Best NerdWallet Travel Podcasts (2025)

1
Here’s What Tariffs Could Cost You (Plus: Downgrade or Ditch Your Premium Card?) 32:02

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1d 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…

1
Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands 34:46

14h ago34:46

34:46

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

5d 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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Does Medical Debt Impact Your Credit Score? And How Much Do You Really Need To Save for a Home 36:27

7d 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

8d 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

11d 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

15d 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

17d 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

17d 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…

1
SALT Cap Raised, Clean Energy Credits Ending: Adapt Your Finances to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” 30:10

21d 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…

1
Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local 34:52

22d 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

24d 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…

1
Buy Now, Pay Later Comes at a Price: Credit Score Risks You Need to Know (Plus: $124k Windfall Tips) 32:53

28d ago32:53

32:53

Understand how Buy Now, Pay Later financing options affect your credit and learn smart strategies for using a six-figure inheritance wisely. How does Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) affect your credit score? What’s the smartest way to invest or use an unexpected inheritance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the evolving credit implications o…

1
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count 31:24

29d ago31:24

31:24

Stretch your travel budget with smarter planning, real savings hacks, and $75-a-day global travel strategies. Can you really see the world for just $75 a day? Can you cut travel costs without sacrificing comfort or experience? Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss planning a trip for less than $75 per day with Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. But fir…

1
Amazon Prime Day Hacks and Budgeting Tips for Emotional Shoppers 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

Learn how to approach Amazon Prime day without blowing your budget and hear how you can start to understand the emotions that might be driving your spending. What are the best ways to take advantage of big sales like Amazon Prime Day but still stay on track with your budget? How can you get a handle on emotional spending and the guilt that comes wi…

1
How to Retire Early and Live Abroad: Your Guide to Making FIRE Last (Plus: 2025 Gas Prices Explained) 35:56

1M ago35:56

35:56

Learn how to navigate gas prices this summer, then hear how to make your money work after retiring early and moving abroad. What’s going on with gas prices this summer? How can early retirees turn their savings into income abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss gas price trends and smart investment options for early retirees to help …

1
What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost 33:00

1M ago33:00

33:00

Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip. Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and …

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Overcome Emotional Spending and Spot Job Scams That Could Cost You Thousands 36:36

1M ago36:36

36:36

Learn how to reset spending habits after emotional setbacks and protect yourself from job scams that cost real money. How do you reset your money goals after emotional setbacks? How do you avoid job scams that steal your savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mindful spending and scam recovery to help you stay in control of your fin…

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Escape the Infinite Workday Trap (Plus: How to Grow $200/Month Into $300K) 34:30

1M ago34:30

34:30

Get tips to reclaim your time from the “infinite workday,” then learn how to build retirement savings as a stay-at-home parent. How do you reclaim your time in an always-on work culture? How can stay-at-home parents keep building retirement savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rise of the “infinite workday” and answer a listen…

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Summer Travel Deals: Where Prices Are Dropping and How to Book Luxury for Less 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

Score travel deals, discover hotel savings, and learn how to maximize your budget without missing out this summer. How can you travel this summer without overspending? Where should you book to get the most value from your hotel stay? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the state of summer travel and how shifting prices are impacting vacatio…

1
Your Housing Questions Answered: Down Payments, Mortgage Recasting, and Buying in Tough Markets 34:08

2M ago34:08

34:08

Explore strategies to strengthen your finances and get smart answers to common home buying and mortgage questions. When you're looking to buy your next home, should you pay off your current mortgage or save more for a down payment? How does mortgage recasting work? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer several questions from listeners about …

1
Are You Saving Enough in 2025? What the Data Says About Falling Short (Plus: Where to Keep Conservatorship Funds) 25:18

2M ago25:18

25:18

Learn whether you’re saving enough money in 2025. Then, learn where to keep conservatorship funds to safely earn interest. What is the average American saving in 2025? Where can you keep conservatorship funds to earn interest? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola tackle a listener’s question about how to grow savings when managing a conservatorshi…

