NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Protect your identity from tax-season scams and learn when 401(k) and IRA rollovers make sense.

How do you roll over old 401(k)s and IRAs? And is a mega backdoor Roth worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer listener questions about retirement account rollovers, including when consolidation can help and how to avoid common missteps. But first, they kick off Identity Theft Awareness Week (and tax season) with a refresher on how you can protect your data, including pausing before you click or pay, updating passwords and tightening account security, and recognizing common scam tactics like fake websites, IRS impostors, smishing, and AI-powered impersonation.

Then, investing Nerd Sam Taube joins Sean and Elizabeth for a lightning round all about retirement account rollovers. They answer listener questions about whether to roll over and consolidate multiple old 401(k) accounts, whether a mega backdoor Roth is worth the hassle and potential tax complexity, whether consolidating multiple IRAs is likely to boost returns or mainly simplify finances, and whether rollover IRAs have the same bankruptcy and creditor protections as 401(k)s.

Links discussed in this episode: 


Report fraud through the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/


5 Low-Cost Target-Date Funds for 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/learn/what-is-a-target-date-fund-and-when-should-you-invest-in-one 


Mutual Fund Calculator: Growth and Fees https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/mutual-fund-calculator 


Best IRA Accounts for 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/best/ira-accounts 

Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tax season scams, identity theft, phishing scams, smishing, gift card draining, fake websites, IRS impostor scam, government impostor scam, emergency scam, bogus debt scam, employment scams, AI scams, voice cloning, deepfake scams, data breaches, mail theft, public Wi-Fi risks, password updates, credit report monitoring, billing statement review, Federal Trade Commission, reporting fraud, 401(k) rollover, IRA rollover, consolidating retirement accounts, legacy 401(k)s, target-date funds, expense ratios, mutual fund screener, after-tax 401(k) contributions, employer match, mega backdoor Roth, Roth conversion, pro-rata rule, taxes on investment gains, conversion limits, managed accounts vs self-directed investing, robo-advisor investing, beneficiary organization, bankruptcy protection, creditor protection, and rollover IRA protections.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Find out how AI shopping could tempt your budget and how to choose a city for a new career with confidence.

Is AI shopping about to turn your chatbot into a checkout line? How do you choose a medical residency program when an algorithm makes the final call? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss residency location trade-offs to help a listener understand what to prioritize during low-pay training years. But first, news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss the rise of AI shopping inside chats. They discuss how Google and other platforms are weaving deals into AI conversations, how ads and “instant checkout” could blur the line between recommendations and advertising, and why this convenience could make impulse spending a lot easier.

Then, producer Tess Vigeland joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about how to approach a medical residency match decision when weighing New York City prestige against a lower-cost path. They discuss ways to save in expensive cities without feeling like you’re missing out, why starting retirement contributions earlier can meaningfully change your long-term results even if the amount is small, and how focusing on skill-building and lifestyle fit can matter more than trying to make one “perfect” career choice.

Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet’s free retirement calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/retirement-calculator 

Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: AI shopping, ChatGPT ads, Google AI Mode, in-chat checkout, shopping in chatbots, sponsored results, personalized deals, impulse buying, comparison shopping, price check online, online shopping security, credit card information privacy, AI product research, AI shopping recommendations, interpreting online reviews, finding deals with AI, Shopify checkout, Etsy shopping, Walmart online shopping, Universal Commerce Protocol, Direct Offers, AI personal shopper, AI shopping agent, buy now pay later, return policy online shopping, save receipts screenshots, medical residency match, residency ranking algorithm, choosing a residency program, New York City cost of living, living on a resident salary, prestige vs cost of living, saving during residency, retirement savings early, compound interest, NerdWallet retirement calculator, emergency fund during training, roommates to save money, lifestyle creep, and career networking.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Find a bank that pays more, charges less, and keeps your money safe as rates adjust in 2026.

How do you choose the best bank when savings rates are falling and fees won’t quit? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wealth inequality and retirement security to help you think bigger about what’s “normal” in personal finance. They begin with a rapid-fire hot takes segment, with their perspectives on how money and power shape everyday life, why the decline of pensions shifts retirement risk onto workers, and questions worth asking about what a fairer safety net could look like.

Then, banking Nerd Chanelle Bessette joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss banking in 2026. They go over how to compare high-yield savings accounts as APYs drop, how to avoid common bank fees (like overdraft and ATM charges), and how to weigh digital-only banks versus brick-and-mortar options. They also cover how AI is changing customer service and fraud, why reduced consumer protections can raise the stakes for shoppers, and which banks topped NerdWallet’s Best-of Awards in key categories.

Our Nerds researched more than 250 banking products, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-banking-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011926_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-banking 

See all the winners of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011926_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards 

Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: high-yield savings account, best high-yield savings account, savings account interest rates, APY, online banks, best online banks, bank fees, overdraft fees, avoid overdraft fees, ATM fees, ATM fee reimbursement, Allpoint ATM network, MoneyPass ATM network, no-fee checking account, monthly maintenance fee, bank bonuses, certificate of deposit, CD rates, best CD rates, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, SoFi bank, Newtek Bank, best bank 2026, early direct deposit, two-day early direct deposit, savings buckets, savings goal buckets, Zelle transfer limit, bill pay checks, cash deposits at ATMs, fraud protection, bank fraud scams, AI in banking, banking chatbots, customer service chat, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB complaints, CFPB settlements, credit unions vs banks, pension plan, defined benefit plan, and 401(k) vs pension.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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Learn how to shop for cheaper insurance and escape rising credit card debt before it snowballs.

Is credit card debt becoming the new normal? How can you get the insurance coverage you need in 2026 without overpaying? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss insurance shopping to help you understand how to protect yourself at a price you can live with. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss NerdWallet’s Household Debt Survey with data studies writer Erin El Issa. They break down why revolving credit card balances keep climbing, how “normalizing” debt can reduce urgency to pay it off, and why tools like buy now, pay later can feel easier upfront but get overwhelming fast.

Then, insurance Nerd Kaz Weida joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss what’s driving higher insurance rates and how to shop smarter in 2026. They discuss ways to lower auto and homeowners premiums without leaving yourself exposed, how renters and pet insurance can be worth it depending on your situation, and why many people may need more life insurance than they think. They also discuss NerdWallet’s Best-Of winners for budget-friendly auto, budget-friendly homeowners, same-day term life, and comprehensive pet coverage.

Our Nerds researched more than 240 insurance products, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-insurance-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-insurance 

See all of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards 

NerdWallet's household debt survey:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/studies/household-debt-study

Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
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Find out  which credit cards shine in 2026 and how to avoid rising fees, APR surprises, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) traps.

How can you change your spending to better match your values? How do you choose the right credit card in 2026 as perks shift, fees rise, and “buy now, pay later” spreads? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss values-based spending and the credit card landscape to help you make purchases that fit your priorities. They begin with a discussion of aligning money with values, with tips and tricks on auditing your statements for “idle” spending, shopping around for companies and banks that match your priorities, and building accountability so your goals stick.

Then, credit card expert Caitlin Mims joins Elizabeth to discuss credit cards in 2026. They cover buy now, pay later and card-based installment plans, what to watch as card perks and annual fees change, and how NerdWallet chose its Best-of Awards winners.

Our Nerds researched 280 credit cards, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-credit-cards-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011226_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-credit-cards 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:


American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 


Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card 


Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards 


Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions 


Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories 


Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More 


Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus 


Citi Simplicity Review: 21 Months of 0% to Whittle Down Debt 


5 Things to Know About the U.S. Bank Split Credit Card 

Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices