TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    Business

    NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast

    NerdWallet’s trusted finance journalists 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. And if you have questions for the Nerds, you can leave them a voicemail at 901-730-6373.

    Join hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, Elizabeth Ayoola, 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.

    NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

    Advertise
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify
    Latest Episodes:
    SALT Cap Raised, Clean Energy Credits Ending: Adapt Your Finances to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Jul 17, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for your taxes, benefits, and financial planning. Then, understand how to adapt to living on disability insurance.

    What tax changes are coming from the federal budget bill? Can you save money while living on disability? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola unpack the latest legislative changes to help you understand how they’ll impact your finances. Joined by senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they explain how the nearly 900-page budget bill alters the tax landscape, including extensions of Trump-era cuts, new deductions for car loan interest and tipped income, and major clean energy credit rollbacks. They also explain what the end of certain EV and solar credits means for your 2025 tax strategy and how new "Trump Accounts" for babies could factor into long-term savings.

    Then, personal finance Nerd Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about how to manage their finances while on disability. They cover SSDI vs. SSI, saving strategies despite income limits, and whether it's possible to start a nonprofit or invest money without risking benefits. They also discuss emotional support during life transitions, who should consider disability insurance, and how to shop for a policy while you’re still healthy.

    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: federal budget 2025, tax cuts 2025, Trump tax cuts extension, new tax deductions 2025, car loan interest deduction, tipped income tax exemption, overtime income tax deduction, SALT deduction 2025, standard deduction for seniors, clean energy tax credits ending, EV tax credit deadline, solar panel tax credit expiration, energy efficient home improvement credit, Trump baby savings accounts, Medicaid work requirements, SNAP cuts 2028, ACA premium increases 2025, health insurance cost increase, student loan changes 2026, repayment assistance program 2026, graduate student loan limit, SSDI savings rules, how to save on SSDI, investing while on SSDI, SSDI vs SSI, work income limit on disability, disability benefits income cap, short term disability insurance, long term disability insurance, how to buy disability insurance, SSDI work expense deductions, how to qualify for disability benefits, financial planning on disability, and new tax rules 2025.

    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

    Smart Planning Sessions: Go “Work Optional” and Move Retirement Funds Penalty-Free (Plus: Your Midyear Money Check-In) Jul 14, 2025
    Show notes

    In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to transfer retirement funds penalty-free and how to adopt a “work optional” mindset.


    How can you check in on your financial progress halfway through the year? What steps do you need to follow to move your Roth IRA from a robo-advisor to a self-directed platform without paying taxes? Before welcoming listener Dan to the show to answer his financial questions, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down how you can do a mid-year money check-in, including how to audit your budget, spot and cancel unused subscriptions, increase retirement contributions, and curb emotional spending to stay on track for year-end goals. They offer a detailed checklist to assess credit, spending habits, and financial planning priorities for the remainder of the year.


    Then, Elizabeth welcomes Taylor Schulte, a CFP® and CEO of Define Financial, to dive into Dan’s questions, starting with how to reallocate investments when transferring a Roth IRA between platforms. They discuss avoiding taxes using the 60-day rollover rule, how to minimize market exposure during the transition, and why custodians like Fidelity or Schwab may be better suited than Robinhood in certain situations. They also help Dan evaluate whether he’s saving enough for a “work-optional” retirement, offer guidance on budgeting for life now vs. later, and explain what to consider when deciding on insurance coverage like disability or term life.


    Inspired to navigate your finances with an advisor? Use NerdWallet Advisors Match to find vetted professionals today at https://www.nerdwalletadvisors.com/match


    A rollover IRA can be a great option for money in old retirement accounts. To avoid a tax hit, know the steps involved: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-rollover-401k-roth-traditional-ira


    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: midyear financial check-in, how to track your spending, canceling unused subscriptions, Roth IRA transfer steps, rollover IRA rules, robo advisor vs self-directed investing, avoiding taxes on Roth IRA rollover, rebalancing Roth IRA, saving for retirement in your 20s, financial goals 2025, budgeting after emotional spending, how to increase 529 contributions, setting beneficiaries, updating estate plan, disability insurance basics, work-optional retirement, how much to save for retirement, starting a financial planning firm, emergency fund tips, automating savings, avoiding subscription traps, midyear credit check, reallocating investments, understanding investment fees, budgeting as a single person, how to set financial boundaries, pay yourself first strategy, how to start budgeting weekly, tracking financial progress, saving vs spending balance, transferring mutual funds, how to do a 60-day rollover, and Roth IRA transfer tax implications.