1
Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chas…

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Smart Planning Sessions: Digging Out of $36K in Debt — Without Derailing Retirement 35:32

2M ago35:32

35:32

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to build a smarter debt payoff plan without sacrificing long-term financial goals. What’s the smartest way to make progress on credit card debt when budgeting alone isn’t cutting it? When can debt consolidation tools actually make your situation worse? Hosts Sean Pyles and El…

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Will AI Take Your Job — or Just Your Time? Plus, Rebuilding Credit After Debt Consolidation 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

Learn how to use AI to boost your career and finances — plus, what to do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score. How can you use AI to stay competitive in your career and manage your money better? What should you do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rapid rise of generative A…

1
Making Group Travel Work: Planning Trips for Different Budgets, Ages, and Interests 32:07

2M ago32:07

32:07

How to plan a multi-generational trip without breaking the bank — or your relationships — and make it truly memorable. How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family? And how do you keep everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — happy without overspending or over-planning? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explain …

1
How to Negotiate a Raise in a Tough Economy (w/ Brown Ambition’s Mandi Money) 37:42

2M ago37:42

37:42

Learn how to negotiate higher pay and choose between Roth vs. traditional retirement accounts with confidence. How can you negotiate for a raise in an uncertain economy? Should you invest in a Roth or traditional retirement account? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss career strategies and retirement planning to help you maximize your ear…

1
Economic Chaos and Car Costs: How to Weigh Risks in Uncertain Times 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Learn how to keep calm and carry on with smart money moves and car buying plans amid tariffs, market swings, and rising prices. Should you buy a car now or wait — even if prices are expected to rise? How can you navigate the financial noise of today’s economy without losing your cool? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss coping with econom…

1
Is Epic Universe the Future of Theme Parks? Here’s How to Save When You Go 34:53

2M ago34:53

34:53

Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides. Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to Universal’s other parks? How can you save money on theme park food, drinks, and add-ons without sacrificing fun? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French dis…

1
Recover from Vacation Overspending and Avoid Costly Rental Property Management Mistakes 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Reset your vacation budget and learn about the real work it takes to manage a rental property as a new or aspiring landlord. How can you get back on budget after overspending on vacation? What should you know before turning a home into a rental property? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss navigating the financial aftermath of travel and …

1
What to Do When the U.S. Gets Downgraded and Your Travel Credit Card Stops Paying Off 28:07

2M ago28:07

28:07

Learn what a U.S. credit downgrade means for your portfolio, plus find out when it might be time to cancel your travel credit card. What does the U.S. credit rating downgrade mean for your investments? Should you cancel your travel credit card if the perks no longer justify the fee? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the U.S. government’…

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How to Plan an Itinerary That Saves Money, Avoids Crowds, and Unlocks Hidden Gems 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Learn how to plan travel itineraries that save you money, skip tourist traps, and make the most of your points. How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel credit cards are worth it if you don’t want to pay an annual fee? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk about how to plan a smart, budget-conscious t…

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Should You Keep Your Old Home? The Financial Case for Selling vs. Renting 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

Planning a big move? Learn how to decide whether you should sell or rent your home and fund your next down payment. Should you sell or rent out your home when you move? What’s the best way to fund a down payment from multiple accounts? Host Sean Pyles talks to NerdWallet writer Lisa Green about the big financial decisions that come with relocating …

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How to Prepare for Stagflation and Make Your Insurance Work Harder 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

Learn what stagflation could mean for your finances and how to tell if you need life insurance. Do you still need life insurance if you’ve built enough wealth? What does stagflation mean for your financial plan? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles discuss how to determine whether your life insurance coverage still fits your needs and what to watc…

1
Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts. When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit …

1
Smart Planning Sessions: Investing Through Uncertainty and Planning for Early Retirement Abroad 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses when it might make sense to scale back your 401(k) contributions. Is it safe to invest right now? Should you keep contributing to your retirement account when the economy feels uncertain? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to navigate turbulent financial times by f…

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Is 'Made in the USA' Still Worth It with Tariffs? Plus: Best Accounts for Your Home Repair Savings 25:53

