NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Find out if Bilt’s new credit cards are worth the hassle for earning points on rent or a mortgage. In this special episode, NerdWallet travel writers and Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into Bilt’s three new credit cards and a rewards system that now includes two currencies: Bilt Points and Bilt Cash. They walk through the big questions listeners have been asking, including when it makes sense to earn on rent, what’s really going on with mortgage rewards, and why the new math (plus shifting details) could change whether you jump in now or wait. Along the way, they weigh the annual-fee tradeoffs, compare Bilt’s new lineup to familiar fan favorites, and share what to watch for as the rollout keeps evolving. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming  Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated  World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Resources discussed in this episode: Dear Bilt Palladium: You’re Welcome to Move in, but You Won’t Pay the Rent Bilt Palladium vs. Capital One Venture X: An In-Depth Comparison Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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

Find out the best time to go home shopping and whether shared housing bills can affect your plans to retire together. Should you buy a house in the winter or wait for spring? How can you split housing costs and plan for retirement when you and your partner are on different timelines? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss equitable money management for couples to help you understand how to plan a shared future without losing sight of your own financial security. But first, Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss winter homebuying and selling with mortgage Nerds Abby Badach Doyle and Kate Wood. They discuss why winter can mean less competition for buyers, what snow and cold weather can hide during a walkthrough or inspection, and why February can be the moment to get preapproved before the spring rush. Then, listeners Claire and Robbie join Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to share expenses when one partner owns the house, and how to aim for retirement at the same time despite a 16-year age gap. They discuss ways to rethink “50-50” so it feels fair, what semi-retirement options like barista FIRE can look like when health insurance is a concern, and how life insurance and basic estate planning can protect both partners if life takes an unexpected turn. Use NerdWallet’s free calculator to see how far your homebuying budget could take you: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/calculators/how-much-house-can-i-afford  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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 money dealbreakers in dating, then how to plan ahead for assisted living and Medicaid costs. First, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into a new dating dealbreakers study with NerdWallet spokesperson and credit card writer Sara Rathner. They unpack why “financial infidelity” can feel like a relationship ender, what people are most likely to hide, and how to start money conversations earlier without turning the third date into an audit. They also share ways to talk about spending, expectations, and values so you can spot incompatibilities before big commitments. Then, personal finance Nerd Kate Ashford (a certified senior advisor) helps answer a listener's question about caring for an aging parent and budgeting for senior living. She discusses how assisted living costs can vary dramatically by location, what’s typically included in base fees vs add-ons, and how “buy-in” communities like continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) compare with standard monthly-pay models. They also walk through key planning moves if a future nursing home stay is possible, including what to know about Medicaid being state-run, where to start researching benefits, and how to prepare for the paperwork and timelines. 0:00 Who will care for you in old age? 0:52 Dating money dealbreakers: debt and financial lies 3:33 Why couples hide purchases and spending 5:59 Rebuilding trust after financial infidelity 8:14 Dealbreakers: tipping, splitting dates, savings 13:16 Talking money early: what’s a red flag? 18:02 No-spend challenge: Brick and cash-only 20:35 Friction hacks to curb impulse spending 21:49 Listener question: budgeting for senior care 23:40 Assisted living costs and what drives prices 31:02 Monthly vs buy-in CCRCs and refund rules 33:34 How long care lasts: model best/worst cases 38:00 Medicaid basics: eligibility, look-back, who can help 40:21 Final tips for families planning senior living NerdWallet Survey: One in 10 Americans Would Never Date Someone with Credit Card Debt https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/data-undateable-debt  Cost of Long Term Care by State | Cost of Care Report | Carescout https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care  Eldercare Locator https://eldercare.acl.gov/home  Medicaid.gov: The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicaid and CHIP Services | Medicaid https://www.medicaid.gov/  Medicaid Planning Assistance – Helping Americans obtain the Medicaid long term care they require https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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 plan for self-employment taxes and understand how savings interest can affect your tax bill. How can sports betting apps affect your finances? How do you set up taxes for 1099 contract work? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss self-employment taxes to help you prepare for tax season and avoid surprises. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins them to discuss the rise of sports betting and prediction markets. They break down how legal sports betting expanded after a 2018 Supreme Court decision, how app-based betting and prop bets make it easy to wager in real time, and the growing concerns around addiction risk, regulation, and the nonstop flood of betting ads. Then, Sean and Elizabeth dig into tax prep for contract work, including how business structure can affect self-employment taxes, ways to pay during the year through quarterly estimated payments or adjusting W-2 withholding, and how to stay organized with bookkeeping, deductible expenses, and forms like 1099-NEC. They also cover what to expect tax-wise with a Roth IRA and why high-yield savings account interest is typically taxed as ordinary income (often reported on Form 1099-INT). Use NerdWallet’s free calculator to estimate your self-employment tax: https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/calculators/self-employment-tax-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: self-employment taxes, 1099 contractor taxes, estimated taxes, quarterly estimated tax payments, Form 1099-NEC, Schedule C, Schedule SE, sole proprietor taxes, S corp vs LLC taxes, S corp reasonable salary, self-employment tax rate 15.3%, net earnings self-employment tax, W-2 withholding for side hustle, Form 1040-ES, bookkeeping for freelancers, deductible business expenses, home office deduction, business bank account, separate business and personal finances, business credit card for expenses, tax deadline for S corp, first time penalty abatement, IRS penalty abatement, Roth IRA taxes, Roth IRA income limits 2026, Roth IRA phase-out, traditional IRA tax deduction, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, tax forms for freelancers, Form 1099-INT, high-yield savings account taxes, sports betting taxes, sports betting apps, DraftKings, FanDuel, prediction markets, Kalshi, and Polymarket. 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 ideas for spending less in February and learn how deferment affects Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) payments. How can a month-long spending challenge reset your money habits? Should you keep paying student loans while in grad school if you’re close to Public Service Loan Forgiveness and planning a move? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss no-spend experiments and “friction” strategies to help you build spending habits that stick while juggling big life changes. Joined by personal finance Nerd Amanda Barroso, they begin with a discussion of designing a February no-spend challenge, with tips and tricks on setting rules that fit your life, deciding where the saved money will go, and avoiding a binge-and-purge rebound. Then, lending Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about how to weigh student loan payments against saving for a new home. They discuss how deferment affects qualifying PSLF payments, what to check before switching repayment plans or taking out new grad school loans, and how to prioritize cash flow when you’re balancing a car payment, a mortgage, and an emergency fund. See NerdWallet’s list of the best private student loans: https://www.nerdwallet.com/student-loans/best/private-student-loans  See all the winners of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_020226_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: no-spend challenge, low-spend challenge, spending freeze, budgeting challenge, money habits, impulse spending, track expenses, friction-maxxing, cash-only budget, stop online shopping, takeout spending, spending triggers, phone addiction and spending, Brick phone blocker, attention and spending, sinking fund, emergency fund, high-yield savings account, student loan deferment, student loan payments in grad school, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, PSLF qualifying payments, PSLF payment count, qualifying employer PSLF, income-driven repayment, PAYE repayment plan, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, Repayment Assistance Plan, graduate student loan changes 2026, Grad PLUS loans, federal student loan borrowing limits, professional degree loan cap, nursing graduate student loans, buying a house with student loans, mortgage planning, moving costs, car payment budget, and student loan forgiveness uncertainty. 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

See what gold and silver highs mean and how to plan retirement spending without the 80% rule. Is gold’s record run a sign you should buy? Do you really need 80% of your income in retirement? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss retirement income rules of thumb to help you understand how to estimate what you might spend after you stop working. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to break down the precious-metals rally with investing writer Sam Taube. They discuss why investors treat gold and silver as “safe havens,” how a weakening U.S. dollar and tariff-driven uncertainty can move prices, and what to consider if you’re deciding between physical metals and gold ETFs. Then, James Bashall, COO and advisor for NerdWallet Wealth Partners, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to plan for retirement without blindly relying on the 80% rule. They discuss where the 80% benchmark came from, how other shortcuts like the 4% rule and the “rule of $1,000” can shape your thinking, and why running multiple spending scenarios (including a “spending smile”) can help you balance travel, inflation, and health care costs over time. Wondering how to buy gold? You have several options, including bullion, gold stocks, gold funds and gold futures. Learn more about the pros and cons of each: https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/learn/how-to-buy-gold  If you want to learn more about working with a financial advisor, then visit NerdWallet Wealth Partners at nerdwalletwealthpartners.com/smart Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gold prices, silver prices, gold record high, investing in precious metals, gold vs silver, safe haven asset, hedge against inflation, hedge against a falling dollar, U.S. dollar decline, dollar index, portfolio diversification, gold ETF, best gold ETFs, physical gold, gold bullion, buying gold coins, storing gold safely, selling gold jewelry, central banks buying gold, geopolitical uncertainty investing, tariffs and markets, market volatility hedge, Goldman Sachs gold forecast, commodity investing, rebalancing portfolio, silver industrial