Money News: Capitalize on New Car Price Drops and Job Market Resilience
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 910 views
- about 1 year ago
- 09:51
Learn why now may be a good time to be in the market for a new car and why two industries are outliers in job layoffs. Why did new car prices drop in January? What’s driving layoffs in tech and media — and what does it mean for other jobs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss car prices and a recent surge in layoffs, particularly in the tech and media sectors. They kick off with an in-depth look at the auto industry, unraveling the reasons behind a significant drop in new vehicle prices and the impact of credit-tightening on car loans. The hosts share three key takeaways, emphasizing the implications for consumers looking to purchase a new car. Then, Sean and Sara delve into the complex landscape of layoffs, dissecting the trends in tech and media job cuts. They discuss the factors contributing to the tech industry's layoff spree and the challenges faced by the media sector, shedding light on the broader job market resilience despite specific sectorial challenges. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: car prices, layoffs, auto industry, credit-tightening, job market trends, tech layoffs, media job cuts, labor market resilience, interest rates, new vehicle prices, manufacturing, economic growth, consumer confidence, Dealertrack Auto Credit Total Loan Index, credit availability, inflation, economic indicators, stock market, personal finance news, job market analysis, economic outlook, job gains, unemployment rate, and financial trends. 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.
How to Have Difficult Money Conversations with Friends and Partners featuring Nicole Lapin
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 920 views
- over 1 year ago
- 29:56
Apply lessons from physical fitness to improve your financial fitness. Plus: how to manage money in your relationships. 00:21 This Week in Your Money: How can you achieve both financial and physical wellness? How can you stick to your goals when you face setbacks? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss achieving financial wellness by borrowing lessons learned from people working to achieve physical wellness. NerdWallet UK writer and spokesperson Amy Knight joins Sean and Sara to share tips and tricks on setting realistic goals, developing sustainable habits, and being patient with your progress. She offers actionable takeaways on how to achieve your financial goals, whether you’re hoping to create an emergency fund, clear credit card debt, or increase pension contributions. 10:44 Today’s Money Question: How do you talk about money with your romantic partner — or your friends? Why should you try to build a financially interdependent relationship? Personal finance journalist and podcaster Nicole Lapin joins Sean to discuss the delicate balance of finance in friendships and romance. They explore the importance of being cautious while open to trust, handling financial disparities among friends, and the significance of being financially interdependent as a balance between codependence and independence. They cover topics such as financial conversations evolving with the relationship stage, managing differing financial priorities, and supporting friends through financial challenges. You can listen to Nicole's podcast, "Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin," at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-rehab-with-nicole-lapin/id1559564016 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, financial wellness, fitness and finance, money management, budgeting, financial goals, emergency funds, credit card debt, financial habits, sustainable habits, physical fitness, relationship finance, financial conversations, estate planning, financial planning, financial interdependence, money and relationships, setting goals, financial discipline, financial dialogues, financial priorities, transparency in finance, financial disparities, money talks, financial infidelity, budget constraints, financial advisors, debt management, financial integrity, managing finances, awkward money conversations, love and money, fiscal fitness, and talking about money in platonic and romantic 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.
Money News: Some States, Cities Crank Up Minimum Wage While Feds Lag
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 980 views
- over 1 year ago
- 10:17
Get an in-depth look at U.S. minimum wage variations, with budgeting tips and assistance programs for financial security. Are we in a recession? How much inflation has happened in the US recently? Is it too early to file your taxes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into this week’s financial headlines, including positive GDP growth and the implications of inflation on interest rates, before taking a closer look at the pressing issue of minimum wage in the United States. They address the disparities in minimum wage across states and cities and how it impacts workers. Plus, analysis of data on minimum wage increases in various areas, highlighting significant bumps in pay rates. Their discussion covers the highest minimum wages in the U.S., emphasize the challenges faced by those stuck at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and the struggles of hourly workers to keep up with inflation, and offer suggestions to help listeners facing financial difficulties, including budgeting tips and reaching out to organizations equipped to offer support for those who need it. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: minimum wages, budgeting tips, financial assistance, hourly workers, inflation, GDP growth, interest rates, personal finance, money headlines, tax season, federal minimum wage, income, consumer confidence, financial crisis, eviction, food insecurity, assistance programs, 50/30/20 rule, SNAP benefits, bills, payment plans, mortgage, rental assistance, legal aid, economic outlook, economic trends, gross domestic product, Federal Reserve, inflation-adjusted GDP, disposable incomes, financial counselors, 211, Emergency Rental Assistance Programs, Legal Services Corporation, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Inflation Reduction Act, stock market, recession predictions, part-time jobs, gig economy, and financial security. 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.
