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].

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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].

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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].

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Show Note Links:

What Is the ‘Chase Trifecta’?

How to Maximize Rewards With the AmEx Trifecta

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].

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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].

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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].

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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].

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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].

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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].

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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].

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