In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona dives into the critical topic of staying safe from third-party seller scams. Joined by Nerdwallet financial expert Kim Palmer, they explore the various ways consumers can protect themselves when shopping from third-party sellers on major marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.

These scams often involve setting extremely low prices to lure in buyers, only for the purchased items to never arrive, arrive as something entirely different, or even come with bogus tracking numbers. Nat and Kim emphasize the importance of vigilance and the risks associated with these fraudulent schemes.

Listeners will learn practical tips for identifying and avoiding scams. Kim advises on the necessity of researching the seller before making a purchase, including checking the seller's history of sales and reading reviews from other buyers. Red flags such as limited sales history or poor reviews should prompt consumers to look elsewhere.

The conversation also covers the significance of understanding retailer policies. Major platforms like Amazon and Walmart often indicate whether an item is sold directly by them or by a third-party seller. Knowing this can help consumers understand the level of support and recourse available if something goes wrong with their purchase.

Another essential piece of advice is to always pay with a credit card when shopping online. Credit cards offer built-in fraud protection, making it easier to dispute charges and recover funds if a scam occurs. Nat and Kim stress the importance of regularly monitoring credit card statements and banking reports to quickly identify and address any fraudulent activity.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise for expert advice on safeguarding your online shopping experiences and ensuring you don't fall victim to third-party seller scams.

As summer travel heats up, it's crucial to ensure your credit cards are ready for the journey. In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona and financial expert Sally French from NerdWallet dive into a comprehensive credit card checklist to maximize your travel experience.

They start by emphasizing the importance of bringing a credit card on your trip. Many aspects of travel, such as renting cars or purchasing in-flight amenities, often require a credit card. Sally explains the benefits of using travel credit cards, including earning higher rewards on dining and travel expenses, and the underrated perk of TSA Precheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement offered by many cards.

The episode also highlights the value of airport lounge access provided by certain credit cards. These lounges offer a range of amenities, from complimentary coffee to full buffets and showers, making your wait time at the airport more enjoyable and productive.

Another critical point discussed is notifying your credit card issuer of your travel plans, especially for international trips. This helps prevent your card from being frozen due to suspected fraudulent activity. Sally advises checking if your card requires this notification and how to easily set it up online.

Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, so the duo recommends researching and applying for travel credit cards that waive these fees. Many cards offer this benefit, ensuring you don't pay extra for your international purchases.

Finally, they discuss the importance of using the most rewarding credit card for your purchases and taking advantage of money-saving offers. Whether it's earning extra points on hotel stays or getting cashback on rideshares, these rewards can significantly offset your travel costs.

Tune in to this episode for essential tips to make your summer travel smoother and more rewarding. Start planning now to ensure your credit cards are ready for your adventures.

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona discusses the much-anticipated Amazon Prime Day, happening on July 16 and 17. Joined by Nerdwallet expert Kim Palmer, they dive into the best strategies for making the most out of these two days of deals, highlighting what to buy and what to skip.

The episode kicks off with a focus on electronics, a category that often sees some of the lowest prices of the year during Prime Day, second only to Black Friday. From video game systems to laptops, listeners are advised to do their research and be ready to act quickly to snag the best deals. Nat shares personal anecdotes about scoring great deals on Apple products like AirPods Pro, emphasizing the potential savings on high-ticket items.

Next, the discussion shifts to essential items for parents, such as car seats and strollers. These bulky and expensive items often see significant price drops, making Prime Day an excellent opportunity for parents to save on necessary purchases.

Amazon devices are another hot topic. From Fire TV sticks to Echo devices and Ring doorbells, Prime Day is touted as a prime time to buy these items at reduced prices. However, Kim advises listeners to track prices throughout the year to ensure they are getting the best deal.

The episode also covers toys, a tricky category where prices can be unpredictable. Kim suggests keeping desired toys in your cart to monitor price drops and using tools like the Camelizer browser extension to track price history.

Small appliances, such as air fryers and handheld vacuums, are another category where Prime Day can offer great deals. Yet, listeners are reminded that pop-up sales occur throughout the year, so it's essential to stay vigilant and use price tracking tools like Camelizer or Honey.

As the episode wraps up, Nat and Kim stress the importance of budgeting and avoiding impulse purchases. They recommend implementing a 48-hour rule to help make informed decisions, even starting this process a few days before Prime Day to be prepared. Inventory can be limited, so acting quickly on desired items is crucial.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise for expert advice on navigating Amazon Prime Day, ensuring you make smart purchases and maximize your savings.