    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

    Buy Now, Pay Later Comes at a Price: Credit Score Risks You Need to Know (Plus: $124k Windfall Tips) Jul 10, 2025
    Show notes

    Understand how Buy Now, Pay Later financing options affect your credit and learn smart strategies for using a six-figure inheritance wisely.


    How does Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) affect your credit score? What’s the smartest way to invest or use an unexpected inheritance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the evolving credit implications of BNPL services and break down how to manage a money windfall responsibly. Joined by NerdWallet’s Anna Helhoski and Jackie Veling, they begin with a deep dive into BNPL, including how it works, why it’s becoming more prominent in credit reporting, and how it can either help or hurt your credit depending on your habits. Key takeaways include how new FICO scoring models treat BNPL loans, tips for avoiding pitfalls like loan stacking, and whether BNPL is a wise tool for building credit.


    Then, investing Nerd Alana Benson joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about what to do with a $124,000 inheritance. They walk through thoughtful allocation strategies across emergency savings, debt payoff, investing, and even making room for some guilt-free fun. Topics include how timelines impact where you park your money, differences between IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts, when to use a robo-advisor, and how fees can quietly erode returns.


    Use NerdWallet’s free expense ratio calculator to enter your initial investment, future contributions, time horizon and projected annual return in order to compare two expense ratios and find out how much you could lose by choosing the more expensive fund: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/mutual-fund-expense-ratios


    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: BNPL credit score, FICO 10 score, how to use BNPL responsibly, BNPL and credit bureaus, new FICO credit model, inheritance investing, what to do with a windfall, best way to invest $100k, pay off student loans or invest, CD vs high-yield savings, high-yield checking account, IRA contribution limits, Roth IRA or brokerage account, how to use a robo-advisor, best robo-advisors 2025, IRA vs brokerage, investing after inheritance, compound interest calculator, how to build credit, down payment savings tips, investing timelines, financial planning after inheritance, robo advisor fees, expense ratio impact, credit building strategies, high-yield CD rates, traditional vs Roth IRA, 457 plan investing, state employee retirement options, financial windfall tax strategy, 529 college savings plan, credit score and BNPL, and BNPL late payments impact.


    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

    Amazon Prime Day Hacks and Budgeting Tips for Emotional Shoppers Jul 07, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn how to approach Amazon Prime day without blowing your budget and hear how you can start to understand the emotions that might be driving your spending.

    What are the best ways to take advantage of big sales like Amazon Prime Day but still stay on track with your budget? How can you get a handle on emotional spending and the guilt that comes with it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dive into how to approach your budget, whether it’s while gearing up for a sale or just in your everyday life. Joined by Jamil Ghani, the Vice President of Amazon Prime, they begin with a discussion of what to expect during Prime Day this year, and how to get the most out of the event, including info about invite-only deals and how AI-powered tools can help you find what you need.

    Then, Sean and Elizabeth are joined by listener Catherine, who has questions about getting a handle on her emotional spending tendencies. They discuss what triggers emotional spending and how to recognize patterns of behavior. Plus, they explain different budgeting methods to help bring structure to your spending while still giving you the freedom to treat yourself without feeling guilty.

    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

    The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Amazon Prime Day 2025, Prime Day shopping tips, best Prime Day deals, Amazon AI shopping tools, Prime Day electronics discounts, Amazon invite-only deals, emotional spending help, budgeting for couples, 50 30 20 budget rule, NerdWallet Smart Money podcast, money guilt solutions, budgeting apps free, impulse spending solutions, coping with financial stress, Amazon savings for students, Prime Day household deals, CamelCamelCamel price tracker, how to stop emotional shopping, financial planning tips, budgeting without a system, money values journaling, Amazon Prime VP interview, Amazon shopping hacks, setting a shopping budget, NerdWallet budgeting advice, Smart Money money questions, financial therapy alternatives, personal finance podcast, how to prioritize spending, budgeting for grad school.

