NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Think you’re finally ready to buy a home? Here’s how to know how much house you can afford with your budget, what you might need for a down payment, and how to think about the emotional aspect of homebuying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to pay off your debt fast? You can, with a bit of know-how. In this episode, Sean Pyles and Liz Weston break down how you can find the payoff path that might work best for you and your debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying a used car can be confusing. Should you shop around a used car lot, or are the online classified ads a better route? With the help of NerdWallet car-buying whiz Philip Reed, that’s the debate Dayana and Sean settle this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, you got a high credit score — but how can you make the most of it? Sean and Dayana talk with NerdWallet all-star Liz Weston to see how you could use your high credit score to save thousands of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Refinancing student loans might save you money — if you’re a good candidate. But that’s not the only way to help manage your student debt. In this episode Dayana and Sean get to the bottom of when student loan refinancing is a good idea, so you can see if it’s right for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having Type 1 diabetes can be expensive. Just ask Paloma Kemak, aka Glitter Glucose on Instagram, who pays over $1,000 a month for her insulin. Dayana and Sean talk with her about her experience living with diabetes and offer tips to help manage the costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can rack up travel credit card points quickly — if you know the right tips. In this episode, Sean and Dayana give you the inside scoop so you can earn points and miles fast to fund a vacation on credit card rewards. For more, visit: https://www.nerdwallet.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s how to know if you’re saving enough for retirement — and what to do if you’re behind, or haven't even gotten started yet. Dayana and Sean explain easy steps to help you set aside a pot of gold to spend in your golden years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to make holiday travel a little less hectic? Dayana and Sean get the scoop from NerdWallet’s travel-hacking expert, Joe Cortez, to give you the insider tips to do just that. Learn how to cut lines, make the most of your Priority Pass and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are companies that offer to reduce or eliminate your debt legit? We hear Selina’s story about what happened with her $60,000 student debt and tell you how to get real help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of side gigs out there. (Nerds took some for a test drive!) Here’s how to tell which ones are worth it and which are scams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the basics — getting financially ready, finding a good first investment, how to wade in safely and get over the fear of losing money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Debt Free Guys, John Schneider and David Auten, reveal how they paid off over $50,000 in credit card debt, and the need for personal finance education in the LGBTQ community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From application, to acceptance, to acquiring and using points, NerdWallet card sharks share tips on finding the right rewards program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wants versus needs. Spending versus saving. You can have it all (even the fun stuff) by following a simple budget to direct your dollars wisely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices