NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how the gig economy impacts workers' finances and get tips for managing taxes, savings, and benefits.

How does the gig economy affect people financially? How can gig workers save for taxes and retirement without employer benefits? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Sara Rathner are joined by Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet’s senior news editor, to explore what defines a gig worker, how many Americans are involved in gig work, and what this means for benefits like healthcare and retirement. They discuss the complexities of gig work, its rise during the pandemic, and what gig workers can do to manage their finances and save for the future. Plus: Tess and Sara cover some of the week’s top financial headlines, including the latest job market report, tax filing extensions for Hurricane Helene victims, and rising interest rates on credit card debt. 

Learn about the best no balance transfer fee credit cards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gig economy, gig workers, freelance jobs, side hustles, independent contractors, gig work benefits, gig worker taxes, freelancer taxes, how to save as a freelancer, managing freelance income, self-employment tips, self-employment tax, gig economy trends, freelance health insurance, gig work flexibility, saving for retirement as a freelancer, freelancer budgeting, part-time jobs, gig economy apps, freelance income tips, budgeting for gig workers, self-employed retirement plans, healthcare for gig workers, gig economy statistics, gig economy news, freelance careers, gig worker rights, independent worker benefits, alternative work arrangements, and freelance tax tips.

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 what it truly means to work with a certified financial planner (CFP) and how personalized advice can help you set and achieve your financial goals.

NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024.

What should you know before working with a certified financial planner? What strategies can help you navigate societal pressures and make personal financial choices? Host Sean Pyles talks to Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, to discuss the power of personalized financial advice and behavioral budgeting to help you understand how to align your financial goals with your personal values. They begin with a discussion of the role of certified financial planners, including the fiduciary responsibility of CFPs, the specialized knowledge they bring to areas like estate planning, and common strategies for cutting through societal noise to focus on personal priorities. They also discuss the innovative concept of behavioral budgeting, which involves creating sustainable financial habits, like limiting dining out.

NerdWallet Advisory LLC, dba NerdWallet Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, certified financial planner, personalized financial advice, financial goals, estate planning, financial anxiety, behavioral budgeting, fiduciary responsibility, financial choices, societal pressures, financial journey, managing finances, financial management, money questions, financial behavior, financial habits, spending habits, retirement savings, debt management, investment vehicles, financial coaching, personal values, and sustainable changes..

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 what powers the president does and does not have to influence the economy and your wallet.

Does the president really have power over the economy? How do presidential promises impact your wallet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the grand economic promises made by presidential candidates and the intricate realities of presidential influence on the economy to help you understand the real effects on your daily finances. They begin with a discussion of the policy proposals from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with tips and tricks on understanding the scope of presidential influence on taxes, inflation and economic growth. Then, Anna talks to NerdWallet Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter about the complexities of the business cycle and the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. They discuss the limited presidential power over economic cycles, the structure and independence of the Federal Reserve, and the direct effects of presidential actions like student loan relief on individual finances.

Listen to Smart Money’s coverage of the “No Tax on Tips” policy:  

Stay up to date on the latest financial news by visiting NerdWallet’s Financial News Hub:

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: presidential promises, economic policies, financial impact, presidential influence, economic realities, Federal Reserve, Donald Trump economic policies, Kamala Harris economic policies, taxes, deregulation, economic growth, cost reduction, small business support, down payment assistance, business cycle, Federal Reserve structure, Fed independence, Fed governors, monetary policy, student loan relief, macroeconomy, personal finances, campaign promises, tax policies, inflation control, healthcare impact, banking regulations, economic cycles, consumer sentiment, government spending, fiscal policy, executive orders, economic output, GDP growth, unemployment rates, economic downturns, financial stability, economic sentiment, policy and finance, and election impact.

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 to spot risky social media money “hacks” and discover safe, effective financial strategies to follow instead.

Are social media money hacks reliable? Are financial influencers trustworthy? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski dive into the world of viral social media money hacks. They break down a recent TikTok trend that encouraged risky and illegal financial behavior, leading to disastrous consequences for some users. They highlight the dangers of following influencer advice blindly and explore how certain tried-and-true financial methods have been rebranded as trendy “hacks,” offering practical tips for distinguishing between solid financial advice and internet gimmicks.

Then, Sean and Anna break down the latest money headlines, including inflation rates showing signs of cooling, a major lawsuit filed against Visa by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations, and the FTC’s settlement with Invitation Homes over unfair rental practices.

Read NerdWallet’s article on how to compare two options to consolidate debt: a balance transfer credit card and a personal loan. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/debt-consolidation-credit-card-balance-transfer 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: money hacks, social media money hacks, viral TikTok trends, personal finance tips, budgeting methods, check fraud, cash stuffing, debt snowball method, no-spend challenges, low-spend challenges, TikTok financial advice, saving strategies, budgeting trends, money saving tips, debt repayment methods, financial literacy, viral money tips, financial trends, money management, financial influencers, saving vs spending, check kiting scam, debt avalanche method, CD ladder strategy, budgeting tips, thrift store flipping, grocery hauls, social media finance, budgeting apps, financial scams, viral finance tips, credit card rewards, personal finance trends, debt consolidation, debt repayment tips, saving challenges, smart spending, and envelope system budgeting.

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

Booking travel using points and miles can be complicated — but you don't have to do it alone. In this special presentation of the podcast Unpacked by AFAR, host Aislyn Greene discusses a service that does all the hard work of booking using points and miles for you, so you can focus focus on your best travel life.

Listen to Unpacked by AFAR wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at https://link.chtbl.com/MrR4D8h9

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to optimize debit and credit cards abroad, avoid fees, and maximize rewards for stress-free international travel.

What are the best ways to use debit and credit cards while traveling internationally? What are best practices for avoiding fees and maximizing card benefits abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss strategic card usage and essential financial tips for international travel to help you understand how to enjoy a seamless and cost-effective travel experience. They begin with a discussion of the importance of preparing for holiday travel, with tips and tricks on carrying multiple credit cards for redundancy, avoiding pitfalls of cash advances, and the benefits of traveling during off-peak times.

Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss practical tips for managing credit cards and currency while traveling internationally. They discuss the advantages of using cards for their rewards and protections, the necessity of charging in local currency to avoid conversion fees, and obtaining local currency before departure to minimize ATM and currency exchange fees. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to help your international travels stay financially savvy and stress-free.

Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: international travel tips, using credit cards abroad, debit card tips for travel, avoiding ATM fees abroad, holiday travel finances, travel expert tips, maximizing card rewards, charging in local currency, obtaining local currency, avoiding cash advances, minimizing travel costs, financial savvy travel, travel currency tips, holiday travel tips, travel spending strategies, travel card usage, credit card protections, travel rewards cards, international spending tips, foreign transaction fees, ATM fees abroad, travel planning, stress-free travel, travel stories, travel anecdotes, off-peak travel benefits, travel points, local currency tips, avoiding travel pitfalls, credit card tips, international travel guide, travel with multiple cards, safe travel tips, RFID protection, trip delay insurance, and lost luggage protection.

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 reassess Medicare coverage during open enrollment and get the latest on interest rates, home sales, and stock prices.

How can you know if you have the right amount of Medicare coverage? How can you change your Medicare coverage? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski dive into the latest findings on Medicare coverage from a new NerdWallet survey conducted by the Harris Poll. Personal Finance Nerd Elizabeth Ayoola joins to discuss what Medicare enrollees can do if they’re unsure whether they’ve chosen the right plan. The Nerds explain what Medicare users can do to reassess their coverage during open enrollment, which starts October 15, and how to navigate special enrollment periods when life changes occur.

In addition to the Medicare survey, Sean and Anna cover key financial headlines from the week, including the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates, the latest trends in home sales trends, and what the new SEC rules that will allow stock prices to be quoted in half-cent increments mean for the average trader.

NerdWallet's free retirement calculator will tell you where you are now and how much you need to save to reach your retirement savings goal: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Medicare open enrollment, interest rate cut, home sales trends, Medicare coverage, stock market changes, housing market news, real estate trends, special enrollment period, stock market updates, interest rate impact, mortgage rates, retirement planning, healthcare costs, financial headlines, Fed interest rate decision, real estate market, Medicare options, retirement savings, Medicare advantage, stock market tips, financial news, and retirement 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

Join a financial planning session with a listener who receives guidance on achieving multiple goals, including debt payoff and maximizing savings.

NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024.

How can you balance multiple financial goals like debt repayment, retirement savings, and major purchases? How can you manage finances in an expensive city while supporting dependents? Recording in-person from a studio in Los Angeles, host Sean Pyles sits down with Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, to host an actual financial planning session with a listener. Jessica, a 48 year old living in Los Angeles, receives personalized financial advice around navigating competing financial goals, receiving tips and tricks on prioritizing high-interest debt, breaking down financial goals into manageable steps, and maintaining focus on financial stability. Magda and Sean also discuss maximizing high-yield savings accounts, meticulous expense tracking, leveraging additional income streams like side gigs, and other tactics for achieving financial goals.

NerdWallet Advisory LLC, dba NerdWallet Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial goals, debt repayment, retirement savings, financial planning, high-yield savings accounts, budget management, expense tracking, side gigs, financial stability, emergency funds, credit score improvement, financial empowerment, high-interest debt, income and expenses, financial strategies, practical tips, debt management, retirement planning, financial hardships, credit card debt, savings strategies, financial well-being, personal finance, household budgeting, income streams, sustainable financial plan, debt collection, financial recovery, cost of living, Los Angeles finances, money management, financial control, budgeting tips, expense reduction, financial challenges, supporting dependents, and managing 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

Get expert tips on how to pack for travel efficiently and effectively, including clever ways to save on baggage fees.

How can you keep luggage costs down during holiday travel? What are the best strategies for managing carry-on luggage, especially for international trips? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss efficient luggage management to help you understand how to save money on baggage fees. They begin with a discussion of minimizing luggage costs, with tips and tricks on rolling clothes, borrowing essentials from family members, and sticking to a carry-on bag. Then, travel writer Jessie Beck joins Meghan to discuss effective packing techniques, including the benefits of using smaller bags to prevent overpacking, creating a versatile travel capsule wardrobe, and dealing with potential issues like gate-checked bags and delayed luggage. They also cover the importance of miniaturizing items such as wallets, using airline apps and AirTags to track luggage, and understanding airline compensation policies for delayed bags. 

Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel tips, holiday travel, packing light, carry-on luggage, minimalist packing, efficient packing, luggage costs, baggage claim, travel capsule wardrobe, international travel, gate-checked bags, airline apps, AirTags, delayed luggage compensation, travel credit cards, lost luggage, winter travel packing, sports trip packing, travel sized items, packing strategies, holiday season travel, airline policies, carry-on only travel, luggage fees, and luggage tracking.

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 Fed’s interest rate cuts may affect your loans, savings, and investments, as well as what to do about refinancing.

How could interest rate cuts affect credit card debt? Will it be easier or cheaper to get a mortgage or auto loan with interest rates going down? Is now a good time to refinance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down how the Federal Reserve’s expected interest rate cuts could impact your finances. They discuss the potential impact on credit cards, mortgages, and savings accounts, as well as how these changes might influence borrowing and investing decisions. Then, Sean and Anna cover some of the top money headlines from the past week, including the latest inflation figures, household income trends, and new developments in student loan servicing following the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s lawsuit against Navient, formerly known as Sallie Mae. 

Refinancing your student loans can save you thousands or lower your monthly payment. NerdWallet has a tool to help: https://www.nerdwallet.com/refinancing-student-loans 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: interest rate cuts, Federal Reserve, mortgage rates, credit card debt, loan refinancing, auto loans, savings accounts, inflation trends, household income, student loans, personal loans, CD rates, adjustable-rate mortgages, refinancing, high-yield savings, financial planning, debt consolidation, interest rate changes, fed rate cut, mortgage refinancing, investment strategies, federal student loans, FAFSA, CFPB, inflation report, personal finance tips, money headlines, inflation rate, mortgage interest rates, loan interest rates, private student loans, car loan refinancing, variable interest rates, economic data, financial markets, personal debt, interest rate savings, cost of borrowing, and loan interest.

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