What’s an HSA? Growing Wealth with Health Savings Account Investing
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 920 views
- over 1 year ago
- 15:16
Understand the different ways you can utilize a healthcare savings account and learn tips and tricks for HSA investing. 00:46 This Week in Your Money: Where can you find an unbiased analysis of the best financial products available? What products can help you make the most of your finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards, a resource that can serve as a shortcut when it comes to finding the right financial tools for your goals. They share some highlights from this year’s awards, including the best all-purpose travel rewards credit card and the best broker for beginner investors. 06:23 Today’s Money Question: How does HSA investing work? Investing Nerd Alieza Durana joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s questions about health savings accounts — what are HSAs, how do they work, and what are the benefits of having one? She discusses how you can use HSA funds for qualified medical expenses, how HSAs are similar to 401(k)s or Roth IRAs, and the triple tax advantages of HSAs. She also addresses the debate around whether to spend HSA funds on current medical expenses or save them for future healthcare costs in retirement, which leads to a discussion on balancing the need for immediate healthcare with long-term savings goals. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: health savings accounts, HSA investing, financial products, financial tools, financial future, investment potential, credit cards, investment accounts, financial landscape, tax-free growth, retirement healthcare costs, Best-Of Awards, unbiased reviews, mortgages, savings accounts, financial decision-making, prosperity, spend or invest, annual contributions, high deductible health plans, HDHP, qualified medical expenses, investment potential, shopping smart, managing money, and financial maximization. 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.
Saving Money with Credit Card Rewards Points: Travel, Cash Back and More
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 980 views
- over 1 year ago
- 22:50
Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerdy expert tips. How can you travel more while spending less? How could changes in airline loyalty programs affect your travel plans? What are the benefits of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards versus flexible rewards cards? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Erin Hurd dive deep into credit card rewards points, addressing a range of topics that will resonate with anyone eager to maximize their credit card points and travel perks. They discuss recent changes in airline loyalty programs, including Delta and Alaska Airlines, and explore the advantages and drawbacks of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards and the benefits of using flexible rewards cards. They also present strategies for maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to fewer rewards, and offer tips for how you can track and manage credit card points and perks. Sean and Erin also explain the pitfalls of carrying a balance on travel credit cards, the implications of credit card fees and surcharges at local stores, potential industry changes, such as interest rates and fee structures, and the potential impact of the Credit Card Competition Act on rewards programs. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card points, travel rewards, personal finance, airline loyalty programs, Delta, Alaska Airlines, co-branded credit cards, flexible rewards cards, sign-up bonuses, spending traps, unused points, strategic spending, credit card portfolio, tracking perks, minimum spending requirements, bonus categories, carrying a balance, credit card fees, everyday purchases, travel booking, annual fees, credit card industry, interest rates, reward system changes, credit card perks, value of points, credit card bonuses, and the Credit Card Competition Act. 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. Show Note Links: What Is the ‘Chase Trifecta’? How to Maximize Rewards With the AmEx Trifecta
Money News: Strategies for Building a Safety Net and Single-Parent Finances Unpacked
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 940 views
- over 1 year ago
- 12:32
Uncover 30-year trends in single-parent household finances with insights on growth, challenges and building a safety net. What should you do when stock markets hit record highs? Is now a good time to buy or sell a home now that mortgage rates have dropped again? How can you build a safety net when you’re a single parent? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski break down the latest headlines from the world of personal finance, including record-breaking stock market events, increases in consumer confidence, and the lowest mortgage rates since May 2023. NerdWallet Senior Writer Elizabeth Renter then joins Sean and Anna to discuss a new NerdWallet report that delves into the financial well-being of single-parent households – a group that includes nearly a quarter of all children in the U.S. She provides valuable insights into the trends, improvements, and challenges faced by single-parent households over the years. Drawing from her personal experience as a single parent, Elizabeth shares strategies for building a financial safety net for those facing unique challenges. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: personal finance, financial well-being, single-parent households, NerdWallet report, stock market, bull market, S&P 500, Dow Jones, consumer sentiment, inflation, gas prices, housing market, mortgage rates, homebuyers, home sellers, real estate, financial trends, long-term investment, market movements, economic outlook, financial challenges, income growth, net worth, homeownership, financial opportunities, and emergency funds. 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.