    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

    How to Retire Early and Live Abroad: Your Guide to Making FIRE Last (Plus: 2025 Gas Prices Explained) Jul 03, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn how to navigate gas prices this summer, then hear how to make your money work after retiring early and moving abroad.

    What’s going on with gas prices this summer? How can early retirees turn their savings into income abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss gas price trends and smart investment options for early retirees to help you plan a smoother ride — both on the road and in your financial journey. Joined by NerdWallet’s Anna Helhoski and AAA’s Aixa Diaz, they begin with a discussion of 2025 gas prices, with tips and tricks on timing your fill-ups, choosing the right fuel blend, and prepping your car for summer travel.

    Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer a listener’s question about how to turn $150,000 in savings into ongoing passive income after achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and relocating to Spain. They discuss how to balance accessibility with growth through options like CD ladders, T-bills, REITs, and dividend ETFs. They also explore considerations around managing rental properties from abroad, currency risk, and the importance of working with a CPA to avoid tax pitfalls when investing internationally.

    Use NerdWallet’s free compound interest calculator to see how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/compound-interest-calculator

    Dividend aristocrats are stocks that raise their dividends every year. Here’s an overview of how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/top-dividend-aristocrats-list

    Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. View NerdWallet’s list of the best high-dividend stocks and learn how to invest in them: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-dividend-stocks

    Here’s NerdWallet’s list of the best ways to send money internationally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gas prices 2025, summer gas prices, how to save money on gas, why are gas prices rising, AAA fuel cost calculator, road trip cost calculator, gas price trends, crude oil price impact on gas, how to prepare for a road trip, car maintenance for road trips, road trip emergency kit checklist, what affects gas prices, hurricane impact on gas prices, early retirement abroad, how to generate passive income after FIRE, CD ladder strategy, high-yield savings alternatives, best short-term investments, moving to Spain finances, cost of living in Spain vs USA, living off rental income abroad, managing rental property from overseas, REIT vs dividend ETF, opening brokerage account abroad, FATCA rules for expats, real estate income planning, investing while living overseas, treasury bills vs CDs, compound interest calculator, diversifying passive income, financial planning after FIRE, and retiring in your 40s.

    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

    Overcome Emotional Spending and Spot Job Scams That Could Cost You Thousands Jun 30, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn how to reset spending habits after emotional setbacks and protect yourself from job scams that cost real money.

    How do you reset your money goals after emotional setbacks? How do you avoid job scams that steal your savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mindful spending and scam recovery to help you stay in control of your financial life. They begin by welcoming NerdWallet writer Amanda Barroso to share a candid check-in on her year-long “low-buy” journey. Amanda shares how grief led her to relapse into emotional spending, but also how she’s refocusing her goals like budgeting for travel to Spain and saving for a future Disney trip. She offers reflections on intentional spending, how emotions influence shopping habits, and tips like using a visual calendar, reevaluating goals quarterly, and creating a "grief budget."

    Then, Sean and Elizabeth are joined by Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, to discuss job scams. They talk through the red flags in one listener’s experience and explain what to do if you’ve been scammed, including how to report scams, the emotional toll of being victimized, and ways to avoid phishing and imposter schemes.

    The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to stop emotional spending, job scams, fake job postings, crypto job scams, emotional spending triggers, retail therapy, low-buy year, mindful spending, budgeting after grief, how to protect against job scams, reporting scams, crypto payroll red flags, scam recovery tips, coping with financial guilt, intentional spending strategies, budgeting for international travel, Monarch Money app, how to track spending visually, how to reset financial goals, how to bounce back after overspending, scam urgency tactics, phishing red flags, upfront payments, crypto-based wages, high-pressure tactics, imposter scam examples, avoiding crypto scams, scam victim shame, scam financial recovery, scam reporting tools, Identity Theft Resource Center, scam personal data risks, emotional triggers and money, how to budget with a partner, grief and spending behavior, long-term savings motivation, budgeting apps for couples, how to recognize fake recruiters, and scams on social media.

    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

    Escape the Infinite Workday Trap (Plus: How to Grow $200/Month Into $300K) Jun 26, 2025
    Show notes

    Get tips to reclaim your time from the “infinite workday,” then learn how to build retirement savings as a stay-at-home parent.