demand, silver for electronics, AI chips silver demand, electric vehicle silver demand, retirement income replacement, 80% rule retirement, retirement spending, 4% rule, withdrawal rate, Monte Carlo retirement simulation, and retirement healthcare 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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protect your identity from tax-season scams and learn when 401(k) and IRA rollovers make sense. How do you roll over old 401(k)s and IRAs? And is a mega backdoor Roth worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer listener questions about retirement account rollovers, including when consolidation can help and how to avoid common missteps. But first, they kick off Identity Theft Awareness Week (and tax season) with a refresher on how you can protect your data, including pausing before you click or pay, updating passwords and tightening account security, and recognizing common scam tactics like fake websites, IRS impostors, smishing, and AI-powered impersonation. Then, investing Nerd Sam Taube joins Sean and Elizabeth for a lightning round all about retirement account rollovers. They answer listener questions about whether to roll over and consolidate multiple old 401(k) accounts, whether a mega backdoor Roth is worth the hassle and potential tax complexity, whether consolidating multiple IRAs is likely to boost returns or mainly simplify finances, and whether rollover IRAs have the same bankruptcy and creditor protections as 401(k)s. Links discussed in this episode:  Report fraud through the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ 5 Low-Cost Target-Date Funds for 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/learn/what-is-a-target-date-fund-and-when-should-you-invest-in-one  Mutual Fund Calculator: Growth and Fees https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/mutual-fund-calculator  Best IRA Accounts for 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/best/ira-accounts  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tax season scams, identity theft, phishing scams, smishing, gift card draining, fake websites, IRS impostor scam, government impostor scam, emergency scam, bogus debt scam, employment scams, AI scams, voice cloning, deepfake scams, data breaches, mail theft, public Wi-Fi risks, password updates, credit report monitoring, billing statement review, Federal Trade Commission, reporting fraud, 401(k) rollover, IRA rollover, consolidating retirement accounts, legacy 401(k)s, target-date funds, expense ratios, mutual fund screener, after-tax 401(k) contributions, employer match, mega backdoor Roth, Roth conversion, pro-rata rule, taxes on investment gains, conversion limits, managed accounts vs self-directed investing, robo-advisor investing, beneficiary organization, bankruptcy protection, creditor protection, and rollover IRA protections. 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

Find out how AI shopping could tempt your budget and how to choose a city for a new career with confidence. Is AI shopping about to turn your chatbot into a checkout line? How do you choose a medical residency program when an algorithm makes the final call? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss residency location trade-offs to help a listener understand what to prioritize during low-pay training years. But first, news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss the rise of AI shopping inside chats. They discuss how Google and other platforms are weaving deals into AI conversations, how ads and “instant checkout” could blur the line between recommendations and advertising, and why this convenience could make impulse spending a lot easier. Then, producer Tess Vigeland joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about how to approach a medical residency match decision when weighing New York City prestige against a lower-cost path. They discuss ways to save in expensive cities without feeling like you’re missing out, why starting retirement contributions earlier can meaningfully change your long-term results even if the amount is small, and how focusing on skill-building and lifestyle fit can matter more than trying to make one “perfect” career choice. Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s free retirement calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/retirement-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: AI shopping, ChatGPT ads, Google AI Mode, in-chat checkout, shopping in chatbots, sponsored results, personalized deals, impulse buying, comparison shopping, price check online, online shopping security, credit card information privacy, AI product research, AI shopping recommendations, interpreting online reviews, finding deals with AI, Shopify checkout, Etsy shopping, Walmart online shopping, Universal Commerce Protocol, Direct Offers, AI personal shopper, AI shopping agent, buy now pay later, return policy online shopping, save receipts screenshots, medical residency match, residency ranking algorithm, choosing a residency program, New York City cost of living, living on a resident salary, prestige vs cost of living, saving during residency, retirement savings early, compound interest, NerdWallet retirement calculator, emergency fund during training, roommates to save money, lifestyle creep, and career networking. 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

