NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

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 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.

A CFP helps a listener turn financial anxiety into actionable steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial peace of mind. 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 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 why experts criticize the “no tax on tips” policy and what it could mean for non-tipped workers if tips become tax-free. Why are some experts criticizing the proposed “no tax on tips” policy? Could it really benefit tipped workers as intended? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the nuances of the “no tax on tips” proposals from presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and break down why tax experts are skeptical about its effectiveness. Then, they cover the latest financial headlines, including updates on retail sales, car prices, and the potential Kroger-Albertsons merger. Calculating how much car you can afford before you visit the dealership can save you hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars in the long run. To do that for free, you can use NerdWallet’s car affordability calculator here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/much-spend-car  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: no tax on tips, tipping policies, federal income tax, tax exemption, tipped workers, minimum wage, inflation, car sales, grocery prices, Kroger Albertsons merger, consumer price index, CPI, retail sales, used car prices, payroll tax, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, recession, economic policy, subminimum wage, US presidential election, tax policy, financial headlines, tax credits, grocery merger, consumer spending, interest rates, federal minimum wage, Social Security, Medicare, restaurant industry, hospitality industry, tax loopholes, wage inequality, financial news, economic trends, car affordability, and tipping. 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 how you could save money by caring less about what other people think and how to weigh the pros and cons of a job offer. How can you save money by not caring about others' opinions? How does commute time factor into whether you should take an in-person job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss freeing yourself from the pressures of social validation and adopting smart spending habits to help you understand how these approaches can boost your financial well-being. They begin with a discussion of saving money by “not caring,” with tips and tricks on avoiding unnecessary spending influenced by social media influencers, focusing on purchases that genuinely make you happy, and recognizing the fleeting dopamine rush from new buys. They also delve into strategies such as choosing unique vintage clothing, the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, and making thoughtful car-buying decisions.  Then, hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sara Rathner talk to Andrew, a listener in Miami, about his decision to start a new job that would increase both his salary and his commute time. They discuss the trade-offs of job changes, the impact on work-life balance, and questions you can ask yourself to help align your career progression with core values. To see how much car you can really afford, check out NerdWallet’s auto loan calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/auto-loan-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial freedom, mindful spending, frugal living, social validation, smart spending, career decisions, financial well-being, fashion trends, financial fulfillment, savings boosts, self-esteem, social media influencers, vintage clothing, capsule wardrobe, car buying decisions, reliability over status, environmental impact, job change, lengthy commute, work-life balance, company culture, strategic financial decisions, emergency funds, automating savings, daycare expenses, salary increase, family time, freelance work, retirement savings, job switching, higher salary, outsourcing home tasks, remote work, hybrid roles, practical tips, dopamine hits, fashion creativity, and consumer purchases. 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 how to financially prepare for the costs of pet emergencies with firsthand experiences from pet owners and experts. How much does emergency pet care cost? How much should you budget for unexpected pet expenses? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the unpredictable nature of pet emergencies and the importance of financial readiness to help you understand how to effectively manage unexpected veterinary costs. They begin by sharing their personal experiences and discussing the emotional toll of pet emergencies, with tips and tricks on setting up a savings account for pet expenses, considering pet insurance, and understanding the wide range of potential costs involved in emergency care. Vivien, a pet owner from Jersey City, New Jersey, also shares her story of dealing with an unexpected pet emergency. Then, Dr. Angela Beal, a veterinarian based in Columbus, Ohio, joins Ronita to discuss strategies for financially preparing for pet emergencies. They discuss tactics for setting up a dedicated pet emergency fund, the benefits of pet insurance, and practical steps for emotionally and financially managing unexpected veterinary expenses. Check our NerdWallet roundup of the best pet insurance companies for 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/best-pet-insurance-companies  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: pet emergency costs, pet insurance, emergency vet bills, pet emergency fund, veterinary expenses, unexpected pet expenses, pet care costs, saving for pet emergencies, pet health care, pet emergency planning, emergency pet care, financial preparation for pet emergencies, pet savings accounts, budgeting for pets, cost of pet care, pet insurance policies, veterinary emergencies, pet health insurance, affordable pet care, emergency vet visits, pet financial planning, veterinary care costs, pet expense management, planning for pet emergencies, pet healthcare credit cards, financial tips for pet owners, pet care budgeting, veterinary costs, pet emergency savings, pet expense planning, veterinary hospital costs, pet medical bills, emergency pet insurance, pet financial assistance, pet healthcare expenses, and veterinary treatment costs. 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 budgeting tips and money-saving hacks for back-to-school shopping to avoid debt and make the most of sales and discounts. What are the best ways to save on back-to-school shopping? How much do people usually spend on school supplies? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski dive into the latest NerdWallet survey results on back-to-school shopping, revealing spending habits and budgeting strategies. NerdWallet’s Sara Rathner joins the conversation to discuss the survey and provide actionable tips on saving money, avoiding debt, and making the most of sales and secondhand purchases. Then, Sean and Anna discuss recent money headlines, including jobless claims and market reactions, along with the latest developments in mortgage rates and housing trends.  You can find NerdWallet’s guide to first-time home buyer loans and programs here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/programs-help-first-time-homebuyers  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: back-to-school shopping, budgeting tips, school supplies, avoiding debt, money-saving tips, personal finance, credit cards, shopping habits, financial planning, student expenses, cash-back rewards, sales and discounts, secondhand shopping, inflation impact, spending strategies, jobless claims, mortgage rates, housing market trends, school budgeting, smart shopping, debt management, financial tips, online shopping, buy now pay later, cashback apps, coupon codes, price tracking, first-time home buyers, home buying tips, mortgage guide, financial news, back-to-school deals, credit card usage, debt prevention, family budgeting, and financial literacy. 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.

Hear an actual financial planning session where a CFP advises a listener on transforming her budget and spending habits. Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from the NerdWallet Advisors platform, gives a listener specific advice to improve their finances (advice given on behalf of Nerdwallet Advisors, not NerdWallet). Brinker, the listener, is struggling with spending habits that she calls “irresponsible” and  how to manage some of her debt. She discusses her upbringing, financial challenges, and goals while Magda offers insights and strategies to help her improve her finances. The episode delves into methods for tracking spending habits, setting financial goals, and developing better money management practices to achieve financial stability. Magda also guides Brinker on creating a budget, prioritizing debt repayment, and implementing behavioral changes to curb impulsive spending.  As mentioned by Sean, here is NerdWallet’s list of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  ​​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 session, budgeting, debt management, savings, spending habits, financial goals, high yield savings accounts, ways to curb spending habits, financial planning session, how to manage debt effectively, strategies for paying off credit card debt, how to curb spending, budgeting apps, Uber Eats, Uber habits, splurging, what it’s like working with a financial advisor, impulse buying, lifestyle creep, money mindset, spending habits, financial goals, and actionable financial strategies.  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 to navigate pet insurance options, costs, and smart budgeting strategies for your pet's health care. Is pet insurance worth it? How can pet owners afford the rising costs of veterinary care? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the ins and outs of pet insurance and various budgeting strategies to help you manage pet care expenses effectively. They begin with a discussion of the importance of pet insurance amidst escalating vet bills, with tips and tricks on the potential financial benefits of pet insurance, the low adoption rate of pet insurance in the US, and interesting trivia like the first US pet insurance policy issued for Lassie. Then, NerdWallet pet insurance expert Sarah Schlichter joins Sean and Ronita to discuss the basics of pet insurance. They discuss the different types of pet insurance plans available, common misconceptions about pet insurance, and other critical factors to consider, such as deductibles, co-pays, and policy exclusions. Plus: potential hidden fees and the nuances of claim payouts, key features to look for when comparing providers, and alternative financial strategies such as vet subscription services. Read NerdWallet’s article about the best pet insurance companies for 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/best-pet-insurance-companies  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: pet insurance, pet care budgeting, saving on vet bills, veterinary costs, pet insurance options, pet insurance costs, pet care solutions, financial side of pet care, pet insurance explained, pet insurance basics, navigating pet care costs, pet insurance coverage, pet insurance plans, understanding pet insurance, pet insurance benefits, pet insurance for dogs, pet insurance for cats, wellness care for pets, accident and illness insurance, pet insurance premiums, hidden fees in pet insurance, claim payouts, deductibles and copays, policy exclusions, reading sample plans, comparing pet insurance providers, dental disease coverage, alternative treatments for pets, behavioral therapy for pets, dedicated savings accounts for pets, vet subscription services, pre-existing conditions, choosing pet insurance, budget and risk tolerance, economic euthanasia, advanced veterinary treatments, pet insurance trivia, Lassie pet insurance, high-yield savings accounts for pets, and pet insurance misconceptions. 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 how the Fed's interest rate decisions impact your finances and get insights on retirement readiness and brokerage outages. What does the Fed's recent decision to maintain the current interest rate mean for you? How will a potential rate cut in September impact your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the implications of the Federal Reserve's latest moves and what you can expect from a potential rate cut in the near future. NerdWallet’s Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter joins them to provide insights and actionable takeaways on how these changes could affect your credit cards, mortgages, and overall financial strategy. Unsure of how prepared you are for retirement? Check out NerdWallet’s retirement calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  Then, they dive into the latest money headlines, including the alarming state of Americans' retirement preparedness and the recent brokerage outages that left many investors locked out of their accounts. The episode aims to leave you with a better understanding of how to navigate economic changes, prepare for retirement, and manage your investments effectively. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Fed interest rates, Federal Reserve, rate cuts, inflation, economic outlook, mortgage rates, credit card rates, unemployment rate, financial news, retirement savings, stock market, investment strategies, consumer spending, economic data, inflation rates, interest rate changes, economic growth, financial planning, loan interest rates, savings strategies, 401k plans, financial stability, market trends, stock trading, retirement planning, economic policy, job market, inflation impact, debt management, financial independence, stock market news, and Fed decisions. 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.

Discover strategies for achieving early retirement with the FIRE movement and learn how to maximize your credit card rewards. How much do you have to save if you want to retire early? Can you double your credit card rewards by paying off one card with another? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the FIRE movement and maximizing credit card rewards to help you understand how to achieve financial independence and optimize your financial strategies. They begin with a discussion of the FIRE movement, with tips and tricks on understanding different FIRE strategies (Lean FIRE, Fat FIRE, Barista FIRE), adapting financial goals to individual circumstances, and the feasibility of saving significant portions of income amidst rising living costs and inflation. Then, credit card Nerd Erin Hurd joins Sean to discuss maximizing credit card rewards. She explains the impossibility of doubling rewards by paying off one card with another, effective strategies for couples to maximize credit card points like leveraging multiple sign-up bonuses and using authorized users, and the best and worst ways to redeem credit card points, emphasizing considerations such as point expiration, the impact of inflation on point value, and the importance of having a realistic plan for point usage. You can find NerdWallet’s deep dive analysis on the current value of many top airline and hotel programs here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: FIRE movement, financial independence, retire early, early retirement strategies, saving for retirement, credit card rewards points, maximizing credit card points, credit card strategies, signup bonuses, strategic spending, redeeming points, point expiration, inflation impact, credit card authorized users, pooling points, credit card hacks, financial freedom, meaningful work, balancing life and finances, personal freedom, cost of living, inflation, saving income, balance transfers, 0% intro apr, credit card myths, reward points, spending management, travel points, cashback, redeeming points, financial decisions, optimizing rewards, financial goals, and retirement 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 how you can balance the joy and financial responsibility of having a pet without having to compromise either of them. How much does it cost to own a pet? How can you make pet care affordable without compromising quality? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade share personal stories about their pets and discuss the rising costs of veterinary care to help you understand how to manage pet expenses effectively. They discuss various financial aspects of pet ownership, including tips and tricks on managing the rising costs of veterinary services, creating a rainy day fund for pet emergencies, and leveraging community support for pet-sitting. Chloe Butler, a new kitty parent in Tulsa, also joins the show to talk about the process of becoming a pet owner. Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, veterinarian and CEO of the San Francisco Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), joins Sean and Ronita to discuss strategies for affordable pet care and making informed decisions about pet adoption. They discuss the time and financial resources required for pet ownership, tips for sourcing cost-effective pet supplies and treats, and common financial pitfalls new pet owners should avoid.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: affordable pet care, pet ownership costs, pet care tips, financial responsibility for pets, cost-effective pet care, veterinary expenses, pet rainy day fund, multiple pets benefits, pet enrichment items, pet treats, travel with pets, community pet support, pet sitting tips, pet setup costs, ongoing pet maintenance, pet adoption considerations, pet insurance, unexpected vet expenses, pet financial planning, pet budgeting tips, pet parent tips, pet parenting guide, financially responsible pet ownership, managing pet expenses, maximizing pet joy, pet ownership challenges, pet care strategies, pet quality of life, pet grooming costs, pet food costs, pet medical needs, pet social needs, pet adoption fees, and pet community building. 