    How do you reclaim your time in an always-on work culture? How can stay-at-home parents keep building retirement savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rise of the “infinite workday” and answer a listener’s question about how to save for retirement as a stay-at-home parent. First, NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins the show to share her conversation with Colette Stallbaumer, co-founder of Microsoft WorkLab and general manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot, who shares new research into the “infinite workday.” She discusses how flexible work has blurred the lines between home and the office, often creating burnout and a sense of always being “on,” and offers solutions, including boundary-setting practices, productivity tips, and how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can help reclaim focus time.

    Then, Sean and Elizabeth shift gears to answer a listener’s question about saving for retirement as a stay-at-home parent. They break down options like spousal IRAs, the importance of emergency funds, and how even $200 a month can grow significantly under the right circumstances. They also talk through budget frameworks and how to have productive conversations with your partner about long-term goals.

    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

    Use NerdWallet’s free compound interest calculator to see how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/compound-interest-calculator

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: infinite workday, always on work culture, work from home burnout, Microsoft WorkLab study, productivity tools, morning overwhelm, triple peak day, reclaiming focus time, meetings vs deep work, Copilot AI, Microsoft 365 productivity, flexible work boundaries, setting work boundaries, delay send email, work-life balance tips, workplace AI tools, using AI at work, spousal IRA, retirement options for stay-at-home parents, compound interest calculator, emergency fund strategy, 50/30/20 budget rule, saving while unemployed, Roth IRA withdrawals, IRA contribution limits, saving for retirement after quitting a job, financial planning for couples, money conversations with your partner, taxable brokerage account, pay yourself first, retirement savings calculator, saving for retirement with side hustle, and financial independence as a stay-at-home parent.

    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

    Your Housing Questions Answered: Down Payments, Mortgage Recasting, and Buying in Tough Markets Jun 23, 2025
    Show notes

    Explore strategies to strengthen your finances and get smart answers to common home buying and mortgage questions.

    When you're looking to buy your next home, should you pay off your current mortgage or save more for a down payment? How does mortgage recasting work? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer several questions from listeners about home buying and renting. But first, they talk with NerdWallet experts Amy Knight and Sara Rathner about how people are navigating today’s financial challenges, from rising costs to career interruptions. They explore practical ways to strengthen your money habits, with tips and tricks on using side hustles for independence, turning money talks into regular “money dates,” and saving for the future even in small amounts.

    Then, mortgage Nerd Holden Lewis joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a series of listener questions about home buying. Topics include weighing the pros and cons of saving vs. paying off a mortgage, whether to put a rental property in a trust, what to expect when recasting a mortgage, and how to stand out when buying in a competitive housing market like New York City.

    Use NerdWallet’s free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments and annual amortization: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-calculator

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how women can build financial independence, motherhood penalty and finances, side hustles for single moms, investing as a single mom, financial independence for women, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, gender pay gap and retirement, credit card rules for stay-at-home spouses, home buying in a tight market, mortgage recasting explained, pros and cons of putting a house in a trust, trusts vs LLC for rental property, buying a home in New York City, how to buy in a competitive housing market, how much to save before buying a house, how to improve home buying offer, home inspection tips for buyers, why rent is cheaper than buying, how to calculate mortgage payments, NerdWallet mortgage calculator, money dates for couples, budgeting as a single parent, how to avoid the motherhood penalty, flexible home buying offers, asset protection for rental homes, how to build credit as a stay-at-home parent, financial planning for women, and the financial impact of caregiving.

    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

    Are You Saving Enough in 2025? What the Data Says About Falling Short (Plus: Where to Keep Conservatorship Funds) Jun 19, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn whether you’re saving enough money in 2025. Then, learn where to keep conservatorship funds to safely earn interest.

    What is the average American saving in 2025? Where can you keep conservatorship funds to earn interest? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola tackle a listener’s question about how to grow savings when managing a conservatorship account. But first, Elizabeth welcomes Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet senior writer, and Erin El Issa, NerdWallet data writer, to discuss new findings from NerdWallet’s midyear savings report. They cover how much Americans are saving in 2025, what they’re saving for, and the biggest barriers, even for high earners. Erin shares strategies for getting back on track with your savings goals, including how to start small, automate contributions, and make use of tools like “sinking funds.”

