Best NerdWallet Travel Podcasts (2025)

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Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely 31:06

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10h ago31:06

31:06

Learn how to prepare for a government shutdown and where to put $600 a month after building your emergency fund. What happens in a federal government shutdown? Where should you put $600/month after funding an emergency cushion? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the looming shutdown before answering a listener’s question about where to a…

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Getting Paid to Plan Trips Doesn't Have to Be a Full-Time Job: How to Become a Travel Advisor in 2025 38:21

1d ago38:21

38:21

Fora cofounder Henley Vazquez reveals how travelers turn trip planning into income and which destinations are trending. How much money can you make working part-time as a travel advisor? What are the startup costs to get into the industry? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explore how you can turn trip planning into income and what that means for…

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Preparing Finances for Fall and How to Help Parents Who Haven’t Saved Enough 30:34

3d ago30:34

30:34

Learn how to prepare your finances for fall and support aging parents who have limited retirement savings. How can you check in on your finances this fall? What’s the best way to help parents with little savings retire? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explain how you can give yourself a fall financial check-in before they answer a listener’s …

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EP 160: Spice Girls, Teen Comedies, & Girlbosses: How 2000s Pop Culture Shaped Millennial Women 56:41

5d ago56:41

56:41

In this episode of the Mo News Podcast, producer Sari Soffer Sukenik sits down with Sophie Gilbert, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of her new book, Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves. Sophie reflects on the pop culture of the ’90s and 2000s — the rom-com boom, the teen sex comedies, the rise of th…

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EP 159: Roastmaster Unplugged: Jeff Ross Opens Up About Loss, Life and Comedy 35:19

6d ago35:19

35:19

He’s roasted everyone from Donald Trump to Tom Brady — but now Jeff Ross is turning the spotlight on himself. The “Roastmaster General” is showing a surprising, tender side in his hit Broadway show ‘⁠Take a Banana for a Ride⁠,’ and in this conversation with Mosheh.Ross shares the stories that inspired the show, including talking about losing his cl…

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Keep or Cut the Amex Platinum? What New Perks Mean for Frequent Travelers 33:39

7d ago33:39

33:39

The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it. Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updat…

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The Fed Just Cut Rates — Here’s How to Make the Most of It (Plus: How to Freeze Your Credit) 28:51

7d ago28:51

28:51

Learn how the Fed rate cut impacts loans and savings, then find out when to freeze your credit and how to do it fast. What does a Federal Reserve rate cut mean for your wallet? Should you freeze your credit if an internet provider runs a soft pull? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola kick off this episode with senior news writer Anna Helhoski to …

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Tap to Pay, Tap to Overspend? Mobile Wallet Traps and Money Conversations That Pay Off 29:47

10d ago29:47

29:47

Learn if digital wallets make you overspend and how simple habits can help you stay on budget. How do you start money conversations that actually help? Do mobile wallets make you overspend? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss intentional money conversations and the psychology of paying by phone vs. card vs. cash to help you control spendi…

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EP 158: Robotaxis, AI, and the Future of Driving with Lyft’s CEO 1:00:55

12d ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Lyft CEO David Risher is leading a comeback story at the ridesharing company. Two years into the job, he’s made Lyft profitable, expanded into Europe, and grown market share against Uber. In this conversation with Mosheh, Risher looks into the future: hybrid fleets of drivers and robotaxis, how AI will shape transportation, and whether the next gen…

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AI Stocks May Be in a Bubble, and Car Prices Could Rise Soon — Here’s What to Know 33:24

15d ago33:24

33:24

Learn how to think about AI stocks and decide if now’s the time to buy a car, including how to choose between 48- and 60-month loans. Are AI stocks in a bubble? Should you buy a car now or wait? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss AI-driven market euphoria and today’s car-buying math to help you understand how to balance risk in your inve…

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How One Family Flew Business Class to Europe on Points — and Stayed in Style 29:24

16d ago29:24

29:24

Learn how an entire family traveled to Europe on points, including business class flights, boutique stays, and mountain escapes. How do you book business-class flights to Europe for a family of four using points? How do you cover hotels and vacation rentals with rewards while meeting Europe’s room occupancy rules? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyl…

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Estate Planning Made Simple and How to Handle Family Loans 32:09

