Episodios

  • Outsmart Black Friday Hype and Tackle Credit Card Debt with a Budget Reset

    Outsmart Black Friday Hype and Tackle Credit Card Debt with a Budget Reset
    Nov 24 2025
    Learn how to spot real Black Friday deals and reshape your budget with a step-by-step money makeover. What should you watch for on Black Friday to avoid fake discounts? How can you reset your budget when debt and housing costs squeeze you? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss holiday shopping and budgeting to help you spend smarter without regrets. First, Amanda Barroso joins Elizabeth to break down Black Friday 2025: why the season now stretches from October through Cyber Monday, how members-only promos (think Prime, store cards, Walmart+) and stacked discounts can boost real savings, and why Buy Now, Pay Later could hit your credit score if you miss payments as new scoring models roll out. They also talk about dynamic pricing, where to expect the deepest markdowns (tech, toys, beauty, small appliances), and low-lift ways to track prices so you don’t fall for “half deals.” Then, listener Shelby joins Sean and Elizabeth for a Budget Rehab using the 50/30/20 framework. They discuss right-sizing “needs” when housing is eating up a large chunk of take-home pay, ways to accelerate payoff on 20%+ APR cards (including a 0% balance transfer and when to combine multiple balances), and how to keep momentum while protecting essentials like a starter emergency fund and capturing a 401(k) match. They also cover fine-tuning wants so they take up less income, using side hustles to help with debt payoff, planning ahead for a 3-2-1 mortgage buydown reset and possible refinance, and simple tracking tactics that align spending with values. Resources mentioned in this episode: What to Buy (and Skip) on Black Friday 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/what-to-buy-skip-black-friday NerdWallet Advisor Match: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/advisor-match-sem-fiduciary 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: Black Friday deals, buy now pay later, 50/30/20 budget, balance transfer credit card, credit card debt payoff, dynamic pricing, price tracking, zero APR credit card, credit score impact, FICO scoring changes, holiday shopping budget, real vs fake discounts, Prime member deals, Walmart Plus deals, Target Black Friday, gift card discounts, streaming service deals, thrifting gifts, sinking fund, high-yield savings account, emergency fund, 401k match, HSA contributions, IRA contributions, debt avalanche method, wants vs needs, refinancing a mortgage, 3-2-1 buydown, HOA costs, grocery budget tips, Austin cost of living, side hustle income, calendar payment reminders, credit utilization, hard vs soft inquiry, credit card APR, Southwest credit card, Chase Freedom, budget rehab, Nerd hotline 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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    39 m
  • Thanksgiving Savings You’ll Actually Notice and Tax Filing Tips for Common Law Couples

    Thanksgiving Savings You’ll Actually Notice and Tax Filing Tips for Common Law Couples
    Nov 20 2025
    Learn how to save on Thanksgiving dinner and decide if filing taxes jointly makes sense for common law couples. How can you trim your Thanksgiving costs without skimping on the feast? Should common law spouses file taxes jointly or separately? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into tax choices for couples to help you understand which filing status may fit your situation and what to weigh before you commit. But first, Anna Helhoski joins Elizabeth to unpack why the cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner is down this year and how to shop smart for the expanded table. They cover where prices fell and rose across the holiday menu, what turkey deals and meal bundles at places like Aldi, Walmart and Target could mean for your budget, and why recently reduced food tariffs may take time to show up on store shelves. Then, tax Nerd Bella Avila joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a listener’s question about common law marriage and taxes. They discuss when married filing jointly versus separately can lower your bill, how IRS rules treat common law marriages (and what to consider if you move states), and practical to-dos like updating your W-4 within 10 days, timing a name change, and reviewing credit and student loan implications. They also touch on cohabitation agreements (a “prenup” for common law couples) and why clear money conversations matter before you file. 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: common law marriage, file taxes jointly common law, married filing jointly vs separately, Thanksgiving dinner cost 2025, turkey prices 2025, food inflation CPI, Aldi Thanksgiving meal, Walmart Thanksgiving meal, Target Thanksgiving bundle, Whole Foods Thanksgiving dinner price, Harry and David Thanksgiving meal, save money on Thanksgiving, store brand vs name brand, frozen vegetables price, sweet potato shortage North Carolina, avian flu turkey prices, food tariffs 2025, Trump food tariff rollback, grocery prices outlook, head of household vs single, surviving spouse filing status, education credits married filing separately, child tax credit MFS rules, medical expense deduction 7.5% AGI, W-4 update after marriage, add domestic partner to health insurance, dependent eligibility common law spouse, IRS rules common law marriage, cohabitation agreement, prenup cost and timeline, name change and taxes, tax brackets married vs single, standard deduction married filing jointly, and credit and deductions phaseouts joint filers. 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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    25 m
  • Generational Wealth Built from Scratch and an Emergency Fund on a Deadline

    Generational Wealth Built from Scratch and an Emergency Fund on a Deadline
    Nov 17 2025
    Learn how first-generation earners build wealth and how to grow an emergency fund before a possible job loss. How do first-generation earners start and protect generational wealth? How can you bulk up an emergency fund fast if layoffs are looming? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss first-generation wealth building and how to build an emergency fund. Elizabeth first welcomes Grace Vandecruze, founder and managing director at Grace Global Capital LLC, to discuss being the first in her family to accumulate wealth with the goal of passing it down to future generations. Vandecruze shares tips and tricks on shifting a scarcity money mindset, setting firm boundaries with relatives who ask for financial help, and laying a 100-year legacy with insurance, wills, and family money conversations. Then, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss fast-tracking an emergency fund before a potential job loss. They discuss smart places to cut variable spending, how to route side-gig income to savings while setting aside money for taxes. They also go over ways to adjust retirement contributions while using frameworks such as the 50/30/20 budget, bare-bones budgeting, and high-yield savings to manage irregular income and avoid slipping back into credit card debt. How to Make Money Online and Offline in 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-make-money Homeless to Millionaire : 6 Keys to UPLIFT your Financial Abundance 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: budgeting with irregular income, side hustles to make money, no spend challenge, meal planning savings, grocery loyalty programs, variable vs fixed expenses, bare bones budget, high yield savings account, side gig taxes, estimated tax payments, consulting side income, adjunct professor income, nonprofit layoffs, student loan payoff strategy, save bonus vs salary, 403b match, pause retirement contributions, estate planning basics, will and power of attorney, life insurance for families, family money boundaries, saying no to money requests, financial literacy, legacy planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, talking about money with family, and underinsured households. 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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    40 m
  • IRA Conversion Strategies and Reading Economic Signals During a Shutdown

    IRA Conversion Strategies and Reading Economic Signals During a Shutdown
    Nov 13 2025
    Discover how current economic data affect you and decide if a Roth or Traditional IRA is the most appropriate option for your retirement savings. What’s happening with layoffs and the economy right now? How should you be thinking about the data used to determine the economy's health, and what does it mean for your personal finances? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles discuss non-traditional financial indicators and Roth IRAs versus Traditional IRAs to help you understand the current economic landscape and make smarter retirement contribution choices. First, Elizabeth shares her conversation with NerdWallet senior economist Elizabeth Renter about how we can gauge the health of the U.S. economy based on private sector data in the midst of the government shutdown. They talk about labor market nuances, layoff announcements, and how we can use consumer sentiment figures when hardly any other federal economic data are available. Then, investing Nerd June Sham joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss retirement funding options. They weigh prioritizing retirement accounts for contributions, when to choose Roth vs. Traditional contributions, and the benefits and trade-offs of Roth conversions. The discussion covers the tax differences between Roth and traditional accounts, guidelines for deciding which to use based on your current and projected future tax bracket, and reasons why someone might convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, such as avoiding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and strategies for timing conversions. 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: 401k, retirement savings, retirement account, investing, financial freedom, tax-free withdrawals, tax planning, high income, contribution limits, Roth conversion ladder, self-employed retirement, employer match, investment options, Solo 401k, simple IRA, taxable events, Medicare premiums, ADP employment report, Chicago Fed Nowcast, stock market, corrugated box indicator, champagne indicator, men's underwear index, capital gains, estate planning, price growth, economic cooling, market stability, inflation, household finances, unemployment, and job cuts. 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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    23 m
  • First-Generation Wealth Building and the Truth About Stablecoin Yields

