Smart Money Podcast

In each episode, NerdWallet experts answer real-world financial questions, so you can work toward your goals faster and manage your money smarter.

Latest episode

Using Your Financial Anxiety to Make Better Decisions

Nerds Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer speak with Farnoosh Torabi, author of the new book, “A Healthy State of Panic.” She explains how we can use our fears as a superpower to make better decisions when it comes to finances, career and life. Read more.

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Special Series: Optimizing Your Open Enrollment Benefits

Maximizing Your Benefits: A Guide to Employer-Provided Perks

Understand employer-provided benefits, from dental and vision coverage to more unique perks like legal assistance. Read more.

Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and More

Explore coverage options to protect your income in worst-case scenarios, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Read more.

Choosing a Healthcare Plan via Open Enrollment (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More)

Expert Nerds talk through the complexities of open enrollment, starting with ways to assess healthcare plans and costs. Read more.

Previous episodes

Using Your Financial Anxiety to Make Better Decisions

Uncover the true cost of making financial decisions (and financial indecision) and get tips for shopping for a new bank. Read more.

Plan Your Black Friday Shopping Strategy and Should You Wait to Buy a Home?

Craft your holiday shopping plan with Black Friday insights, then understand options for buying a home in today’s market. Read more.

Your Guide to Budgeting, Credit and Debt Management Strategies

Learn tactics to make and manage a budget, understand credit scores, and manage debt to improve your financial health. Read more

Maximizing Your Benefits: A Guide to Employer-Provided Perks

Understand employer-provided benefits, from dental and vision coverage to more unique perks like legal assistance. Read more.

Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and More

Explore coverage options to protect your income in worst-case scenarios, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Read more.

2 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score, Budgeting Tips, and Investing in 403b and 529 Plans

Learn about two quick credit score tips, 403b and 529 plans, delinquencies on old loans, and budgeting when paid once a month.Read more.

Options for Paying Off Credit Card Debt: Hardship Programs, Balance Transfer Cards, Loans and More

Hear Nerds’ “financial horror stories” and explore solutions for paying credit card debt, from 401k loans to bankruptcy. Read more.

Choosing a Healthcare Plan via Open Enrollment (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More)

Expert Nerds talk through the complexities of open enrollment, starting with ways to assess healthcare plans and costs. Read more.

Money Saving Tips On Car & Home Insurance, plus Budgeting for Conventions and Hobbies at Comic Con

Get budgeting tips for conventions and cosplay straight from New York Comic Con, then learn about car and home insurance. Read more

HIV Prevention and Gender-Affirming Care: Costs, Solutions and Legalities of LGBTQ+ Health Care

Understand the financial and legal challenges in LGBTQ+ health care, including HIV treatment and gender-affirming surgery. Read more

Your Guide to Reproductive Health Care Costs, Options and Economic Implications

Understand recent and upcoming changes in costs and access to reproductive care, as well as resources to manage them. Read more

Behind the Rising Health Care Costs of Bodily Autonomy

Take a deep dive into what's behind rising health care prices at the intersection of law, policy and personal health decisions. Read more

If You’re Traveling for the Holidays, Start Planning Now

Learn why it’s a good time to check your credit card interest rates, and you should start planning your holiday travel now. Read more

Understand Your Options for Buying and Selling Cars

Find out how to avoid “dark patterns” companies use to trick you, then learn the advantages and disadvantages of leasing versus buying a car. Read more

International Budget Travel, and Firing Financial Advisors

Explore how to travel abroad on a budget, and how to part ways with a financial advisor whose services are unsatisfactory. Read more

Important Job Interview Questions and Travel Insurance Tips

Ace your next job interview with questions you may not have considered asking, then learn how travel insurance works. Read more

How to Approach Wedding Costs and Gift-Giving Budgets

Learn methods for planning a wedding that makes sense for your budget, then hear how the Nerds think about gift-giving etiquette. Read more