, investing while living overseas, treasury bills vs CDs, compound interest calculator, diversifying passive income, financial planning after FIRE, and retiring in your 40s.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to reset spending habits after emotional setbacks and protect yourself from job scams that cost real money.

How do you reset your money goals after emotional setbacks? How do you avoid job scams that steal your savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mindful spending and scam recovery to help you stay in control of your financial life. They begin by welcoming NerdWallet writer Amanda Barroso to share a candid check-in on her year-long “low-buy” journey. Amanda shares how grief led her to relapse into emotional spending, but also how she’s refocusing her goals like budgeting for travel to Spain and saving for a future Disney trip. She offers reflections on intentional spending, how emotions influence shopping habits, and tips like using a visual calendar, reevaluating goals quarterly, and creating a "grief budget."

Then, Sean and Elizabeth are joined by Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, to discuss job scams. They talk through the red flags in one listener’s experience and explain what to do if you’ve been scammed, including how to report scams, the emotional toll of being victimized, and ways to avoid phishing and imposter schemes. 

The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to stop emotional spending, job scams, fake job postings, crypto job scams, emotional spending triggers, retail therapy, low-buy year, mindful spending, budgeting after grief, how to protect against job scams, reporting scams, crypto payroll red flags, scam recovery tips, coping with financial guilt, intentional spending strategies, budgeting for international travel, Monarch Money app, how to track spending visually, how to reset financial goals, how to bounce back after overspending, scam urgency tactics, phishing red flags, upfront payments, crypto-based wages, high-pressure tactics, imposter scam examples, avoiding crypto scams, scam victim shame, scam financial recovery, scam reporting tools, Identity Theft Resource Center, scam personal data risks, emotional triggers and money, how to budget with a partner, grief and spending behavior, long-term savings motivation, budgeting apps for couples, how to recognize fake recruiters, and scams on social media.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Get tips to reclaim your time from the “infinite workday,” then learn how to build retirement savings as a stay-at-home parent.

How do you reclaim your time in an always-on work culture? How can stay-at-home parents keep building retirement savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rise of the “infinite workday” and answer a listener’s question about how to save for retirement as a stay-at-home parent. First, NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins the show to share her conversation with Colette Stallbaumer, co-founder of Microsoft WorkLab and general manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot, who shares new research into the “infinite workday.” She discusses how flexible work has blurred the lines between home and the office, often creating burnout and a sense of always being “on,” and offers solutions, including boundary-setting practices, productivity tips, and how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can help reclaim focus time.

Then, Sean and Elizabeth shift gears to answer a listener’s question about saving for retirement as a stay-at-home parent. They break down options like spousal IRAs, the importance of emergency funds, and how even $200 a month can grow significantly under the right circumstances. They also talk through budget frameworks and how to have productive conversations with your partner about long-term goals.

Use NerdWallet’s free retirement 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

Use NerdWallet’s free compound interest calculator to see how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/compound-interest-calculator 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: infinite workday, always on work culture, work from home burnout, Microsoft WorkLab study, productivity tools, morning overwhelm, triple peak day, reclaiming focus time, meetings vs deep work, Copilot AI, Microsoft 365 productivity, flexible work boundaries, setting work boundaries, delay send email, work-life balance tips, workplace AI tools, using AI at work, spousal IRA, retirement options for stay-at-home parents, compound interest calculator, emergency fund strategy, 50/30/20 budget rule, saving while unemployed, Roth IRA withdrawals, IRA contribution limits, saving for retirement after quitting a job, financial planning for couples, money conversations with your partner, taxable brokerage account, pay yourself first, retirement savings calculator, saving for retirement with side hustle, and financial independence as a stay-at-home parent.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Explore strategies to strengthen your finances and get smart answers to common home buying and mortgage questions.

When you're looking to buy your next home, should you pay off your current mortgage or save more for a down payment? How does mortgage recasting work? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer several questions from listeners about home buying and renting. But first, they talk with NerdWallet experts Amy Knight and Sara Rathner about how people are navigating today’s financial challenges, from rising costs to career interruptions. They explore practical ways to strengthen your money habits, with tips and tricks on using side hustles for independence, turning money talks into regular “money dates,” and saving for the future even in small amounts.

Then, mortgage Nerd Holden Lewis joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a series of listener questions about home buying. Topics include weighing the pros and cons of saving vs. paying off a mortgage, whether to put a rental property in a trust, what to expect when recasting a mortgage, and how to stand out when buying in a competitive housing market like New York City. 

Use NerdWallet’s free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments and annual amortization: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-calculator 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how women can build financial independence, motherhood penalty and finances, side hustles for single moms, investing as a single mom, financial independence for women, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, gender pay gap and retirement, credit card rules for stay-at-home spouses, home buying in a tight market, mortgage recasting explained, pros and cons of putting a house in a trust, trusts vs LLC for rental property, buying a home in New York City, how to buy in a competitive housing market, how much to save before buying a house, how to improve home buying offer, home inspection tips for buyers, why rent is cheaper than buying, how to calculate mortgage payments, NerdWallet mortgage calculator, money dates for couples, budgeting as a single parent, how to avoid the motherhood penalty, flexible home buying offers, asset protection for rental homes, how to build credit as a stay-at-home parent, financial planning for women, and the financial impact of caregiving.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn whether you’re saving enough money in 2025. Then, learn where to keep conservatorship funds to safely earn interest.

What is the average American saving in 2025? Where can you keep conservatorship funds to earn interest? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola tackle a listener’s question about how to grow savings when managing a conservatorship account. But first, Elizabeth welcomes Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet senior writer, and Erin El Issa, NerdWallet data writer, to discuss new findings from NerdWallet’s midyear savings report. They cover how much Americans are saving in 2025, what they’re saving for, and the biggest barriers, even for high earners. Erin shares strategies for getting back on track with your savings goals, including how to start small, automate contributions, and make use of tools like “sinking funds.”

Then, host Sean Pyles joins Elizabeth to answer a listener's question about how to grow savings when you're managing a conservatorship account. They welcome NerdWallet banking writer Margarette Burnette, who explains the special requirements of conservatorship accounts, why most online banks won’t support them, and how to shop for the best fit. They discuss how credit unions may offer the right balance of customer service and flexibility, what features to compare when choosing an account, and why convenience and compliance often outweigh high interest rates in these cases.

NerdWallet’s roundup of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/high-yield-online-savings-accounts 

See NerdWallet’s lists of the best banks and credit unions that can help you manage and grow your funds more optimally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/banking/best-banks-and-credit-unions 

How to decide between a credit union and a bank: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/credit-unions-vs-banks 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money, emergency funds, 2025 savings trends, high-yield savings accounts, conservator savings account, conservatorship account, savings goals, savings by income level, how much to save per month, automating savings, sinking fund, saving for travel, saving for emergencies, online savings account, savings barriers, low interest savings, saving with a high income, credit union vs bank, managing someone else's money, saving for medical expenses, pet emergency savings, budgeting for short-term goals, CDs vs savings accounts, 529 plans, UTMA account, retirement account options, IRA vs 401k, APY drops explained, saving for gifts, saving for kids expenses, certificate of deposit, NerdWallet savings survey, savings tips 2025, and setting savings goals.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to build a smarter debt payoff plan without sacrificing long-term financial goals.

What’s the smartest way to make progress on credit card debt when budgeting alone isn’t cutting it? When can debt consolidation tools actually make your situation worse? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for getting out of debt without sacrificing long-term financial stability. But first, they begin with a round of Smart Money, Dumb Money, Fun Money, where they talk about some of the smartest, dumbest and “funnest” things they’ve seen in the world of money lately, from maximizing credit card rewards to avoiding loyalty traps with insurance providers to choosing which splurges are actually worth it.

