NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Learn whether you’re saving enough money in 2025. Then, learn where to keep conservatorship funds to safely earn interest. What is the average American saving in 2025? Where can you keep conservatorship funds to earn interest? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola tackle a listener’s question about how to grow savings when managing a conservatorship account. But first, Elizabeth welcomes Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet senior writer, and Erin El Issa, NerdWallet data writer, to discuss new findings from NerdWallet’s midyear savings report. They cover how much Americans are saving in 2025, what they’re saving for, and the biggest barriers, even for high earners. Erin shares strategies for getting back on track with your savings goals, including how to start small, automate contributions, and make use of tools like “sinking funds.” Then, host Sean Pyles joins Elizabeth to answer a listener's question about how to grow savings when you're managing a conservatorship account. They welcome NerdWallet banking writer Margarette Burnette, who explains the special requirements of conservatorship accounts, why most online banks won’t support them, and how to shop for the best fit. They discuss how credit unions may offer the right balance of customer service and flexibility, what features to compare when choosing an account, and why convenience and compliance often outweigh high interest rates in these cases. NerdWallet’s roundup of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  See NerdWallet’s lists of the best banks and credit unions that can help you manage and grow your funds more optimally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/banking/best-banks-and-credit-unions  How to decide between a credit union and a bank: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/credit-unions-vs-banks  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money, emergency funds, 2025 savings trends, high-yield savings accounts, conservator savings account, conservatorship account, savings goals, savings by income level, how much to save per month, automating savings, sinking fund, saving for travel, saving for emergencies, online savings account, savings barriers, low interest savings, saving with a high income, credit union vs bank, managing someone else's money, saving for medical expenses, pet emergency savings, budgeting for short-term goals, CDs vs savings accounts, 529 plans, UTMA account, retirement account options, IRA vs 401k, APY drops explained, saving for gifts, saving for kids expenses, certificate of deposit, NerdWallet savings survey, savings tips 2025, and setting savings goals. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to build a smarter debt payoff plan without sacrificing long-term financial goals. What’s the smartest way to make progress on credit card debt when budgeting alone isn’t cutting it? When can debt consolidation tools actually make your situation worse? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for getting out of debt without sacrificing long-term financial stability. But first, they begin with a round of Smart Money, Dumb Money, Fun Money, where they talk about some of the smartest, dumbest and “funnest” things they’ve seen in the world of money lately, from maximizing credit card rewards to avoiding loyalty traps with insurance providers to choosing which splurges are actually worth it. Then, they’re joined by Daniel Messeca, Certified Financial Planner and co-host of the Check Your Balances podcast, to help listener Safia weigh whether tapping their 403(b) to pay off $36,000 in credit card debt is a smart move. Together, they explore how to evaluate the long-term tradeoffs of using retirement funds, how to spot and plug budget leaks, and how nonprofit credit counseling, 403(b) loans, and even bankruptcy might fit into a comprehensive debt payoff plan. Inspired to navigate your finances with an advisor? Use NerdWallet Advisors Match to find vetted professionals today at https://www.nerdwalletadvisors.com/match  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: American Express Blue Cash Preferred Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Family Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-blue-cash-preferred  Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-executive  Track your net worth, stay up-to-date on consumer news, and learn smart money moves on the NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app  Compare auto insurance rates in 2 minutes: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/insurance/auto-insurance/compare-quotes-control-29  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: using 403b to pay off credit cards, credit card debt payoff strategies, credit card consolidation options, nonprofit credit counseling, 403b loan vs withdrawal, how to budget paycheck to paycheck, emergency fund savings tips, high-interest credit card strategies, 0 APR balance transfer, eSIM international travel, rental car insurance credit card, car insurance loyalty penalty, budgeting apps for debt payoff, student loan repayment tips, public service loan forgiveness program, SAVE plan student loans, income-driven repayment plans, how to reduce entertainment spending, reducing eating out budget, how to start a side hustle, budgeting for low income, when to pause retirement contributions, how to qualify for PSLF, tips for high annual fee credit cards, choosing the right rewards card, using hobbies for self-care, fun money budgeting tips, best credit cards for groceries, and car insurance shopping tips.  To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is buying “Made in the USA” worth it? Plus, learn where to stash savings for home repairs to maximize your returns. What does it mean when something is “Made in the USA”? Should you use a money market or high-yield savings account for home repairs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to evaluate products labeled “Made in the USA” and how tariffs and global supply chains influence pricing and availability. Joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they begin with a deep dive into how “Made in the USA” labels are regulated, the real-world impact of tariffs on costs, and why U.S. manufacturing isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. Then, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to manage and rebuild savings after major home repairs. They cover the pros and cons of high-yield savings vs. money market accounts, strategies for prioritizing urgent repairs, and smart ways to automate your savings. You’ll also hear how to stay financially flexible, explore low-interest financing options, and use “mental accounting” to juggle multiple savings goals with clarity and confidence. Learn more about money market accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/faq-money-market-account The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place. Download it today to set up your Atomic Treasury account and more: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Made in USA meaning, FTC Made in USA rules, tariffs and prices, US manufacturing trends, buying American products, how to find Made in USA products, import tariffs effects, supply chain and tariffs, high-yield savings account vs money market account, money market vs savings account, best account for home repairs, home repair savings tips, sinking funds savings, budgeting for home repairs, saving after renovation, using 0% APR credit card for home repairs, home improvement budgeting, multiple savings accounts strategy, emergency funds after buying a house, prioritizing home repairs, savings account APY, Atomic Treasury account, saving for home maintenance, home equity for renovations, refinancing home repairs, saving 1 percent of home value, how to choose savings account type, home maintenance budget rule, saving buckets strategy, rebuild emergency fund, automatic savings deposits, smart home budgeting, save for home emergencies, and high-yield savings account pros and cons. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get insider tips for stress-free holiday travel, from booking strategies to maximizing credit card points and more. What’s the best way to avoid stress when traveling during the holidays? Is it better to book with points when you’re traveling for the holidays? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss the challenges of holiday travel and share effective booking strategies to help you understand how to navigate the busiest travel days with ease and efficiency. Travel Nerd Sally French joins them to discuss common holiday travel hurdles, including the benefits of early morning flights, the advantages of extending holiday trips to avoid peak travel days, and strategies for using travel points and rewards effectively during the holidays. They also explore the perks of lounge access, the efficiency of TSA PreCheck, and clever ways to use travel points during peak seasons. 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: holiday travel tips, stress-free holiday travel, best time to book flights, maximize credit card points, TSA PreCheck benefits, lounge access perks, avoid flight cancellations, early morning flights, busiest travel days, holiday staycation, travel strategies, Southwest flight credits, holiday travel chaos, extend holiday trips, travel trends 2024, holiday travel season, travel points usage, travel delays, layover tips, airline reliability, Google Flights alerts, avoiding holiday crowds, booking smarter, record-breaking travel, holiday flight booking, travel tips and tricks, avoiding holiday rush, sentimental holiday travel, Thanksgiving travel tips, Christmas travel tips, booking refundable flights, holiday travel planning, navigating TSA lines, airport lounge benefits, travel rewards strategies, flying on holidays, travel stories, and 2024 holiday travel outlook. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about new real estate commission rules and how they impact home buyers, sellers, and the future of agent fees. How will real estate commissions work following the National Association of Realtors settlement? What do post-NAR rules mean for home buyers and sellers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down the new real estate commission rules that recently came into effect following a landmark lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors. Holden Lewis, NerdWallet’s home and mortgage expert, joins the discussion to explain the recent changes, what they mean for the industry, and how they could affect your next real estate transaction. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: real estate commissions, real estate commission rules, real estate agent fees, real estate commission changes, buyer's agent commission, seller's agent commission, real estate lawsuits, real estate settlement, real estate market changes, commission negotiations, buying a house, selling a house, real estate commission lawsuit, MLS rules, real estate industry news, real estate trends, real estate legal changes, commission rules, real estate commissions explained, real estate agent compensation, new real estate laws, and real estate regulations. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer, producer, and actor Felicia Day shares her financial journey working in Hollywood, with tips for managing your budget when gigs are inconsistent. What is your time worth? How do you value your time outside of work?  How can you manage finances in an unpredictable career like acting?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the concept of time valuation to help you understand how to balance personal worth against income. They begin with a discussion of time valuation, offering insights on the average hourly value people place on their time, the impact of this valuation on life decisions and assessing the value of unpaid personal tasks.  06:10 Interview with Felicia Day Sean speaks with Felicia Day about the financial strategies she employed to maintain an unstable career in Hollywood. They tackle topics such as frugal habits, the significance of diversifying one's portfolio for career longevity and aligning creative passions with financial stability. Plus: How to understand the financial education that you may have received even without having ever been given a formal financial education. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Hollywood finances, managing finances, acting career, freelancing lifestyle, financial strategies, financial acumen, Hollywood journey, value of time, budgeting tactics, work-life balance, career growth, financial stability, creative careers, personal well-being, professional satisfaction, financial security, generational differences, personal time investment, freelancing finances, unstable careers, diversifying skills, frugality, budgeting skills, theoretical mathematics, content creation, business acumen, media industry, creative fulfillment, career shifts, entrepreneurial leaps, work-life harmony, managing a budget, career resilience, and skills diversification. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understand how first-gen Americans can achieve financial success with tips for balancing cultural obligations and wealth-building strategies. How can first-generation Americans grow their wealth and protect their money? How can you set financial boundaries with family and friends while staying committed to your long-term financial goals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer discuss the unique financial challenges faced by first-generation Americans and immigrant families to help you understand strategies for achieving financial independence. They begin with a discussion of tips and tricks on managing dual financial pressures of supporting oneself and one's parents and breaking cycles of poverty through self-compassion and financial education. Jannese Torres, host of the personal finance podcast Yo Quiero Dinero, joins Kim to discuss the importance of building a strong financial support network tailored to individual needs. They discuss strategies for identifying trustworthy financial advisors, setting and maintaining financial boundaries with family and friends, and gracefully declining costly invitations in favor of ensuring long-term financial success. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating cultural and familial obligations while striving for financial independence. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial success, first-generation Americans, wealth building strategies, Jannese Torres, mastering money, immigrant families, navigating financial challenges, first-gen success, building wealth, immigrant stories, financial freedom, new Americans, supporting family, financial goals, empowering immigrant communities, financial literacy, actionable advice, cultural responsibilities, retirement savings, breaking cycles of poverty, self-compassion, financial stability, culturally competent education, financial trauma, financial support network, trustworthy advisors, financial boundaries, costly events, long-term financial success, multiple income streams, personal finance, and money beliefs. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. 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 National Public Data breach could affect you and what actions you can take after a major data breach occurs. What should you do after a major data breach? How can you secure your data from unscrupulous data brokers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the alarming security breach at National Public Data with investigative journalist Bob Sullivan, exploring the implications of the breach and providing actionable tips on how to protect your personal information from future threats. Then, Sean and Anna discuss the latest money headlines, including Fed interest rates, the turbulent real estate market’s challenges posed by high mortgage rates and rising home prices, and the antitrust lawsuit against RealPage for alleged price-fixing in the rental market.  Use NerdWallet’s “How much house can I afford?” calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/how-much-house-can-i-afford/calculate-affordability  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: National Public Data breach, Social Security number protection, credit monitoring, interest rate cut, Fed interest rates, housing market trends, mortgage rates, home affordability, real estate market, rent increase, rental market, antitrust lawsuit, financial security, cybersecurity, credit score impact, data protection, mortgage tips, home buying tips, housing prices, RealPage lawsuit, rental software, property management, interest rate prediction, inflation impact, homeownership, financial planning, identity theft, security breach, class action lawsuit, credit report, credit freeze, housing market forecast, fed policy, real estate tips, housing affordability, mortgage rates 2024, and rental prices. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A CFP helps a listener turn financial anxiety into actionable steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial peace of mind. NerdWallet Advisors is no longer accepting new clients, and will be closing its financial planning business as of December 20th, 2024. How can you be more comfortable spending money? What are strategies for combating financial anxiety? Host Sean Pyles sits in on a live financial planning session where Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from the NerdWallet Advisors platform, gives a listener (also named Sean) specific advice to reduce anxiety around their finances (advice given on behalf of Nerdwallet Advisors, not NerdWallet). They begin with a discussion of Sean's personal financial journey before Magda offers tips and tricks on setting clear short to medium-term goals, compartmentalizing savings to reduce stress, and understanding the risks and rewards of investing. She recommends actionable steps for helping him enjoy his money more without needing to stress over where every dollar is spent. ​​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. This discussion covers: financial anxiety, financial peace of mind, financial planning session, budgeting strategies, investing tips, asset portfolio, certified financial planner, managing finances, financial goals, retirement planning, financial security, financial management, smart investing, wealth building, financial discipline, savings accounts, financial communication, financial relationships, college tuition, home down payments, financial stability, financial relaxation, money management, anxiety about money, achieving financial goals, budgeting and investing, financial goals and relationships, financial goal-setting, financial reassurance, financial stress, and disciplined financial planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. 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 make compassionate, informed decisions for your pet's end-of-life care, balancing costs, emotions, and love. How can you plan for end of life care for your pet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the emotional and financial challenges of pet end-of-life care and the importance of early decision-making to help you understand how to make compassionate and practical choices that are realistic for your financial situation. They begin with a discussion of the gut-wrenching reality of limited pet lifespans, with tips and tricks on preparing for end-of-life care, weighing treatment costs against quality of life, and ensuring pets do not suffer needlessly. Dr. Fiona McCord, founder of Compassionate Care Vet Services, then joins Ronita to discuss the complexities of end-of-life care decision-making. They discuss the importance of early planning, balancing love and practicality in pet care, and resources for grief support. Through touching stories and practical advice, Dr. McCord emphasizes the necessity of preparing for the financial and emotional aspects of pet end-of-life care, helping pet owners navigate these challenging times with compassion and foresight. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: pet end-of-life care, euthanasia vs natural death, compassionate care for pets, pet hospice options, pet grief support, financial planning for pet care, pet cremation costs, pet burial costs, managing pet health costs, balancing pet care costs and emotions, quality of life for aging pets, end-of-life pet decisions, veterinary advice for pet owners, in-home euthanasia for pets, pet loss resources, emotional support for pet owners, pet care budgeting, chemotherapy for pets, pet surgery costs, preparing for pet loss, compassionate choices for pets, honoring a pet's memory, practical tips for pet care, aging pet comfort tips, supporting pets in final days, financial challenges of pet care, early decision-making for pet care, grief counseling for pet owners, pet memorial planning, hospice care for pets, balancing love and practicality, ensuring pet comfort, end-of-life pet planning, avoiding pet crisis situations, pet loss and identity, managing chronic pet illness, and resources for pet owners. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices