NerdWallet’s trusted finance experts answer real-world money questions to help you make smarter financial decisions with confidence.
Each episode dives deep in...
Debt in the Dating World and Retirement Planning for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Learn how debt affects dating, plus expert advice on retirement planning for business owners navigating succession and savings.
When does debt become a red flag in the dating world? How can business owners best plan for retirement? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss a new NerdWallet survey revealing how financial responsibility impacts romantic relationships, and they explore how different types of debt — like student loans versus credit card debt—affect dating prospects. Plus, they discuss why financial transparency matters, and they give you some steps to take if you want to become more financially appealing to a potential partner.
Then, Sean and co-host Sara Rathner talk with an organic produce farmer, Tenzin, about how to plan for retirement, particularly as a business owner. They cover key retirement planning benchmarks, when to shift from reinvesting in a business to personal savings, and succession strategies for business owners looking to transition out of an active role.
Read about the findings of NerdWallet’s new survey on debt in dating: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/data-undateable-debt
Mentions:
How to choose a financial advisor
Retirement calculator
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how much debt is too much, financial red flags, debt and relationships, money and dating, financial green flags, how to talk about money in relationships, paying off debt before marriage, retirement planning for small business owners, small business succession planning, selling a family business, how to retire as a business owner, when to stop reinvesting in your business, how to transition a business to employees, retirement savings benchmarks, financial planning for entrepreneurs, choosing a financial planner, business transition strategies, how to retire without selling your business, business exit strategies, small business succession options, employee ownership models, planning for retirement as a farmer, financial planning for farmers, debt and dating statistics, and money habits in relationships.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
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29:54
Will New Tariffs and Tax Rules Cost You? (Plus: Travel Rewards & Roth IRA Tips)
Get the latest on tariffs, federal spending and the CFPB shake-up — plus answers to your travel credit card and Roth IRA questions.
What tariffs has President Trump implemented? What’s the best travel credit card for earning rewards and perks? How do you open a Roth IRA and choose investments? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the latest financial news, including new tariffs, federal spending changes, and what’s happening with the CFPB under the Trump administration. Senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins them to discuss of how tariffs may raise prices for consumers, how government funding uncertainties could affect personal finances, and what to know about potential changes to financial protections. Then, host Sara Rathner joins Sean to answer a “lightning round” of listener questions, including questions about travel credit cards and Roth IRAs. They cover top travel credit cards and their perks, how to decide if a travel rewards card is right for you, and what to consider when opening a Roth IRA.
NerdWallet’s roundup of the best brokers for beginner investors: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/online-brokers-for-beginners
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: best travel credit cards, how to open a Roth IRA, travel rewards cards, Roth IRA step-by-step, tariffs impact on prices, federal spending freeze, CFPB changes, financial protections, Chase Sapphire Reserve review, American Express Gold Card benefits, best credit card for travel perks, how to choose a credit card, travel credit card comparison, investment accounts for kids, best brokerage accounts, best 529 college savings plan, credit freeze explained, credit card points vs. cash back, pros and cons of travel credit cards, Roth IRA tax benefits, how to pick a Roth IRA provider, best robo-advisors for retirement, what is a custodial account, UTMA vs. 529 plan, how to invest for grandkids, personal finance news, money tips, financial literacy, best tax-advantaged accounts, step-by-step Roth IRA guide, best credit card welcome bonuses, tax implications of travel rewards, how tariffs affect your wallet, how to budget for travel, how to avoid credit card debt, and how to maximize credit card rewards.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
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31:01
Introducing Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, a NerdWallet Podcast
Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debuting Wednesday, February 12.
NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder.
But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel
details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep
with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation.
So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you've only dreamed about.
Follow Smart Travel on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-travel-upgrade-your-getaways/id1794403843
Follow Smart Travel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3O8C6tHZGMzEMrlW2Lavw0?si=V3zpJB3VRhSG4W78GU_KsQ
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2:35
The Price Isn’t Right: How to Stop Overspending and Stay Debt-Free
Break free from debt cycles and rethink your spending habits with tips on no-buy challenges and financial therapy.