    Then, host Sean Pyles joins Elizabeth to answer a listener's question about how to grow savings when you're managing a conservatorship account. They welcome NerdWallet banking writer Margarette Burnette, who explains the special requirements of conservatorship accounts, why most online banks won’t support them, and how to shop for the best fit. They discuss how credit unions may offer the right balance of customer service and flexibility, what features to compare when choosing an account, and why convenience and compliance often outweigh high interest rates in these cases.

    NerdWallet’s roundup of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/high-yield-online-savings-accounts

    See NerdWallet’s lists of the best banks and credit unions that can help you manage and grow your funds more optimally: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/banking/best-banks-and-credit-unions

    How to decide between a credit union and a bank: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/credit-unions-vs-banks

    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money, emergency funds, 2025 savings trends, high-yield savings accounts, conservator savings account, conservatorship account, savings goals, savings by income level, how much to save per month, automating savings, sinking fund, saving for travel, saving for emergencies, online savings account, savings barriers, low interest savings, saving with a high income, credit union vs bank, managing someone else's money, saving for medical expenses, pet emergency savings, budgeting for short-term goals, CDs vs savings accounts, 529 plans, UTMA account, retirement account options, IRA vs 401k, APY drops explained, saving for gifts, saving for kids expenses, certificate of deposit, NerdWallet savings survey, savings tips 2025, and setting savings goals.

    To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

    Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Smart Planning Sessions: Digging Out of $36K in Debt — Without Derailing Retirement Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes

    In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to build a smarter debt payoff plan without sacrificing long-term financial goals.


    What’s the smartest way to make progress on credit card debt when budgeting alone isn’t cutting it? When can debt consolidation tools actually make your situation worse? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss strategies for getting out of debt without sacrificing long-term financial stability. But first, they begin with a round of Smart Money, Dumb Money, Fun Money, where they talk about some of the smartest, dumbest and “funnest” things they’ve seen in the world of money lately, from maximizing credit card rewards to avoiding loyalty traps with insurance providers to choosing which splurges are actually worth it.


    Then, they’re joined by Daniel Messeca, Certified Financial Planner and co-host of the Check Your Balances podcast, to help listener Safia weigh whether tapping their 403(b) to pay off $36,000 in credit card debt is a smart move. Together, they explore how to evaluate the long-term tradeoffs of using retirement funds, how to spot and plug budget leaks, and how nonprofit credit counseling, 403(b) loans, and even bankruptcy might fit into a comprehensive debt payoff plan.


    Inspired to navigate your finances with an advisor? Use NerdWallet Advisors Match to find vetted professionals today at https://www.nerdwalletadvisors.com/match


    Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

    • American Express Blue Cash Preferred Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Family Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-blue-cash-preferred

    • Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-executive


    Track your net worth, stay up-to-date on consumer news, and learn smart money moves on the NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app


    Compare auto insurance rates in 2 minutes: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/insurance/auto-insurance/compare-quotes-control-29


    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: using 403b to pay off credit cards, credit card debt payoff strategies, credit card consolidation options, nonprofit credit counseling, 403b loan vs withdrawal, how to budget paycheck to paycheck, emergency fund savings tips, high-interest credit card strategies, 0 APR balance transfer, eSIM international travel, rental car insurance credit card, car insurance loyalty penalty, budgeting apps for debt payoff, student loan repayment tips, public service loan forgiveness program, SAVE plan student loans, income-driven repayment plans, how to reduce entertainment spending, reducing eating out budget, how to start a side hustle, budgeting for low income, when to pause retirement contributions, how to qualify for PSLF, tips for high annual fee credit cards, choosing the right rewards card, using hobbies for self-care, fun money budgeting tips, best credit cards for groceries, and car insurance shopping tips.


    To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.


    Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Previous 1 12 13 14 15 16 66 Next

    Related Podcasts

    How I Built This with Guy Raz

    1

    How I Built This with Guy Raz Business
    Planet Money

    2

    Planet Money Business
    Inside Strategic Coach: Connecting Entrepreneurs With What Really Matters

    3

    Inside Strategic Coach: Connecting Entrepreneurs With What Really Matters Business
    BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

    4

    BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Business
    The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

    5

    The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast Business
    A Thousand Natural Shocks With Gabe S. Dunn

    6

    A Thousand Natural Shocks With Gabe S. Dunn Business
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights