It seems like every day there's a new warning about financial scams circulating, with the scammers getting more and more creative. Many people think that it could never happen to them, and then they find themselves on the phone with their bank trying to recoup their losses.

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by Kimberly Palmer of NerdWallet with tips on how to avoid falling for common scams and what to do in case you do.

Read more on NerdWallet here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona. 
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to protecting yourself from financial scams is thinking you're too smart to be duped by one. It can literally happen to anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. I mean, come on. There are a lot of sophisticated scams out there. But thankfully, Nerdwallet personal finance writer Kimberly Palmer joins us today with a few key strategies to help keep you safe.

Man, those scammers are really sneaky out there. Let's talk about that. If you get a call from your bank, probably not legit. Let's go into that.

Exactly. One of the most common scams out there is your bank or some kind of financial institution calling you. But it's not really your bank. It's someone. It's a scam artist, essentially impersonating your bank. And because they can be so convincing, they actually convince people who have picked up the phone to share their personal information, share things like passwords, Social Security numbers, all kinds of personal details that they then use to steal your money or steal your identity.

And so you want to be so careful whenever you get a phone call from anyone or a text message or an email you want to verify who it is. So actually, even though it feels rude, you want to say, I'm going to hang up and call my bank myself, and then you get the verified number on the back of your bank card or wherever you have it and call yourself.

And that's the only way to really know who you're talking to.

Right. And just for clarity sake. Scammers can spoof numbers. I've had this happen personally where it says your banking institution, it's the exact same number, whatever, one 800 number calling you. But again, it's you should call that not the other way around.

Exactly. I'm so glad you mentioned that, because it can be so convincing. And also, when you get that call, they are often the most pleasant kind of sounding customer service reps you've ever spoken to. But it's all a scam. Just trying to get to trying to trick you.

Right. Right. And a lot of that comes back to general security practices, especially when you're banking online and on your phone and all of that jazz. Any tips there?

The most important thing is just to make sure that you are constantly monitoring your own accounts, because often the first sign of a scam is even a really small deduction, like a $5 deduction that you don't recognize. And it's a way for the scam artists to really test if they can go bigger and subtract more money from your account.

So you want to be regularly reviewing your credit card statements, your banking statements, most importantly, to look for anything you don't recognize. And if there is something that seems out of place, you want to call and investigate because then you can shut down. If there is a scam starting to take place, you can shut that down. And then also you want to just be sure that you have strong passwords across all your accounts.

Set up two factor authentication so a person can't log in with only the password but needs to get that code. Also texted or emailed to you as well just to make sure all those accounts are safe.

Yeah, I 100% agree with that. That two factor authentication authentication is just that has changed my life and given me such a peace of mind just because there's so many goofy things that people are trying to get at us. Let's go into that. The common scams that might come your way. Aside from the banking one that we mentioned, anything you want to add there?

It's really helpful, I think, to know what those common scams are. So every year, the Federal Trade Commission basically puts out a list of the top scams. And so they include things like impersonating institutions like we talked about. Also fake sweepstakes. So someone you get in a letter or an email saying that you won something, but of course it's just a way to get your personal information.

Fake job postings, especially for remote work that has really taken off and then, sadly, romance scams. So if you're, you know, online dating have a profile, you ought to be really careful about whoever is reaching out to you.

Definitely. If it's good, too good to be true in any sense. It's it is. It always is the one thing and I wonder if it fits here. I just personally experienced this lesson a week ago. I was selling some stuff on Facebook Marketplace and there are like the cash app scams, whether it be Venmo or Zelle, where people will comment on your post right away message you and then they are trying to get.

It's a crazy swapping of information like they're they want your, you know, whatever email or phone number you use with your cash app account. And then there's I had to look into this whole thing because it happened repeatedly and I was like, What the heck is going on? And it was the yeah, I think I don't remember what, but some site that protects people was explaining that yes, this is a scam that people do.

Again, it's just like trying to get a hold of your information in this really roundabout way and it can really cut you off guard when you feel like you're in the right place doing the right thing. So just lots.

It's so frustrating. And you think that you're, you know, connecting with a real person, but it actually turns out to be just the scammer.

Yeah. Yeah. It's the it's the mental pretzel stuff. Like, it's hard to trust anyone sometimes, but let's say you one of those scams that you mentioned has come across your your computer screen or your phone. What do you do in that case?

Well, the first thing you want to do, if you actually have shared any of your personal details, is to immediately alert your bank. You might your bank will probably suggest that you change your bank account, you know, shut down the old one or the new one just to keep that money safe. If you have actually shared anything with anyone who has contacted you and then you want to report it, because if we report scams, it makes it easier for the authorities to track them, to find patterns and of course, to track down these scam artists.

And so there's a whole bunch of places you can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission, your state attorney general's office, the FBI, even your local police station, just like any theft. And so you definitely want to do that. Unfortunately, when you do have money stolen from you in this way, it can be really hard to recover it.

And so even if you do report it to the police station, it doesn't mean you'll necessarily see that money again. Sadly, that's the really tragic thing about these scams. But you might be helping other people, you know, prevent this fraud from continuing.

Definitely. It's one of those things it's okay to be hyper about and be very, very cautious about. Do you have your walls and guards up? I'm all there.

Yes, exactly. And I think one interesting thing is that it can really happen to anyone. There's so much kind of shame and embarrassment around scams because you feel like it's your fault for falling for something. But I think that it's so important to let go of that feeling of embarrassment and shame, because really anyone can fall for a scam.

These scam artists have gotten so sophisticated that it's not your fault at all. You shouldn't, you know, be embarrassed. And we just want to try to prevent it from happening again.

Thank you for imagining that, because I know people that have had that experience and I've had that experience myself where I just got duped, that I never very good, but you live, you learn.

It seems like every day there's a new warning about financial scams circulating, with the scammers getting more and more creative. Many people think that it could never happen to them, and then they find themselves on the phone with their bank trying to recoup their losses.
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a> of NerdWallet with tips on how to avoid falling for common scams and what to do in case you do.
Read more on NerdWallet <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-stay-safe-from-financial-scams">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona.  One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to protecting yourself from financial scams is thinking you're too smart to be duped by one. It can literally happen to anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. I mean, come on. There are a lot of sophisticated scams out there. But thankfully, Nerdwallet personal finance writer Kimberly Palmer joins us today with a few key strategies to help keep you safe.
Man, those scammers are really sneaky out there. Let's talk about that. If you get a call from your bank, probably not legit. Let's go into that.
Exactly. One of the most common scams out there is your bank or some kind of financial institution calling you. But it's not really your bank. It's someone. It's a scam artist, essentially impersonating your bank. And because they can be so convincing, they actually convince people who have picked up the phone to share their personal information, share things like passwords, Social Security numbers, all kinds of personal details that they then use to steal your money or steal your identity.
And so you want to be so careful whenever you get a phone call from anyone or a text message or an email you want to verify who it is. So actually, even though it feels rude, you want to say, I'm going to hang up and call my bank myself, and then you get the verified number on the back of your bank card or wherever you have it and call yourself.
And that's the only way to really know who you're talking to.
Right. And just for clarity sake. Scammers can spoof numbers. I've had this happen personally where it says your banking institution, it's the exact same number, whatever, one 800 number calling you. But again, it's you should call that not the other way around.
Exactly. I'm so glad you mentioned that, because it can be so convincing. And also, when you get that call, they are often the most pleasant kind of sounding customer service reps you've ever spoken to. But it's all a scam. Just trying to get to trying to trick you.
Right. Right. And a lot of that comes back to general security practices, especially when you're banking online and on your phone and all of that jazz. Any tips there?
The most important thing is just to make sure that you are constantly monitoring your own accounts, because often the first sign of a scam is even a really small deduction, like a $5 deduction that you don't recognize. And it's a way for the scam artists to really test if they can go bigger and subtract more money from your account.
So you want to be regularly reviewing your credit card statements, your banking statements, most importantly, to look for anything you don't recognize. And if there is something that seems out of place, you want to call and investigate because then you can shut down. If there is a scam starting to take place, you can shut that down. And then also you want to just be sure that you have strong passwords across all your accounts.
Set up two factor authentication so a person can't log in with only the password but needs to get that code. Also texted or emailed to you as well just to make sure all those accounts are safe.
Yeah, I 100% agree with that. That two factor authentication authentication is just that has changed my life and given me such a peace of mind just because there's so many goofy things that people are trying to get at us. Let's go into that. The common scams that might come your way. Aside from the banking one that we mentioned, anything you want to add there?
It's really helpful, I think, to know what those common scams are. So every year, the Federal Trade Commission basically puts out a list of the top scams. And so they include things like impersonating institutions like we talked about. Also fake sweepstakes. So someone you get in a letter or an email saying that you won something, but of course it's just a way to get your personal information.
Fake job postings, especially for remote work that has really taken off and then, sadly, romance scams. So if you're, you know, online dating have a profile, you ought to be really careful about whoever is reaching out to you.
Definitely. If it's good, too good to be true in any sense. It's it is. It always is the one thing and I wonder if it fits here. I just personally experienced this lesson a week ago. I was selling some stuff on Facebook Marketplace and there are like the cash app scams, whether it be Venmo or Zelle, where people will comment on your post right away message you and then they are trying to get.
It's a crazy swapping of information like they're they want your, you know, whatever email or phone number you use with your cash app account. And then there's I had to look into this whole thing because it happened repeatedly and I was like, What the heck is going on? And it was the yeah, I think I don't remember what, but some site that protects people was explaining that yes, this is a scam that people do.
Again, it's just like trying to get a hold of your information in this really roundabout way and it can really cut you off guard when you feel like you're in the right place doing the right thing. So just lots.
It's so frustrating. And you think that you're, you know, connecting with a real person, but it actually turns out to be just the scammer.
Yeah. Yeah. It's the it's the mental pretzel stuff. Like, it's hard to trust anyone sometimes, but let's say you one of those scams that you mentioned has come across your your computer screen or your phone. What do you do in that case?
Well, the first thing you want to do, if you actually have shared any of your personal details, is to immediately alert your bank. You might your bank will probably suggest that you change your bank account, you know, shut down the old one or the new one just to keep that money safe. If you have actually shared anything with anyone who has contacted you and then you want to report it, because if we report scams, it makes it easier for the authorities to track them, to find patterns and of course, to track down these scam artists.
And so there's a whole bunch of places you can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission, your state attorney general's office, the FBI, even your local police station, just like any theft. And so you definitely want to do that. Unfortunately, when you do have money stolen from you in this way, it can be really hard to recover it.
And so even if you do report it to the police station, it doesn't mean you'll necessarily see that money again. Sadly, that's the really tragic thing about these scams. But you might be helping other people, you know, prevent this fraud from continuing.
Definitely. It's one of those things it's okay to be hyper about and be very, very cautious about. Do you have your walls and guards up? I'm all there.
Yes, exactly. And I think one interesting thing is that it can really happen to anyone. There's so much kind of shame and embarrassment around scams because you feel like it's your fault for falling for something. But I think that it's so important to let go of that feeling of embarrassment and shame, because really anyone can fall for a scam.
These scam artists have gotten so sophisticated that it's not your fault at all. You shouldn't, you know, be embarrassed. And we just want to try to prevent it from happening again.
Thank you for imagining that, because I know people that have had that experience and I've had that experience myself where I just got duped, that I never very good, but you live, you learn.

PennyWise is a show about money, personal finance, investing and travel. Hosted by Nat Cardona, the program features the financial experts from NerdWallet.

PennyWise is a show about money, personal finance, investing and travel. Hosted by Nat Cardona, the program features the financial experts from NerdWallet.

PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

Tips to stay safe from financial scams

Want to travel around but don't have a travel buddy? Traveling alone can come with single surcharges and not having someone to share costs with can make solo travelers blow through their budgets quickly. 

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by Sally French of NerdWallet with tips for solo travelers who want to be fiscally responsible while exploring the globe.

Read more on NerdWallet here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona

Today we're talking solo travel. It's getting more and more popular these days, but let's face it- Traveling by yourself can get really pricey. Thankfully, we have NerdWallet travel expert Sally French here with us to give us tips on how to make the most of it all. 

Today we're talking about the topic of solo travel, keeping it fun and I guess financially friendly, you could say. 

Okay, I love it. First things first. From the Nerdwallet article, I read the amount of people opting for solo travel has gone up as compared to past years. Is that correct?

That is correct. So what Nerdwallet has found is actually based on Google searches for solo travel, they have increased 59% in the first half of this year versus the same period in 2019. More people now are interested in solo travel travel than they were pre-pandemic.

No, that's what they say. So what's the big difference that I guess people are just eager to get out there, huh?

Yeah, You know, I think there is definitely this uptake since the pandemic of people being okay out there, being solo. We spent so much time alone and now people are spread out. People have moved away, but people still want to go on trips. People especially want to take those bucket list trips. So sometimes the best way to take that bucket list trip might just be by yourself.

Yeah, there's a few steps you got to take first. Let's talk about the travel in itself, that airplane ticket. Any advantages to flying solo?

Well, this is actually an area where you can save money. So one of the challenges with flying solo or traveling solo is that it can be more expensive. You're not able to split the cost of that rental car, of that ride, share of that hotel room. But with airfare, in some ways, you can find a better deal. You might just be able to get that last available flight if seats are sold out for two.

That's not going to work If you're traveling with someone else. If you're by yourself, that can be better. Another thing is you might be more inclined to be okay with that middle seat. What we've seen is that airfare prices are actually down this year versus last year. They're down this year versus 2019. They're down this year versus what they were ten years ago.

And a big reason for that is because airfares have engaged in this practice called unbundling or bundling, where they'll charge a lower base airfare, and then they'll add all these extra costs, extra cost check bags, extra cost to board early. And one of those extra costs is to pick your seat, especially with families. People want to sit together.

And so we see a lot of air. Airlines will pay. A lot of travelers will pay extra to be able to take their seat to travel with their family members. But if you're traveling solo, you don't have any family members to travel with. And so you can probably skip that expense. The reality is you're probably going to end up in the middle seat, but maybe not a huge deal if you're a solo traveler looking to save money.

Seriously, at the end of the day, it's just tapping the person next to your shoulder. Got to get up quick. It's never a big deal.

But I remember going on a flight. You're going to remember the trip. You're not going to remember the middle seat anyway. At least I.

