NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how values-based spending can help you curb impulse buys, avoid financial blindspots, and rethink your money habits

How can you stop impulse spending? How do you know if you’re making good financial choices? This episode explores mindful spending and financial habits that may be holding you back. Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer kicks off the episode with a discussion on spending habits with guests Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of the new book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. They explore the pitfalls of extreme budgeting, how values-based spending leads to financial confidence, the importance of aligning spending with what truly matters, strategies to curb impulse purchases, and how to reframe financial mistakes without shame.

Then, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss financial blindspots with Jeremy, a listener who works as a talent agent in New York City. They dive into how to evaluate whether you're on track with savings, when to prioritize your time over income, and how to address financial gaps you might not be aware of. Jeremy shares his detailed approach to budgeting and saving while expressing uncertainty about whether he's missing something in his financial plan. They explore retirement savings options beyond a 401(k), the importance of disability insurance, estate planning considerations, and how to balance long-term financial security with enjoying money in the present.

Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s 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 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: impulse spending, financial blindspots, mindful spending, values-based spending, budgeting tips, budgeting strategies, spending guilt, financial regrets, smart money habits, how to stop emotional spending, personal finance mistakes, how to balance saving and spending, financial security, how to make a financial plan, retirement savings, estate planning, disability insurance, high-yield savings, robo-advisor investing, early retirement planning, how to save for retirement, and brokerage account alternatives.

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 what a CFBP shutdown could mean for consumers, plus how to financially manage a cross-country move — including whether to rent or sell your home.

What happens if the CFPB is shut down? Should you sell or rent out your home when moving to a new city? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the financial decisions involved in relocating, including managing moving expenses and deciding whether to keep or sell a home. But first, NerdWallet Senior News Writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss the potential shutdown of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and its impact on consumer rights. Anna interviews Chuck Bell, the program director for advocacy at Consumer Reports, about the CFPB’s role in protecting consumers and what its potential closure could mean for financial regulations and consumer rights.

Then, NerdWallet writer Lisa Green joins Sean and Elizabeth to talk to David, a listener with questions around the financial and logistical challenges of a cross-country move. They discuss key considerations for renting versus selling a home, the financial implications of becoming a long-distance landlord, and strategies for covering a down payment on a new home. The Nerds also share insights on budgeting for moving costs, including how to decide between hiring professional movers, using a service like PODS, or selling furniture before relocating.

Learn about down payments and calculate how much to put down on a house: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/down-payment-calculator

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: cross-country move, sell or rent your home, moving costs, budget for moving, moving expenses, renting out your home, financial planning for moving, real estate investments, property management, home equity loans, HELOC, down payment options, mortgage planning, financial decisions, house rental income, home selling process, cost of moving, moving truck vs movers, PODS vs U-Haul, rental property management, tax implications of renting, home value appreciation, moving to a new state, moving savings tips, renting vs owning, budgeting for relocation, moving with kids, tax write-offs for landlords, credit score for mortgage, home selling costs, home loan options, financial impact of moving, travel expenses, best way to move furniture, and moving insurance.

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 debt affects dating, plus expert advice on retirement planning for business owners navigating succession and savings.

When does debt become a red flag in the dating world? How can business owners best plan for retirement? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss a new NerdWallet survey revealing how financial responsibility impacts romantic relationships, and they explore how different types of debt — like student loans versus credit card debt—affect dating prospects. Plus, they discuss why financial transparency matters, and they give you some steps to take if you want to become more financially appealing to a potential partner.

Then, Sean and co-host Sara Rathner talk with an organic produce farmer, Tenzin, about how to plan for retirement, particularly as a business owner. They cover key retirement planning benchmarks, when to shift from reinvesting in a business to personal savings, and succession strategies for business owners looking to transition out of an active role. 

Read about the findings of NerdWallet’s new survey on debt in dating: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/data-undateable-debt 

Mentions:

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how much debt is too much, financial red flags, debt and relationships, money and dating, financial green flags, how to talk about money in relationships, paying off debt before marriage, retirement planning for small business owners, small business succession planning, selling a family business, how to retire as a business owner, when to stop reinvesting in your business, how to transition a business to employees, retirement savings benchmarks, financial planning for entrepreneurs, choosing a financial planner, business transition strategies, how to retire without selling your business, business exit strategies, small business succession options, employee ownership models, planning for retirement as a farmer, financial planning for farmers, debt and dating statistics, and money habits in relationships.

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 the latest on tariffs, federal spending and the CFPB shake-up — plus answers to your travel credit card and Roth IRA questions.

