NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast • NerdWallet Personal Finance

Dive into the pivotal era of 'The Great Resignation' with the latest episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, where Sean Pyles, Liz Weston, Sarah Rathner, and Holden Lewis discuss the complex process of exploring new job opportunities. In an age where employees have the leverage to negotiate and reassess their career paths, listeners will gain insights on the importance of evaluating total compensation, which goes beyond the paycheck to aspects like benefits, work-life balance, and the initiation periods for new roles. Crucial resources for researching and comparing job offers, as well as tactical advice for those pondering a switch amid a labor shortage, are presented to orient listeners on how to tread these changing tides effectively.

Shifting the focus to life's big moves, the podcast also zeroes in on the crucial decision between renting and buying when relocating to a new city. The episode delivers valuable strategies to understand neighborhood dynamics and cultivate a community, stressing the significance of experiencing potential areas first-hand and leveraging online tools to get the lay of the land. Whether you're considering first-time homebuyer programs or deliberating the rent versus ownership dilemma, the team at NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast equips you with the necessary tools and considerations to make informed choices tailored to your lifestyle and financial wellbeing.

Dive into the world of investing with NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, where your trusted guides, Sean Pyles and Alana Benson, explore the contrasting approaches to growing your wealth. In this installment of their Nerdy Deep Dives series, the focus is on the merits of the buy and hold strategy. Favored by investors for its long-term success and advocated by heavyweights like Warren Buffett, the concept is simple: ride out the market's fluctuations by investing in stocks or index funds for years, maybe decades, and reap the rewards from their growth over time.

Shift gears and you'll find the high-stakes game of day trading juxtaposed against this steadfast strategy. The podcast sheds light on the stark reality presented by the Securities and Exchange Commission: that day trading is fraught with peril and seldom lucrative. On the other side of the spectrum, cryptocurrency's allure is investigated. Despite its potential for high returns, volatility looms large. Alana Benson advises caution, suggesting that, while cryptocurrencies should not be the cornerstone of a long-term investment portfolio, they might have a place as a small, diverse component for certain risk-tolerant investors. Pyles and Benson deliver insights that every investor, novice or seasoned, should consider before making their next financial move.

Join Sean Pyles, Liz Weston, Sarah Rathner, and Phil Reed in the latest exploration by NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast into the dramatically shifting sands of the automotive industry. As vehicle valuations skyrocket to unprecedented levels, the speakers shed light on the variety of factors fueling this surge, providing insights into the scarcity of affordable vehicles and the ramifications of limited inventory on consumer choice. With used car prices setting new records, the episode delves into how the market's current state affects both buyers and sellers navigating this volatile territory.

The discussion takes a closer look at the unexpected preservation of value in leased vehicles — something Rathner likens to the rarity of unicorns — and considers the broader market uncertainty impeding consumer forecasting. Amidst the tumult of semiconductor chip shortages and the knock-on effects on car production, Reed implores listeners to consider delaying car purchases where possible. Pyles weighs in with practical advice, underscoring the potential financial benefits of playing the waiting game until market conditions exhibit signs of stabilization — which may not occur until the following year.

Dive into the intricacies of asset allocation and the choice between funds and stocks with NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, hosted by Sean Pyles and Alana Benson. In this episode, the team takes a nuanced look at how to adjust your investment strategy to balance risk with potential rewards. They discuss the basic tenet of maintaining an asset mix aligned with one's risk tolerance and investment timeframe, extending from aggressive stock-heavy portfolios for the long-term investor to more conservative bond-focused strategies as retirement nears.

The episode further explores the pros and cons of investing in individual stocks versus investment funds, elaborating on the potential of stocks like NerdZone to generate profits or dividends versus their innate price volatility. Funds, on the other hand, are appraised for providing valuable diversification to cushion against individual asset failures. Additionally, the podcast breaks down the differences among ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds—providing a primer on their characteristics and potential impacts on investment expenses and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the market, this episode of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast presents an informative discussion on optimizing your investment choices.

Dive into an informative session with NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, where hosts Sean Pyles, Liz Weston, and guests Sarah Rathner and Margaret Burnett delve into the intersection of technology and financial literacy for the younger generation. The discussion focuses on how banking apps tailored for children can be powerful tools in teaching them valuable money management skills. These digital platforms allow kids to safely handle real or virtual money, providing a hands-on approach to learning about savings, budgeting, and spending.

However, not all apps are created equal, as Burnett cautions about hidden fees and the necessity of being selective. The podcast explores important considerations such as avoiding monthly fees, ensuring FDIC insurance, and utilizing parental controls that make these apps both safe and educational. In parallel, the speakers advocate for other resources and methods parents can employ beyond digital means, highlighting the significance of leading by example and having open discussions about financial responsibility. As children grow and become more financially aware, these strategies collectively form a blueprint for nurturing financially savvy individuals.