3M ago25:53

25:53

When is buying “Made in the USA” worth it? Plus, learn where to stash savings for home repairs to maximize your returns.What does it mean when something is “Made in the USA”? Should you use a money market or high-yield savings account for home repairs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to evaluate products labeled “Made in the USA” …

1
The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Learn how to use award search tools, when it’s worth it to pay for one, and how to use alerts and filters to save time and get better redemptions. What are the best tools to find award flight availability using points or miles? Is it worth paying for premium travel tools to simplify the booking process? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss t…

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Start Feeling Better About Money Today and Learn How to Manage Finances After a Layoff 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

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 …

1
Are We in a Recession? What the Data Says—and How to Protect Your Finances 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

Learn what a shrinking GDP means for you. Plus: how to handle your HSA if your employer stops contributing. Is the U.S. in a recession? How do you roll over an HSA when your employer stops contributing? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the current state of the economy and how to manage your Health Savings Account (HSA) to help you prot…

1
Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price 32:28

3M ago32:28

32:28

Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway. Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to…

1
Spend Smarter This Wedding Season: Travel, Tipping, and More, (featuring The Knot) 36:10

3M ago36:10

36:10

Learn smart ways to budget for your wedding and how to navigate tipping expectations without overspending. What money lessons did you learn from your mom? How can you budget for a wedding without overspending — especially when your family is helping with costs? Sean and Elizabeth discuss the financial values we inherit and the realities of modern w…

1
How to Keep Your Credit Strong During Economic Shifts and Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

Learn what rising delinquencies mean for your finances, plus how to decide if you're truly ready to buy your first home. What happens if you fall behind on your loan or credit card payments? How much do you actually need to buy a house? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising debt delinquencies and first-time homebuying realities to he…

1
Where 100,000 Points Can Take You: First Class Seats, Five-Star Suites and VIP Upgrades 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

Explore your options for spending 100,000 credit card points, with tips on redemptions for luxury flights, hotels, and hidden travel perks. What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points for travel? How do you transfer points to airlines or hotels to get the most value? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss top redemptions across Ch…

1
Smart Planning Sessions: When is it OK to Stop Saving? (Plus: Spring Cleaning Your Finances) 37:56

3M ago37:56

37:56

In a new Smart Planning segment, a finance expert tackles retirement goals and savings questions with a listener. How can you gift savings bonds? When is it time to stop saving for retirement early? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola offer tips for “spring cleaning” your finances, including refreshing your budget, resetting your financial goals,…

1
Less Spending Power, More Debt? Navigate a Declining Dollar and Make Progress on Credit Card Bills 27:36

4M ago27:36

27:36

Learn how a weakening U.S. dollar affects your wallet and how you can escape the cycle of never-ending credit card debt. Why is the U.S. dollar losing value and how does that affect day-to-day spending? How can you make progress on credit card debt that feels impossible to tackle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of the U.S. …

1
When and How to Transfer Credit Card Rewards Points To Get The Most Value 30:05

4M ago30:05

30:05

Learn when it’s worth transferring credit card points — and how to avoid costly mistakes that waste your rewards. When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty program? What are your options if you no longer want to pay the annual fee on a travel card you’ve held for years? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discu…

1
Michele Norris Shares Kitchen Must-Haves and the Nerds Break Down Switching Banks for Better Rates 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

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 …

1
Strategies for Navigating Market Swings and Leveraging Home Equity Wisely 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

Learn how to stay calm during market volatility and whether a HELOC or cash-out refi makes sense for your home reno goals. What should you do with your investments when the stock market is particularly volatile? What’s the difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss coping with market volatilit…

1
Room Blocks, Rental Cars, and a Plus-One: Smarter Wedding Travel for Savvy Guests 25:13

4M ago25:13

25:13

Learn strategic ways to save on wedding travel — whether you're planning the big day or flying in to celebrate someone else's. How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences? How do you continue earning meaningful travel rewards after you've maxed out your credit card welcome bonuses? Host Megh…