Totally. They keep remembering that something you touched on just a bit ago is the other important part of travel. And traveling alone is picking that place to stay. So when we put a price tag of, let's say 150 bucks a night on a hotel room, that's often great if you're traveling with a friend, you split it down the middle and you know it's everyone's happy.

But when you're by yourself, it's all on you. So what are your options there for your lodging?

Yeah, you're completely right, is what Nerdwallet has found is that at hotels, you can save money when you're traveling with someone else. In fact, if you're traveling with large groups, nerdwallet encourages you to book. Airbnb is where you can save even more money. But the bad news is when you're traveling solo, there's no one to split that cost with.

That said, there are a few options. So I mentioned Airbnbs and the rule is found that these are a far better deal with large groups, but actually Nerdwallet or Airbnb recently revamped their rooms feature. And so if you're willing to stay in a house that you share with other people, Airbnb has what's called rooms and you can book just a room and that might not be something that you're willing to do with a family.

But when you're a solo traveler, you book just that room. Airbnb has filters where you can filter out rooms that have a lock on the inside, which might be something that you want to do as a solo traveler. You can search by hosts and hosts, even write a bio about themselves. It's intended to sort of help connect travelers who actually want to talk to the host.

What we found is increasingly Airbnb is just kind of operate like vacation rentals or timeshares where you never even meet the host. And, you know, sometimes that's great if you want to spend your vacation with your family and friends, you don't want to talk to the host anyway. But as a solo traveler, often you do. And so Airbnb rooms can be a really good way to save other things that you might consider are hostels.

Hostels don't just have to be for 19 year olds, we've increasingly been seeing more hostels that older adults are going to. That can be an excellent way to save money as well as capsule hotels. So these are just little tiny rooms. Often the ceiling won't even be a full room ceiling height. These are like pods. And so sometimes the ceiling can be six feet, eight feet.

It'll typically be just a bed with a room to put down a bag and that's it. You're probably not going to want that if you have to share it with somebody else. But if you're by yourself and you're just looking for a place to lay down your head to sleep, just store your bags and you're going off into the city to check it out.

A capsule hotel can be an amazing option for solo travelers.

That's awesome. I've never heard of the last option. Are those more popular in some countries or places and others.

Do you know? Yeah. You know, I actually stayed in in a pod hotel or a capsule hotel in Singapore, because Singapore is one of the most expensive places that you can visit. And I'm not really interested in spending a lot of time in the hotel. I'm interested in spending the time out in Singapore to see what they have.

And you're right, the ceiling was really, really short. Luckily, I'm short, so it was like just a little bit taller than what I was. And I have to tell you, the only time I spent in that room was sleeping enough to change my clothes and get out of there. But again, if you're really on a budget, that can be an excellent way to go.

And we're seeing this more and more. Not necessarily even capsule hotels in the US, but just these really micro hotels. There is a chain called the hotel and those focused on really small hotel rooms, which is ideal if you don't want to pay for site space that you're not using otherwise.

Yeah, I golden rule. Just go to sleep there, clean up there, then be outside. The rest of the time.

I'm definitely a you know, if you're traveling with a family, you want to have that kitchen and living room and all that. But you know, for couples, for people who want to see the city, they're not trying to relax in the room. And solo travelers, that's you. You definitely do not need that.

There you go. And the other main part of travel, food and going out and grab it, food and drinks. Any tips there?

Yeah. You know, one of the fun things about traveling is that if you're with a big group, you can order a bunch of things and try a little bit of everything and you're probably not going to experience that as a solo traveler. But one of the nice things is that you have freedom. Often when people are in groups, they feel like they have to do an expensive waiter service restaurant.

But as a solo traveler, you can eat on your own time, on your own budget, on your own schedule. And I always encourage all travelers to do this. But go to the street food stands, get what the people are eating locally. And especially as a solo traveler, you have just a little bit more freedom to do that. The food's more expensive or it's more authentic, it's tastier.

And the reality is it's probably a lot cheaper, too.

Yeah, that's one of my favorite things to do when I travel is grab something from a cart and just sit and people watch in the area wherever you may be. I go to Mexico a lot and that's what we were doing, is a lot of the taco carts and then crossing the street, sitting on the bench and watching the cars go by.

There's nothing better.

Definitely. And food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. You know, I love a breakfast buffet for groups can be really convenient because everyone can ensure that they eat. But the reality is breakfast buffet food is probably just going to be your generic hotel pancakes. When you go out in that car, you're trying the local fruits, which are probably way fresher than what's in your grocery store.

You can get amazing meat skewers. That is a really, really good way to immerse yourself in the culture, try something new.

Grab and go. Keep it moving. The final thing that I had in mind is financials aside, how can we keep solo travel fun and light?

Yes. So one of the challenges I think for solo travel is just inherently you're alone, you're by yourself, you don't have people to talk to and to share your experience with. But that doesn't have to be the case. One of the best piece of pieces of advice is to take one of your hobbies you have at home and experience that out on the road.

And so if you're someone who loves to take a yoga class at home, find a local yoga class in that new city that you're exploring. And I'm a competitive weightlifter. And so whenever I go travel, I find a local weightlifting gym and I make friends that way. And those people are always the one telling me the best wrecks of places to go eat, things to go.

See, it's always way better than what the guidebooks are going to tell you anyway.

More personalized that way. A little ambitious to put yourself out there, but that is seriously great advice. Thanks for mentioning that. That's good. That's a good one to keep.

Yeah. The other thing to remember is that there are often group tours and some of these tours, things like cruises or other tours that put you in a hotel, they might charge extra if you're traveling solo because you're not able to split the cost of the room. But some don't. If you look specifically for tours that do not charge an extra single supplement, and that's the wording that you'll see single supplement, find those that don't charge extra.

And that can be an excellent way to meet people as well, is just make friends with people on the cruise or on the group tours.

Well, good to know. Sally, anything you want to add about solo travel? No.

Solo travel is fun. Get out there. You're not tied to someone's schedule, especially for international trips where everyone has jetlag. Your partner is asleep super early. You want to stay up super late. That doesn't matter. When you're traveling solo.

You work on your own schedule. I've done it and I just highly recommend it. So yeah, also awesome as always. Thank you, Sally.

Want to travel around but don't have a travel buddy? Traveling alone can come with single surcharges and not having someone to share costs with can make solo travelers blow through their budgets quickly. 
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sally-french">Sally French</a> of NerdWallet with tips for solo travelers who want to be fiscally responsible while exploring the globe.
Read more on NerdWallet <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/ask-a-travel-nerd-how-can-i-make-solo-travel-affordable-and-fun">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona
Today we're talking solo travel. It's getting more and more popular these days, but let's face it- Traveling by yourself can get really pricey. Thankfully, we have NerdWallet travel expert Sally French here with us to give us tips on how to make the most of it all. 
Today we're talking about the topic of solo travel, keeping it fun and I guess financially friendly, you could say. 
Okay, I love it. First things first. From the Nerdwallet article, I read the amount of people opting for solo travel has gone up as compared to past years. Is that correct?
That is correct. So what Nerdwallet has found is actually based on Google searches for solo travel, they have increased 59% in the first half of this year versus the same period in 2019. More people now are interested in solo travel travel than they were pre-pandemic.
No, that's what they say. So what's the big difference that I guess people are just eager to get out there, huh?
Yeah, You know, I think there is definitely this uptake since the pandemic of people being okay out there, being solo. We spent so much time alone and now people are spread out. People have moved away, but people still want to go on trips. People especially want to take those bucket list trips. So sometimes the best way to take that bucket list trip might just be by yourself.
Yeah, there's a few steps you got to take first. Let's talk about the travel in itself, that airplane ticket. Any advantages to flying solo?
Well, this is actually an area where you can save money. So one of the challenges with flying solo or traveling solo is that it can be more expensive. You're not able to split the cost of that rental car, of that ride, share of that hotel room. But with airfare, in some ways, you can find a better deal. You might just be able to get that last available flight if seats are sold out for two.
That's not going to work If you're traveling with someone else. If you're by yourself, that can be better. Another thing is you might be more inclined to be okay with that middle seat. What we've seen is that airfare prices are actually down this year versus last year. They're down this year versus 2019. They're down this year versus what they were ten years ago.
And a big reason for that is because airfares have engaged in this practice called unbundling or bundling, where they'll charge a lower base airfare, and then they'll add all these extra costs, extra cost check bags, extra cost to board early. And one of those extra costs is to pick your seat, especially with families. People want to sit together.
And so we see a lot of air. Airlines will pay. A lot of travelers will pay extra to be able to take their seat to travel with their family members. But if you're traveling solo, you don't have any family members to travel with. And so you can probably skip that expense. The reality is you're probably going to end up in the middle seat, but maybe not a huge deal if you're a solo traveler looking to save money.
Seriously, at the end of the day, it's just tapping the person next to your shoulder. Got to get up quick. It's never a big deal.
But I remember going on a flight. You're going to remember the trip. You're not going to remember the middle seat anyway. At least I.
Totally. They keep remembering that something you touched on just a bit ago is the other important part of travel. And traveling alone is picking that place to stay. So when we put a price tag of, let's say 150 bucks a night on a hotel room, that's often great if you're traveling with a friend, you split it down the middle and you know it's everyone's happy.
But when you're by yourself, it's all on you. So what are your options there for your lodging?
Yeah, you're completely right, is what Nerdwallet has found is that at hotels, you can save money when you're traveling with someone else. In fact, if you're traveling with large groups, nerdwallet encourages you to book. Airbnb is where you can save even more money. But the bad news is when you're traveling solo, there's no one to split that cost with.
That said, there are a few options. So I mentioned Airbnbs and the rule is found that these are a far better deal with large groups, but actually Nerdwallet or Airbnb recently revamped their rooms feature. And so if you're willing to stay in a house that you share with other people, Airbnb has what's called rooms and you can book just a room and that might not be something that you're willing to do with a family.
But when you're a solo traveler, you book just that room. Airbnb has filters where you can filter out rooms that have a lock on the inside, which might be something that you want to do as a solo traveler. You can search by hosts and hosts, even write a bio about themselves. It's intended to sort of help connect travelers who actually want to talk to the host.
What we found is increasingly Airbnb is just kind of operate like vacation rentals or timeshares where you never even meet the host. And, you know, sometimes that's great if you want to spend your vacation with your family and friends, you don't want to talk to the host anyway. But as a solo traveler, often you do. And so Airbnb rooms can be a really good way to save other things that you might consider are hostels.
Hostels don't just have to be for 19 year olds, we've increasingly been seeing more hostels that older adults are going to. That can be an excellent way to save money as well as capsule hotels. So these are just little tiny rooms. Often the ceiling won't even be a full room ceiling height. These are like pods. And so sometimes the ceiling can be six feet, eight feet.
It'll typically be just a bed with a room to put down a bag and that's it. You're probably not going to want that if you have to share it with somebody else. But if you're by yourself and you're just looking for a place to lay down your head to sleep, just store your bags and you're going off into the city to check it out.
A capsule hotel can be an amazing option for solo travelers.
That's awesome. I've never heard of the last option. Are those more popular in some countries or places and others.
Do you know? Yeah. You know, I actually stayed in in a pod hotel or a capsule hotel in Singapore, because Singapore is one of the most expensive places that you can visit. And I'm not really interested in spending a lot of time in the hotel. I'm interested in spending the time out in Singapore to see what they have.
And you're right, the ceiling was really, really short. Luckily, I'm short, so it was like just a little bit taller than what I was. And I have to tell you, the only time I spent in that room was sleeping enough to change my clothes and get out of there. But again, if you're really on a budget, that can be an excellent way to go.
And we're seeing this more and more. Not necessarily even capsule hotels in the US, but just these really micro hotels. There is a chain called the hotel and those focused on really small hotel rooms, which is ideal if you don't want to pay for site space that you're not using otherwise.
Yeah, I golden rule. Just go to sleep there, clean up there, then be outside. The rest of the time.
I'm definitely a you know, if you're traveling with a family, you want to have that kitchen and living room and all that. But you know, for couples, for people who want to see the city, they're not trying to relax in the room. And solo travelers, that's you. You definitely do not need that.
There you go. And the other main part of travel, food and going out and grab it, food and drinks. Any tips there?
Yeah. You know, one of the fun things about traveling is that if you're with a big group, you can order a bunch of things and try a little bit of everything and you're probably not going to experience that as a solo traveler. But one of the nice things is that you have freedom. Often when people are in groups, they feel like they have to do an expensive waiter service restaurant.
But as a solo traveler, you can eat on your own time, on your own budget, on your own schedule. And I always encourage all travelers to do this. But go to the street food stands, get what the people are eating locally. And especially as a solo traveler, you have just a little bit more freedom to do that. The food's more expensive or it's more authentic, it's tastier.
And the reality is it's probably a lot cheaper, too.
Yeah, that's one of my favorite things to do when I travel is grab something from a cart and just sit and people watch in the area wherever you may be. I go to Mexico a lot and that's what we were doing, is a lot of the taco carts and then crossing the street, sitting on the bench and watching the cars go by.
There's nothing better.
Definitely. And food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. You know, I love a breakfast buffet for groups can be really convenient because everyone can ensure that they eat. But the reality is breakfast buffet food is probably just going to be your generic hotel pancakes. When you go out in that car, you're trying the local fruits, which are probably way fresher than what's in your grocery store.
You can get amazing meat skewers. That is a really, really good way to immerse yourself in the culture, try something new.
Grab and go. Keep it moving. The final thing that I had in mind is financials aside, how can we keep solo travel fun and light?
Yes. So one of the challenges I think for solo travel is just inherently you're alone, you're by yourself, you don't have people to talk to and to share your experience with. But that doesn't have to be the case. One of the best piece of pieces of advice is to take one of your hobbies you have at home and experience that out on the road.
And so if you're someone who loves to take a yoga class at home, find a local yoga class in that new city that you're exploring. And I'm a competitive weightlifter. And so whenever I go travel, I find a local weightlifting gym and I make friends that way. And those people are always the one telling me the best wrecks of places to go eat, things to go.
See, it's always way better than what the guidebooks are going to tell you anyway.
More personalized that way. A little ambitious to put yourself out there, but that is seriously great advice. Thanks for mentioning that. That's good. That's a good one to keep.
Yeah. The other thing to remember is that there are often group tours and some of these tours, things like cruises or other tours that put you in a hotel, they might charge extra if you're traveling solo because you're not able to split the cost of the room. But some don't. If you look specifically for tours that do not charge an extra single supplement, and that's the wording that you'll see single supplement, find those that don't charge extra.
And that can be an excellent way to meet people as well, is just make friends with people on the cruise or on the group tours.
Well, good to know. Sally, anything you want to add about solo travel? No.
Solo travel is fun. Get out there. You're not tied to someone's schedule, especially for international trips where everyone has jetlag. Your partner is asleep super early. You want to stay up super late. That doesn't matter. When you're traveling solo.
You work on your own schedule. I've done it and I just highly recommend it. So yeah, also awesome as always. Thank you, Sally.