How can you stop falling into a cycle of paying off debt, only to rack it back up again? What is a no-buy year, and how can it help you control your spending? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for breaking unhealthy spending patterns and staying out of debt for good. They begin with a conversation about the benefits of a no-buy year with NerdWallet personal finance writer Amanda Barroso, who shares tips on setting clear spending rules, resisting impulse purchases, and tracking progress to reinforce financial discipline.
Then, Sean welcomes co-host Sara Rathner and personal finance Nerd Melissa Lambarena to dive into a listener’s struggle with recurring credit card debt. They discuss the psychological factors behind compulsive spending, the benefits of financial therapy, and practical steps to curb overspending, including strategies for budgeting, limiting credit card use, and practicing delayed gratification.
Read NerdWallet’s write-up of the best no balance transfer fee credit cards to help you compare your options for ways to climb out of debt: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card debt, how to stop overspending, no-buy year, budgeting tips, financial therapy, money habits, debt cycle, breaking bad money habits, impulse spending, debt-free living, financial discipline, how to stop using credit cards, saving money strategies, debt management, mindful spending, financial goals, spending freeze, personal finance tips, credit card traps, emotional spending, how to budget, debt repayment, how to stay out of debt, no-spend challenge, frugal living, debt-free journey, saving money on shopping, financial accountability, budget planner, financial self-control, spending detox, credit card debt help, how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, best budgeting methods, overcoming debt, financial self-awareness, debt-free motivation, and how to track spending habits.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
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32:34
Is It Time to Leave Your Job? Tips for Smart Moves and Strategic Growth
Learn how to decide if it’s time to change jobs or careers and understand how to strategize before you make a big career move.
How do you know if it’s time to leave your job? What steps should you take before making a big career move? Host Sean Pyles talks to author and SiriusXM host Dawn Graham about how to evaluate your current job satisfaction and recognize the signs that it might be time for a change. They begin with a discussion of identifying personal values, assessing career alignment, and tips for navigating conversations with managers. They also delve into strategies for approaching major career shifts, from exploring new fields to building the skills and network necessary to succeed. They discuss actionable strategies for testing a new career path, overcoming the challenges of starting over, and networking effectively to stand out.
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: career changes, how to change jobs, signs to leave a job, switching careers, professional growth, career move tips, leaving a job, job dissatisfaction, career pivot, networking strategies, job search tips, workplace burnout, how to talk to a manager about leaving, new career path, finding a new job, changing careers in 2025, job skills development, career alignment, values and career decisions, professional energy, job growth, building career confidence, quitting a job, making a career switch, career planning, job search strategies, LinkedIn networking, and how to stay motivated at work.
To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
NerdWallet’s trusted finance experts answer real-world money questions to help you make smarter financial decisions with confidence.
Each episode dives deep into topics like budgeting, saving, investing, home buying, and credit cards, cutting through misinformation to bring you clear, actionable advice backed by thorough research.
By the end of every episode, you’ll have the latest financial insights and the tools you’ll need to manage your money wisely, build wealth, and plan for life’s milestones. Future You will thank you.
Join hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, Sara Rathner, and other expert Nerds as they answer your biggest money questions and share strategies to help you build wealth and reach your financial goals, including:
– Investing: Advanced investment strategies, integrating ETFs and mutual funds into a diversified portfolio, tax-efficient retirement planning, understanding Roth IRA conversions, and navigating robo-advisors.
– Credit Cards: Top credit cards for travel rewards and luxury perks, balance transfer strategies, maximizing credit card points, and optimizing credit card usage to boost your credit score.
– Personal Finance: Advanced budgeting tips, building generational wealth, creating effective savings plans, managing high-income expenses, and developing a strong money growth mindset.
– Home: Smart strategies for homebuying in competitive markets, leveraging home equity loans and HELOCs, refinancing for long-term savings, first-time homebuying tips, and budgeting for major home improvements.
If you’re searching for the best personal finance podcasts or want practical knowledge to make smarter money decisions, then follow NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast.
You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like: Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl,Money Guy Show, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth.
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