What tariffs has President Trump implemented? What’s the best travel credit card for earning rewards and perks? How do you open a Roth IRA and choose investments? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the latest financial news, including new tariffs, federal spending changes, and what’s happening with the CFPB under the Trump administration. Senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins them to discuss of how tariffs may raise prices for consumers, how government funding uncertainties could affect personal finances, and what to know about potential changes to financial protections. Then, host Sara Rathner joins Sean to answer a “lightning round” of listener questions, including questions about travel credit cards and Roth IRAs. They cover top travel credit cards and their perks, how to decide if a travel rewards card is right for you, and what to consider when opening a Roth IRA.

NerdWallet’s roundup of the best brokers for beginner investors: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/online-brokers-for-beginners 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: best travel credit cards, how to open a Roth IRA, travel rewards cards, Roth IRA step-by-step, tariffs impact on prices, federal spending freeze, CFPB changes, financial protections, Chase Sapphire Reserve review, American Express Gold Card benefits, best credit card for travel perks, how to choose a credit card, travel credit card comparison, investment accounts for kids, best brokerage accounts, best 529 college savings plan, credit freeze explained, credit card points vs. cash back, pros and cons of travel credit cards, Roth IRA tax benefits, how to pick a Roth IRA provider, best robo-advisors for retirement, what is a custodial account, UTMA vs. 529 plan, how to invest for grandkids, personal finance news, money tips, financial literacy, best tax-advantaged accounts, step-by-step Roth IRA guide, best credit card welcome bonuses, tax implications of travel rewards, how tariffs affect your wallet, how to budget for travel, how to avoid credit card debt, and how to maximize credit card rewards.

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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Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debuting Wednesday, February 12.

NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. 

But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel

details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep

with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation.

So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you've only dreamed about.

Follow Smart Travel on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-travel-upgrade-your-getaways/id1794403843

Follow Smart Travel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3O8C6tHZGMzEMrlW2Lavw0?si=V3zpJB3VRhSG4W78GU_KsQ

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Break free from debt cycles and rethink your spending habits with tips on no-buy challenges and financial therapy.

How can you stop falling into a cycle of paying off debt, only to rack it back up again? What is a no-buy year, and how can it help you control your spending? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for breaking unhealthy spending patterns and staying out of debt for good. They begin with a conversation about the benefits of a no-buy year with NerdWallet personal finance writer Amanda Barroso, who shares tips on setting clear spending rules, resisting impulse purchases, and tracking progress to reinforce financial discipline.

Then, Sean welcomes co-host Sara Rathner and personal finance Nerd Melissa Lambarena to dive into a listener’s struggle with recurring credit card debt. They discuss the psychological factors behind compulsive spending, the benefits of financial therapy, and practical steps to curb overspending, including strategies for budgeting, limiting credit card use, and practicing delayed gratification.

Read NerdWallet’s write-up of the best no balance transfer fee credit cards to help you compare your options for ways to climb out of debt: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card debt, how to stop overspending, no-buy year, budgeting tips, financial therapy, money habits, debt cycle, breaking bad money habits, impulse spending, debt-free living, financial discipline, how to stop using credit cards, saving money strategies, debt management, mindful spending, financial goals, spending freeze, personal finance tips, credit card traps, emotional spending, how to budget, debt repayment, how to stay out of debt, no-spend challenge, frugal living, debt-free journey, saving money on shopping, financial accountability, budget planner, financial self-control, spending detox, credit card debt help, how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, best budgeting methods, overcoming debt, financial self-awareness, debt-free motivation, and how to track spending habits.

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 decide if it’s time to change jobs or careers and understand how to strategize before you make a big career move.

How do you know if it’s time to leave your job? What steps should you take before making a big career move? Host Sean Pyles talks to author and SiriusXM host Dawn Graham about how to evaluate your current job satisfaction and recognize the signs that it might be time for a change. They begin with a discussion of identifying personal values, assessing career alignment, and tips for navigating conversations with managers. They also delve into strategies for approaching major career shifts, from exploring new fields to building the skills and network necessary to succeed. They discuss actionable strategies for testing a new career path, overcoming the challenges of starting over, and networking effectively to stand out.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: career changes, how to change jobs, signs to leave a job, switching careers, professional growth, career move tips, leaving a job, job dissatisfaction, career pivot, networking strategies, job search tips, workplace burnout, how to talk to a manager about leaving, new career path, finding a new job, changing careers in 2025, job skills development, career alignment, values and career decisions, professional energy, job growth, building career confidence, quitting a job, making a career switch, career planning, job search strategies, LinkedIn networking, and how to stay motivated at work.

