Best NerdWallet Travel Podcasts (2025)

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

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2d 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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How to Tell If a Premium Travel Card Is Worth the Fee 55:51

3d ago55:51

55:51

Learn when pricey travel cards are worth it and how to pick the one that gives you the most value. Are premium travel cards worth the high price tag? How do you decide which one(s) to keep in your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the real-world math of annual fees and rewards to help you understand when these cards pay for the…

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

5d 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

9d 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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How to Make Every Trip More Meaningful — Without Spending More (w/ Expedia’s “Powering Travel” Host Elisabeth Goodridge) 33:03

10d ago33:03

33:03

Learn how you can make travel more meaningful without overspending or missing out on authentic experiences. How do you plan a vacation that feels “worth it” without overspending? What’s the smartest way to turn bank points into long-haul premium flights? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to design trips that maximize satisfaction and …

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

12d 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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Invest or Pay Down Debt? Plus How to Save Big This Holiday Season 23:36

16d 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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Travel More, Stress Less: How to Build a Financial Plan That Funds Your Adventures 44:51

17d ago44:51

44:51

Learn how to plan travel without derailing your long-term finances or your retirement goals. How can you plan travel without throwing off your long-term financial goals? How do you budget for a dream sabbatical without wrecking your savings? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to afford meaningful travel while keeping your financial fut…

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

19d 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

23d 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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When to Book and Fly for Cheaper Holiday Trips in 2025 23:36

24d ago23:36

23:36

Learn the optimal days to fly, when to book, and how to stretch your points for cheaper holiday travel. When is the prime time to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights this year? How can you stretch points to cover pricey holiday trips? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss holiday booking windows and money-saving strategies to help you lan…

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

26d 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

1M 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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Enjoy the Halloween Travel Boom Without Getting Scared by Prices (Video Episode) 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

In this special video episode, watch Sally brave haunted attractions and reveal the surprising rise of Halloween vacations. Is Halloween travel worth the money right now? Which fall travel deals are worth your time? Watch hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how Halloween became a peak travel moment and what it really costs — and see how Sal…

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

1M 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

1M 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 Wasting Time (and Miles): Points vs. Cash Tools for Easier Booking 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

Confused by points vs. cash? Discover how to stretch your miles further and save on your next trip. Should you use points or cash for your next flight? How do you find award availability that’s worth booking? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into points redemption and partner programs to help you understand when it makes the most sense to re…

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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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Keep or Cut the Amex Platinum? What New Perks Mean for Frequent Travelers 33:39

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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What Happens When You Trade Your Home for a Debt-Free Start? 32:08

3M 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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Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort 26:04

3M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…