In a new Smart Planning segment, a finance expert tackles retirement goals and savings questions with a listener. How can you gift savings bonds? When is it time to stop saving for retirement early? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola off
Learn how a weakening U.S. dollar affects your wallet and how you can escape the cycle of never-ending credit card debt.Why is the U.S. dollar losing value and how does that affect day-to-day spending? How can you make progress on credit card
Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing.What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Eli
Learn how to stay calm during market volatility and whether a HELOC or cash-out refi makes sense for your home reno goals.What should you do with your investments when the stock market is particularly volatile? What’s the difference between a
Learn how to explore your money beliefs and take real steps toward saving and investing, even on a tight income.What’s really behind your money habits? How can you build savings and invest if you’re not earning much? Hosts Sean Pyles and Eliz
Learn how tariffs could impact car prices and how to know when it’s OK to spend instead of save.Should you buy a car now before prices rise due to tariffs? When is it okay to stop saving aggressively and spend more? Hosts Sean Pyles and Eliza
Learn how to store all your important documents and get some last-minute tips for filing your taxes. Where should you store your important financial documents? How long should you keep them? What should you do if you’re facing a tricky tax si
Learn about the U.S. national debt and how it impacts economics and what options to explore if your employer-offered 401k plan seems limiting. What exactly does it mean when you read about the enormous national debt in the United States? What
Learn the truth behind myths about building wealth, plus hear from a couple looking to align on financial goals and values.Can you build wealth without starting a business? How can couples figure out what to do with extra money in their budg
Learn how to prepare for a possible recession and make sure your car insurance coverage is enough to protect your finances.What should you do to get ready for a recession? How much car insurance coverage do you really need? Hosts Sean Pyles a
Learn how to budget for a mortgage, compare lenders, and prep for home buying or selling in today’s changing housing market.How can you shop smart for a mortgage and pick the right broker or lender? How do you budget for a home purchase? Host
Learn how to juggle finances for aging parents and kids, plus what the latest labor market data means for your wallet.How do you navigate the financial challenges of caring for aging parents while raising kids? How should the job market impac
Learn how to budget for travel, save on flights, and maximize credit card rewards for your next trip.How can you budget and save money for travel? How can you maximize credit card rewards and travel points to help lower trip costs? Hosts Megh
Learn why tariffs are driving up prices and how you can still save money. Plus, how to catch up on retirement savings if you started late.How will new tariffs impact your grocery bill and big-ticket purchases? Is early retirement an option if
Learn how AI can help you budget, invest, and build financial knowledge. Then, get expert insights on Roth conversions.How can AI help you manage your money? What do you need to know about Roth conversions? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoo
Learn how to respond to market volatility, the risks of private credit investing, and key tax updates for 2025.Should you adjust your 401(k) amid uncertain market conditions? How do you decide between the standard deduction and itemizing on y
Learn how to prepare financially for uncertain times and balance debt payoff with saving for emergencies and retirement.How much emergency cash should you keep on hand? Should you focus on paying off debt or saving for retirement first? Hosts
Learn what’s causing egg prices to rise so dramatically, then explore ethical investing and how to manage savings wisely.Are ESG investments really as ethical as they claim to be? What’s the smartest way to put extra savings to work? Hosts Se
Learn how behavioral biases impact your investments and what a “good” return from your portfolio looks like.How do behavioral biases affect your investing decisions? What kind of returns should you expect from your investments? Hosts Sean Pyl
Hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola are here to answer your biggest financial questions and help you take control of your money.On NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast, our trusted finance experts break down real-world money challenges,
Understand the financial pros and cons of marriage, from taxes to credit scores, and how it impacts your future.Is the economy as bad as people think it is? How does your spouse’s credit and debt affect your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Eli
Learn how values-based spending can help you curb impulse buys, avoid financial blindspots, and rethink your money habitsHow can you stop impulse spending? How do you know if you’re making good financial choices? This episode explores mindful
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 t
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
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?