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 rising climate risks impact home insurance costs and compare high-yield savings against money market accounts.

How can you protect your home and finances as climate disasters increase? Should you choose a high-yield savings account or a money market account? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss rising home insurance costs and how to evaluate savings options to make informed financial decisions. First, they welcome home insurance Nerd, Caitlin Constantine, to discuss skyrocketing home insurance premiums in the wake of climate-related disasters, and share tips on shopping for competitive rates, raising deductibles responsibly, and understanding your policy’s exclusions and limitations.

Then, savings expert Margarette Burnette joins Sean and Sara to break down the differences between high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts. She explains key distinctions, compares pros and cons, and shares practical tips on maximizing your savings.

Compare homeowners insurance quotes using NerdWallet’s free tool: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/home-insurance-quotes 

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

NerdWallet's list of the best money market accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/money-market-accounts 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: home insurance costs, rising insurance premiums, climate disasters insurance, lowering home insurance premiums, high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, money market vs high yield, flood insurance, insurance in wildfire zones, climate change impact on insurance, California home insurance, savings account tips, saving for emergencies, insurance deductibles, renters insurance costs, homeowners insurance increases, how to shop for insurance, emergency fund accounts, FDIC insurance, money market mutual funds, savings accounts explained, financial preparedness for disasters, best savings accounts 2024, smart insurance tips, financial impact of climate change, how to reduce insurance costs, flood insurance necessity, investment vs savings, interest rates on savings accounts, climate change financial impact, practical savings advice, emergency savings strategies, comparing savings products, pros and cons of money market accounts, and home insurance in high-risk areas.

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 navigate the 2025 housing market with tips for buyers and sellers facing high rates, prices and tight inventory.

What steps can you take to buy a home in a high-rate market? How can you prepare your home to sell for the best price? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how buyers and sellers can navigate the 2025 housing market despite high rates, tight inventory and rising home prices. NerdWallet mortgage reporter Holden Lewis joins the episode to share tips for buyers, including how to get pre-approved for a mortgage, the importance of budgeting for rising homeowners insurance premiums, and why timing the market is risky. He also shares smart strategies for sellers, including the value of curb appeal, documenting recent repairs, and how professional staging and photography can make a home stand out. Plus: Learn about broader housing trends, like the impact of "rate lock-in" on inventory, the connection between Federal Reserve policies and mortgage rates, and how changes to real estate agent commission rules are affecting buyers. 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: housing market 2025, home buying tips, selling a house, mortgage rates 2025, real estate trends, rate lock-in, pre-approval mortgage, homeowners insurance costs, house affordability, first-time homebuyers, housing inventory shortage, real estate commissions, Fed and mortgage rates, buying a house in high rates, preparing to sell a home, home staging tips, home prices, real estate commission changes, real estate agent fees, home selling strategies, 2025 real estate forecast, Zillow stalking, housing market challenges, tips for house hunters, real estate market tips, and real estate pricing trends.

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 pick the best financial tools for investing, mortgages, and travel rewards to meet your personal goals.

What are the best financial tools for investing, mortgages, and travel rewards in 2025? Should you invest in collectibles like designer handbags? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss top-rated financial tools for achieving your money goals and what to consider when investing in non-traditional assets. They begin with a discussion of NerdWallet’s 2025 Best-Of Awards, in which NerdWallet’s team of experienced finance writers and editors researched more than 1,000 financial products and narrowed them down to just one winner per category to make it easier for you to choose what’s best for you. Investing Nerd Sam Taube and mortgage Nerd Holden Lewis join Sean and Sara to share what they chose as the best product in their areas of expertise and why, offering tips and tricks on finding the right investment platform, understanding mortgage rates, and maximizing travel rewards.

Then, investing Nerd Alana Benson joins Sean and Sara to discuss the pros and cons of investing in collectibles like designer purses, coins, or Magic: The Gathering cards. They explore how collectibles fit into a diversified portfolio, the hidden costs of holding physical assets, and when it makes sense to sell. 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: best financial tools 2025, top travel credit cards, best mortgage lenders, Fidelity investment app, collectibles as investments, investing in designer bags, mortgage rates 2025, credit card rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits, how to choose a mortgage lender, Roth IRA rollover tips, U.S. Bank mortgage review, expense ratio explained, travel credit card insurance, long-term investing strategies, investing in purses, switching brokerage accounts, tax implications for collectibles, building a diversified portfolio, Fidelity ZERO funds, and financial tools for travel.

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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