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 how a recent Supreme Court decision impacts financial regulations and crypto, plus the latest money news and travel tips. Is the end of the Chevron deference really going to shake up the world of financial regulations? What does this mean for the future of crypto investments? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski and NerdWallet investing writer Sam Taube discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and how overturning the 40-year-old Chevron deference is set to impact everything from workplace safety to the environment. They discuss how this decision might loosen federal regulations and what it means for the finance industry moving forward. Then, they cover the latest money headlines, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, the California Supreme Court ruling on gig workers, and Southwest Airlines’ change in seating policy. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how these changes affect inflation measures, gig economy labor laws, and the travel experience for frequent flyers.” In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: supreme court decision, financial regulations, crypto investment, chevron deference, loper bright enterprises, federal regulatory agencies, investment regulations, crypto deregulation, securities and exchange commission, commodity futures trading commission, noncompete agreements, federal trade commission, investor protections, congressional regulations, federal court cases, health care regulations, environmental regulations, workplace safety regulations, taxation of cryptocurrency, legal ramifications, business rules, investment products, crypto ETFs, ethereum ETFs, staking yield, prediction markets, event contracts, political event contracts, election betting, personal consumption expenditures, inflation measures, interest rates, gig economy labor laws, independent contractors, employee benefits, california supreme court, southwest airlines seating policy, travel experience, economic indicators, gross domestic product 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.

Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and navigate complex insurance choices. What’s the right life insurance policy for you? What is “infinite banking” and how hard is it to set up? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the intricacies of life insurance as both a protective measure and a financial instrument to help you understand its potential for investment and financial growth. NerdWallet insurance pro Lisa Green joins Sean and Sara to explain term life insurance and more complex life insurance options, such as variable life insurance, and the concept of “infinite banking.” They discuss the nuances of investing extra money into the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy, highlighting guaranteed interest rates versus market risks, and who might benefit from these types of policies. Additionally, they delve into the infinite banking concept, explaining how it works, the financial discipline it requires, and potential pitfalls. This episode is designed to help listeners navigate their life insurance choices and create a balanced financial plan. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: term life insurance, permanent life insurance, life insurance investment, life insurance premiums, variable life insurance, infinite banking, cash value life insurance, life insurance strategies, life insurance options, term vs permanent life insurance, life insurance costs, life insurance benefits, financial planning, life insurance risks, borrowing against life insurance, financial growth, investing in life insurance, high-yield investments, insurance market risks, life insurance for smokers, funeral expense insurance, and financial security. 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 how to negotiate for a higher salary and better benefits when you get a job offer. Plus: Tips for boosting your earning potential. What are the best ways to negotiate for a higher salary?  How can you elevate your earnings and overall compensation package?  Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss strategies for increasing your income and negotiating for a raise to help you understand how to navigate salary discussions confidently and effectively. Alana speaks with Catherine Tinsley, Raffini Professor of Management at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, about who should make the first offer, how to leverage market data, and the challenge of overcoming emotional hurdles. They also discuss the benefits of changing jobs for higher salary potential, practical advice on boosting your earning potential, and why understanding power dynamics and perceived expertise could help you come out ahead in your next negotiation. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: salary negotiation, negotiation tactics, boost earnings, salary raise tips, new job offer negotiation, making the first offer, leveraging market data, non-monetary benefits, workplace negotiations, power dynamics, preparing for negotiations, managing emotions, marginalized group challenges, increasing income strategies, transparent salary discussions, job offer components, vacation time negotiation, remote work negotiation, company equity negotiation, continuing education negotiation, making the first salary offer, external labor market information, practical negotiation strategies, salary transparency, mutual problem solving, negotiation confidence, salary benchmarks, transparent salary data, anchoring in negotiation, power in negotiations, emotional hurdles negotiation, interdependence in negotiation, negotiation preparation, asking for a raise, and leveraging outside offers. 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.