18d ago32:09

32:09

Learn how to build a simple estate plan and lend or repay family money without hurting your relationships. What’s the first thing to do when creating an estate plan? What’s the smartest way to handle loans between friends or family? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down estate-planning basics like wills, revocable trusts, living wills/ad…

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EP 157: The CIA At Risk - Domestic Politics, Foreign Enemies 48:49

20d ago48:49

48:49

Few institutions are as secretive, controversial, and consequential as the CIA. From covert Cold War operations to the war on terror, America’s spy agency has been both praised for keeping the country safe and condemned for its failures and abuses. Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and historian Tim Weiner joins us to unpack that complicated histor…

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EP 156: The Room Where It Happens: Inside the Fed's Closed-Door Meetings 44:58

21d ago44:58

44:58

Few institutions impact our daily lives more than the Federal Reserve—and rarely has it been under so much scrutiny. With interest rates, inflation, and political pressure dominating headlines, the Fed’s decisions shape everything from mortgages to credit card bills. Our guest is Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and…

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Why Refis Are Spiking and How to Optimize Your 401k Target-Date Fund for Long-Term Growth 28:02

22d ago28:02

28:02

Learn when a refi saves money and how target-date funds work, including fees and when to pick a later fund year. What exactly is a target-date fund, and when should you move your date? How do you know if now is a good time to refinance a house? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mortgage refinancing and target-date funds to help you unde…

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Cash or Miles? The 2025 Points Valuations That Could Change How You Travel 42:36

23d ago42:36

42:36

Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter red…

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Smart Buying Tips from Your Mama’s Kitchen and How to Change Banks Wisely 36:39

25d ago36:39

36:39

Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing. What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of investing in high-quality kitchen gear and what to consider when moving …

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EP 155: Travel Smarter: Trends, Tips & All-Inclusive Deals 48:18

26d ago48:18

48:18

Airfares are down, hotel deals are back, and cruises are suddenly hot again. But knowing when to book and how to stretch your points is more confusing than ever. NerdWallet Travel Expert and co-host of the Smart Travel podcast Sally French joins us to cut through the noise with tips for the holiday season and beyond. We dig into the sweet spot for …

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How to Talk Finances Before Cohabitating, and Why Coffee and Tea Prices Are Surging 32:19

29d ago32:19

32:19

Before cohabiting, how do you talk about finances without conflict? Plus: the global forces pushing up your coffee and tea bill. Why are your daily coffee, tea, or matcha drinks costing more? What financial conversations should you have with your partner before signing a lease together? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explore rising beverage …

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Airport Lounge Access, Family Award Travel, and Cruise Savings: Your Questions Answered 28:49

30d ago28:49

28:49

Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York. How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s the cheapest way to book a cruise from New York? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into your questions about airport lounges, family travel, cruise…

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Bank Account Denied? Overcome Verification Hurdles and Maximize Sign-Up Bonuses 26:32

1M ago26:32

26:32

Learn about banking blacklists and how to decide when sign-up bonuses are worth your time and money. Why might you get denied when trying to open a new bank account online, even if all your information is correct? When are bank account sign-up bonuses really worth pursuing? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explain how banks verify identities, …

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EP 154: Consumer Reports on Protecting Your Wallet, Your Data, and Your Family 36:26

1M ago36:26

36:26

From baby products to big-ticket electronics, Consumer Reports has been testing—and exposing—the truth about products for 90 years. CEO Phil Radford joins the Mo News Podcast to share what his team is uncovering right now: hidden chemicals, shrinking privacy protections, the latest on safety and what some of the cuts in Washington could mean for ev…

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Budget Rehab: Can a Family Rebuild Their Emergency Fund and Still Afford the Life They Want? 34:26

1M ago34:26

34:26

The Nerds debut a new Budget Rehab segment, dissecting a real family’s budget to reveal strategies for saving more, investing smarter, and managing lifestyle costs. Plus: tariffs’ role in rising auto insurance. Why are auto insurance premiums continuing to climb, and what do tariffs have to do with it? How can a real family adjust their budget to m…

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How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card) 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card. Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the c…

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How to Pay Less for Your Prescriptions and Brace for a Health Insurance Shake-Up 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Learn how to cut prescription costs and prepare for steep health insurance hikes if ACA tax credits expire. How can you make prescription drugs more affordable? What can you do if subsidies in the Affordable Care Act expire and health insurance costs spike? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising prescription costs and looming changes …

