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    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/

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    Latest Episodes:
    Housing in 2026: Home Prices and Rates Are in Flux. Time to Make Your Move? Jan 08, 2026
    Show notes

    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.

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    Investing in 2026: Fix Your Allocation Before the Next Market Swing Jan 05, 2026
    Show notes

    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


    How to Build Better Money Habits in 2026 Jan 01, 2026
    Show notes

    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


    Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life (with Shannah Game) Dec 29, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    Managing Money in Your Marriage and How to Build Wealth Without a Side Hustle Dec 25, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being Dec 22, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    How the 2008 Financial Crisis Changed Wall Street (The Big Short Companion Podcast from Against the Rules) Dec 18, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    2025’s Money Year in Review and Travel Card Moves To Make Now Dec 15, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    Strengthen Your 2026 Financial Plan and Optimize TSP and 403(b) Accounts for Heirs Dec 11, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    Life’s Big Buys: Travel Splurges and When to Cut Retirement Savings for a Home Down Payment Dec 08, 2025
    Show notes

    Learn how to shift savings between retirement and a home down payment without derailing your future.

    How do you balance big life experiences with long-term financial goals? Is it smart to scale back retirement savings to buy a home sooner? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting, honeymoon spending, and saving trade-offs to help you think through your own big-ticket plans. Fresh off his San Francisco City Hall wedding and multi-city honeymoon through Japan and South Korea, Sean shares how he saved ahead of time, avoided debt, and still came home with money left over. They talk about budgeting for flights and hotels, deciding when to splurge versus save, the realities of travel fatigue, and how to reset your budget afterward by trimming categories like clothing. Elizabeth also opens up about her “37 to 37” joy challenge, holiday shopping stress around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and the emotions of planning birthday and Christmas spending.

    Then, fellow Nerds Dalia Ramirez and Kate Ashford join Elizabeth to discuss whether it makes sense to divert retirement savings toward a home down payment. They walk through how to prioritize savings goals, use age-based benchmarks to see if you’re on track, and set a clear end date for any “pause” to protect your future self. They also break down key differences between Roth IRAs and 403(b)s, when it may be smarter to lower 403(b) contributions instead of tapping a Roth, how first-time homebuyers might use up to $10,000 in Roth earnings for a purchase, and the trade-offs of sacrificing compound growth today for the long-term benefits of owning a home.

    Enter to Win NerdWallet's Debt-Free December Sweepstakes: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/loans/personal-loans/debtfreedecember

    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: retirement savings, home down payment, diverting retirement savings, saving for a house, Roth IRA withdrawal for home, Roth IRA first time homebuyer, 403b vs Roth IRA, pension and retirement savings, retirement savings benchmark by age, compound interest retirement, emergency fund vs house down payment, balancing savings goals, saving for retirement in your 30s, retirement calculator planning, how much to save for retirement, wedding budget, honeymoon budget, travel budget planning, Japan trip cost, Tokyo travel budget, Seoul travel budget, big life event budgeting, saving for wedding and house, Cyber Monday shopping tips, Black Friday shopping stress, holiday gift budget, birthday spending, joyful spending, government pension retirement planning, high interest debt payoff vs investing, reducing 403b contributions, Roth IRA contributions vs earnings, and first time homebuyer rules Roth IRA.

    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


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