Best Quite High Score Podcasts (2026)

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NQHS Podcast Episode 18 - The Expedition 33 Awards 1:00:22

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18d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

This episode was recorded on December 14th 2025. On this week's episode, we’re diving headfirst into this year’s Video Game Awards — the surprises, the snubs, the hype trailers, and the moments that made us question reality. And yes… Expedition won. Again. And again. And somehow… again. At this point we’re just assuming Expedition showed up with a …

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Investing in 2026: Fix Your Allocation Before the Next Market Swing 18:44

11h ago18:44

18:44

Start your 2026 investing strategy with smarter moves, fewer fees, and less stress when markets get rocky. How should you invest in 2026 if tech stocks keep dominating the market? What’s a smart checklist for leveling up your investing this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss diversification and investing tools to help you grow your…

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How to Build Better Money Habits in 2026 24:05

5d ago24:05

24:05

Learn how to tie your 2026 money goals to your values so you can stick with them all year. How can you match your 2026 money goals to what you really care about? And how do you turn those goals into a plan you’ll actually follow? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss values-based money planning and goal-setting frameworks to help you build …

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Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life (with Shannah Game) 38:23

8d ago38:23

38:23

Learn how to explore your money beliefs and take real steps toward saving and investing, even on a tight income. What’s really behind your money habits? How can you build savings and invest if you’re not earning much? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how your relationship with money shapes your financial behaviors and what you can do t…

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Managing Money in Your Marriage and How to Build Wealth Without a Side Hustle 38:31

11d ago38:31

38:31

Learn the truth behind myths about building wealth, plus hear from a couple looking to align on financial goals and values. Can you build wealth without starting a business? How can couples figure out what to do with extra money in their budget? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share their “money hot takes” and then talk to a married couple ab…

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Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being 38:19

15d ago38:19

38:19

Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money …

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How the 2008 Financial Crisis Changed Wall Street (The Big Short Companion Podcast from Against the Rules) 35:26

19d ago35:26

35:26

Learn how Wall Street has changed since the 2008 financial crisis in this Smart Money special presentation of Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion. Michael Lewis’ best-selling book The Big Short is now 15 years old, and the Oscar-winning movie based on it was released a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Lewis has narrated a new audiobook of T…

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2025’s Money Year in Review and Travel Card Moves To Make Now 51:56

22d ago51:56

51:56

Hear how 2025 money news hit your wallet and whether your travel cards are really pulling their weight. How did 2025’s biggest money stories actually affect your wallet? How can you decide if your pricey travel credit cards are still worth it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola recap the year in finance news to help you understand what the stori…

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Strengthen Your 2026 Financial Plan and Optimize TSP and 403(b) Accounts for Heirs 26:18

26d ago26:18

26:18

Learn how to prepare your money for 2026 and invest retirement savings you hope to leave to your family. How do Americans feel about their money heading into 2026? How should you invest retirement accounts you don’t plan to spend so your family can benefit later? The Nerds discuss how to invest a seven‑figure nest egg in workplace retirement plans …

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Life’s Big Buys: Travel Splurges and When to Cut Retirement Savings for a Home Down Payment 30:10

29d ago30:10

30:10

Learn how to shift savings between retirement and a home down payment without derailing your future. How do you balance big life experiences with long-term financial goals? Is it smart to scale back retirement savings to buy a home sooner? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting, honeymoon spending, and saving trade-offs to …

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NQHS Podcast Episode 17 - AI Labels, Destiny 3 Leaked, RAM Prices Soaring 1:29:24

1M ago1:29:24

1:29:24

This episode was recorded on December 1st 2025 In this week’s episode, we dive into the growing conversation around AI labels for video games and what they mean for transparency in development, unpack new reports claiming Destiny 3 is already in early production, and talk about why RAM prices are suddenly spiking and what that means for PC gamers. …

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Understanding 2026 Housing Pressure Points and Finding Your “Enough” Number for Retirement 34:28

1M ago34:28

34:28

See what 2026’s housing costs and mortgage rates might mean for your homebuying plans and learn when you can safely coast on retirement savings. How is the housing market reshaping homebuying going into 2026? When can you stop saving for retirement and still feel confident about your future? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss Coast FI an…

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Master Multiple Credit Cards Without Tanking Your Credit Score (Plus: Giving Tuesday Tips) 35:52

1M ago35:52

35:52

Learn how to donate effectively for Giving Tuesday and juggle multiple credit cards without hurting your credit score. How can you donate more intentionally on Giving Tuesday without blowing your budget? Does having multiple credit cards hurt your credit score? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles discuss charitable giving and credit card manageme…

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Fix Emotional Spending Habits with Feel-Good Finance and Learn How to Manage Finances Post-Job Loss 38:12

1M ago38:12

38:12

Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money …

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Outsmart Black Friday Hype and Tackle Credit Card Debt with a Budget Reset 39:26

1M ago39:26

39:26

Learn how to spot real Black Friday deals and reshape your budget with a step-by-step money makeover. What should you watch for on Black Friday to avoid fake discounts? How can you reset your budget when debt and housing costs squeeze you? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss holiday shopping and budgeting to help you spend smarter without…

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NQHS Podcast Episode 16 - VGA Predictions 1:36:01

1M ago1:36:01

1:36:01

This episode was recorded on November 18th 2025 Join the cousins for Not Quite High Score, a bi-weekly gaming podcast where we discuss what we're currently playing and current events in the world of video games. We also argue. A lot. Send us an e-mail at [email protected] for topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.…

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Thanksgiving Savings You’ll Actually Notice and Tax Filing Tips for Common Law Couples 24:42

2M ago24:42

24:42

Learn how to save on Thanksgiving dinner and decide if filing taxes jointly makes sense for common law couples. How can you trim your Thanksgiving costs without skimping on the feast? Should common law spouses file taxes jointly or separately? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into tax choices for couples to help you understand which filing…

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Generational Wealth Built from Scratch and an Emergency Fund on a Deadline 39:47

2M ago39:47

39:47

Learn how first-generation earners build wealth and how to grow an emergency fund before a possible job loss. How do first-generation earners start and protect generational wealth? How can you bulk up an emergency fund fast if layoffs are looming? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss first-generation wealth building and how to build an eme…

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IRA Conversion Strategies and Reading Economic Signals During a Shutdown 23:24

2M ago23:24

23:24

Discover how current economic data affect you and decide if a Roth or Traditional IRA is the most appropriate option for your retirement savings. What’s happening with layoffs and the economy right now? How should you be thinking about the data used to determine the economy's health, and what does it mean for your personal finances? Hosts Elizabeth…

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First-Generation Wealth Building and the Truth About Stablecoin Yields 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

Learn how first-generation wealth builders create financial freedom and what stablecoins could mean for your savings. How do you build wealth when you’re the first in your family to be able to do so? And can stablecoins really out-earn your savings account? Host Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles explore generational wealth-building and the myths and …

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Open Enrollment 2026: How to Choose Dental, Vision, Life and Disability (Plus: When to Refinance a Home) 37:23

2M ago37:23

37:23

Learn how to pick dental, vision, life, and disability coverage with confidence, and when refinancing a home can actually save you money. Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? Which open enrollment benefits are worth it this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk to an expert about the ins and outs of open enrollment in 2026. But…

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Healthcare Open Enrollment Tips for 2026 and a Catch-Up Plan for Retirement 34:38

2M ago34:38

34:38

Learn how to pick the right health plan for your situation and build a stronger retirement even if you feel behind. How do you choose the best health plan during open enrollment? What can you do to secure retirement if savings feel like they’re falling short? In the first of a two-part series, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down open e…

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How to Budget Better With Your Partner and Why Scam Calls Are Surging 36:09

2M ago36:09

36:09

Learn how to spot shutdown-era scams and build a budget that works even when you and your partner disagree. How can you protect yourself from shutdown-era scams? How do you build a household budget when you and your partner see money differently? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share strategies to figure out a household budget when you and yo…

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Ep. 120-Christopher Herrero- The Art of Band is the Art of War 52:21

2M ago52:21

52:21

Send us a text 🎙 Episode 120: Christopher Herrero – The Art of Band is the Art of War This week on The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Christopher Herrero, Director of Bands at the legendary Edna Karr High School in New Orleans. 🔥 A proud Karr alum and the first Latino Tuba Section Leader at Jackson State University, Herrero returned home to l…

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Big Event Budgeting and Credit Monitoring: What to Know Before You Swipe 36:30

2M ago36:30

36:30

Learn how to get and read your free credit reports and spot red flags so you can protect your score and money. How do you set a realistic budget for a big life event without guilt? What’s the foolproof way to get and read your free credit reports? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting and credit monitoring…

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NQHS Podcast Episode 14 - Video Game Awards Predictions and Pokémon Leaks 1:47:39

2M ago1:47:39

1:47:39

This episode was recorded on October 19th 2025. Join the cousins for Not Quite High Score, a bi-weekly gaming podcast where we discuss what we're currently playing and current events in the world of video games. We also argue. A lot. Send us an e-mail at [email protected] for topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.…

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Invest or Pay Down Debt? Plus How to Save Big This Holiday Season 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

Learn how to handle holiday shopping in an increasingly expensive spending environment. Plus, lightning round insights around debt, investing, and savings goals. How should you prepare for holiday shopping when tariffs and inflation are leading to higher prices? When should you prioritize paying off your mortgage versus investing in the market? Hos…