    First-Generation Wealth Building and the Truth About Stablecoin Yields
    Nov 10 2025
    Learn how first-generation wealth builders create financial freedom and what stablecoins could mean for your savings. How do you build wealth when you’re the first in your family to be able to do so? And can stablecoins really out-earn your savings account? Host Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles explore generational wealth-building and the myths and realities of stablecoins in a rapidly changing cryptocurrency environment. Joined by entrepreneurs and fiancés Ronne Brown and Courtney Hale, Elizabeth kicks off the first segment with a heartfelt look at how first-generation wealth builders are redefining what it means to be “rich.” Ronne and Courtney share their journeys from modest beginnings to financial independence, relaying how childhood lessons shaped their values, how they built multiple income streams through entrepreneurship, and the steps they’re taking to continue building generational wealth together. They discuss the power of investing early, using real estate and the stock market strategically, and protecting assets through estate planning and life insurance. Then, investing writer Sam Taube joins Sean and Elizabeth to break down the difference between Bitcoin and stablecoins — and whether high-yield stablecoins are too good to be true. They explore how the Genius Act changes crypto regulation, how yield-bearing stablecoins compare to high-yield savings accounts, and what risks investors should consider before diving in. They discuss how to find a balance between risk and reward in crypto-based savings options, how stablecoins actually earn yield, and why traditional banking products still offer peace of mind for the risk-averse. Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of November 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts The Costs of Being Unbanked (and How to Minimize Them) https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/studies/data-unbanked Crypto staking: What it is, how it works, calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-crypto-staking-works 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: financial independence, building generational wealth, multigenerational money mindset, family legacy planning, breaking the cycle of poverty, entrepreneurship strategies, business ownership, side hustles, wealth psychology, mindset shifts, money trauma, minority entrepreneurship, real estate investing, stock investing basics, portfolio diversification, passive income streams, estate strategy, life insurance for families, trust and wills, crypto investing, digital currency regulation, crypto yield risks, yield-bearing coins, decentralized finance, DeFi savings, crypto-backed savings accounts, tokenized assets, stablecoin interest rates, inflation hedge, risk management, safe investing, traditional bank safety, asset protection, long-term wealth growth, market volatility, risk versus reward, financial resilience, and balancing traditional and digital assets. 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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    42 m
  • Open Enrollment 2026: How to Choose Dental, Vision, Life and Disability (Plus: When to Refinance a Home)

    Open Enrollment 2026: How to Choose Dental, Vision, Life and Disability (Plus: When to Refinance a Home)
    Nov 6 2025
    Learn how to pick dental, vision, life, and disability coverage with confidence, and when refinancing a home can actually save you money. Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? Which open enrollment benefits are worth it this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk to an expert about the ins and outs of open enrollment in 2026. But first, news Nerd Anna Helhoski joins them to share her conversation with NerdWallet mortgage writer Holden Lewis about falling mortgage rates and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. They begin with a discussion of refinancing and today’s housing market, with tips and tricks on using a refinance calculator, how much of a rate cut to target, weighing closing costs and the break-even timeline, and other smart reasons to refi. Then, benefits expert April Brasher, knowledge advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss open enrollment choices beyond health insurance. They discuss what dental and vision plans usually cover and what they don’t, how and when to add to group life insurance provided by some workplaces, and how disability insurance works. They also discuss when accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), hospital indemnity, and critical illness policies can make sense, how to avoid being over-insured, and why taking a quick personal and financial inventory before enrollment deadlines helps you choose only what you need. 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: mortgage rates, refinance mortgage, refinance break-even, FHA mortgage insurance, remove FHA MIP, conventional vs FHA loan, housing market outlook, best time to buy a house, home buying season, mortgage closing costs, homeowners insurance shopping, lower mortgage payment, Fed rate cuts, housing inventory, open enrollment, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance through employer, supplemental life insurance, beneficiary designation, evidence of insurability, AD&D insurance, disability insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, own occupation vs any occupation, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, high deductible health plan, and limited purpose FSA. 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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    37 m
  • Healthcare Open Enrollment Tips for 2026 and a Catch-Up Plan for Retirement