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EP 153: Mid-Year Money Check-In: Saving, Spending & Surviving Inflation with NerdWallet Experts 42:28

1M ago42:28

42:28

In this mid-year money check-in, Mosheh is joined by Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola, co-hosts of NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast, to tackle the questions we’re all asking: How do the latest economic headlines actually affect my wallet? From tariffs and grocery bills to debt, side hustles, and retirement planning, they break down practical ways to…

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EP 152: Controlling the Weather: The Promise and the Power of Cloud Seeding 46:17

1M ago46:17

46:17

As water shortages intensify across the globe, one company is betting on a controversial solution: making it rain—literally. In this episode, we’re joined by Augustus Doricko, founder and CEO of Rainmaker, to break down the science, promise, and misconceptions around cloud seeding. We explore how this decades-old technology has advanced, what it co…

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What Happens When You Trade Your Home for a Debt-Free Start? 32:08

1M ago32:08

32:08

Is tapping your home equity ever a smart way to reset your finances? One listener’s story reveals what to weigh before selling. Should you sell your house to wipe out credit card debt and start over? What are the hidden trade-offs when using home equity to eliminate debt? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk with a listener navigating $55,000…

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EP 151: Andrew Cuomo Makes His Case – The Stakes for New York City 54:01

1M ago54:01

54:01

In the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in NYC in 25 years, we speak with NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo as new details emerge about the attack and the suspect. The former NY governor discusses the state of gun violence, what he thinks needs to be done about assault weapons at the federal level, and how ‘Mayor Cuomo’ would handle public saf…

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EP 150: Pete Buttigieg’s Warning For His Own Party—And The Country 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins the Mo News Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation just months after leaving the Biden administration, to talk politics, democracy, aviation, fatherhood—and his latest thinking on a potential 2028 presidential run. Buttigieg weighs in on Trump’s second term, his budget cuts, the flood of executi…

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EP 149: Six Months of Trump 2.0: Sean Spicer on the MAGA Divide, Immigration Fights & Epstein Fallout 1:00:43

1M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

As President Trump hits the halfway mark of his first year back in office, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation grading Trump’s second-term performance—the wins, the losses, and what might come next. Now host of⁠⁠ The Sean Spicer Show⁠⁠, Spicer weighs in on everything from immigration raid…

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EP 148: The Nose Knows: Designing the Smells We Love (and Remember) 51:15

1M ago51:15

51:15

Today, we're exploring the science behind scent—and why it’s so deeply connected to our brains. Joining Mosheh for this conversation is Mike Kinsey, a master perfumer and olfactive scientist at Procter & Gamble, who helps create some of the most recognizable scents in household products. In this special episode, sponsored by Gain and Downy, Mike br…

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EP 147: The Future Of Everything: Will AI Take Your Job? What to Know—and Do—Now 59:52

1M ago59:52

59:52

From AI replacing jobs to a war for Arctic resources, the next decade will look nothing like the last. Bank of America’s Global Strategist Haim Israel joins Mosheh to unpack his team’s new report predicting the eight major forces that will reshape our world by 2030 and beyond. Israel warns that AI will soon upend job markets across industries, with…

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EP 146: How Walmart Is Approaching Tariff Pricing, WH Battles, And A Look At A Future Where AI Could Restock Your Home Automatically 38:59

1M ago38:59

38:59

As tariffs and global economic uncertainty weigh on businesses, Walmart EVP Dan Bartlett joins Mo News from the company’s shareholders meeting in Bentonville to break down how the retail giant is navigating tariff and economic uncertainty. Bartlett explains how Walmart is approaching increasing prices, how it’s absorbing costs as President Trump te…

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EP 145: Social Media, Building Brands, and the Creator Economy - A Conversation with Sammi Cohen 45:18

1M ago45:18

45:18

In this episode: an in-depth conversation between Mosh and Sammi Cohen (@sammicohentalks), the creator of Social Currency — a newsletter and podcast that explores how the internet is reshaping our lives and our spending habits.In this conversation, you'll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creator economy, how brands are thinking about creators…

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Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort 26:04

1M ago26:04

26:04

Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free. What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by packing your luggage the right way? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss smart packing tips that could have a real impact on your travel spending. But…

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Stop Living by One-Size-Fits-All Budgets — and Paying for One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice 37:23

