NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Episodes
Does a Pension Mean You're Set for Retirement? How to Know If You're Really on Track
Electrician Anna joins hosts Sean and Elizabeth to discuss balancing her union pension with 401(k) savings for a potential early retirement.
Putting the "7% Rule" to the Test on a Real Mortgage. Plus, an Economist on Stubborn Food Prices
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayola interview Max, a laid-off tech worker in Portland, about balancing mortgage payoff with investing and expanding his emergency fund.
How Homebuying Differs for LGBTQ+ People — and Tips for Any Buyer in a Tough Market
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayola interview mortgage loan officer Steph Noble about home buying for LGBTQ+ individuals.
CFP vs. CPA vs. CFA: The Only One Most People Need
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayola help listener Belle, a future vet practice owner, choose between a CPA and CFP for her new business.
How to Balance Competing Financial Priorities When Everything Feels Urgent
Hannah, a 23-year-old engineer with $200K net worth, discusses balancing her goals to buy a house soon and retire early while managing financial anxiety from social media comparison.
Going Back to Work Later in Life and Why the Housing Market Feels So Stuck
Claire, a 69-year-old facing retirement income shortfalls, discusses returning to work and optimizing her $200,000 portfolio with NerdWallet advisor Ryan Sterling.
Where Are They Now? Five Smart Money Listeners on Job Loss, Debt, FIRE, and Life Moves
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayola check in with five past listeners to see how their financial advice played out.
What You Need to Know About Starting a Business Before You Quit Your Job
NerdWallet’s Rosalie Murphy advises listener Blake on financially planning for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for a six-month to one-year…
When Marriage Ends: How to Protect Your Assets, Update Your Estate Plan, and Survive the Costs
Sinking Fund Methods That Actually Work, Plus The Hidden Cost of AI Data Centers
Is an Annual Fee Travel Card Worth It? A Guide for Occasional Flyers
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayoa welcome travel expert Sally French to help listener Lacey evaluate whether annual-fee travel cards like the Chase…
What Couples Miss When Going Down to One Income
Hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayola interview Gary A.
Don't Let Inconsistent Income Derail Your Finances — or Your Relationship