Tips for keeping solo travel financially friendly

Are you struggling with the cost for tickets to see The Eras Tour? Still trying to decide if you need every variant of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" on vinyl or CD? 

The costs of being a Taylor Swift fan are high, but there are ways to manage your spending to keep from blowing your budget.  

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joibed by Elizabeth Ayoola of NerdWallet to guide Swifties through getting the full Taylor experience without blowing swiftly though your bank account.

Read more on NerdWallet here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona

Today's finance-ocused topic is Taylor Swift. Ah, yes, you heard that right. As of this recording, her mega-popular Eras tour is on the road and fans have shelled out unfathomable amounts of money to sit in seats worse than in the nosebleeds to dress like her while they attend and to collect every item under the sun that has Taylor's name stamped or attached to it.

Let's think beyond the life of her tour is chasing her ongoing music merchandizing a financial-friendly decision or more of a burden on your financial well-being. Thankfully, Nerdwallet personal finance writer Elizabeth Ayoola is here to help guide Swifties in the right direction. 

I am not a Taylor Swift fan. I don't get what is going on with this. I mean, I can understand fandom and stuff like that, so you're going to really have to help guide through the logic behind some of these purchases that people decide to make. Yeah. So today we're talking about Taylor Swift and the good old business woman that she is and her entertainment. Oh, my God. Mega stardom, whatever you want to call it that she has. Though the Eras tour is going on right now, very cutthroat market out there for those tickets and all of that jazz.

Whether you buy them directly from Ticketmaster, you're getting them at resale value. People are going insane and spending tons of money. Really, the first thing that came to my mind is when people are making these big purchases for a ticket for themselves for a Taylor Swift concert. What would be your suggestion in way of funding it? Like, should you really should you shop that much money from your checking account, or is this an appropriate time for a credit card purchase? 

Well, you got it. So I would say the latter. Credit cards can be very helpful when it comes to credit card rewards. Right. So people can take advantage of credit card rewards, which usually basically give you money for spending money. And yes, it's free money. So if you get the right card, specifically a cashback card and you use that card to buy your ticket, then at least, you know, you get some money back after spending all that money on the ticket. You know, assuming that it's expensive and even if it's inexpensive, you still get some money back. So you can be a Swifty and also get paid for being one. 

Mm hmm. Is there any element of restraint that you would suggest one would have? I mean, these people are really big fans and it is that big ticket purchase. I mean, I know you keep you're not in everyone's minds telling them what to do. But is is it okay to splurge sometimes like that? 

Well, it's such a sentimental thing. I wouldn't say there's a right or wrong to splurge like that, but I think the primary thing is planning, budgeting, saving. Right. So one thing that people could do, especially the diehard fans, is create a Taylor Swift budget. Right. So you could open yourself maybe a high yield savings account and dedicate that literally towards all of your merch, concert tickets and everything else and just pop money in there every month. It may be five or $10. It could be more depending on how crazy you go. But I think another key thing to remember is not to impulse spend, if possible. So before you're making that purchase, whether it's on buying your third concert ticket or buying some more merit. Ask yourself, is this thing really going to bring me joy or is this just like a knee jerk reaction to her dropping a new album or her dropping some new merch? And is it going to put me in a bad financial spot? Sure. I'm glad you mentioned that the budgeting and saving, because I realize that there's this new slew of concert dates that she put out and they're quite far out. So you could potentially have a year plus to be budgeting for this. And like you said, five bucks here, ten bucks here, and then, you know, that's a win win for everyone, I guess.

Heading into the whole merchandizing thing. The segue would ideally be when you're at the concert and you see that T-shirt or sweatshirt or whatever have you. Again, is this a justifiable moment when your T-shirt that's 100% cotton is 50 bucks at least, or is this one of those things that you should kind of just like stay away from?

Well, again, I'm just going to bring up the budget again because I can sometimes be a shopper myself. So I know the struggle, but something I personally do is create a budget for things. So again, if you say an A cash, actually bring in cash for the concert might be another way to tackle that. So if you say I'm only going to bring 50 bucks to the concert, this is all I have. My cards are at home and please don't use Apple Pay on your phone. Okay. I'm not saying don't, but you might be tempted to do that. Right. But if you only have that cash, then you have no choice but to spend what is on you. So, again, you know, having some self-control and saying, this is my budget, this is my limit, and I'm not going to exceed that.

I love that idea. I have to use that idea. But I need to be more careful with my cash because the joke is when I go to like live sporting events or concerts, I have a couple of beers and I drop my cash out. Oh, no, no, that would suck. That looks like that. Yeah. So do better than me.

But that is a good way. Taylor Swift, like I said at the beginning, is a really, really good businesswoman knows how to make her money and put out her products and this and that. So concert and current to her side, she's doing all those rereleases of her albums and re-recordings and this and that. But it seems that it's not just on one download or one CD or one rocker that you can buy. It's multiple options, maybe with different cover or that kind of thing, different kind of collectible details, I guess, whatever have you. What what's your advice there when something like this or of the different collectible CDs, they all of the same music are $15 a pop? I could see someone spiraling and being like, I need all four. You know, even though they're all the same thing, like, what is your advice here?

So that is a tough one, especially if you're an impulse buyer again. But I think it's just reminding yourself that, you know, do I really need every version and every color? Is this really going to bring me more joy again? And also, just remembering that there are always going to be more albums, there's always going to be more merch, and you literally don't necessarily have to buy every single one.

But if you're itching and you must. Another tip is just, as I mentioned, credit card rewards before. Maybe you can let those kind of the cash points that you build up or the cash you build up, rather, you can let it build up and sit in your account and you can say, Hey, I'm going to use my cash rewards to buy a couple. But again, set a limit for yourself, whether it's two three so that you're not just spiraling out of control and buying literally everything that drops. Be general message that I'm getting here is stay away from that impulse knee jerk kind of purchasing. In so many respects in life, but mostly if you're 60, probably. Yes. Yes. And if it helps.

I personally blocked Zara on my phone because I was all week long. Zara. So if you need to block the website with the vs. dropping so that you can. You know, our phones make it so easy to make purchases, right? So you know, you're just going to go on there if you need to block that whatever you need to do to kind of restrain yourself, just do it.

Love it. Love it. Unfollow that account. It's hard to follow Taylor Swift, if you love gets to use. If you have anything else you want to touch on with this, lay it on me. If you've got any other thoughts on this whole topic, nothing much more except if people want. Like you said, the main theme here is budgeting, save, saving and trying to avoid impulse spending.

So we have more tips on Nerdwallet for how to budget, save and make the right financial decision when it comes to music and toys as well. And the one thing I will say about Nerdwallet is much of the information you all put out there, it still allows you to have fun. That good old balance. That was important because otherwise if you restrict yourself too much, then you go crazy.

It's just like with the dieting and stuff and then you overspend, right? And money is the tool is supposed to bring you joy. It's supposed to make life easier. So you should get happiness from things you spend your money on too. Bing, bing, bing. There we go as well. 

Thank you so much, Elizabeth. 

You're welcome.

Are you struggling with the cost for tickets to see The Eras Tour? Still trying to decide if you need every variant of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" on vinyl or CD? 
The costs of being a Taylor Swift fan are high, but there are ways to manage your spending to keep from blowing your budget.  
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joibed by <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/elizabeth-ayoola">Elizabeth Ayoola</a> of NerdWallet to guide Swifties through getting the full Taylor experience without blowing swiftly though your bank account.
Read more on NerdWallet <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/taylor-swift-eras-tour-cost">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona
Today's finance-ocused topic is Taylor Swift. Ah, yes, you heard that right. As of this recording, her mega-popular Eras tour is on the road and fans have shelled out unfathomable amounts of money to sit in seats worse than in the nosebleeds to dress like her while they attend and to collect every item under the sun that has Taylor's name stamped or attached to it.
Let's think beyond the life of her tour is chasing her ongoing music merchandizing a financial-friendly decision or more of a burden on your financial well-being. Thankfully, Nerdwallet personal finance writer Elizabeth Ayoola is here to help guide Swifties in the right direction. 
I am not a Taylor Swift fan. I don't get what is going on with this. I mean, I can understand fandom and stuff like that, so you're going to really have to help guide through the logic behind some of these purchases that people decide to make. Yeah. So today we're talking about Taylor Swift and the good old business woman that she is and her entertainment. Oh, my God. Mega stardom, whatever you want to call it that she has. Though the Eras tour is going on right now, very cutthroat market out there for those tickets and all of that jazz.
Whether you buy them directly from Ticketmaster, you're getting them at resale value. People are going insane and spending tons of money. Really, the first thing that came to my mind is when people are making these big purchases for a ticket for themselves for a Taylor Swift concert. What would be your suggestion in way of funding it? Like, should you really should you shop that much money from your checking account, or is this an appropriate time for a credit card purchase? 
Well, you got it. So I would say the latter. Credit cards can be very helpful when it comes to credit card rewards. Right. So people can take advantage of credit card rewards, which usually basically give you money for spending money. And yes, it's free money. So if you get the right card, specifically a cashback card and you use that card to buy your ticket, then at least, you know, you get some money back after spending all that money on the ticket. You know, assuming that it's expensive and even if it's inexpensive, you still get some money back. So you can be a Swifty and also get paid for being one. 
Mm hmm. Is there any element of restraint that you would suggest one would have? I mean, these people are really big fans and it is that big ticket purchase. I mean, I know you keep you're not in everyone's minds telling them what to do. But is is it okay to splurge sometimes like that? 
Well, it's such a sentimental thing. I wouldn't say there's a right or wrong to splurge like that, but I think the primary thing is planning, budgeting, saving. Right. So one thing that people could do, especially the diehard fans, is create a Taylor Swift budget. Right. So you could open yourself maybe a high yield savings account and dedicate that literally towards all of your merch, concert tickets and everything else and just pop money in there every month. It may be five or $10. It could be more depending on how crazy you go. But I think another key thing to remember is not to impulse spend, if possible. So before you're making that purchase, whether it's on buying your third concert ticket or buying some more merit. Ask yourself, is this thing really going to bring me joy or is this just like a knee jerk reaction to her dropping a new album or her dropping some new merch? And is it going to put me in a bad financial spot? Sure. I'm glad you mentioned that the budgeting and saving, because I realize that there's this new slew of concert dates that she put out and they're quite far out. So you could potentially have a year plus to be budgeting for this. And like you said, five bucks here, ten bucks here, and then, you know, that's a win win for everyone, I guess.
Heading into the whole merchandizing thing. The segue would ideally be when you're at the concert and you see that T-shirt or sweatshirt or whatever have you. Again, is this a justifiable moment when your T-shirt that's 100% cotton is 50 bucks at least, or is this one of those things that you should kind of just like stay away from?
Well, again, I'm just going to bring up the budget again because I can sometimes be a shopper myself. So I know the struggle, but something I personally do is create a budget for things. So again, if you say an A cash, actually bring in cash for the concert might be another way to tackle that. So if you say I'm only going to bring 50 bucks to the concert, this is all I have. My cards are at home and please don't use Apple Pay on your phone. Okay. I'm not saying don't, but you might be tempted to do that. Right. But if you only have that cash, then you have no choice but to spend what is on you. So, again, you know, having some self-control and saying, this is my budget, this is my limit, and I'm not going to exceed that.
I love that idea. I have to use that idea. But I need to be more careful with my cash because the joke is when I go to like live sporting events or concerts, I have a couple of beers and I drop my cash out. Oh, no, no, that would suck. That looks like that. Yeah. So do better than me.
But that is a good way. Taylor Swift, like I said at the beginning, is a really, really good businesswoman knows how to make her money and put out her products and this and that. So concert and current to her side, she's doing all those rereleases of her albums and re-recordings and this and that. But it seems that it's not just on one download or one CD or one rocker that you can buy. It's multiple options, maybe with different cover or that kind of thing, different kind of collectible details, I guess, whatever have you. What what's your advice there when something like this or of the different collectible CDs, they all of the same music are $15 a pop? I could see someone spiraling and being like, I need all four. You know, even though they're all the same thing, like, what is your advice here?
So that is a tough one, especially if you're an impulse buyer again. But I think it's just reminding yourself that, you know, do I really need every version and every color? Is this really going to bring me more joy again? And also, just remembering that there are always going to be more albums, there's always going to be more merch, and you literally don't necessarily have to buy every single one.
But if you're itching and you must. Another tip is just, as I mentioned, credit card rewards before. Maybe you can let those kind of the cash points that you build up or the cash you build up, rather, you can let it build up and sit in your account and you can say, Hey, I'm going to use my cash rewards to buy a couple. But again, set a limit for yourself, whether it's two three so that you're not just spiraling out of control and buying literally everything that drops. Be general message that I'm getting here is stay away from that impulse knee jerk kind of purchasing. In so many respects in life, but mostly if you're 60, probably. Yes. Yes. And if it helps.
I personally blocked Zara on my phone because I was all week long. Zara. So if you need to block the website with the vs. dropping so that you can. You know, our phones make it so easy to make purchases, right? So you know, you're just going to go on there if you need to block that whatever you need to do to kind of restrain yourself, just do it.
Love it. Love it. Unfollow that account. It's hard to follow Taylor Swift, if you love gets to use. If you have anything else you want to touch on with this, lay it on me. If you've got any other thoughts on this whole topic, nothing much more except if people want. Like you said, the main theme here is budgeting, save, saving and trying to avoid impulse spending.
So we have more tips on Nerdwallet for how to budget, save and make the right financial decision when it comes to music and toys as well. And the one thing I will say about Nerdwallet is much of the information you all put out there, it still allows you to have fun. That good old balance. That was important because otherwise if you restrict yourself too much, then you go crazy.
It's just like with the dieting and stuff and then you overspend, right? And money is the tool is supposed to bring you joy. It's supposed to make life easier. So you should get happiness from things you spend your money on too. Bing, bing, bing. There we go as well. 
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. 
You're welcome.