How to Navigate Home Buying and Selling in 2024: Real Estate Prices, Interest Rates and More
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 810 views
- over 1 year ago
- 18:31
Understand your options for buying or selling a home in the rapidly evolving 2024 housing market — and how to time it, or not. When will homes become more affordable? Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? How can you figure out how much house you can afford? Homes and Mortgages Writer Kate Wood joins host Sean Pyles with an in-depth analysis of the 2024 housing market, providing strategies for both buyers and sellers to tackle the challenges posed by high mortgage rates and a limited housing supply. They begin with a discussion on the complexities of the current market and the importance of credit-building and budgeting for potential buyers. For sellers, they share tips for making smart home improvements and preparing more generally for selling a home in the current housing market. Kate also explains mortgage rate locks and discusses recent fluctuations in mortgage interest rates and their impact on the market. She shares a historical perspective comparing past mortgage rate highs and lows, emphasizes the significance of personal timing over market timing when making real estate decisions, and breaks down the role of the Federal Reserve in influencing mortgage rates. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 2024 housing market, strategies for buyers, strategies for sellers, high mortgage rates, housing inventory, real estate, home buying success, financial readiness, rate protection, mortgage rate lock, mortgage interest rate fluctuations, historical rate comparisons, Federal Reserve influence, housing market timing, home ownership, real estate transactions, Zillow predictions, Realtor.com predictions, housing affordability, good credit, down payment, bidding wars, and first-time homebuyer programs. 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.
Plan Your Black Friday Shopping Strategy and Should You Wait to Buy a Home?
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 890 views
- over 1 year ago
- 42:21
Craft your holiday shopping plan with Black Friday insights, then understand options for buying a home in today’s market. 01:24 This Week in Your Money: Unlock the secrets of savvy shopping by learning about the biggest sales events of the year. Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the holiday shopping season with Personal Finance Nerd Tommy Tindall, who talks about the value of shopping on Black Friday versus other annual sales events like Cyber Monday, the best days of the season to find deals in certain categories like big ticket electronics and winter clothing, and helpful tips for how to budget for your holiday shopping list. 12:55 Today’s Money Question: Home and Mortgage Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to answer a listener’s question about whether to purchase a home now or wait and see if interest rates go down. They discuss the current state of interest rates, the refinancing process, interest rate buy downs, adjustable rate mortgages, and how state and local programs can help first-time homebuyers. They also explore different types of homes such as condos or townhouses on their way to helping first-time buyers understand their options for making homeownership an affordable dream. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Black Friday shopping tips, sales events, Cyber Monday, housing market, housing affordability crisis, 30-year mortgages, homeownership, adjustable rate mortgages, refinancing, home affordability calculator, housing affordability solutions, first-time home buyers, credit card debt, holiday shopping, home ownership, interest rates, real estate, and buy now, pay later loans. 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.
Money News: Lawsuit Could Change How Houses are Sold; Also, a $23.5K Payout … in Coins
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
- 1K views
- over 1 year ago
- 10:55
Learn how recent headlines could impact your finances, including a federal real estate ruling and new employment figures. Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski start by dissecting the latest monthly jobs report and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, then explain how a recent federal jury's decision on real estate agent commissions could reshape the way homes are bought and sold in the United States. They then turn their attention to former cryptocurrency billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction on various counts of criminal fraud. With the announcement that popular budgeting app Mint will be retiring, the Nerds offer tips on how to transition to alternative budgeting tools. They also discuss open enrollment season for health insurance and other benefits, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices about insurance coverage. To wrap up the episode, Sean and Anna share an unusual legal story involving a subcontractor, a welding company, and a large stash of coins. Find out why cash isn't always king and why it may not pay to be difficult to work with in your financial dealings. If you’re looking for an app to track all your money in one place, then check out the free NerdWallet app: https://nerdwallet.com/app In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: job reports, a realtor price-fixing ruling, crypto convictions, coin payment, personal finance, money news, labor market, Federal Reserve, real estate commissions, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit, Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, Mint, budgeting apps, healthcare open enrollment, health insurance benefits,, financial news, federal jury, antitrust case, cryptocurrency, wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and paying with coins. 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.