Hear different perspectives on how to pay off debt — and when to stop paying off debt to focus on investing your money. When should you prioritize investing over paying off debt? What are different debt payoff methods to help you become debt-free? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola and NerdWallet debt writer Tiffany Curtis answer a listener’s question about balancing debt payoff and investing. They start by breaking down the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods of paying off debt, then delve into the pros and cons of investing while paying off debt. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: debt repayment, debt snowball method, debt avalanche method, debt-free life, loan repayment, high-interest car loans, mortgage repayment, strategic repayment, debt payoff strategies, investing vs. debt payoff, loan payoff methods, interest rates, small victories, analytical approach to financial decisions, financial personality, debt motivation, high-interest loans, loan prioritization, mortgage loans, car loans, investment vs. debt, debt repayment tips, debt payoff journey, financial goals, debt payoff plan, interest to investment, financial trajectory, and long-term 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 how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to enhance your job and income prospects with tips from LinkedIn’s Andrew McCaskill. What are recruiters looking for on LinkedIn? What’s the best way to optimize your LinkedIn profile? Hosts Sean Pyles and Alana Benson discuss LinkedIn optimization and professional growth to help you understand how to leverage the platform for career success. They begin with a discussion of LinkedIn optimization, with tips and tricks on highlighting essential skills, sharing engaging content, and maintaining regular engagement on the platform. Then, Andrew McCaskill, a senior director and career expert at LinkedIn, joins the show to discuss maximizing job opportunities on LinkedIn. He discusses the surprising benefits of setting up job alerts, nurturing professional connections, and using relevant keywords to enhance visibility in recruiters' searches. In their conversation, they also delve into crucial aspects of career growth and safety on LinkedIn, including how to identify red flags for job scams, understand companies' commitments to diversity and inclusion, and have open conversations about salary transparency.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: LinkedIn optimization, job search, professional networking, income boost, career growth, LinkedIn profile, job alerts, recruiter tips, LinkedIn insights, skills summary, career advancement, professional connections, salary transparency, job scams, LinkedIn features, profile keywords, hard skills, soft skills, diversity and inclusion, resume optimization, salary negotiation, Glassdoor, Elpha, job applications, AI tools, cover letters, LinkedIn engagement, professional visibility, career potential, job referrals, LinkedIn safety, LinkedIn content, wage estimates, LinkedIn job hunting, LinkedIn networking, career decisions, compensation conversation, job market, and LinkedIn profile photos. 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 to navigate Amazon Prime Day deals, track prices, and avoid overspending with expert shopping strategies and tools. Are Amazon Prime Day deals truly worth it, or are they just savvy marketing tactics? Hosts Anna Helhoski and Sara Rathner explain how consumers can identify genuine bargains amidst the sea of discounts. NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall joins them to discuss the evolution of Prime Day from its inception in 2015 to its current status as a major shopping event, shedding light on the difference between list prices and typical prices to help listeners make more informed purchasing decisions. They begin with a discussion of the significance of price tracking tools, offering tips and tricks on leveraging CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, maintaining skepticism toward discounts, and understanding dynamic pricing patterns. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Amazon Prime Day, Prime Day deals, online shopping tips, genuine bargains, price tracking tools, Amazon marketing tactics, avoiding inflated discounts, making smarter buying decisions, online shopping pitfalls, Prime Day strategy, list prices vs typical prices, skepticism in online deals, price history tracking, dynamic pricing, Amazon price drops, Walmart sales, Target sales, cashback apps, Black Friday in July, Amazon competitors, Best Buy sales, overspending traps, necessary purchases, back-to-school deals, tech gadgets, Amazon devices, Echo deals, Kindle Fire deals, Apple product deals, electronics discounts, noise-canceling headphones, baby gear deals, toy discounts, Dyson vacuum sales, kitchen gadgets, and Amazon essentials. 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 about salary negotiation and investing strategies and how they can be especially helpful for women facing unique personal finance challenges. What financial challenges do women uniquely face? How can people find financial peace in a stressful world? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share some “money hot takes” before turning the conversation towards addressing the unique financial hurdles women face. HerMoney podcast host Jean Chatzky joins Sean to discuss the impact of the gender pay gap and caregiving responsibilities on women's financial security, the strengths women bring to investing, and practical strategies for negotiating better salaries and investing confidently.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: finances for women, financial empowerment, personal finance, financial education, investing for women, employee benefits, health insurance, paid sick leave, financial literacy, caregiving responsibilities, financial confidence, investing strategies, retirement savings, salary negotiation, financial partnerships, financial peace, money management, budgeting tips, financial opportunities, women investors, financial planning, systemic barriers, the gender pay gap, financial prudence, financial security, trading frequency, financial independence, long-term planning, financial stress, financial wellness, high-interest debt, and emergency funds. 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.