Tips for Swifties to keep costs down while enjoying all Taylor has to offer

From curated ads to influencers showcasing the newest, hottest items it is impossible to escape ads on social media, and it's never been easier to purchase these items. But how can you stay on top of trends without overspending on things you, frankly, don't need?

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Kimberly Palmer of NerdWallet about how to keep social media from helping you overspend.

Read the NerdWallet article here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona

We're all guilty of it sucked into buying a gadget you saw in a Facebook ad or late night scrolling that turns into a whole shopping spree because of all those hard to miss deals. Personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer joins us today on how to curb your social media spending. I'm actually kind of excited to talk about this topic.

We're looking at five tips to keep you from overspending on the things that you see on social media. A lot of people are guilty of it, myself included. The first one is just an oldie but goodie. Making that wish list and waiting.

Yes, I actually use this myself all the time because it's such a helpful way just to not buy everything you want right away. So if you see something online, maybe on social media or anywhere, instead of clicking purchase, you just click to put it in your cart or add it to your wish list and then you can circle back to it later. You can wait a day or a week or a month, and it just gives you that extra chance to think about if you really want it.

Definitely my go to approach with Amazon. Yeah, this is the cart. It kind of lives there. Gets stores on it, and then I'm like, Oh, you know, why did I even think I wanted that?

Exactly. And the secret that a lot of people don't know is that retailers, online retailers, notice when you put it in your cart and then they might even send you a follow up coupon to apply. So it's extra It's actually an extra way to save money, too.

Oh, I like that. Next thing here: Evaluate the item without thinking about the sale price attached to it. Too much. Let's go into that.

It is so easy to see something that's on sale and just let that excitement get the better of you. And then you think that item is actually better than it really is. And so you want to take a minute and think, Would I actually want this even if it wasn't on sale? Just to consider take that the sale price out of the equation.

Because the fact is, even though there's so much messaging around, you need to buy this now, the sale is only coming once. The fact is sales definitely do reoccur and it's not your only chance to get it. And so if you do actually want it, you can just get it next time it goes on sale too.

I know that around prime days or that Nordstrom's sale that happens, is it just it's going on in the mom influencer world. It kind of feels like you're in competition with other people trying to buy the same kid's gadgets. And I know what I've seen that 30% off price tag. I'm like, I need to get it before that mom over there does so.

Exactly.

Yeah. And then it never turns out well with a huge pack and play like I do that I'm trying to get rid of. Oh, no. This one's an important one for us. All that late night scrolling.

This is such a challenging time of day. When it's late at night, you're exhausted. You've had a long day, you're stressed out, you're trying to unwind. And basically it's so easy to make those purchases that you don't really need when you're doing that late night scrolling because all of your defenses are down. And so if possible, you want to hold off any purchases at that time of day and wait and look at it again the next day when you have a good night's rest and you're looking at it with fresh eyes because basically it's just so easy to click and purchase into seconds late at night and then you can just as easily regret that you did that.

Yeah. Post-Midnight Monopoly money.

Exactly.

Going on to this next tip. It's not so great for your budget oftentimes. So an oldie but goodie. Probably want to know how much you can spend on the things you want.

Exactly. So it can be really helpful to set aside a portion of your budget for spending on things that you want but you don't need. And so one helpful rule of thumb, I really like the 50-30-20 budget, which basically means 50% of your take home pay is going towards needs like housing and food, 30% towards wants and 20% towards savings and debt payments. So out of that middle 30%, you can use that to buy items that you want to shop. And so, of course, everyone's budget will be slightly different, but it's a good rule of thumb because there's no need to feel guilty about things that you actually want and, you know, if it fits into your budget. But using this rule of thumb to decide whether it fits into your budget and how much you want to spend can just help it help you from overspending and prevent that overspending.

And so to me, I think that's a useful kind of rule of thumb to use.

Yeah, it keeps you feeling good about your purchase. Yeah. Yeah. You want to be happy with what you got here? Exactly. And this final tip, the fifth and final one hitting that unfollow button.

You definitely alluded to this already, but basically, it's just so easy to see what other people have online. You know, who knows how they're reporting it. That's not always shared. But basically you see these lifestyles or items that other people have. And then we want them. And so if you notice that you keep getting those feelings of envy evoked from looking at specific influencers online or even friends online, there is nothing wrong with unfollowing them because, you know, it's stirring up that negative emotion and so you might as well just skip it.

That's the word to the wise men Do that. Kim Anything else you want to add about curbing spending on social media?

I think the biggest thing is forget about the guilt. So don't feel bad if you've already done this, but you know you can start fresh and use some of these strategies like putting things into your cart or wishlist, and it's a way to just get back on track. So you feel good about your spending because that's the ultimate goal.

There you go. I appreciate it.

From curated ads to influencers showcasing the newest, hottest items it is impossible to escape ads on social media, and it's never been easier to purchase these items. But how can you stay on top of trends without overspending on things you, frankly, don't need?
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a> of NerdWallet about how to keep social media from helping you overspend.
Read the NerdWallet article <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-tips-to-keep-social-media-from-spurring-you-to-overspend">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona
We're all guilty of it sucked into buying a gadget you saw in a Facebook ad or late night scrolling that turns into a whole shopping spree because of all those hard to miss deals. Personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer joins us today on how to curb your social media spending. I'm actually kind of excited to talk about this topic.
We're looking at five tips to keep you from overspending on the things that you see on social media. A lot of people are guilty of it, myself included. The first one is just an oldie but goodie. Making that wish list and waiting.
Yes, I actually use this myself all the time because it's such a helpful way just to not buy everything you want right away. So if you see something online, maybe on social media or anywhere, instead of clicking purchase, you just click to put it in your cart or add it to your wish list and then you can circle back to it later. You can wait a day or a week or a month, and it just gives you that extra chance to think about if you really want it.
Definitely my go to approach with Amazon. Yeah, this is the cart. It kind of lives there. Gets stores on it, and then I'm like, Oh, you know, why did I even think I wanted that?
Exactly. And the secret that a lot of people don't know is that retailers, online retailers, notice when you put it in your cart and then they might even send you a follow up coupon to apply. So it's extra It's actually an extra way to save money, too.
Oh, I like that. Next thing here: Evaluate the item without thinking about the sale price attached to it. Too much. Let's go into that.
It is so easy to see something that's on sale and just let that excitement get the better of you. And then you think that item is actually better than it really is. And so you want to take a minute and think, Would I actually want this even if it wasn't on sale? Just to consider take that the sale price out of the equation.
Because the fact is, even though there's so much messaging around, you need to buy this now, the sale is only coming once. The fact is sales definitely do reoccur and it's not your only chance to get it. And so if you do actually want it, you can just get it next time it goes on sale too.
I know that around prime days or that Nordstrom's sale that happens, is it just it's going on in the mom influencer world. It kind of feels like you're in competition with other people trying to buy the same kid's gadgets. And I know what I've seen that 30% off price tag. I'm like, I need to get it before that mom over there does so.
Exactly.
Yeah. And then it never turns out well with a huge pack and play like I do that I'm trying to get rid of. Oh, no. This one's an important one for us. All that late night scrolling.
This is such a challenging time of day. When it's late at night, you're exhausted. You've had a long day, you're stressed out, you're trying to unwind. And basically it's so easy to make those purchases that you don't really need when you're doing that late night scrolling because all of your defenses are down. And so if possible, you want to hold off any purchases at that time of day and wait and look at it again the next day when you have a good night's rest and you're looking at it with fresh eyes because basically it's just so easy to click and purchase into seconds late at night and then you can just as easily regret that you did that.
Yeah. Post-Midnight Monopoly money.
Exactly.
Going on to this next tip. It's not so great for your budget oftentimes. So an oldie but goodie. Probably want to know how much you can spend on the things you want.
Exactly. So it can be really helpful to set aside a portion of your budget for spending on things that you want but you don't need. And so one helpful rule of thumb, I really like the 50-30-20 budget, which basically means 50% of your take home pay is going towards needs like housing and food, 30% towards wants and 20% towards savings and debt payments. So out of that middle 30%, you can use that to buy items that you want to shop. And so, of course, everyone's budget will be slightly different, but it's a good rule of thumb because there's no need to feel guilty about things that you actually want and, you know, if it fits into your budget. But using this rule of thumb to decide whether it fits into your budget and how much you want to spend can just help it help you from overspending and prevent that overspending.
And so to me, I think that's a useful kind of rule of thumb to use.
Yeah, it keeps you feeling good about your purchase. Yeah. Yeah. You want to be happy with what you got here? Exactly. And this final tip, the fifth and final one hitting that unfollow button.
You definitely alluded to this already, but basically, it's just so easy to see what other people have online. You know, who knows how they're reporting it. That's not always shared. But basically you see these lifestyles or items that other people have. And then we want them. And so if you notice that you keep getting those feelings of envy evoked from looking at specific influencers online or even friends online, there is nothing wrong with unfollowing them because, you know, it's stirring up that negative emotion and so you might as well just skip it.
That's the word to the wise men Do that. Kim Anything else you want to add about curbing spending on social media?
I think the biggest thing is forget about the guilt. So don't feel bad if you've already done this, but you know you can start fresh and use some of these strategies like putting things into your cart or wishlist, and it's a way to just get back on track. So you feel good about your spending because that's the ultimate goal.
There you go. I appreciate it.

5 tips to avoid overspending when scrolling social media

With record-setting temperatures across the United States, home energy bills are skyrocketing. 

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Elizabeth Ayoola of NerdWallet about changes people can make to reduce their energy bills.

Read the NerdWallet article here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona

It's summer, and pretty much anywhere you go in the US it is hot, just like with anything at this time in the economy. Energy costs are way up, but fear not. We have some steps to share with you to check that your house is working efficiently and ways to take control of your energy bill. Personal finance expert Elizabeth Ayoola joins us today with more on that.

Today we're talking about energy costs and cutting them during the summer. That dreaded bill comes every month. I literally hate seeing the number that pops up. I am very pro air conditioning and I think a lot of Americans feel the same way, especially in these summer months. So we've got about five tips to help us cut our energy costs this summer.

The first one, based off this article was really interesting to me, the idea of your electronics leaking because you obviously wouldn't think of that naturally, you think of pipes bursting and leaking and then that's a real problem. So let's let's jump into that. Taking a baseline of the electronics in your home.

So it is possible for your electronics to leak, Of course. And I am definitely a culprit of leaving everything plugged in and not unplugging things or turning switches off. So it just sometimes requires a change in your daily routine. So if you're used to, again, leaving things plugged in overnight, then you can maybe try before bed, unplugging things and taking things out, turning off all the switches.

And if you have kids at home, of course they could be culprits for that as well, with kids using so much technology. So just have them add that to their nighttime routine in terms of unplugging things and taking them out of the walls as well.

All right. And that just is a perfect segue right into establishing efficient habits. So let's talk about that, especially with your thermostat.

Again, you may want to during the winter months, obviously, you may be using air conditioning as an example. You may tend to use less air conditioning during the winter months. So maybe just consider adjusting for the temperature or the climates that you're in for whatever season you're in so that you can cut costs that way. You can also try to measure how long you have your air conditioning on and compare your bills or whether that be heating in the winter months to see basically how much you can cost by maybe reducing it by 2 hours or, you know, switching between the fan and the air conditioning or the heating at night just to kind of
see what works so well and save dimension to going right off of that is maybe upgrading to a safe thermostats. I still have an old school one in my house so it's it seems to be that's the better way to go though, to save some money.

Yes. So people might be scared by the upfront cost of that at first. But one of the things that you can do is budget for it. So you can go around and do some comparison shopping and see if there are cheaper alternatives that you can do and then save towards it. If it's not a cost that you can kind of do right away.
But remember that you're offsetting the cost long term. So it may seem like, you know, expensive upfront cost, but the change might help you save money long term.

And another thing I wanted to mention is actually I think it depends on what state and what county you're in. At least where I live in Wisconsin, there is a program where they will reimburse you for your upgrade of a smart thermostat, which is a pretty sweet deal. So probably want to check that out wherever you live respectively.

Absolutely. And the same you know, this is kind of jumping off to a kind of different topic, but the same if you want to do solar panels. There's also a tax credit called the federal Residential Solar Energy Credit that homeowners can claim to install panels and help to offset the cost as well. So it's good to do research and see if the government has any incentives. They can kind of help you offset those costs.

Great advice there going right off of that and making small upgrades. So aside from the smart thermostat, there's other things you can do. I'm seeing little house projects like adding or replacing, whether strips.

Yes, absolutely. Another thing you can do is add doors at the bottom and top of your stairs to contain heat or cooling. So that's assuming that you have a two storey house or even a one storey house. Also adding Zealand to Windows and other places that could be leaking heat or cool air like pipes, wiring holes. Baseboards can be an easy way or kind of a low cost way to cut costs as well in terms of energy leaking from your house.

And if you're not sure where the leaks are, because some people may be like, how can I check where they are? You can use an air leak detector as well as the dollar bill technique, which is where you put a dollar bill underneath wherever you think there will be a leak. And if it goes out easily, then you probably have a leak that you need to fix.

Easy enough. I like that one. I'm going to have to do that. Another scary one, perhaps, for for a U.S. customer is maybe taking a look at updating your larger appliances.

That is a scary one. Larger appliances can be extremely expensive to replace and it can be a shock bill. So it's recommended that people put aside what we call a sinking fund, which is a fund where you can save for those kind of larger expenses. So if you're saving for them, for example, throughout the year, then when you do have when it does come time to replace it, if not as much as a financial shock.
Another thing that people can do in that regard is to check when the appliances expire, because also appliances that are close to the expiry date can also consume more energy sometimes as well. So check what the lifespan of your appliance is. And if you know, hey, this has two years left or five years left or one year left on it, then you can plan ahead versus they breaking down and you just having a huge cost on your hands because especially this is summertime and I'm sure unfortunately a lot of people's ACS have broken down this summer and maybe have they kind of looked at what the lifespan of the AC was or done regular maintenance, they wouldn't have had that huge will come when it's so hot, you know.

Good tips for me, Good freaking me out. I'm going, Oh, yeah, my AC is like ten years old, so I've got to think about that. Elizabeth, anything else that you want to add before we part ways on cutting energy costs this summer?

