NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast NerdWallet Personal Finance

Discover tips and get answers to common questions for smooth group travel, from choosing accommodations to managing meals and costs for a successful trip.
How can you find the perfect accommodations for group travel without overspending? 
How can you split group expenses fairly? 
NerdWallet’s Megan Coyle and Megan Lee discuss the ins and outs of group travel accommodations and the logistics of planning a group trip to help you understand how to orchestrate a seamless group vacation experience. 
They begin with a discussion of lodging options, with tips and tricks on selecting cost-effective stays, balancing the convenience of hotels against the charm of vacation rentals, and splitting costs to prevent financial surprises. Then, they discuss orchestrating meals for large parties, managing group dynamics by rewarding those who take the lead, and crafting memorable group activities that cater to everyone's interests.
Interested in more travel tools? Then check out our list of the 15 Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2024.
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: group travel, travel planning, group accommodations, vacation rentals, Airbnb, Vrbo, group vacations, travel expenses, travel budgeting, group meals, shared costs, travel tips, group activities, retreat planning, travel harmony, travel expert insights, group lodging, cost savings, group getaways, stress-free travel, group retreats, group travel strategies, travel accommodations, hotel stays, city travel, group dynamics, group costs, travel flexibility, travel adventures, travel amenities, travel experiences, group dining, communal experiences, travel memories, group travel options, group travel challenges, and budget discussions.
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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Understand the recent resurgence of cryptocurrency prices and what the future may have in store for crypto investments.

Why did Bitcoin’s price go back up? Why are cryptocurrencies controversial? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the recent resurgence of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, after its dramatic fall in previous years. They discuss the factors behind Bitcoin's recent rally, including the upcoming blockchain reward halving and the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, shedding light on what this means for investors. NerdWallet investing writer Sam Taube joins the discussion to provide insights into the divisive nature of cryptocurrency, its use as an alternative investment, and the controversies surrounding aspects like mining and environmental impact.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: bitcoin ETFs, blockchain, digital currencies, ethereum ETFs, crypto investing, cryptocurrency investments, personal finance, cryptocurrency market, bitcoin prices, cryptocurrency trading, cryptocurrency mining, cryptocurrency volatility, DeFi, cryptocurrency regulation, cryptocurrency adoption, and decentralized finance.

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 from others’ missteps in our new segment, “My Favorite Financial Mistake.” Plus: balancing paying debt vs. saving.
00:39 This Week in Your Money: What can you learn from making financial mistakes? Should you save and invest or pay off debt when you get a financial windfall? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner, along with their new co-host Elizabeth Ayoola, discuss turning financial blunders into learning opportunities to help you set up for future financial success. They begin with a candid discussion about their personal financial missteps, offering insights on mental accounting, the perils of emotional spending, and the importance of maintaining flexibility in your financial planning. 
13:22 Today’s Money Question: Adam, a Colorado firefighter, joins Sean and Sara to discuss cash windfalls and long-term planning. They delve into the intricacies of choosing between paying off debt and investing in a 529 college savings plan, the merits of a zero percent APR balance transfer, and the joy of spending on memorable family experiences. They also explore long-term financial goals and the art of balancing immediate financial needs with future planning. They highlight the benefits of starting an emergency fund with modest contributions, the strategy of tackling high-interest credit card debt while saving, and the value of investing in life experiences. 
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, money management, paying off debt, 529 college savings plan, retirement savings, emergency funds, financial goals, investment strategies, credit card debt, high-yield savings accounts, long-term wealth creation, financial windfall, financial mistakes, educational savings accounts, budgeting, personal finance, managing finances, mental accounting, emotional spending, financial balance, financial empowerment, financial success, economic stability, budgetary slips, financial blunders, credit challenges, money missteps, financial faux pas, long-term planning, financial fears, and financial shame.
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.

Get expert tips on affordable group and family air travel, from maximizing points and rewards to booking the best flights and maximizing airline perks.
How can you make group travel both enjoyable and affordable? 
What are the best strategies for using travel points and credit cards to your advantage when planning group trips? 
Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss the intricacies of group travel planning and the mastery of travel points and credit card perks to help you understand how to have a memorable group trip without breaking the bank. They begin with a discussion of group travel planning, with tips and tricks on securing the best deals, navigating planning for multiple people, and leveraging travel credit cards to mitigate extra fees such as those for seat selection. 
Then, Meghan interviews credit card Nerd Erin Hurd about the nuances of booking flights for groups. They discuss strategies for using points effectively when traveling with a group, the benefits of programs like Southwest Airlines' Early Bird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding, and the flexibility of pooling points with hotel programs like Hilton and Marriott.
Has this episode given you a travel bug? Then check out our list of the 15 Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2024. 
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: group travel, travel savings, travel rewards, travel tips, budget travel, group vacations, travel points, travel credit cards, Southwest airlines, early bird check-in, family travel, travel planning, airline points, companion passes, airport lounges, group flights, group lodging, travel experiences, airline perks, travel benefits, travel coordination, credit card perks, flight booking, pooling points, credit card rewards, airport lounge access, travel itineraries, airline status matching, airline incidental fees, and upgraded boarding.
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.

Understand how you may actually be able to save money on fast food thanks to “dynamic pricing.”

What’s the difference between surge pricing and dynamic pricing? How can you take advantage of supply and demand timing for certain products and services? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski tackle the buzz around Wendy’s controversial new pricing strategy, dissecting the confusion surrounding surge pricing and clarifying Wendy’s actual plan of implementing dynamic pricing starting in 2025. They discuss the potential impact this AI-driven pricing may have on consumers and how it could result in discounts based on factors like weather and demand, and its applications in other areas such as ticket sales, hotels, and airlines.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: dynamic pricing, fast food costs, AI technology, surge pricing, consumer impact, pricing strategies, Wendy’s, rideshare services, supply and demand, menu changes, digital menu boards, AI-enabled technology, real-time data, pricing decisions, ticket sales, value offers, fluctuating prices, industry trends, and price shifts.

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 about savvy grocery saving and expert tax filing tips to bolster your budget and ease tax season stress.
1:14 This Week in Your Money: How can you slash your grocery bills and still eat healthy foods amid rising costs? What’s new for this year’s tax season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss saving money on groceries and simplifying tax filing to help you understand how to eat smart, save big, and conquer tax season with ease. They begin with a discussion of frugal grocery shopping, with tips and tricks on comparing unit prices, the benefits of curbside pickup, and incorporating a plant-based diet. NerdWallet’s Alana Benson joins Sean and Sara to explain how she saved $800 on groceries over 5 months, highlighting the financial and health benefits of a plant-based diet and giving practical tips for those who are interested in cutting costs.
10:33 Today’s Money Question: Bella Avila from NerdWallet’s tax team joins Sean and Sara to discuss IRS updates for this tax season, including the new Direct File tax filing software and an update to standard deductions. They also demystify tax brackets, explain how to get your tax refund faster, and weigh the pros and cons of consulting with a professional advisor for personalized financial guidance.
In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tax filing, grocery shopping hacks, grocery bills, tax season, plant-based diets, money saving tips, tax refunds, IRS Direct File, standard deductions, tax brackets, healthy eating, tax filing deadline, tax updates, tax software, student loan interest deduction, curbside pickup, vegetarian meals, tax returns, frugal food shopping, maximizing your return, tax preparation, financial savings, navigating taxes, budgeting tips, tax filing tips, comparing prices, direct deposit, IRS updates, lentils and legumes, affordable eating, tax deductions, and tax rates.
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.