Find a bank that pays more, charges less, and keeps your money safe as rates adjust in 2026. How do you choose the best bank when savings rates are falling and fees won’t quit? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wealth inequality and retirement security to help you think bigger about what’s “normal” in personal finance. They begin with a rapid-fire hot takes segment, with their perspectives on how money and power shape everyday life, why the decline of pensions shifts retirement risk onto workers, and questions worth asking about what a fairer safety net could look like. Then, banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss banking in 2026. They go over how to compare high-yield savings accounts as APYs drop, how to avoid common bank fees (like overdraft and ATM charges), and how to weigh digital-only banks versus brick-and-mortar options. They also cover how AI is changing customer service and fraud, why reduced consumer protections can raise the stakes for shoppers, and which banks topped NerdWallet’s Best-of Awards in key categories. Our Nerds researched more than 250 banking products, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-banking-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011926_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-banking  See all the winners of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011926_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: high-yield savings account, best high-yield savings account, savings account interest rates, APY, online banks, best online banks, bank fees, overdraft fees, avoid overdraft fees, ATM fees, ATM fee reimbursement, Allpoint ATM network, MoneyPass ATM network, no-fee checking account, monthly maintenance fee, bank bonuses, certificate of deposit, CD rates, best CD rates, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, SoFi bank, Newtek Bank, best bank 2026, early direct deposit, two-day early direct deposit, savings buckets, savings goal buckets, Zelle transfer limit, bill pay checks, cash deposits at ATMs, fraud protection, bank fraud scams, AI in banking, banking chatbots, customer service chat, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB complaints, CFPB settlements, credit unions vs banks, pension plan, defined benefit plan, and 401(k) vs pension. 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 shop for cheaper insurance and escape rising credit card debt before it snowballs. Is credit card debt becoming the new normal? How can you get the insurance coverage you need in 2026 without overpaying? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss insurance shopping to help you understand how to protect yourself at a price you can live with. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss NerdWallet’s Household Debt Survey with data studies writer Erin El Issa. They break down why revolving credit card balances keep climbing, how “normalizing” debt can reduce urgency to pay it off, and why tools like buy now, pay later can feel easier upfront but get overwhelming fast. Then, insurance Nerd Kaz Weida joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss what’s driving higher insurance rates and how to shop smarter in 2026. They discuss ways to lower auto and homeowners premiums without leaving yourself exposed, how renters and pet insurance can be worth it depending on your situation, and why many people may need more life insurance than they think. They also discuss NerdWallet’s Best-Of winners for budget-friendly auto, budget-friendly homeowners, same-day term life, and comprehensive pet coverage. Our Nerds researched more than 240 insurance products, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-insurance-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-insurance  See all of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards  NerdWallet's household debt survey: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/studies/household-debt-study Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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

Find out  which credit cards shine in 2026 and how to avoid rising fees, APR surprises, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) traps. How can you change your spending to better match your values? How do you choose the right credit card in 2026 as perks shift, fees rise, and “buy now, pay later” spreads? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss values-based spending and the credit card landscape to help you make purchases that fit your priorities. They begin with a discussion of aligning money with values, with tips and tricks on auditing your statements for “idle” spending, shopping around for companies and banks that match your priorities, and building accountability so your goals stick. Then, credit card expert Caitlin Mims joins Elizabeth to discuss credit cards in 2026. They cover buy now, pay later and card-based installment plans, what to watch as card perks and annual fees change, and how NerdWallet chose its Best-of Awards winners. Our Nerds researched 280 credit cards, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-credit-cards-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011226_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-credit-cards  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 Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card  Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards  Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions  Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories  Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus  Citi Simplicity Review: 21 Months of 0% to Whittle Down Debt  5 Things to Know About the U.S. Bank Split Credit Card  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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 what 2026 might bring for mortgage rates, home prices, and affordability, plus smart steps to buy or refinance. Will mortgage rates drop in 2026, and is it finally a good time to buy a home? How can you get your finances ready to buy or refinance, even if prices still feel out of reach? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mortgages and the housing market to help you understand what to watch this year and how to plan your next move. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski and NerdWallet senior economist Elizabeth Renter join Sean to discuss what could shape the economy in 2026. They discuss how tariffs may filter into prices, what a cooling labor market could mean for jobs and wages, and why rising household debt delinquencies are a red flag to watch. Then, Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet mortgage Nerd, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss home buying and refinancing in 2026. They discuss how inventory and mortgage rates shifted through 2025, how Fed rate cuts can influence mortgage rates before they happen, and ways to make the dream of homeownership more realistic. Use NerdWallet’s free calculator to see how much house you can afford: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/calculators/how-much-house-can-i-afford Use NerdWallet’s free rent vs buy calculator to find out which option is best for you: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/calculators/rent-vs-buy-calculator  NerdWallet’s free mortgage refinance calculator can help you decide whether to refinance: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/calculators/refinance-calculator   See all of NerdWallet’s 2026 Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_010826_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: housing market 2026, mortgage rates 2026, home prices 2026, 30-year mortgage rate, mortgage refinance, refinance calculator, when to refinance, home affordability, down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, first-time homebuyer programs, buying a house in 2026, house hunting in January, winter home buying, seller’s market vs buyer’s market, housing inventory, housing supply, home buying budget, rent vs buy calculator, rent vs buy, credit score for mortgage, saving for a house, emergency savings, moving costs, closing costs, homeowners insurance costs, wildfire risk insurance, home repairs budget, buyer’s agent, inflation and mortgage rates, Fed rate cuts and mortgages, tariffs and inflation, and household debt delinquency. 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

Start your 2026 investing strategy with smarter moves, fewer fees, and less stress when markets get rocky. How should you invest in 2026 if tech stocks keep dominating the market? What’s a smart checklist for leveling up your investing this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss diversification and investing tools to help you grow your wealth with a plan you can stick to. Then investing writer Alana Benson joins them to unpack what 2025’s market swings can teach you, how to diversify beyond mega-cap tech stocks (including options like equal-weight funds), and how to choose the right account and platform while keeping fees and taxes in mind. Check out NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://nerdwallet.com/awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market 2026, how to start investing, passive investing, index funds, S&P 500, Magnificent 7, AI stock bubble, rebalancing portfolio, asset allocation, stocks vs bonds allocation, long-term investing, market volatility, timing the market, brokerage account, best brokerage for beginners, best investing app, best robo-advisor, Fidelity investing, Interactive Brokers, Wealthfront robo advisor, ETFs, target date fund, robo-advisor, IRA contribution limit 2026, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, SEP IRA, 401k match, 529 plan, college savings plan, and retirement investing. 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 tie your 2026 money goals to your values so you can stick with them all year. How can you match your 2026 money goals to what you really care about? And how do you turn those goals into a plan you’ll actually follow? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss values-based money planning and goal-setting frameworks to help you build a realistic, meaningful financial plan for the new year. They begin with a discussion of centering money goals on your core values, with tips and tricks on identifying what matters most (like freedom, community, or adventure), translating those values into goals such as paying off a car loan or saving for early retirement, and aligning your saving, spending, giving and fun money with the life you actually want to live. Along the way, they share their own 2026 goals, from boosting emergency funds and increasing income to opening “fun money” and giving accounts and navigating a tough housing market and crypto temptations highlighted in NerdWallet’s 2026 Financial Outlook Survey. Then, Sean and Elizabeth discuss how to move from big dreams to daily action using the SMART — and SMARTER — goal framework. They discuss how to break large goals (like maxing a Roth IRA or saving for a big event) into monthly and per-paycheck targets, how to make goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound, and how to build in personal rewards so sticking to your plan actually feels good. They also cover getting comfortable with the discomfort of change, planning for curveballs like impulse spending and surprise kid or car expenses, and using tools like high-yield savings accounts and multiple sinking funds (yes, even for summer camp) so you can absorb surprises without blowing up your 2026 money plan. NerdWallet 2026 Financial Outlook Survey: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-consumer-outlook-report  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: new year financial goals, 2026 financial goals, how to set financial goals, SMART goals for money, SMARTER goals framework, values based budgeting, align money with values, paying off car loan early, early retirement savings rate, FIRE retirement plan, increase my income 2026, emergency fund savings, sinking funds examples, fun money account, high yield savings account, giving fund for charity, support local community with money, starting a business in 2026, investing in crypto 2026, Dogecoin investing, buying a house in 2026, saving for a house down payment, NerdWallet 2026 financial outlook survey, impulse spending help, budget for summer camp, planning for surprise bills, Roth IRA contribution 2026, break big goals into small steps, reward yourself for saving, how to stick to money 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