Of course. So negotiating your utility bill, some people might not know that this is something that you can do. But if you live in a state that allows energy choice, the options to choose from various which is options to use from various natural gas and electricity providers, then you might be able to negotiate or compare between providers. You might want to also research other rates for people or rather companies around you that are providing utilities to see if you can use that as leverage to negotiate with your utility company in terms of lowering your bill.
And if you're a loyal customer, that gives you an added advantage as well, because nobody wants to lose a loyal customer, do they? So see if there's anything they can do to kind of help you lower your bill.

All right. It seems like the listeners have a laundry list of things to do to save the money, but all for the good, right?
That's right.

There you go. Well, thank you so much.

With record-setting temperatures across the United States, home energy bills are skyrocketing. 
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/elizabeth-ayoola">Elizabeth Ayoola</a> of NerdWallet about changes people can make to reduce their energy bills.
Read the NerdWallet article <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/creative-ways-to-cut-your-energy-costs-this-summer">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona
It's summer, and pretty much anywhere you go in the US it is hot, just like with anything at this time in the economy. Energy costs are way up, but fear not. We have some steps to share with you to check that your house is working efficiently and ways to take control of your energy bill. Personal finance expert Elizabeth Ayoola joins us today with more on that.
Today we're talking about energy costs and cutting them during the summer. That dreaded bill comes every month. I literally hate seeing the number that pops up. I am very pro air conditioning and I think a lot of Americans feel the same way, especially in these summer months. So we've got about five tips to help us cut our energy costs this summer.
The first one, based off this article was really interesting to me, the idea of your electronics leaking because you obviously wouldn't think of that naturally, you think of pipes bursting and leaking and then that's a real problem. So let's let's jump into that. Taking a baseline of the electronics in your home.
So it is possible for your electronics to leak, Of course. And I am definitely a culprit of leaving everything plugged in and not unplugging things or turning switches off. So it just sometimes requires a change in your daily routine. So if you're used to, again, leaving things plugged in overnight, then you can maybe try before bed, unplugging things and taking things out, turning off all the switches.
And if you have kids at home, of course they could be culprits for that as well, with kids using so much technology. So just have them add that to their nighttime routine in terms of unplugging things and taking them out of the walls as well.
All right. And that just is a perfect segue right into establishing efficient habits. So let's talk about that, especially with your thermostat.
Again, you may want to during the winter months, obviously, you may be using air conditioning as an example. You may tend to use less air conditioning during the winter months. So maybe just consider adjusting for the temperature or the climates that you're in for whatever season you're in so that you can cut costs that way. You can also try to measure how long you have your air conditioning on and compare your bills or whether that be heating in the winter months to see basically how much you can cost by maybe reducing it by 2 hours or, you know, switching between the fan and the air conditioning or the heating at night just to kind of see what works so well and save dimension to going right off of that is maybe upgrading to a safe thermostats. I still have an old school one in my house so it's it seems to be that's the better way to go though, to save some money.
Yes. So people might be scared by the upfront cost of that at first. But one of the things that you can do is budget for it. So you can go around and do some comparison shopping and see if there are cheaper alternatives that you can do and then save towards it. If it's not a cost that you can kind of do right away. But remember that you're offsetting the cost long term. So it may seem like, you know, expensive upfront cost, but the change might help you save money long term.
And another thing I wanted to mention is actually I think it depends on what state and what county you're in. At least where I live in Wisconsin, there is a program where they will reimburse you for your upgrade of a smart thermostat, which is a pretty sweet deal. So probably want to check that out wherever you live respectively.
Absolutely. And the same you know, this is kind of jumping off to a kind of different topic, but the same if you want to do solar panels. There's also a tax credit called the federal Residential Solar Energy Credit that homeowners can claim to install panels and help to offset the cost as well. So it's good to do research and see if the government has any incentives. They can kind of help you offset those costs.
Great advice there going right off of that and making small upgrades. So aside from the smart thermostat, there's other things you can do. I'm seeing little house projects like adding or replacing, whether strips.
Yes, absolutely. Another thing you can do is add doors at the bottom and top of your stairs to contain heat or cooling. So that's assuming that you have a two storey house or even a one storey house. Also adding Zealand to Windows and other places that could be leaking heat or cool air like pipes, wiring holes. Baseboards can be an easy way or kind of a low cost way to cut costs as well in terms of energy leaking from your house.
And if you're not sure where the leaks are, because some people may be like, how can I check where they are? You can use an air leak detector as well as the dollar bill technique, which is where you put a dollar bill underneath wherever you think there will be a leak. And if it goes out easily, then you probably have a leak that you need to fix.
Easy enough. I like that one. I'm going to have to do that. Another scary one, perhaps, for for a U.S. customer is maybe taking a look at updating your larger appliances.
That is a scary one. Larger appliances can be extremely expensive to replace and it can be a shock bill. So it's recommended that people put aside what we call a sinking fund, which is a fund where you can save for those kind of larger expenses. So if you're saving for them, for example, throughout the year, then when you do have when it does come time to replace it, if not as much as a financial shock. Another thing that people can do in that regard is to check when the appliances expire, because also appliances that are close to the expiry date can also consume more energy sometimes as well. So check what the lifespan of your appliance is. And if you know, hey, this has two years left or five years left or one year left on it, then you can plan ahead versus they breaking down and you just having a huge cost on your hands because especially this is summertime and I'm sure unfortunately a lot of people's ACS have broken down this summer and maybe have they kind of looked at what the lifespan of the AC was or done regular maintenance, they wouldn't have had that huge will come when it's so hot, you know.
Good tips for me, Good freaking me out. I'm going, Oh, yeah, my AC is like ten years old, so I've got to think about that. Elizabeth, anything else that you want to add before we part ways on cutting energy costs this summer?
Of course. So negotiating your utility bill, some people might not know that this is something that you can do. But if you live in a state that allows energy choice, the options to choose from various which is options to use from various natural gas and electricity providers, then you might be able to negotiate or compare between providers. You might want to also research other rates for people or rather companies around you that are providing utilities to see if you can use that as leverage to negotiate with your utility company in terms of lowering your bill. And if you're a loyal customer, that gives you an added advantage as well, because nobody wants to lose a loyal customer, do they? So see if there's anything they can do to kind of help you lower your bill.
All right. It seems like the listeners have a laundry list of things to do to save the money, but all for the good, right? That's right.
There you go. Well, thank you so much.

Creative ways to cut your energy costs

Things are tight right now for many Americans. If you find yourself among the growing number of car owners unable to make a car payment on time, there are steps you can take to get back on track and minimize any financial damage for the future.

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Kimberly Palmer of NerdWallet about how borrowers can mange the car payments they can't make.

Nerdwallet explains tips for booking domestic and international flights as well as how to use travel rewards to your benefit.

Read the NerdWallet article here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona

Let's be real here for a second. Times are tough. High car prices and rising interest rates are squeezing people's budgets. If you find yourself among the growing number of car owners unable to make a car payment on time, there are steps you can take to get back on track and minimize any financial damage for the future.

Nerdwallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer joins us today with more on that.

Are people seeing more of that these days? Right. And let's be honest here, regardless of what your car maker model you're buying, it's usually going to be at least a few hundred dollars.

And it's that's not chump change. Right. So if you are experiencing that financial strain, that hardship, what do you do when you know, if you look at the 15th on the calendar and you're like, oh, no, that payment's coming up. I'm not going to be able to make it. That sets in a lot of panic for a lot of people.

So what would be the first step to take? Right. And I'm thinking back to my younger years and when unfortunately, Financial Times were not the best in my life and really strapped for cash with that first job out of college, that kind of thing and needing to make payments. I can only attest to my story when I've heard from other people.

There's some shame or embarrassment when you aren't able to make those important payments that come every month. Surely I'm guessing your advice would be don't ignore the problem. You have to call that lender because what what's what happens if you don't?

When we're talking about making car payments on a car you own versus leasing, is it kind of the same thing, same process?

Yeah, sure. All good things to keep in mind. Anything else on car financing, car loans at this tough time with inflation going on.

Amen to that and can really ruin you in the future. So great advice. Great advice to live by literally day to day.

Things are tight right now for many Americans. If you find yourself among the growing number of car owners unable to make a car payment on time, there are steps you can take to get back on track and minimize any financial damage for the future.
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a> of NerdWallet about how borrowers can mange the car payments they can't make.
Nerdwallet explains tips for booking domestic and international flights as well as how to use travel rewards to your benefit.
Read the NerdWallet article <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/late-delinquent-car-payment">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona
Let's be real here for a second. Times are tough. High car prices and rising interest rates are squeezing people's budgets. If you find yourself among the growing number of car owners unable to make a car payment on time, there are steps you can take to get back on track and minimize any financial damage for the future.
Nerdwallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer joins us today with more on that.
Are people seeing more of that these days? Right. And let's be honest here, regardless of what your car maker model you're buying, it's usually going to be at least a few hundred dollars.
And it's that's not chump change. Right. So if you are experiencing that financial strain, that hardship, what do you do when you know, if you look at the 15th on the calendar and you're like, oh, no, that payment's coming up. I'm not going to be able to make it. That sets in a lot of panic for a lot of people.
So what would be the first step to take? Right. And I'm thinking back to my younger years and when unfortunately, Financial Times were not the best in my life and really strapped for cash with that first job out of college, that kind of thing and needing to make payments. I can only attest to my story when I've heard from other people.
There's some shame or embarrassment when you aren't able to make those important payments that come every month. Surely I'm guessing your advice would be don't ignore the problem. You have to call that lender because what what's what happens if you don't?
When we're talking about making car payments on a car you own versus leasing, is it kind of the same thing, same process?
Yeah, sure. All good things to keep in mind. Anything else on car financing, car loans at this tough time with inflation going on.
Amen to that and can really ruin you in the future. So great advice. Great advice to live by literally day to day.

How to manage car payments you can't make

Who knew that summer vacations could be so much work?

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Sally French of NerdWallet about her top 6 tips for summer travel.

Nerdwallet explains tips for booking domestic and international flights as well as how to use travel rewards to your benefit.

Get more travel tips from Sally French here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona. Summer is in full swing. But it's not too late to plan your summer vacation and save some money while you're at it. Here's travel expert Sally French. All right. So today's topic, we're talking about six tips for traveling this summer. Where do you want to begin? 

I think we should start by talking about how early in advance you should book on. Unfortunately, it is already this summer, so this advice might come a little bit late. But the bad news is it it can be really difficult to find. Last minute flight deals. A lot of people are used to last minute deals when it comes to hotels and rental cars in shows. Unfortunately, that's just not the case. So the sooner you can book, the better.

For domestic flights, the best deals are usually found 1 to 3 months out for international flights. The best deals are 2 to 8 months out. So, you know, maybe you just start planning ahead for summer of next year. That or the very tail end, right as it's about to hit September. Throw it in there that could be summer, too.

Aside from that, what else do you have for me? Yeah. You know, the next thing is to choose the right location. We saw in the early years of the COVID pandemic, borders were closed. So often domestic airfare prices got really, really high because the people who otherwise would have done international travel might just instead do domestic travel. That sort of actually flipped.

In fact, domestic airfare prices overall have actually dropped in summer 2023 versus summer 2022. So that's really good news. If you are a domestic traveler, you might pay less this year than you did last year. But the reality is international flights are much more expensive. Most people haven't taken international trips in a while. So this is a summer.

They're making it happen. According to Hopper data, the average flight between the U.S. and Asia this summer costs more than 1800 dollars for economy class. And it makes sense. Demand is high. The number of passengers leaving for Asia is about four times what it was this year versus last year. Okay. I may be jumping ahead and one of your tips that you have coming up, but when we talk about flights versus driving, do you have any tips on that?

Yeah, you know, it's hard to say whether driving or flying is a better deal because often it depends on your own individual circumstances. How many people can you fit in that car? Also, what are the things that you typically pay for when you travel? So something to consider when it comes to airfare is often you're not paying for the airfare alone.

You're also paying for checked bags. If you're someone who needs to board early, then you're also often paying for priority boarding. And the nice thing about a rental car or your own car is that you can pack as many people into the car as you can fit. You can pack as much stuff as you can fit. So often, if you're someone who packs heavy, who has a big family or other travel companions, that car can be worth it.

Another thing to consider this year is that luckily gas prices are down from what they were last summer. So you do get that reprieve when it comes to the cost of your road trip. Yeah, thank God for that, because that was a little intense last year. What do we have for number four? Yeah, well, I you know, sort of in that vein is a lot of people think about airfare when it comes to travel, that's often their biggest component.

People will say, I got two airfare deals, so I want to book this trip. But the reality is often hotels and rental cars tend to be an increasingly large factor of your vacation budget, especially car rental prices. They're up 50% more than what they were in 2019. We saw car rentals prices spike during the pandemic because so many people wanted to do road trips.

Couple that with things like the semiconductor shortage just made, car rental prices go so much higher. Luckily, car rental prices are down from those early pandemic highs, but again, 50% more expensive than what they were in 2019. That's a huge factor of your budget. Yeah, And hotels are 20% more expensive, what they were in 2019. So that's still a big factor.

I think a lot of people, especially if they're taking a longer trip, that's going to require them to stay in a hotel for many, many nights. They often figure I got a cheap airfare to someplace, but that place is really expensive. It might actually net out better overall if you book a more expensive airfare to a cheaper place because your hotel costs won't be as high when you're there.

Very, very good advice there. Wouldn't have thought of that. So thanks for sharing that one. We have just a couple more tips for summer travel. What do you got? Yeah, well, you know, I mentioned that hotel and rental car prices are up, but Nerdwallet tracks inflation prices for restaurants as well. And restaurant prices are up 25% now versus the same time in 2019.

That's a huge increase, one of the biggest increases. And of course, most people when they travel, go out to eat at restaurants. So whatever you can do to save on your food costs is so crucial. One of my favorite tips for saving on food costs is to head to the local grocery stores. I find this just to be a fun activity, to learn about the culture.

If you don't even go to a grocery store but go to a farmer's market or some sort of other open air market, these can be a great way to find a new fruit that you've never seen before or just to pick up those local snacks. It's always fun to try the chips and the candy from a different culture.

I always feel like I see something that looks like it's made by Coca-Cola and it doesn't taste like any sodas that I've had before. So I almost think that's one of the most exciting parts about travel anyway, is going to the grocery store, is it? And just to kind of piggyback off of that is if you don't opt for a hotel and you go more of the Airbnb furbo right route, you can always hopefully have a kitchen to be a little bit better equipped for that kind of style of eating.