2M ago37:23

37:23

Understand how to assess when financial advisor fees are worth it and how to rethink personal finance rules that don’t serve you. What are the different financial advisor fees, and how can you decide if they’re worth it? Do you need to follow traditional budgeting and debt payoff rules to be financially successful? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ay…

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Here’s What Tariffs Could Cost You (Plus: Downgrade or Ditch Your Premium Card?) 32:02

2M ago32:02

32:02

Understand how new tariffs may hit your wallet and whether premium credit card fees are still worth it. What do new U.S. tariffs mean for prices on everyday goods and cars? What should you consider when choosing a premium travel credit card? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the latest economic indicators and the changing landscape of c…

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Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands 35:16

2M ago35:16

35:16

Handle lost luggage like a pro with tips for getting reimbursed and packing smarter to avoid future headaches. What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit cards and travel insurance policies actually help when this happens? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Meghan’s real-life saga of lost luggage…

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More Money, More Priorities: Don’t Let a Bigger Paycheck Go to Waste 35:19

2M ago35:19

35:19

New job, more income — now what? Hear how one listener is managing his Roth IRA, health savings account, high-yield savings, and more. Is it smart to use a Roth IRA like a savings account? How should you prioritize your money across savings, debt, and retirement after getting a higher-paying job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer a liste…

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EP 145: Controlling the Weather - The Promise and the Power of Cloud Seeding 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

As water shortages intensify across the globe, one company is betting on a controversial solution: making it rain—literally. In this episode, we’re joined by Augustus Doricko, founder and CEO of Rainmaker, to break down the science, promise, and misconceptions around cloud seeding. We explore how this decades-old technology has advanced, what it co…

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Does Medical Debt Impact Your Credit Score? And How Much Do You Really Need To Save for a Home 36:27

2M ago36:27

36:27

How to protect your credit from medical debt and choose the right way to save for a home down payment. How does medical debt affect your credit score? What accounts can you use to save for a house down payment? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the recent reversal of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would have removed me…

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Your Travel Credit Card Questions Answered: What to Keep, What to Add, and When to Redeem 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Optimize your travel rewards strategy with the latest card and perk updates, smart downgrade-and-reapply moves, and tips for combining and redeeming points for maximum value. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer listener questions to help you travel smarter. But first, they share a ton of recent credit card news, including Citi launching a pr…

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The Right Way to Dodge Scams, Plus Learn How Robo-Investing Works 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

Learn how to dodge scams to protect your money, then understand how to compare robo vs. traditional investment risks. What should you do if your credit card is compromised in a scam? Are robo-advisors riskier than traditional brokerage accounts? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to spot and respond to identity theft and dig into how…

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Housing Market in Flux: Should You Buy Now Before Prices Shift? (Plus: How Teens Can Build Credit) 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

Find out where the housing market's headed and how to help your teen build smart credit habits early. Is now a smart time to buy a home or should you wait for mortgage rates to drop? What’s the best way to help your teenager build credit before college? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explore these questions to help you make confident financi…

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New Consumer Protections Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Flight 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Learn how new consumer protections can help you get refunds, rebook faster, and stress less when you fly. What protections do you have if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your bag goes missing? How do you know if your airline will rebook you or leave you stranded? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive into a new report revealing which airlin…

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Savings Bonds Explained: When to Buy, When to Cash In, and If They’re Still Worth It 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Budget better for group trips and explore if savings bonds still deserve a spot in your long-term investment plan. How do you plan a trip with friends without blowing your budget — or your relationships? Are savings bonds a smart way to invest in your kids’ future? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the emotional and financial dynamics o…

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SALT Cap Raised, Clean Energy Credits Ending: Adapt Your Finances to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Learn what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for your taxes, benefits, and financial planning. Then, understand how to adapt to living on disability insurance. What tax changes are coming from the federal budget bill? Can you save money while living on disability? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola unpack the latest legislative changes to hel…

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Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

Plan smarter for your next trip to Italy with cost-saving tips and strategies to avoid common tourist traps. When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an unforgettable experience? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French break down the logistics and hidden costs of traveling to Italy, from airfare and lodging…

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Smart Planning Sessions: Go “Work Optional” and Move Retirement Funds Penalty-Free (Plus: Your Midyear Money Check-In) 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to transfer retirement funds penalty-free and how to adopt a “work optional” mindset. How can you check in on your financial progress halfway through the year? What steps do you need to follow to move your Roth IRA from a robo-advisor to a self-directed platform without payin…