NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

NerdWallet’s objective finance journalists answer real-world questions empowering you to make smarter decisions with your money and help your finances thrive.


The Nerds are your resource to make the most of your personal finances, while cutting through the clutter and misinformation of today’s economic news and advice. You’ll get clarity on strategies to help you build your wealth, invest wisely, shop for financial products, and plan for major life events.


By the end of each episode, you’ll feel smarter and more informed to make the most of your finances. Future You will thank you.


Join hosts Sean Pyles, Sara Rathner, and other expert Nerds as they discuss everything personal finance, including:


- Credit cards: credit card rewards, different types of credit cards, credit card annual fees


- Investing and retirement: investment strategies, retirement planning, financial independence, investing in the stock market, money market accounts, financial strategies, mutual funds, short-term bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Roth IRA investing, robo-advisors, retirement savings


- Personal finance: budgeting methods, emergency funds, paying off debt, frugal living, money management tips, wealth accumulation, money habits, cultivating a money growth mindset, debt-free living, financial resources, budgeting apps and browser extensions, avoiding scams, tax bills, financial success and financial stability


- Banking: high-yield saving accounts, online banking, credit unions


- Loans: student loans, home equity loans, HELOC, student loan forgiveness


- Home: mortgage interest rates, homebuying, home improvement projects, homeowners insurance


- Insurance: travel insurance, pet insurance, auto insurance, home insurance


You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth.


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Business
Investing
Education
426
How can my credit score save me money?
Sure, you got a high credit score — but how can you make the most of it? Sean and Dayana talk with NerdWallet all-star Liz Weston to see how you could use your high credit score to save thousands of dollars.
13 min
427
Should I refinance my student loans?
Refinancing student loans might save you money — if you’re a good candidate. But that’s not the only way to help manage your student debt. In this episode Dayana and Sean get to the bottom of when student loan refinancing is a good idea, so you...
13 min
428
My prescription drug costs are wrecking my budg...
Having Type 1 diabetes can be expensive. Just ask Paloma Kemak, aka Glitter Glucose on Instagram, who pays over $1,000 a month for her insulin. Dayana and Sean talk with her about her experience living with diabetes and offer tips to help manage the...
12 min
429
What's the best way to rack up travel rewards q...
You can rack up travel credit card points quickly — if you know the right tips. In this episode, Sean and Dayana give you the inside scoop so you can earn points and miles fast to fund a vacation on credit card rewards.
9 min
430
Am I saving enough for retirement?
Here’s how to know if you’re saving enough for retirement — and what to do if you’re behind, or haven't even gotten started yet. Dayana and Sean explain easy steps to help you set aside a pot of gold to spend in your golden years.
9 min
431
Welcome to NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast!
0 min
432
Travel-Hack the Holidays
Want to make holiday travel a little less hectic? Dayana and Sean get the scoop from NerdWallet’s travel-hacking expert, Joe Cortez, to give you the insider tips to do just that. Learn how to cut lines, make the most of your Priority Pass and more.
12 min
433
Inside student loan scams
Are companies that offer to reduce or eliminate your debt legit? We hear Selina’s story about what happened with her $60,000 student debt and tell you how to get real help.
15 min
434
What's a side hustle and should I start one?
There are a lot of side gigs out there. (Nerds took some for a test drive!) Here’s how to tell which ones are worth it and which are scams.
12 min
435
I want to invest. How should I start?
We dive into the basics — getting financially ready, finding a good first investment, how to wade in safely and get over the fear of losing money.
13 min
436
How to get out of debt: Interview with The Debt...
The Debt Free Guys, John Schneider and David Auten, reveal how they paid off over $50,000 in credit card debt, and the need for personal finance education in the LGBTQ community.
18 min
437
Is a travel credit card right for me?
From application, to acceptance, to acquiring and using points, NerdWallet card sharks share tips on finding the right rewards program.
15 min
438
How do I prioritize my budget?
Wants versus needs. Spending versus saving. You can have it all (even the fun stuff) by following a simple budget to direct your dollars wisely.
15 min