Absolutely. And then it's fine. You find vegetables you've never seen before and you find a fun ways to cook them that can actually be part of the vacation experience itself. There we go. Keep things interesting for sure. All right, Sally, we got the last thing on the summer list. Of course, my final tip that I live by is making sure I have the right travel credit cards.

So you can use travel credit cards to rack up points to pay for travel. And a lot of people think I don't have that many points. I'm never going to be able to book of international flight with my miles. I just don't have that many. But even if you don't have that many points yet to book after travel, credit cards can save you money in so many other ways, so you can accrue enough points for your spending.

But many airline hotel credit cards will or airline and hotel credit cards will have perks that save you money. So often, airline and credit cards will offer something like free checked bags, free priority boarding. And you figure even if a card has a $100 annual fee, which is pretty common, but you check bags each direction for you and your buddy, that pays for itself right there.

The same goes with these hotel credit cards. Many of them have perks like free breakfast, free room upgrades, even a free night certificate. These credit cards that have annual fees, about $100, and they give you a free night certificate. Find me a hotel room for less than $100 is a challenge that that can be worth it right there.

Other credit card benefits include things like travel insurance, which we all learned during the pandemic are so crucial. Many of the best travel credit cards offer travel insurance as a benefit for paying on the card. So that's just another way that these credit cards can save you money. Even if there's an annual fee, it's not for everyone. But if you can take advantage of that, that can often see you in the end.

Yeah perks all around there and just a friendly reminder this would be going directly through the airline and website, not some third party website if you're using their credit card. Correct. So typically when you are looking to get those bonus points on something like a hotel or an airline, typically you do have to book it directly with that hotel or that airline.

But that's what Nerdwallet recommends anyway. Travel. These are really, really great to get an overview of the location and compare flights or compare hotels, but typically it's best to book directly anyway. You can get more benefits often lower rates, because you figure a hotel likely will have to pay a commission to that third party travel agency if you book with them So often hotels will just pass on that savings to you, at least in some small way.

And even if it's not lower prices, it's pretty common for hotels to offer things like free breakfast if you book directly with them. And then you figure if you have to make a change or a cancellation to your reservation, it's much easier to cut out that middleman and just be able to call the hotel directly and change that reservation rather than then say, Well, we need to contact your online travel agency.

That just adds an unnecessary next step. Most of the time, if things are black and white, no gray area, I can speak from experience to always go the direct route. There's a lot of headaches that every once in a while you'll find like an amazing deal on those third party travel agencies. And if you do, you know, you don't want to pass that up.

But often if the prices are similar, it's better to just go. Director Perfect. Perfect. Well, I think that's it for your six travel tips through the summer. Correct. Good luck to you with your travels this summer. Road trips ahead, nothing too, and saying. Right. Good luck to everything. Thanks so much, Sally. I'll be talking to you soon. Thank you.

Who knew that summer vacations could be so much work?
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sally-french">Sally French</a> of NerdWallet about her top 6 tips for summer travel.
Nerdwallet explains tips for booking domestic and international flights as well as how to use travel rewards to your benefit.
Get more travel tips from Sally French <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sally-french">here</a>!
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona. Summer is in full swing. But it's not too late to plan your summer vacation and save some money while you're at it. Here's travel expert Sally French. All right. So today's topic, we're talking about six tips for traveling this summer. Where do you want to begin? 
I think we should start by talking about how early in advance you should book on. Unfortunately, it is already this summer, so this advice might come a little bit late. But the bad news is it it can be really difficult to find. Last minute flight deals. A lot of people are used to last minute deals when it comes to hotels and rental cars in shows. Unfortunately, that's just not the case. So the sooner you can book, the better.
For domestic flights, the best deals are usually found 1 to 3 months out for international flights. The best deals are 2 to 8 months out. So, you know, maybe you just start planning ahead for summer of next year. That or the very tail end, right as it's about to hit September. Throw it in there that could be summer, too.
Aside from that, what else do you have for me? Yeah. You know, the next thing is to choose the right location. We saw in the early years of the COVID pandemic, borders were closed. So often domestic airfare prices got really, really high because the people who otherwise would have done international travel might just instead do domestic travel. That sort of actually flipped.
In fact, domestic airfare prices overall have actually dropped in summer 2023 versus summer 2022. So that's really good news. If you are a domestic traveler, you might pay less this year than you did last year. But the reality is international flights are much more expensive. Most people haven't taken international trips in a while. So this is a summer.
They're making it happen. According to Hopper data, the average flight between the U.S. and Asia this summer costs more than 1800 dollars for economy class. And it makes sense. Demand is high. The number of passengers leaving for Asia is about four times what it was this year versus last year. Okay. I may be jumping ahead and one of your tips that you have coming up, but when we talk about flights versus driving, do you have any tips on that?
Yeah, you know, it's hard to say whether driving or flying is a better deal because often it depends on your own individual circumstances. How many people can you fit in that car? Also, what are the things that you typically pay for when you travel? So something to consider when it comes to airfare is often you're not paying for the airfare alone.
You're also paying for checked bags. If you're someone who needs to board early, then you're also often paying for priority boarding. And the nice thing about a rental car or your own car is that you can pack as many people into the car as you can fit. You can pack as much stuff as you can fit. So often, if you're someone who packs heavy, who has a big family or other travel companions, that car can be worth it.
Another thing to consider this year is that luckily gas prices are down from what they were last summer. So you do get that reprieve when it comes to the cost of your road trip. Yeah, thank God for that, because that was a little intense last year. What do we have for number four? Yeah, well, I you know, sort of in that vein is a lot of people think about airfare when it comes to travel, that's often their biggest component.
People will say, I got two airfare deals, so I want to book this trip. But the reality is often hotels and rental cars tend to be an increasingly large factor of your vacation budget, especially car rental prices. They're up 50% more than what they were in 2019. We saw car rentals prices spike during the pandemic because so many people wanted to do road trips.
Couple that with things like the semiconductor shortage just made, car rental prices go so much higher. Luckily, car rental prices are down from those early pandemic highs, but again, 50% more expensive than what they were in 2019. That's a huge factor of your budget. Yeah, And hotels are 20% more expensive, what they were in 2019. So that's still a big factor.
I think a lot of people, especially if they're taking a longer trip, that's going to require them to stay in a hotel for many, many nights. They often figure I got a cheap airfare to someplace, but that place is really expensive. It might actually net out better overall if you book a more expensive airfare to a cheaper place because your hotel costs won't be as high when you're there.
Very, very good advice there. Wouldn't have thought of that. So thanks for sharing that one. We have just a couple more tips for summer travel. What do you got? Yeah, well, you know, I mentioned that hotel and rental car prices are up, but Nerdwallet tracks inflation prices for restaurants as well. And restaurant prices are up 25% now versus the same time in 2019.
That's a huge increase, one of the biggest increases. And of course, most people when they travel, go out to eat at restaurants. So whatever you can do to save on your food costs is so crucial. One of my favorite tips for saving on food costs is to head to the local grocery stores. I find this just to be a fun activity, to learn about the culture.
If you don't even go to a grocery store but go to a farmer's market or some sort of other open air market, these can be a great way to find a new fruit that you've never seen before or just to pick up those local snacks. It's always fun to try the chips and the candy from a different culture.
I always feel like I see something that looks like it's made by Coca-Cola and it doesn't taste like any sodas that I've had before. So I almost think that's one of the most exciting parts about travel anyway, is going to the grocery store, is it? And just to kind of piggyback off of that is if you don't opt for a hotel and you go more of the Airbnb furbo right route, you can always hopefully have a kitchen to be a little bit better equipped for that kind of style of eating.
Absolutely. And then it's fine. You find vegetables you've never seen before and you find a fun ways to cook them that can actually be part of the vacation experience itself. There we go. Keep things interesting for sure. All right, Sally, we got the last thing on the summer list. Of course, my final tip that I live by is making sure I have the right travel credit cards.
So you can use travel credit cards to rack up points to pay for travel. And a lot of people think I don't have that many points. I'm never going to be able to book of international flight with my miles. I just don't have that many. But even if you don't have that many points yet to book after travel, credit cards can save you money in so many other ways, so you can accrue enough points for your spending.
But many airline hotel credit cards will or airline and hotel credit cards will have perks that save you money. So often, airline and credit cards will offer something like free checked bags, free priority boarding. And you figure even if a card has a $100 annual fee, which is pretty common, but you check bags each direction for you and your buddy, that pays for itself right there.
The same goes with these hotel credit cards. Many of them have perks like free breakfast, free room upgrades, even a free night certificate. These credit cards that have annual fees, about $100, and they give you a free night certificate. Find me a hotel room for less than $100 is a challenge that that can be worth it right there.
Other credit card benefits include things like travel insurance, which we all learned during the pandemic are so crucial. Many of the best travel credit cards offer travel insurance as a benefit for paying on the card. So that's just another way that these credit cards can save you money. Even if there's an annual fee, it's not for everyone. But if you can take advantage of that, that can often see you in the end.
Yeah perks all around there and just a friendly reminder this would be going directly through the airline and website, not some third party website if you're using their credit card. Correct. So typically when you are looking to get those bonus points on something like a hotel or an airline, typically you do have to book it directly with that hotel or that airline.
But that's what Nerdwallet recommends anyway. Travel. These are really, really great to get an overview of the location and compare flights or compare hotels, but typically it's best to book directly anyway. You can get more benefits often lower rates, because you figure a hotel likely will have to pay a commission to that third party travel agency if you book with them So often hotels will just pass on that savings to you, at least in some small way.
And even if it's not lower prices, it's pretty common for hotels to offer things like free breakfast if you book directly with them. And then you figure if you have to make a change or a cancellation to your reservation, it's much easier to cut out that middleman and just be able to call the hotel directly and change that reservation rather than then say, Well, we need to contact your online travel agency.
That just adds an unnecessary next step. Most of the time, if things are black and white, no gray area, I can speak from experience to always go the direct route. There's a lot of headaches that every once in a while you'll find like an amazing deal on those third party travel agencies. And if you do, you know, you don't want to pass that up.
But often if the prices are similar, it's better to just go. Director Perfect. Perfect. Well, I think that's it for your six travel tips through the summer. Correct. Good luck to you with your travels this summer. Road trips ahead, nothing too, and saying. Right. Good luck to everything. Thanks so much, Sally. I'll be talking to you soon. Thank you.

6 tips for planning summer travel

Did your grandparents give you savings bonds for high school graduation and you don't know what to do with them?

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Chanelle Bessette of NerdWallet about the article: Ask a Nerd: How do I cash in a savings bond?

Nerdwallet explains how and where to cash in a savings bond, what documents you need to do so and how to check the value and see if it's worth it.

Before you run to the bank, make sure you do your homework. 

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona. Dust off your old savings bonds. It might just be time to give them another look. We have Nerdwallet personal finance writer Chanel Bessette with us today to guide us through the process of cashing in, saving smart, talking about the world of cashing savings bonds. It's usually one of those things you have a stack of.

If you're lucky enough, they're in an envelope. They're in a box and probably haven't been dusted off in a very long time. So what's the first thing you want to know when you grab them? Look at them and say, Hey, they're ready to be cashed? What do you do first?

The age of them definitely matters because once they're past a certain age, they've stopped earning interest. So you are potentially facing that opportunity cost of losing money by keeping them as paper. Paper bonds instead of cashing them. So looking at the age first and foremost is great. If you haven't looked at them in a long time, if you've had them for a long time, it is likely that you're not facing any kind of penalty by withdrawing early.

But that is something to consider if you did get a savings bond recently. So so let's say it's the former and that you do have that old savings bond. Cashing it out is going to be a great opportunity for you to have a little windfall or a big windfall, depending on how much the bond was. And then you can take that money and reinvested.

Use it for a purchase that you want to make or just use it to beef up your emergency bond and have it as liquid cash so that you can use it for more day to day conveniences and needs.

All right. And physically, when you're like, okay, this is good to go, these guys are ready to be cash. Do you go to your bank? Where do you go for this?

So it's important to reach out to the bank in advance to make sure that they can, in fact, cash it. Not all major banks do. So you want to maybe call around at first and make sure that you know which bank is actually going be able to accept it. If you have an electronic savings bond, then you'll go to the U.S. Treasury website and cash it there.

Okay. Quick question about the physical savings bonds. Ironically or coincidentally enough, my husband had found a stack of them literally a week ago. They were good to go. So we were like, okay. And didn't realize it kind of looks like a check on the back that you would endorse, fill in that kind of thing. I did read something on one of these Nerdwallet articles that you actually aren't supposed to fill that out before heading to the bank, correct?

Correct. Do you want to wait until you are at that moment of reimbursement? You probably want to follow along with whatever banker is working with you, whatever customer service rep is working with you to make sure that you are doing everything at the right time, at the right moment, because you don't want to accidentally create more problems for yourself with the with the process.

That'd be a big bummer. After waiting so damn long. Yes, exactly. So speaking of that, going into the physical bank branch, let's say you have your I.D. Do you need any other forms of I.D. to fear this is you on these savings bonds?

Yes. When you do go in, you need usually at least a couple of forms of ID. It's a good idea maybe to have your your state issued ID like a driver's license and maybe something like your Social Security card or passport. That way, you're you're genuinely confirming that you are who you say you are.

Right. And once you cash in those savings bonds, as we realized, you get a nice little form that you get to submit to the IRS when you have to pay your yearly taxes. What what other implications surrounding that on taxes that you need to know when it comes to cashing in savings bonds?

Right. So savings bonds actually are a lot like bank account in that way and that you do have to pay taxes on the interest that you've earned. A lot of people don't necessarily think about that usually, because always in the past, interest rates have been so low that you don't really have enough that to like really register by paying a lot of taxes on what I've earned.

But when it comes to a savings bond, that could be quite a bit of money if you've had it for decades. So it's important to make sure that you're taking that into consideration as your, you know, check cashing out that savings bond and making sure that you have that money set aside to pay Uncle Sam.

It all catches up to us eventually. Right. This is just maybe me thinking out loud here. Another thing we didn't realize about the savings bonds is, hey, aside from them being a valuable thing to have and keep safe your Social Security number, at least on the physical ones from 30 years ago, plus have your whole social on them, which I didn't realize.

And I think maybe not everybody realizes that.

Right? Yeah, it's kind of wild how we could be so at risk for something like that. That's such a official government documentation. Yes. So. So the physical security of your savings bonds is something to think about and consider. Hopefully your parents kept it in a safe place, maybe a security deposit box or in your safe at home or in some filing cabinet that is hard to know.

You know where exactly it is. People were not able to rifle through it and find your Social Security number just hanging out. So, yeah, when it comes to any kind of government documentation that could potentially put you at risk for some kind of identity theft or, you know, someone using your Social Security to open new accounts, it make sure that you are keeping it somewhere safe and away from prying eyes.

Lovely, lovely. Always good advice for multiple things, unfortunately. Speaking of these savings bonds and kind of being a thing of yesteryear when it came to anniversaries or birthdays, baptisms, other special events, where where do you savings bonds come in today's world? Is it a weird thing to give out nowadays, or is it actually coming back? Is it hot?

Yeah, you don't hear about it a ton, but you know a lot of older folks who are looking for a gift to give, maybe a new grandchild or a parent looking to give something to their child that's going to mature over the course of their young adulthood. You know, savings bond can still be something pretty, pretty great to get because it does help hedge against the rate of inflation and help you earn interest.

And it's perhaps a little less technical than having to manage a savings account for that long period of time. So being able to add that beneficiary or co-owner on the savings bond makes it pretty easy to transfer as a gift. And I would say the main difference these days, though, is that paper bonds are probably not as frequently used as electronic ones.

Electronic ones are also a little bit easier to cash. As I mentioned a moment ago, you can do it online and that's just the way the world has had it in a lot of different ways when it comes to finances is being able to just manage everything electronically. So that's probably how things are changed these days. But there are, of course, other options for setting up money for your child or grandchild.

You know, college savings accounts and things like that are also fairly common.

Aside from gift giving or out of the goodness of your heart when to give one of these out, would you suggest getting some of your own personal life or your own finance?

Hmm. That could be something doable, but something worth noting though. So. So keep in mind, I'm not a financial advisor when it comes to investments. This is just me as a personal finance writer. But when it comes to investing in savings, bonds do tend to pale in comparison to how mutual funds or other stock based investments do over a long enough period of time.

So if you're looking for something like investing and saving for retirement, that's where 41k comes into play. Or if you do want to do a college 529 investment for your child, you are likely to earn more interest than you potentially would with the savings bond on both savings bonds. There is the nice factor that is a guaranteed return, whereas saving in the stock market, you know it it could be volatile, especially in the short term.

So that's why you're thinking of the longer term investments. Stock market investing is definitely something to look for.

Okay. All important things to think of as you look at your finances. Is there anything else that you want to add about cashing in savings bonds, savings bonds in general in the year 2023?

Yeah. So savings bonds could be a solid part of a, you know, diversified portfolio for your finances. You know, there are all kinds of vehicles that you can use to set aside money in interest if you're looking at just a regular banking products right now, savings accounts, the answer certificates of deposit are earning relatively high interest rates compared to how they have been in recent years.

So you could look into that. You could look at a CD if you want to access that money sooner than you might think. On savings, bonds could be very long term and therefore less accessible and less liquid for things that you might need in the short to medium term. So just making sure you know what kind of options are available to you, what kind of rates you could potentially get.

And and of course, you know, your own tolerance for risk and how you like to manage your money. But it's definitely a worthwhile option if that's something that you think you would benefit from.

Beautiful. Sounds good. Thank you.

Did your grandparents give you savings bonds for high school graduation and you don't know what to do with them?
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Chanelle Bessette of NerdWallet about the article: Ask a Nerd: <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/ask-a-nerd-how-do-i-cash-a-savings-bond">How do I cash in a savings bond?</a> 
Nerdwallet explains how and where to cash in a savings bond, what documents you need to do so and how to check the value and see if it's worth it.
Before you run to the bank, make sure you do your homework. 
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host, Nat Cardona. Dust off your old savings bonds. It might just be time to give them another look. We have Nerdwallet personal finance writer Chanel Bessette with us today to guide us through the process of cashing in, saving smart, talking about the world of cashing savings bonds. It's usually one of those things you have a stack of.
If you're lucky enough, they're in an envelope. They're in a box and probably haven't been dusted off in a very long time. So what's the first thing you want to know when you grab them? Look at them and say, Hey, they're ready to be cashed? What do you do first?
The age of them definitely matters because once they're past a certain age, they've stopped earning interest. So you are potentially facing that opportunity cost of losing money by keeping them as paper. Paper bonds instead of cashing them. So looking at the age first and foremost is great. If you haven't looked at them in a long time, if you've had them for a long time, it is likely that you're not facing any kind of penalty by withdrawing early.
But that is something to consider if you did get a savings bond recently. So so let's say it's the former and that you do have that old savings bond. Cashing it out is going to be a great opportunity for you to have a little windfall or a big windfall, depending on how much the bond was. And then you can take that money and reinvested.
Use it for a purchase that you want to make or just use it to beef up your emergency bond and have it as liquid cash so that you can use it for more day to day conveniences and needs.
All right. And physically, when you're like, okay, this is good to go, these guys are ready to be cash. Do you go to your bank? Where do you go for this?
So it's important to reach out to the bank in advance to make sure that they can, in fact, cash it. Not all major banks do. So you want to maybe call around at first and make sure that you know which bank is actually going be able to accept it. If you have an electronic savings bond, then you'll go to the U.S. Treasury website and cash it there.
Okay. Quick question about the physical savings bonds. Ironically or coincidentally enough, my husband had found a stack of them literally a week ago. They were good to go. So we were like, okay. And didn't realize it kind of looks like a check on the back that you would endorse, fill in that kind of thing. I did read something on one of these Nerdwallet articles that you actually aren't supposed to fill that out before heading to the bank, correct?
Correct. Do you want to wait until you are at that moment of reimbursement? You probably want to follow along with whatever banker is working with you, whatever customer service rep is working with you to make sure that you are doing everything at the right time, at the right moment, because you don't want to accidentally create more problems for yourself with the with the process.
That'd be a big bummer. After waiting so damn long. Yes, exactly. So speaking of that, going into the physical bank branch, let's say you have your I.D. Do you need any other forms of I.D. to fear this is you on these savings bonds?
Yes. When you do go in, you need usually at least a couple of forms of ID. It's a good idea maybe to have your your state issued ID like a driver's license and maybe something like your Social Security card or passport. That way, you're you're genuinely confirming that you are who you say you are.
Right. And once you cash in those savings bonds, as we realized, you get a nice little form that you get to submit to the IRS when you have to pay your yearly taxes. What what other implications surrounding that on taxes that you need to know when it comes to cashing in savings bonds?
Right. So savings bonds actually are a lot like bank account in that way and that you do have to pay taxes on the interest that you've earned. A lot of people don't necessarily think about that usually, because always in the past, interest rates have been so low that you don't really have enough that to like really register by paying a lot of taxes on what I've earned.
But when it comes to a savings bond, that could be quite a bit of money if you've had it for decades. So it's important to make sure that you're taking that into consideration as your, you know, check cashing out that savings bond and making sure that you have that money set aside to pay Uncle Sam.
It all catches up to us eventually. Right. This is just maybe me thinking out loud here. Another thing we didn't realize about the savings bonds is, hey, aside from them being a valuable thing to have and keep safe your Social Security number, at least on the physical ones from 30 years ago, plus have your whole social on them, which I didn't realize.
And I think maybe not everybody realizes that.
Right? Yeah, it's kind of wild how we could be so at risk for something like that. That's such a official government documentation. Yes. So. So the physical security of your savings bonds is something to think about and consider. Hopefully your parents kept it in a safe place, maybe a security deposit box or in your safe at home or in some filing cabinet that is hard to know.
You know where exactly it is. People were not able to rifle through it and find your Social Security number just hanging out. So, yeah, when it comes to any kind of government documentation that could potentially put you at risk for some kind of identity theft or, you know, someone using your Social Security to open new accounts, it make sure that you are keeping it somewhere safe and away from prying eyes.
Lovely, lovely. Always good advice for multiple things, unfortunately. Speaking of these savings bonds and kind of being a thing of yesteryear when it came to anniversaries or birthdays, baptisms, other special events, where where do you savings bonds come in today's world? Is it a weird thing to give out nowadays, or is it actually coming back? Is it hot?
Yeah, you don't hear about it a ton, but you know a lot of older folks who are looking for a gift to give, maybe a new grandchild or a parent looking to give something to their child that's going to mature over the course of their young adulthood. You know, savings bond can still be something pretty, pretty great to get because it does help hedge against the rate of inflation and help you earn interest.
And it's perhaps a little less technical than having to manage a savings account for that long period of time. So being able to add that beneficiary or co-owner on the savings bond makes it pretty easy to transfer as a gift. And I would say the main difference these days, though, is that paper bonds are probably not as frequently used as electronic ones.
Electronic ones are also a little bit easier to cash. As I mentioned a moment ago, you can do it online and that's just the way the world has had it in a lot of different ways when it comes to finances is being able to just manage everything electronically. So that's probably how things are changed these days. But there are, of course, other options for setting up money for your child or grandchild.
You know, college savings accounts and things like that are also fairly common.
Aside from gift giving or out of the goodness of your heart when to give one of these out, would you suggest getting some of your own personal life or your own finance?
Hmm. That could be something doable, but something worth noting though. So. So keep in mind, I'm not a financial advisor when it comes to investments. This is just me as a personal finance writer. But when it comes to investing in savings, bonds do tend to pale in comparison to how mutual funds or other stock based investments do over a long enough period of time.
So if you're looking for something like investing and saving for retirement, that's where 41k comes into play. Or if you do want to do a college 529 investment for your child, you are likely to earn more interest than you potentially would with the savings bond on both savings bonds. There is the nice factor that is a guaranteed return, whereas saving in the stock market, you know it it could be volatile, especially in the short term.
So that's why you're thinking of the longer term investments. Stock market investing is definitely something to look for.
Okay. All important things to think of as you look at your finances. Is there anything else that you want to add about cashing in savings bonds, savings bonds in general in the year 2023?
Yeah. So savings bonds could be a solid part of a, you know, diversified portfolio for your finances. You know, there are all kinds of vehicles that you can use to set aside money in interest if you're looking at just a regular banking products right now, savings accounts, the answer certificates of deposit are earning relatively high interest rates compared to how they have been in recent years.
So you could look into that. You could look at a CD if you want to access that money sooner than you might think. On savings, bonds could be very long term and therefore less accessible and less liquid for things that you might need in the short to medium term. So just making sure you know what kind of options are available to you, what kind of rates you could potentially get.
And and of course, you know, your own tolerance for risk and how you like to manage your money. But it's definitely a worthwhile option if that's something that you think you would benefit from.
Beautiful. Sounds good. Thank you.

Have a stack of old savings bonds? Learn how to cash those in with these simple steps

Flying isn't always the most enjoyable part of a vacation and some of the biggest airports in America can challenge even the most patient traveler. 

But not every airport has to cause frustration. There are a lot of smaller airports, even ones near big cities like Los Angeles or major vacation destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, that offer a charming experience.

On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Sally French of NerdWallet about her article: 9 of America’s Most Charming Airports

French's list highlights airports that offer unbeatable views, unique amenities and a great atmosphere. To qualify for this list, airports also had to have fewer than 1.5 million arriving passengers in 2022. By comparison, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International had more than 37 million arriving passengers in 2022.

Before you book your next trip, give these airports your consideration.

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host Nat Cardona. Believe it or not, not every airport will leave you stressed out as you travel. NerdWallet has rounded up a collection of nine U.S. airports that are enjoyable to spend time in. We have travel expert Sally French joining us today with more. We will start at the beginning of the list with number nine.

Hit me with it. One of the airports that NerdWallet loves is Long Beach Airport. It's in southern California and it is not too far from LAX, which is one of the largest airports in America. And that airport is wild to navigate. You have to take shuttles everywhere, even just to get to your Uber or Lyft. But another alternative airport that might be really compelling is Long Beach.

So it is on the larger end of all the airports that NerdWallet analyzed, about 1.3 million passengers arriving each year in 2022 at least. But this airport is absolutely charming. It really has that sort of art deco style. It was built in 1941. The architecture just makes you feel like you're traveling back in that golden age of air travel.

And what's really great about the airport now is that they've taken advantage of southern California's beautiful weather and a huge portion of the airport is entirely outdoors. So as you're waiting for your flight, you can sit and enjoy. And it's not just any old outdoors. It's beautifully landscaped, a really nice. And that you can take advantage of getting that last dose of Southern California sun before you jump on your flight.

I never would have known that. Thanks for sharing. Very cool. Very definitely. If you can get out of the flying into LAX and instead fly in to Long Beach for your Southern California vacations, Absolutely. Do it. Noted. Next up, we have number eight. Bozeman at Yellowstone International Airport is number eight. And these airports are all ranked by the number of passengers arriving or departing from them.

So so this isn't necessarily a ranking of how much we like them, but just their size. But Bozeman, Yellowstone has become especially compelling in pandemic era travel, when everyone wanted to go to national parks. What better National Park to go to than Bozeman, Yellowstone, and chose Yellowstone to be the national park and in most people would fly into Bozeman, which puts you pretty close to the west entrance of Yellowstone.

And this airport, just like the rest of your Yellowstone experience, is probably going to be has really nice cozy mountain vibes. There's a fireplace inside so you can sit by that fire, warm up, feel like you're in the mountains when you're really just in the airport and then eventually go off to your Yellowstone vacation. Yeah, that's a beautiful little addition to your already cozy trip.

Who knew your stay at the airport, whether you're landing or go. And that's great. Number seven. Looks like we have the Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Yes. So Asheville is already a city known for its vibrant art scene. And I love that Asheville Regional Airport sort of extends that directly into the airport. So while you're there, you can see local art on the walls.

It's often coming from local artists, local school groups, and there's often live music. So you might see a local choir performing some folk musicians, a grand piano, and so you get a free little concert before your flight. It's awesome. I got to go there. I love it. Number six looks like we're heading back to California for our most charming.

We're heading back to California, and this time we're going to Santa Barbara, California. And so a lot of people very much like the Long Beach situation when they're taking a trip to Santa Barbara, they might think that they need to fly in to LAX. But if you're heading north of Los Angeles, you can be far better served by flying into Santa Barbara.