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Are You Covered? Hidden Gaps in Life Insurance That Could Cost Your Family 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

Learn how to choose term vs whole life insurance and calculate your coverage so your family stays protected. How much life insurance do you really need? Which is smarter, term or whole life? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss recent smart, fun, and dumb spending to spark a quick audit of your own money habits, then pivot to right-sizing …

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What Home Sellers Can Legally Hide and How to Master Irregular Bills 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

Learn how to plan for surprise bills and what to ask about a home’s past so your budget and buying feel stress free. Do sellers have to disclose deaths, crimes or “hauntings” in a home? How can you budget for irregular expenses without daily tracking? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola open a spooky episode with housing Nerds Holden Lewis and Ka…

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Feeling Burned Out? How to Know When to Quit Your Job — and What to Do First 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

Learn how your habits and the cash and cards in your wallet reveal your money mindset, then learn how to know when it’s time to quit your job. What amount of cash should you keep on hand? Should you “quiet quit” or make a clean break from your job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss everyday wallet decisions and career change trade-offs …

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What Fewer Earnings Reports Could Mean for Investors and How to Teach Kids About Money (Video Episode) 39:55

3M ago39:55

39:55

In this special video episode, learn what proposed stock market rule changes could mean for your portfolio and how to grow your teen’s money skills. Will corporate earnings reports soon shift from quarterly to twice a year? And what could new rules about day trading mean for everyday investors? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola team up with sen…

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Ep. 119- Dr. Derrick Fox- If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me 53:17

3M ago53:17

53:17

Send us a text In this powerful and reflective episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Dr. Derrick Fox (@singingingfox1), Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, and Creative Endeavors and Associate Director of Choral Programs at the Michigan State University College of Music. Dr. Fox opens up about his journey as a leader, educat…

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Watch the Nerds Sweat It Out: Hot Wings Meet Hot Money Takes (Video Episode) 44:26

3M ago44:26

44:26

In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth and special guests eat spicy wings and share hot takes on saving versus investing, inflation, crypto, and when to trade up for an electric vehicle. When should you prioritize investing over traditional savings? How do you know when to keep repairing your car versus trading it in for something new, l…

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Budget Rehab: What Our Hosts’ Spending Reveals About Smarter Money Moves (Video Episode) 37:33

3M ago37:33

37:33

In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth give each other a “budget rehab,” revealing their own budgets to help you fix yours. How can you feel more in control of your spending? How can you plan for irregular expenses like credit card annual fees or surprise bills? In this video episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola give each other…

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Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

In a special presentation of Smart Travel, learn 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? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuat…

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

3M 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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Ep. 118- Daniel Flores (@trumpetpapi) - Más Que Música: Identity & Accessibility in Music Education 47:18

3M ago47:18

47:18

Send us a text 🎙 Episode 118: Más Que Música – Identity & Accessibility in Music Education In this week’s episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Daniel Flores (@trumpetpapi) — musician, content creator, and advocate for culturally rooted music education. Daniel shares his journey growing up in underfunded, majority-Hispanic music progr…

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

4M 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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The Fed Just Cut Rates — Here’s How to Make the Most of It (Plus: How to Freeze Your Credit) 28:51

4M 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

4M 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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AI Stocks May Be in a Bubble, and Car Prices Could Rise Soon — Here’s What to Know 33:24

4M 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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Estate Planning Made Simple and How to Handle Family Loans 32:09

4M 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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Why Refis Are Spiking and How to Optimize Your 401k Target-Date Fund for Long-Term Growth 28:02

4M 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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Smart Buying Tips from Your Mama’s Kitchen and How to Change Banks Wisely 36:39

4M 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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How to Talk Finances Before Cohabitating, and Why Coffee and Tea Prices Are Surging 32:19

4M 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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NQHS Podcast Episode 12 - Blind ranking our top 5 1:26:02

4M ago1:26:02

1:26:02

This episode was recorded on August 17th 2025. This week, we’re switching things up with a game about games! Each of us will have to blind rank games based on a list of categories! Who will nail their rankings? Who will instantly regret putting that game at #5? Join the cousins for Not Quite High Score, a bi-weekly gaming podcast where we discuss w…

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Ep. 117- Classroom Culture and Discipline- Without Killing the Joy 42:55

4M ago42:55

42:55

Send us a text This week on The Score, Eric and Justin dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in music education: creating strong classroom culture and managing discipline—without losing the spark that makes music joyful. 🔥 From setting expectations on Day 1 to navigating those inevitable tough moments, Eric and Justin share real stories, les…

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

4M 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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Budget Rehab: Can a Family Rebuild Their Emergency Fund and Still Afford the Life They Want? 34:26

5M 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 Less for Your Prescriptions and Brace for a Health Insurance Shake-Up 30:30

5M 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 …