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 Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how your relationship with money shapes your financial behaviors and what you can do to change that narrative. Joined by Shannah Game, host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money, they begin with a discussion of how money beliefs form in childhood, how your body gives clues about financial stress, and how weekly “money dates” can help shift your mindset, spending, and long-term financial outcomes. Then, Katie, a listener navigating a career change and major life transition, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss budgeting on a lower income and how to make progress on both emergency savings and retirement. They discuss how to build an emergency fund with irregular income, when and how to roll over 403(b) accounts into an IRA, and how to invest small amounts without feeling discouraged. The conversation also covers tools like the 50/30/20 budget and NerdWallet’s retirement calculator to help Katie — and listeners like her — build a path forward, even if they feel like they're starting late. Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s free retirement calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  NerdWallet’s roundup of the best IRA accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/ira-accounts  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to fix your relationship with money, money beliefs, financial trauma, budgeting on low income, how to start saving money, emotional spending, how to invest with little money, financial self-awareness, weekly money date, how much to save for emergencies, what is a 403b, 403b rollover to IRA, Roth IRA vs traditional IRA, how to track spending, how to set money goals, compound interest explained, how to save for retirement in your 30s, moving in with a partner finances, financial independence, personal finance for late starters, how to handle a career pivot financially, how to build an emergency fund, aligning spending with goals, how to start investing in your 30s, best IRAs for beginners, saving vs investing priorities, high-yield savings account, budgeting tools for beginners, financial planning on hourly wages, financial literacy basics, how to track expenses, how to make money habits stick, celebrating financial wins, how childhood affects money habits, somatic responses to money, financial therapy, how to stop money anxiety, 50/30/20 budget rule, NerdWallet retirement calculator. 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 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 budget? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share their “money hot takes” and then talk to a married couple about how they can better align on financial priorities. Sean and Elizabeth kick off the episode with their thoughts on how to become a millionaire without needing to own your own business and why they believe consistent investing from a 9-to-5 job can help you grow your wealth. Plus are Roth IRAs overrated? They might be when compared to Roth 401(k)s. Then, listeners Naomi and Andrew join Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how couples can align on their financial goals. They talk through how to define shared values, balance short- and long-term priorities, and decide how to use some new room in their budget wisely, including strategies for emergency funds, retirement, and kids’ future savings. NerdWallet's list of the best savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/savings-accounts  Get matched with a financial advisor by using NerdWallet Advisors Match: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/financial-advisors  NerdWallet’s investment calculator will calculate how much your investments will grow based on your planned contributions, timeline, rate of return and compounding frequency: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/investment-calculator  Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to build wealth without a business, investing from a 9 to 5 job, becoming a millionaire from salary, Roth IRA vs Roth 401k, Roth IRA contribution limits, backdoor Roth IRA, Roth 401k benefits, emergency fund recommendations, short term financial goals, good debt vs bad debt, paying off debt as a couple, managing money in a marriage, budgeting as a couple, aligning financial goals with a partner, daycare budget reallocation, how to prioritize financial goals, saving for a home addition, using home equity loan, 529 plan alternatives, taxable brokerage for kids, feeling behind on retirement, retirement planning anxiety, compound interest retirement, how to save for multiple goals, financial planning for couples, building credit as a couple, margin in budget meaning, shared financial values, and daycare cost savings. 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 navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money to help you understand both the practical and emotional sides of financial well-being. NerdWallet writer Kim Palmer joins the show to share her conversation with Aja Evans, a financial therapist and author of Feel-Good Finance: Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being. They discuss money taboos and financial trauma, with tips and tricks on how to open up about money, build healthier habits, and understand your emotional triggers. Then, Bri, a listener from Chicago, joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss navigating job loss and making tough financial decisions. They discuss how to choose between COBRA and marketplace health insurance, when to consider tapping savings or debt, and how to balance job search priorities without derailing your financial future. They also share smart strategies for cutting spending, staying motivated with rewards-based goals, and deciding what to do with old retirement accounts. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: job loss finances, what to do after losing a job, COBRA vs marketplace insurance, unemployment benefits, high-yield savings accounts, emotional spending, financial trauma, money shame, how to budget after layoff, unemployment job search tips, how to choose health insurance after job loss, rollover retirement account, how to talk about money, financial therapy, coping with job loss, 50/30/20 budget rule, rebuilding emergency funds, how to negotiate salary, unemployment and freelance work, how to cut spending fast, when to tap retirement savings, mental health and money, money mindset, smart budgeting strategies, financial stress relief, marketplace health insurance, spending triggers, navigating layoffs, unemployment and part-time work, personal budgeting goals, rebuilding after job loss, job loss recovery plan, financial therapy techniques, affordable health insurance options, rolling over 401(k), money taboos, improving financial habits, saving during unemployment, and the emotional impact of job loss. 