NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Saving for retirement can be a challenge for anyone — even our Nerds. 

To kick off a new series called “How the Nerds Do It,” Sean talks with investing Nerd Alana Benson about how she maxed out her retirement account. Alana explains what finally made her able to invest and her unique strategy for funding her Roth IRA. She also gives tips to make the most of your retirement savings. 

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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The Fed has been in the news a lot lately, raising interest rates and causing recession fears. But what, exactly, do the interest rate hikes mean for various parts of your finances, like your savings and credit cards? We give you the rundown to start off this episode.

Then we answer a listener’s money question about how to choose a new bank — including how to find one that fits your family’s needs. 

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

Timestamps:

This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 10:02 

Money Question segment: 10:03 - 26:33 

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Sometimes checking things off your financial to-do list can be a real slog. If you find yourself procrastinating, know that you have plenty of company. 

To start off this episode, Sean and Liz talk about how to overcome money procrastination. Then they answer a few recent listener questions about student debt cancellation. And in this episode’s money question segment, they talk about when to unfreeze your credit. 

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

Timestamps:

This Week in Your Money segment: 0:00 - 10:41 

Money Question segment: 10:42 - 29:56

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

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As we head into fall, is your money where you want it to be? To start off this episode, Sean and Liz give you a few easy money tasks so you can end the year right.

Then they answer a listener’s money question about how to save enough money to retire — including when to start spending what you’ve saved up.

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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The smart way to lose your money gambling, whether now is a good time to invest and how to manage a big financial gift. In the first-ever live episode of the podcast — recorded at a NerdWallet conference in Las Vegas this summer — Sean and Sara cover these topics and more.

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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The dust is settling after President Biden announced his student debt cancellation and repayment plan. But there are still a number of unknowns. This episode, Sean, Liz and Sara talk about the latest debt cancellation news, including new scams that are popping up. 

Then they answer a listener’s question about the best way to set up their finances for long-term success. At the end of the episode, they give their tips for the best investments you can make in yourself. 

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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Maxing out a 401(k) is a great step toward saving for retirement, but have you ever thought about front-loading your plan? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston talk with investing Nerd Alana Benson about the pros, cons and potential pitfalls of front-loading your employer-sponsored retirement plan. 

Sean and Liz also talk about how to protect your privacy from companies that want to (literally) track your every move. 

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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Medical debt can be confusing and, for some, financially debilitating. In this episode of the Nerdy Book Club series, NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer talks with author Emily Maloney about her personal experience with the health care system — both as an ER worker and a patient. Maloney also sheds light on how quickly medical costs can spiral out of control. 

In her book of essays, “Cost of Living,” Emily Maloney shares how, after accumulating thousands of dollars of debt, she eventually gets free of it and suggests ways that those currently weighed down by medical debt can do the same. She also offers insight into the debt collection process in light of recent changes.

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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Disney theme parks are some of the most magical places on Earth. But vacation-wise, they can also be some of the most expensive. From tickets to lodging and food, you can easily spend thousands of dollars on a Disney trip. 

This episode, Sean and Liz talk with NerdWallet travel writer Sally French about how she booked her dream Disney vacation for cheap — and how you can, too.

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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Building wealth over your life takes planning — and know-how. This episode, Sean and Liz talk with Angel Grace, a DIY YouTuber who wants to set her family up for success over the long term by investing and saving for her son’s college education.

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