    Healthcare Open Enrollment Tips for 2026 and a Catch-Up Plan for Retirement
    Nov 3 2025
    Learn how to pick the right health plan for your situation and build a stronger retirement even if you feel behind. How do you choose the best health plan during open enrollment? What can you do to secure retirement if savings feel like they’re falling short? In the first of a two-part series, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down open enrollment decisions so you can protect your health and long-term wealth. But first, NerdWallet senior writer Kim Palmer joins them to present this month’s book club conversation about Gen X’s path to retirement security. She talks to Kerry Hannon and Janna Herron, authors of “Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future,” about how to take control of retirement even when you feel like you’re late to the game. That includes revisiting cash flow and lifestyle creep, attacking high-interest debt, considering step-down or flexible work to extend earning years, and planning for healthcare costs in retirement. Then, NerdWallet writer Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to present a clear walkthrough of healthcare plans as we enter open enrollment season. She discusses premiums vs. deductibles vs. out-of-pocket maximums, when an HMO or PPO fits best, and how Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) work — including the triple-tax edge of HSAs. They share practical, listener-first guidance on running plan comparisons, checking drug prices and doctor networks, watching ACA subsidy changes and deadlines, and building a values-driven, realistic retirement health plan you can start acting on today. From comparing health insurance plans to understanding out-of-pocket costs, here’s NerdWallet’s free step-by-step guide to help you choose the best coverage: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/health/choose-health-insurance 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: health coverage options, ACA marketplace, premium tax credits, health insurance subsidies, annual enrollment period, insurance plan comparison, coinsurance examples, copay structure, catastrophic health plans, employer benefits package, dependent coverage, preventive care coverage, out-of-network costs, provider networks, telehealth coverage, prescription tiers, pre-tax savings, IRS contribution limits, healthcare inflation, medical cost planning, retirement healthcare expenses, long-term care costs, catch-up contributions, IRA rollover, compound growth, late retirement planning, work after retirement, side income in retirement, debt-free retirement, financial independence, budgeting for healthcare, reducing healthcare costs, maximizing employer benefits, flexible work transition, delayed retirement, insurance renewal tips, healthcare budgeting, and cost-of-living planning. 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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    35 m
  • How to Budget Better With Your Partner and Why Scam Calls Are Surging

    How to Budget Better With Your Partner and Why Scam Calls Are Surging
    Oct 30 2025
    Learn how to spot shutdown-era scams and build a budget that works even when you and your partner disagree. How can you protect yourself from shutdown-era scams? How do you build a household budget when you and your partner see money differently? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share strategies to figure out a household budget when you and your partner are not on the same page about how to manage your finances. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins them to discuss a surge in spam calls, texts, and emails tied to the federal government shutdown. She talks with Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, about the spike in government-imposter schemes, AI-driven deepfakes, and spoofed sites — and how to avoid and respond. Then, fellow Nerd Jay Leong joins Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola to discuss getting on the same budgeting page with a spouse who prefers a different system. They discuss using the 50/30/20 framework without obsessing over every transaction, setting shared goals and “money dates” to surface financial values, and practical tools like sinking funds and lightweight expense tracking. They also cover trimming inflated “needs,” capping discretionary categories such as dining out or kids’ activities, and giving each partner clear fun-money boundaries via separate checking accounts or allowances. 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 See your money clearly, save smarter, and unlock sophisticated hassle-free investing all in one place with the free NerdWallet app: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/nerdwallet-app-track-your-wealth-and-build-your-future In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: government shutdown scams, spam calls surge, do not call registry, FTC scam reporting, Identity Theft Resource Center, government imposter scam, deepfake scams, voice cloning scam, AI phishing, spoofed websites, how to report a scam, how to stop spam calls, credit card charge dispute, safer payment methods, couples budgeting, money dates, values-based budgeting,sinking funds, manual expense tracking, budgeting apps for couples, NerdWallet app budgeting, overspending fixes, wants vs needs, separate checking accounts, joint vs separate finances, kids activities budget, dining out budget, Costco credit card, travel credit card, insurance shopping, car insurance quotes, home insurance quotes, emergency fund buckets, vacation fund, budget categories, and shutdown impact on finances. 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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    36 m