Learn how to build a financial safety net to conserve your wealth and the ins and outs of investing in index funds.

How can you build financial resilience to protect yourself from life's economic curveballs? 

How do index funds work, and what should you consider when choosing one?

Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how you can use elements of financial planning to minimize risk exposure. They offer tips and tricks for financial risk mitigation, including the importance of establishing an emergency fund, understanding the value of disability insurance, and the sometimes overlooked role of community support. 

Then, investing writer Alieza Durana joins Sean and Sara to help answer a listener’s question about how to choose different types of index funds. They explain different fund management styles, how to evaluate expense ratios and investment returns, and considerations for choosing the right index fund based on individual financial goals and risk tolerance.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: emergency funds, index funds, financial planning, insurance, investment strategies, expense ratios, disability insurance, economic crises, financial resilience, ETFs, mutual funds, financial goals, risk management, strategic financial planning, investing in index funds, investment decisions, emergency savings, income protection, financial stability, community support, financial safety net, safeguarding income, investment vehicles, financial savvy, asset allocation, investment returns, market performance, tax efficiency, investment minimums, financial well-being, financial risks, sector focus, financial education, retirement savings, economic recovery, cost management, investment objectives, and investment growth.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Discover how you could turn your collectibles and passions into an actual business and stay ahead of market trends.

How hard is it to make money from collectibles? 

What kinds of things typically become collectible? 

Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the unconventional method of selling collectibles to earn income to help you understand how your passions could yield financial gain. Sean speaks with Tyler Feldman, the Founder and CEO of Inscriptagraphs, a sports and entertainment memorabilia company, about the significance of researching market trends, leveraging platforms like eBay for sales, tips for staying ahead of market trends and how to find a balance between passion and practicality in the business of collecting.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: collectibles, memorabilia, monetizing collectibles, sports memorabilia, Inscriptographs, autographed memorabilia, Carrie Fisher movie scripts, Lady Gaga Oreos, baseball cards, comic books, vinyl records, childhood fascinations, nostalgia, financial success, Barbie dolls, entrepreneurial stories, memorabilia trading, autographs, the collectible market, investment in collectibles, trading cards, memorabilia value, nostalgia and memorabilia, unique collectibles, profitable collectibles, memorabilia industry, collecting tips, financial management, unconventional investments, making money from collectibles, Pokémon cards, eBay selling, collectible trends, autograph collecting, Mike Tyson memorabilia, and the sports collectibles market.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Explore key insights into the current real estate market as the Nerds unpack the results of the 2024 Home Buyer Report.

Should you rent or own your home? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore the financial and lifestyle implications of each choice, drawing insights from a recent NerdWallet survey and a firsthand account from fellow Nerd Elizabeth Renter, who transitioned from homeownership to renting. From rising home prices and mortgage rates to the hidden costs of homeownership, this episode uncovers the reasons why renting might be a less stressful option in today’s market. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced considerations involved in deciding between renting and owning, along with actionable advice for managing the financial impact of each choice. Later in the episode, Sean and Anna discuss the latest money headlines, including insights into April’s job numbers, updates on Social Security’s financial outlook, and an intriguing ballot measure in California aimed at improving financial literacy through high school education. 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: renting vs owning, homeownership, renting, home buying, money headlines, real estate market, property ownership, rental costs, home prices, mortgage rates, renting benefits, homeownership advantages, rental market trends, buying a house, renting tips, home affordability, renter demographics, owning a home, renting statistics, property investments, housing market analysis, cost of homeownership, real estate investments, renting lifestyle, home equity, home maintenance, property taxes, renting flexibility, housing affordability, home value appreciation, rental market data, homeownership myths, rental agreements, home repairs, mortgage affordability, housing expenses, rental income, and home ownership challenges.

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: 

Explore car buying in 2024, from Carvana's process to the electric vehicle surge and how to maximize your car's sale value.

Budgets Beyond the Numbers: How do you manage the emotional aspects of budgeting? What’s the car buying market like in 2024? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss personal budgeting and the future of car buying to help you understand how to navigate financial decisions with confidence. They begin with a discussion of budgeting “beyond the numbers,” with tips and tricks on categorizing expenses into their emotional impacts to make budgeting feel more personal.

Today’s Money Question: Is Carvana a good service? Should you buy an electric vehicle if you’re in the market for a new car? NerdWallet autos writer Shannon Bradley joins hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner to delve deeper into the future of car purchases and the electric vehicle revolution. They explore the evolution of electric vehicles, the current state of the car market for both buyers and sellers, and strategies to get the best deal when selling your vehicle. The conversation aims to provide insights on choosing the right time to buy an electric car, understanding the market dynamics, and ensuring a smooth car selling experience.

Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

NerdWallet stories related to this episode:

Car-Buying Services: What To Know

How to Buy a Used Car

7 Electric Vehicles That Cost Less Than $40,000

Have a money question? Text or call us at 901-730-6373. Or you can email us at [email protected]. To hear previous episodes, go to the podcast homepage.

A personal finance enthusiast with 37 active credit cards shares tips to strategically open and maintain multiple cards to travel cheaply and answers common questions around maximizing rewards.

How many credit cards can you have at the same time? 

What can credit card points and miles help you afford? 

Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss quirky money management techniques and the mastery of credit card rewards to help you understand how to make your money go farther. They begin with a discussion of unusual financial behaviors, with tips and tricks on juggling multiple bank accounts, managing a diverse collection of credit cards and the impact of such practices on credit scores. 

Then, credit card point expert Erin Hurd joins Sean to discuss the art of optimizing credit card usage for travel rewards. She shares her experience having 37 active credit cards and shares tips for managing an extensive credit card portfolio. They also discuss her strategy for selecting cards for maximum rewards, the financial discipline needed to prevent overspending, how to maintain a healthy credit score while pursuing travel dreams and the right way to close accounts while preserving credit history.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card rewards, personal finance, credit score, credit card points, credit card management, travel rewards, financial habits, saving money, credit card collection, credit card debt, credit card usage, smart spending, quirky money management, financial discipline, credit card strategy, reward collecting, credit card benefits, credit card offers, credit card terms, credit card issuer guidelines, credit card signup bonuses, credit card perks, managing multiple credit cards, credit card autopay, credit card due dates, credit card annual fees, digital wallets, travel credit cards, credit card interest, credit card history, credit card closure, and credit card payments.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Enjoy this special presentation of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, a podcast from our friend Shannah Game, a money wellness expert, financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner. Shannah brings you honest, relevant, and forward-thinking conversations about money.

This special episode explores how a simple question can unlock secrets to a wealthier life and transform your relationship with money. Say goodbye to complexity and hello to financial mastery as we break down the seven critical areas where curiosity can lead to substantial savings. Get more great tips from Shannah by listening to of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about Everyone's Talkin' Money: https://everyonestalkinmoney.com/

Learn about fundamentals to consider before buying an individual stock and what to do if you over-contribute to a Roth IRA.

00:58 This Week in Your Money: What fundamentals should you consider before buying an individual stock? What should you do if you accidentally over-contribute to a Roth IRA? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss cautionary tales from the stock market to help you understand how to safeguard your investments. They begin with a discussion of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (NASDAQ: DJT) and evaluate its performance since going public, then share tips and tricks on the importance of fundamental analysis, the risks of meme stock frenzy, and the value of diversification. 

09:21 Today’s Money Question: Investing writer June Sham and host Sara Rathner join Sean to answer a listener’s question about Roth IRA contribution limits. They offer a detailed breakdown of Roth IRA contribution limits, strategies for dealing with over-contributions, and ways to circumvent the 6% penalty tax.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market, Roth IRA, investment strategies, Roth IRA contributions, portfolio diversification, meme stocks, DJT, fundamental analysis, Trump Media, personal finance, retirement planning, stock trading, financial guidance, investing insights, stock values, market forces, retirement contributions, penalty tax, excess contributions, income thresholds, traditional IRA, financial decisions, investing pitfalls, stock bets, smart investing, retirement accounts, tax-efficient savings, share values, individual stocks, stock performance, and avoid IRS penalties.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how scammers deceive victims by using AI for voice cloning and learn how you can protect yourself from other AI-related fraud.

How can you protect yourself from AI-driven scams that target your finances? 

What new scams are happening as technology advances? 

Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the alarming use of AI in scams and the future of fraud to help you understand how to safeguard your personal security. They begin with a discussion of AI-driven voice scams, with tips and tricks on recognizing potential fraud, staying informed about scam tactics, and the importance of open discussion to empower against scammer tactics. 

Then, scam expert Bob Sullivan, author of “Stop Getting Ripped Off” and host of the podcast The Perfect Scam, joins Sean to discuss the broader implications of AI technology in scams. They discuss the potential for AI to personalize phishing attacks, the ease of creating convincing fake audio and the importance of skepticism in the face of unexpected calls. Plus, the need for technology companies to embed safeguards, the role of societal learning in approaching unexpected calls and the importance of verifying any financial requests you receive.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: AI scams, voice cloning, digital deception, phishing attacks, personal security, scam victims, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, identity theft, technology-assisted scams, voice cloning technology, psychological impact of scams, safeguarding against scams, AI voice scam, digital defenses, personalized fraud, ethical technology, data privacy, scam awareness, voice replication, modern scams, voice imitation fraud, AI in criminal activities, big data and scams, combating scams, generative AI, scam prevention strategies, emotional toll of scams, technology and fraud, future of phishing, online vulnerabilities, deepfake technology, AI-enhanced phishing, scam resilience, scam reporting, technology safeguards, and scam detection.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how investors use artificial intelligence to make decisions. Plus: AI’s current capabilities and limitations in finance.

How does AI affect investment decisions? What are AI’s limitations in finance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski explore these questions and more with Sam Taube, an investing writer at NerdWallet, who shares insights on AI's role in investment research and stock selection. They break down the potential of AI-powered ETFs and mutual funds, including their performance trends and considerations for investors. They also discuss AI’s current capabilities and limitations in investing, how AI can streamline your investment research process when used correctly, and why caution and human oversight remain essential. 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: artificial intelligence investing, AI in finance, investing with AI, AI-powered funds, AI investment research, AI stock selection, limitations of AI in finance, AI and financial decisions, using AI for investing, AI in mutual funds, AI in ETFs, AI in the stock market, AI for investment analysis, AI and investment strategies, benefits of AI in investing, AI in financial services, AI in wealth management, AI and investment performance, risks of AI in investing, AI and market predictions, AI for portfolio management, AI and stock picking, AI investment tools, impact of AI on finance, AI for financial advisors, future of AI in investing, AI and asset management, AI and robo-advisors, AI and hedge funds, AI for investment recommendations, challenges of AI in finance, AI and investment banking, AI in retirement planning, AI for financial decision-making, AI in trading, AI for risk management, AI and wealth advisors, AI and investment analysis tools

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Discover methods to achieve financial harmony in relationships and learn why fiduciary advisors are often considered trustworthy.

0:52 Sara’s Corner: How can couples equitably share the mental load of managing finances? Can you trust fiduciary financial advisors? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner begin with a discussion about the division of financial responsibilities among couples to help you understand how to create financial harmony in your relationship. 

12:18 Today’s Money Question: Elizabeth Ayoola joins Sean to explain how you can choose a financial professional to work with, starting with an in-depth look at different types of fiduciaries including Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), financial coaches, and financial therapists. They discuss the nuances of fiduciary compensation structures and explain how you can advocate for yourself when selecting a financial advisor to work with.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, financial advisors, fiduciary, relationships and money, financial harmony, money management for couples, certified financial planners, financial literacy, financial responsibility, equal money responsibilities, financial trust, financial wellbeing, harmonious money management, shared financial responsibilities, financial abuse, emotional labor and finances, mental load of finances, managing finances as a couple, money questions, financial decisions, financial therapy, couples finances, navigating financial advisors, fiduciary trust, financial planning for couples, and financial responsibility in relationships.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to spot and avoid online scams, including imposter scams, investment scams, phishing, vishing and smishing.

How can you protect yourself from financial scams? 

What steps should you take if you fall victim to one of these schemes? 

Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the pressing issue of online frauds and strategies for safeguarding personal finances to help you avoid falling prey to digital tricksters. They begin with a discussion of recognizing and avoiding various scams, with tips and tricks on spotting urgent money demands, identifying false emergencies and being wary of too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities. 

Then, Lisa Schifferle from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau joins Sean to discuss the alarming scale of scamming in America. They discuss the importance of sharing scam experiences, recognizing payment method red flags and the necessity of being vigilant with personal information. They offer insights into the dangers of unsolicited communications, sophisticated scamming operations, and essential steps for recourse if you've been scammed.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: online scams, cryptocurrency scams, identity theft, fraud protection, internet safety, cyber fraud, financial predators, digital deception, romance scams, phishing scams, vishing, smishing, pig butchering scams, safeguarding finances, tech support scams, scam awareness, investment scams, recouping lost funds, scam red flags, Consumer Sentinel, scam complaints, social media scams, wire transfer fraud, gift card scams, scam prevention, sharing scam stories, urgent message scam, fake family emergencies, financial loss, scam targets, elder scams, digital cons, and technology scams.

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.