NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast NerdWallet Personal Finance

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 podcast@nerdwallet.com.
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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 podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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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 podcast@nerdwallet.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

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 podcast@nerdwallet.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn why homeowners insurance costs are rising, tactics to find affordable coverage, and how to know if you have enough.

Why are homeowners insurance costs rising? How can you tell if you have enough insurance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the factors behind rising home insurance premiums, from climate change-induced disasters to inflation’s impact on repair costs. They’re joined by Caitlin Constantine, an insurance editor at NerdWallet, who breaks down the details. She shares actionable strategies for finding affordable coverage and navigating insurance challenges; insights into how to safeguard your home and budget; and tips for negotiating insurance rates and making informed decisions. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, this episode provides insights into how to better manage insurance costs and understand the evolving risks of climate-driven financial challenges.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: homeowners insurance, rising premiums, insurance costs, climate change impact, home insurance rates, uninsured homeowners, insurance affordability, property protection, natural disasters, insurance coverage, cost of insurance, insurance trends, home insurance quotes, insurance inflation, insurance migration, home insurance policies, insurance challenges, home insurance tips, affordable insurance options, insurance availability, flood insurance, insurance shopping, insurance market trends, insurance industry, home insurance market, disaster insurance, car insurance, homeowners coverage, insurance premium factors, home insurance insights, and climate-related insurance costs.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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Learn how to control your behavioral economics biases and whether it’s ever worth it to use a credit repair service.
00:58 Behavioral Economics Biases: How can you master the psychology behind your financial decisions? Are credit repair services really worth the investment? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss behavioral finance biases to help you understand the psychological factors that influence your financial choices, including loss aversion, framing, and the gambler’s fallacy, also known as the Monte Carlo fallacy or the fallacy of the maturity of chances. They share tips and tricks on matching investments with your time frame and risk tolerance, resisting the influence of framing on your choices, and avoiding frequent checks on market fluctuations. 
10:14 Today’s Money Question: NerdWallet credit writer Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s question about credit repair services. They explain the purpose and costs of credit repair services, the red flags that indicate a scam, and how you can manage your credit yourself effectively for free. They also tackle the pressing question of whether credit repair services can actually improve your credit score. Their conversation explains strategies for DIY credit repair, the importance of identifying and disputing inaccuracies on credit reports, and the role of credit counseling agencies for personalized financial planning.
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial psychology, credit repair services, behavioral finance, credit score, credit health, financial decisions, investment strategies, credit bureaus, credit report, risk tolerance, financial goals, money management, credit repair companies, credit repair scams, Daniel Kahneman, loss aversion, credit improvement, credit counseling, credit repair costs, DIY credit repair, financial biases, credit repair tips, financial success, wealth management, behavioral biases, credit report disputes, credit repair agencies, framing effect, credit utilization, portfolio performance, negative information credit, financial planning, and managing credit.
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.