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 Wall Street has changed since the 2008 financial crisis in this Smart Money special presentation of Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion. Michael Lewis’ best-selling book The Big Short is now 15 years old, and the Oscar-winning movie based on it was released a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Lewis has narrated a new audiobook of The Big Short, and on The Big Short Companion from Against the Rules, he and co-host Lidia Jean Kott look back on how the 2008 financial crisis still affects the world today. In this episode, Lewis calls Bloomberg’s Matt Levine for help making sense of Wall Street’s hangover from the crash described in The Big Short. They talk about Bitcoin, bank regulation, and new forms of risk-taking — all ways Wall Street has changed since the crisis. Find The Big Short Companion from Against the Rules wherever you get podcasts and The Big Short audiobook wherever you get audiobooks. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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

Hear how 2025 money news hit your wallet and whether your travel cards are really pulling their weight. How did 2025’s biggest money stories actually affect your wallet? How can you decide if your pricey travel credit cards are still worth it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola recap the year in finance news to help you understand what the stories mean for your budget, savings, and plans for 2026. They unpack top news items including tariff-driven uncertainty, a brief but historic stock market crash and subsequent rebound, stubborn home prices, softening rents, and a late-year run of Fed rate cuts. Then they provide tips and tricks on staying focused on long-term investing despite volatility, using rewards cards and store programs to fight higher grocery bills, weighing renting vs. buying when housing costs are sky-high, and making sure your cash is still earning a competitive yield as high-yield savings rates drift down. Then, Smart Travel podcast hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French give Elizabeth a live “credit card consult” on her stack of high-fee travel cards. They discuss how to tally up annual fees versus statement credits and perks, decide when lounge access really justifies keeping a premium card, identify weak-link airline cards that no longer match your home airport, and choose when to downgrade instead of cancel. They also dig into using grocery cards strategically, avoiding overpaying just to chase credits at specific merchants, managing the mental load of multiple “coupon book” benefits, and building a simple system to track expiring credits so your wallet — and not the card issuers — captures the most value. 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: The Ultimate Family Card  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card  Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists  Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club   AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Review: Solid Cash Back, $0 Annual Fee  5 Things to Know About the T.J. Maxx Credit Card  Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app: https://play.megaphone.fm/l-7v0exnsxc-kc8kejdruq  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header 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 prepare your money for 2026 and invest retirement savings you hope to leave to your family. How do Americans feel about their money heading into 2026? How should you invest retirement accounts you don’t plan to spend so your family can benefit later? The Nerds discuss how to invest a seven‑figure nest egg in workplace retirement plans to help you understand how to balance risk, taxes and legacy goals. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola to discuss NerdWallet’s 2026 consumer outlook survey, including how confident people feel about their financial security, which potential money setbacks are weighing on them, and what big financial moves and risks they’re planning to take in the new year. Then, credit writer Amanda Barroso and investing writer Taryn Phaneuf join Elizabeth to discuss how a retired military listener and their soon‑to‑be-retired spouse might invest $1.2 million they’ve saved  in a TSP and 403b and  hope to leave to their children and grandchildren. They review  how TSPs and 403bs work and when it might make sense to roll them into IRAs, how to think about asset allocation when you have a long time horizon but may still face surprise retirement costs like long‑term care, and the rules around required minimum distributions and the 10‑year payout window for inherited retirement accounts. They also explore high‑level estate planning choices such as using trusts and keeping beneficiaries up to date, pros and cons of Roth conversions for heirs (including the Roth IRA five‑year rule), and how to balance leaving a legacy with using some money to create meaningful experiences with family during your lifetime. Consumer Outlook Survey https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-consumer-outlook-report The Roth IRA 5-Year Rule: What to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/roth-ira-5-year-rule  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 2026 financial outlook, economic outlook 2026, rising prices 2026, inflation 2026, emergency fund savings, how much emergency fund should I have, save 1000 emergency fund, pay off high interest debt, avalanche vs snowball debt payoff, debt consolidation options, nonprofit credit counseling, crypto investing risks, invest in AI stocks, start a business 2026, buying a home in 2026, financial anxiety, Gen Z finances, women and money stress, stock market crash preparation, and TSP investment strategy. 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