Then, they’re joined by Daniel Messeca, Certified Financial Planner and co-host of the Check Your Balances podcast, to help listener Safia weigh whether tapping their 403(b) to pay off $36,000 in credit card debt is a smart move. Together, they explore how to evaluate the long-term tradeoffs of using retirement funds, how to spot and plug budget leaks, and how nonprofit credit counseling, 403(b) loans, and even bankruptcy might fit into a comprehensive debt payoff plan.

Inspired to navigate your finances with an advisor? Use NerdWallet Advisors Match to find vetted professionals today at https://www.nerdwalletadvisors.com/match 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Family Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-blue-cash-preferred 

Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-executive 

Track your net worth, stay up-to-date on consumer news, and learn smart money moves on the NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app 

Compare auto insurance rates in 2 minutes: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/insurance/auto-insurance/compare-quotes-control-29 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: using 403b to pay off credit cards, credit card debt payoff strategies, credit card consolidation options, nonprofit credit counseling, 403b loan vs withdrawal, how to budget paycheck to paycheck, emergency fund savings tips, high-interest credit card strategies, 0 APR balance transfer, eSIM international travel, rental car insurance credit card, car insurance loyalty penalty, budgeting apps for debt payoff, student loan repayment tips, public service loan forgiveness program, SAVE plan student loans, income-driven repayment plans, how to reduce entertainment spending, reducing eating out budget, how to start a side hustle, budgeting for low income, when to pause retirement contributions, how to qualify for PSLF, tips for high annual fee credit cards, choosing the right rewards card, using hobbies for self-care, fun money budgeting tips, best credit cards for groceries, and car insurance shopping tips. 

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to use AI to boost your career and finances — plus, what to do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score.

How can you use AI to stay competitive in your career and manage your money better? What should you do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s reshaping both the workplace and personal finance tools. Senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins the show to share her conversation with Maria Curi, technology policy reporter for Axios, which explores how generative AI is reshaping white-collar jobs, the skills you’ll need to stay competitive, and why you should be cautious about sharing personal financial data with AI tools. They cover how to use thoughtful AI prompting for budgeting, researching financial topics, and automating everyday tasks.

Then, personal finance Nerd Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a listener’s question about how to recover from a steep credit score drop after working with a debt consolidation company. They dive into the differences between debt settlement and credit counseling, walk through ways to rebuild your credit score, and share strategies to avoid falling back into debt. They also explain how to check your credit reports for red flags, make the most of credit utilization thresholds, and evaluate whether to stick with or switch from a debt relief company.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to rebuild credit after debt consolidation, AI and personal finance, using AI for budgeting, credit score dropped after debt consolidation, debt settlement vs debt consolidation, credit counseling vs debt consolidation, how to use AI in your job, credit utilization and credit score, generative AI tools for finance, credit monitoring tips, how to check your credit reports, how to avoid debt settlement scams, credit score recovery strategies, prompt engineering for AI tools, AI hallucinations explained, privacy risks of AI financial tools, best ways to use ChatGPT for money help, AI in white collar jobs, AI in blue collar work, how AI is changing the workplace, National Foundation for Credit Counseling, credit mix and credit score, 0% interest balance transfer cards, how to get out of debt without ruining credit, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau debt settlement warnings, risks of debt consolidation companies, and how to diversify your credit.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to negotiate higher pay and choose between Roth vs. traditional retirement accounts with confidence.

How can you negotiate for a raise in an uncertain economy? Should you invest in a Roth or traditional retirement account? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss career strategies and retirement planning to help you maximize your earning potential and long-term savings. Joined by Mandi Woodruff-Santos, career coach and host of the Brown Ambition podcast, they begin with a discussion of salary negotiations, with tips and tricks on understanding your market value, making a strong case to your manager, and building a powerful professional network.

Then, Sean and Elizabeth discuss how to balance contributions between Roth and traditional retirement accounts in a Q&A with listener Mitch. They cover how your tax bracket impacts retirement planning, the pros and cons of Roth 403(b)s vs. IRAs, and why tax diversification can give you more flexibility in retirement. They also explore the strategies behind reaching Mitch’s financial goals, like early retirement and family financial protection.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to negotiate salary, Roth vs traditional 403b, Roth 403b vs Roth IRA, retirement savings strategy, salary negotiation tips, career change strategy, how to ask for a raise, Roth IRA contribution limits, high income retirement planning, 403b Roth vs traditional Roth, tax diversification retirement, FIRE movement tips, early retirement accounts, high income Roth IRA eligibility, job market 2025, negotiating compensation without a job offer, professional networking tips, LinkedIn career growth, career storytelling, raise during midyear review, 401k vs Roth IRA, no 401k match strategy, high income investing, saving for retirement as a nurse, dual income retirement planning, maximizing 403b contributions, 529 plan strategy, how to build an emergency fund, term life insurance for parents, trust setup for families, how to grow your salary over time, and career moves for higher pay.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to keep calm and carry on with smart money moves and car buying plans amid tariffs, market swings, and rising prices.

Should you buy a car now or wait — even if prices are expected to rise? How can you navigate the financial noise of today’s economy without losing your cool? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss coping with economic uncertainty and the impact of tariffs on consumer behavior. Joined by NerdWallet data journalist and senior economist Elizabeth Renter, they explore how ongoing policy whiplash — from tariffs to spending bills — is fueling market volatility, price instability, and stress for financially savvy households. They share strategies for cutting through the noise, including setting boundaries on news consumption, sticking to the fundamentals of budgeting, and staying focused on what you can control.

Then, Shannon Bradley, a NerdWallet authority on auto loans and car buying, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss whether now is a smart time to buy a car. They explore how rising tariffs, depleted inventory, and market unpredictability are reshaping the auto market. They also discuss when buying makes sense, how to tell if your current car is worth holding onto, and tools to assess financing tradeoffs. Plus: used car loan interest rates, prioritizing transportation in your budget, signs it's time to replace your car, and how to budget for future vehicle purchases.

Use NerdWallet’s free auto loan calculator to estimate a monthly car payment and total loan cost: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/auto-loan-calculator 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how tariffs affect car prices, economic uncertainty 2025, car prices and inflation, used car financing tips, emergency fund during inflation, average car payment 2025, best time to buy a car, auto loan calculator, how to deal with market volatility, economic stress coping strategies, when to replace your car, saving for a car down payment, impact of tariffs on economy, trade policy and car prices, high yield savings for emergencies, used car interest rates 2025, how to manage financial anxiety, budgeting during inflation, how to stay calm during economic turmoil, effects of tariffs on global trade, how to get a good deal on a car, Kelley Blue Book car value, how to plan for a recession, used car inventory shortage, when to shop for cars, employee pricing car deals, how to choose a car loan, and NerdWallet car buying tips.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Reset your vacation budget and learn about the real work it takes to manage a rental property as a new or aspiring landlord.

How can you get back on budget after overspending on vacation? What should you know before turning a home into a rental property? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss navigating the financial aftermath of travel and break down the real-world expectations of becoming a landlord. Joined by Lisa Green, NerdWallet writer and experienced rental property owner, they discuss the practicalities of managing a rental and share firsthand budgeting wins and miscalculations from recent international trips.

They begin with a discussion of post-vacation budget resets, with tips and tricks on embracing no-spend months, identifying emotional spending triggers, and realigning with financial goals. Then, Lisa Green joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss rental property ownership. They talk about what it takes to manage a property, the role of property managers vs. DIY, and how taxes, legal structures, and financing strategies work when building a long-term rental portfolio.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to manage a rental property, post-vacation budgeting, rental property taxes, passive income rental property, cost of property management, rental property depreciation, rental property LLC pros and cons, travel spending budget tips, managing a rental from afar, all-inclusive vacation budgeting, is passive income really passive, how to budget for vacation, how to rent out your house, first-time landlord advice, LLC vs trust for rental property, owner-occupied rental property, how to start a rental property business, multifamily property investment, rental property tax benefits, short-term loan for real estate, rental property umbrella insurance, refinancing a rental property, how to avoid selling your house, budgeting after vacation, rental property record keeping, rental property write-offs, and how to buy your second property.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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