This airport is really, really tiny. Only a couple little gates, but it's got an incredible Mediterranean style. And if you've been to Santa Barbara, most of the city is also in this same Mediterranean style. There's Spanish murals that really distinctive architecture. And this airport, again, much like Long Beach, has a small little outdoor airport area. It's not as big as long beaches, but again, you can soak up that SoCal sun while you're waiting for your flight.

And if you do actually go inside, it's absolutely gorgeous. It kind of reminds me of other things you might see in Santa Barbara like this in a Barbara mission or just that general esthetic walking around downtown. And even better, now that I'm looking at the airlines that are there, I mean, the big ones are included American, Southwest, United and Alaska.

That's great. It's also yeah, and it's definitely growing. Southwest just joined to offer service in 2021 and you're looking at departures to Vegas. Denver. Denver is such a huge hub for connections. So is Las Vegas that it can be really easy to get there no matter where in the country you live it Perfect. Next up on the LIST, if you would, please.

Yes. So number five is Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming. And we sort of mentioned going on a trip to Yellowstone. And you might also fly into Jackson, Wyoming, and especially if you're going to the southern portion of Yellowstone or if you're going to Grand Teton National Park. Speaking of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport is really cool because it's actually located within Grand Teton National Park.

So unsurprisingly, the views at this airport are absolutely astounding. You're looking at the mountain ranges and then, you know, even besides just these unparalleled views, the airport itself is absolutely charming. There's a little Teton County Library bookshelf and you don't even need to be a library member to use it. It's one of those take a book, leave a book style shelves so you can leave one behind and then take, take, take a book with you for your flight home.

Oh, good old middle America for you. I love it. I love it. I love it. Very cool. Very cool. Number four, it looks like Cherry Capital Airport. Tell me more about this. Well, we're staying in Middle America and absolutely, just like those Jackson Airport vibes, Cherry Capital Airport has those very similar homey, cozy vibes. This airport is located in Traverse City, Michigan, and this airport has really incredible architecture.

It's inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. So you can expect to see kind of that stained glass esthetic, all that stone, a lot of really nice copper light fixtures, much like how the Jackson airport's got a fireplace. This one has a fireplace, too. So it's one of these places where it feels like you're hanging out in an amazing lodge rather than in this horrible gross airport is just getting, say, dirty carpets and blank white walls.

Yeah, I would definitely trade that. For all of the things you've mentioned thus far. I mean, out of any of these places. Number three here, tell me how to pronounce this. This is a tough one. Oh, you know what? You're putting me on the spot, but I'm going to guess that it precludes International Airport. And we are heading to Alaska now.

This airport made the list for obviously being really small. There were about 125,000 passengers departing in 2022. But the reason it makes the list in particular for being charming is how you get to this airport. You are not rolling up in the shuttle bus. You're not driving up in your car to get here. You are boarding a ferry.

So you take a brief ferry ride. It's like 5 minutes on, but you need to take the ferry to actually get to the airport, which I think just completely adds to this experience of an incredible, memorable vacation. Awesome. I might never find myself there, but maybe I wish I do now. But you can't have too many bags because you're going to have to take them on the ferry as well as the airplane.

It's probably my husband's dream. You don't need to bring that big of a bag. All right. Number two, looks like we have Martha's Vineyard Airport. We are heading to Martha's Vineyard for number two. This is in Massachusetts. And this airport reflects the same Cape Cod style that you can expect to see across the broader island of Martha's Vineyard.

So we're talking those cedars, shingles, views of the lighthouses, views of the beach. It is It's located in the middle of the island, which makes it a really convenient location. And what's nice about this airport is it's so close to where you're probably going to stay. Many people, when they stay at Martha's Vineyard, if they're not staying in a bigger vacation rental farther off the island, they'll probably stay in Edgartown.

And what I love about this airport is a lot of people are thinking about Martha's Vineyard as being a public transit hub. But you can hop on the bus and it is a three minute bus ride to Edgartown, which is that Maine Seaport Village. So incredible location, which makes it really easy to get on your flight home. You don't need to take a ton of time to get to the airport because it's so conveniently located.

And once you're there, the trip hasn't ended because you're getting that beautiful Cape Cod vibes even while you're waiting for your flight.

All right. My personal favorite, the last one on the list. You know, now I feel like this is my personal favorite as well. It's number one for being absolutely tiny. There were about 6000 departing passengers in 2022. So that's why it makes the number one spot. But I really do think it deserves the number one spot. Just in general.

This airport is located in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri. Now, Branson, Missouri, is this absolutely amazing family entertainment hub in the Midwest. So, you know, when you go to Branson, there's a lot to do. There's a lot of live entertainment. There's a historic downtown. There's lakes, there's museums, and it's kind of like this like Wild West vibe.

And that's exactly what the airport is like as well. In fact, there is an actual creek that flows inside the airport. And then when you're there, the Missouri Fun doesn't stop. But Bass Pro Shops is headquartered nearby, and so there's actually a mini bass pro shops inside the airport. What better suited area than that? And if you don't want to do that, you can just hang out inside the airport, which has absolutely hilarious and adorable facades like a saloon and a sawmill.

It just seems like so much fun inside this airport. It's like a it's like a miniature Disneyland as you're waiting for your flight special place. Looks like it's out of a storybook, which is actually very fitting for that area. So. Oh, I love it. Well, that wraps up the end of this. And most nine most charming airports list.

I got to ask you, Sally, have you been to any of these yourself? You? Yes, in fact, I have been to most of them. I haven't been to Alaska, but I'm waiting to hop on that boat. I'm actually a Southern California girl at heart. So I make it a point to fly in and out of Long Beach Airport whenever possible.

It's not the closest to my family, but it is worth it because it's a far better airport experience. So many people think of airports as being miserable, being loud, being chaotic. It's a long TSA line. And then once you get there, you're sitting in this chair that seems like it was designed for like some sort of elephant to sit in because it fits No.

One. And, you know, the loudspeaker is blaring, but all of these airports really make air travel enjoyable. And so many people hate air travel. And I think it's because they've only been exposed to these brutal airports. But when you go to these charming ones, it really, really makes air travel actually fun and actually part of the vacation experience.

So I would go out of my way, whether it's long Beach for me to go home or just taking a little trip to any of these other airports, absolutely worth it. I'm glad I asked that. Thank you so much, Sally. I appreciate it. Thanks for taking some time out with me. Absolutely.

Flying isn't always the most enjoyable part of a vacation and some of the biggest airports in America can challenge even the most patient traveler. 
But not every airport has to cause frustration. There are a lot of smaller airports, even ones near big cities like Los Angeles or major vacation destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, that offer a charming experience.
On the latest episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona talks with Sally French of NerdWallet about her article: <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chaming-airports">9 of America’s Most Charming Airports</a>
French's list highlights airports that offer unbeatable views, unique amenities and a great atmosphere. To qualify for this list, airports also had to have fewer than 1.5 million arriving passengers in 2022. By comparison, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International had more than 37 million arriving passengers in 2022.
Before you book your next trip, give these airports your consideration.
About this program
Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise as well as Lee Enterprise's true-crime podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/late-edition-crime-beat-chronicles">Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles</a>. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. <a href="https://linktr.ee/leepodcasts">Learn more here</a>.
Episode transcript
Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:
Welcome to Pennywise, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm your host Nat Cardona. Believe it or not, not every airport will leave you stressed out as you travel. NerdWallet has rounded up a collection of nine U.S. airports that are enjoyable to spend time in. We have travel expert Sally French joining us today with more. We will start at the beginning of the list with number nine.
Hit me with it. One of the airports that NerdWallet loves is Long Beach Airport. It's in southern California and it is not too far from LAX, which is one of the largest airports in America. And that airport is wild to navigate. You have to take shuttles everywhere, even just to get to your Uber or Lyft. But another alternative airport that might be really compelling is Long Beach.
So it is on the larger end of all the airports that NerdWallet analyzed, about 1.3 million passengers arriving each year in 2022 at least. But this airport is absolutely charming. It really has that sort of art deco style. It was built in 1941. The architecture just makes you feel like you're traveling back in that golden age of air travel.
And what's really great about the airport now is that they've taken advantage of southern California's beautiful weather and a huge portion of the airport is entirely outdoors. So as you're waiting for your flight, you can sit and enjoy. And it's not just any old outdoors. It's beautifully landscaped, a really nice. And that you can take advantage of getting that last dose of Southern California sun before you jump on your flight.
I never would have known that. Thanks for sharing. Very cool. Very definitely. If you can get out of the flying into LAX and instead fly in to Long Beach for your Southern California vacations, Absolutely. Do it. Noted. Next up, we have number eight. Bozeman at Yellowstone International Airport is number eight. And these airports are all ranked by the number of passengers arriving or departing from them.
So so this isn't necessarily a ranking of how much we like them, but just their size. But Bozeman, Yellowstone has become especially compelling in pandemic era travel, when everyone wanted to go to national parks. What better National Park to go to than Bozeman, Yellowstone, and chose Yellowstone to be the national park and in most people would fly into Bozeman, which puts you pretty close to the west entrance of Yellowstone.
And this airport, just like the rest of your Yellowstone experience, is probably going to be has really nice cozy mountain vibes. There's a fireplace inside so you can sit by that fire, warm up, feel like you're in the mountains when you're really just in the airport and then eventually go off to your Yellowstone vacation. Yeah, that's a beautiful little addition to your already cozy trip.
Who knew your stay at the airport, whether you're landing or go. And that's great. Number seven. Looks like we have the Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Yes. So Asheville is already a city known for its vibrant art scene. And I love that Asheville Regional Airport sort of extends that directly into the airport. So while you're there, you can see local art on the walls.
It's often coming from local artists, local school groups, and there's often live music. So you might see a local choir performing some folk musicians, a grand piano, and so you get a free little concert before your flight. It's awesome. I got to go there. I love it. Number six looks like we're heading back to California for our most charming.
We're heading back to California, and this time we're going to Santa Barbara, California. And so a lot of people very much like the Long Beach situation when they're taking a trip to Santa Barbara, they might think that they need to fly in to LAX. But if you're heading north of Los Angeles, you can be far better served by flying into Santa Barbara.
This airport is really, really tiny. Only a couple little gates, but it's got an incredible Mediterranean style. And if you've been to Santa Barbara, most of the city is also in this same Mediterranean style. There's Spanish murals that really distinctive architecture. And this airport, again, much like Long Beach, has a small little outdoor airport area. It's not as big as long beaches, but again, you can soak up that SoCal sun while you're waiting for your flight.
And if you do actually go inside, it's absolutely gorgeous. It kind of reminds me of other things you might see in Santa Barbara like this in a Barbara mission or just that general esthetic walking around downtown. And even better, now that I'm looking at the airlines that are there, I mean, the big ones are included American, Southwest, United and Alaska.
That's great. It's also yeah, and it's definitely growing. Southwest just joined to offer service in 2021 and you're looking at departures to Vegas. Denver. Denver is such a huge hub for connections. So is Las Vegas that it can be really easy to get there no matter where in the country you live it Perfect. Next up on the LIST, if you would, please.
Yes. So number five is Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming. And we sort of mentioned going on a trip to Yellowstone. And you might also fly into Jackson, Wyoming, and especially if you're going to the southern portion of Yellowstone or if you're going to Grand Teton National Park. Speaking of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport is really cool because it's actually located within Grand Teton National Park.
So unsurprisingly, the views at this airport are absolutely astounding. You're looking at the mountain ranges and then, you know, even besides just these unparalleled views, the airport itself is absolutely charming. There's a little Teton County Library bookshelf and you don't even need to be a library member to use it. It's one of those take a book, leave a book style shelves so you can leave one behind and then take, take, take a book with you for your flight home.
Oh, good old middle America for you. I love it. I love it. I love it. Very cool. Very cool. Number four, it looks like Cherry Capital Airport. Tell me more about this. Well, we're staying in Middle America and absolutely, just like those Jackson Airport vibes, Cherry Capital Airport has those very similar homey, cozy vibes. This airport is located in Traverse City, Michigan, and this airport has really incredible architecture.
It's inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. So you can expect to see kind of that stained glass esthetic, all that stone, a lot of really nice copper light fixtures, much like how the Jackson airport's got a fireplace. This one has a fireplace, too. So it's one of these places where it feels like you're hanging out in an amazing lodge rather than in this horrible gross airport is just getting, say, dirty carpets and blank white walls.
Yeah, I would definitely trade that. For all of the things you've mentioned thus far. I mean, out of any of these places. Number three here, tell me how to pronounce this. This is a tough one. Oh, you know what? You're putting me on the spot, but I'm going to guess that it precludes International Airport. And we are heading to Alaska now.
This airport made the list for obviously being really small. There were about 125,000 passengers departing in 2022. But the reason it makes the list in particular for being charming is how you get to this airport. You are not rolling up in the shuttle bus. You're not driving up in your car to get here. You are boarding a ferry.
So you take a brief ferry ride. It's like 5 minutes on, but you need to take the ferry to actually get to the airport, which I think just completely adds to this experience of an incredible, memorable vacation. Awesome. I might never find myself there, but maybe I wish I do now. But you can't have too many bags because you're going to have to take them on the ferry as well as the airplane.
It's probably my husband's dream. You don't need to bring that big of a bag. All right. Number two, looks like we have Martha's Vineyard Airport. We are heading to Martha's Vineyard for number two. This is in Massachusetts. And this airport reflects the same Cape Cod style that you can expect to see across the broader island of Martha's Vineyard.
So we're talking those cedars, shingles, views of the lighthouses, views of the beach. It is It's located in the middle of the island, which makes it a really convenient location. And what's nice about this airport is it's so close to where you're probably going to stay. Many people, when they stay at Martha's Vineyard, if they're not staying in a bigger vacation rental farther off the island, they'll probably stay in Edgartown.
And what I love about this airport is a lot of people are thinking about Martha's Vineyard as being a public transit hub. But you can hop on the bus and it is a three minute bus ride to Edgartown, which is that Maine Seaport Village. So incredible location, which makes it really easy to get on your flight home. You don't need to take a ton of time to get to the airport because it's so conveniently located.
And once you're there, the trip hasn't ended because you're getting that beautiful Cape Cod vibes even while you're waiting for your flight.
All right. My personal favorite, the last one on the list. You know, now I feel like this is my personal favorite as well. It's number one for being absolutely tiny. There were about 6000 departing passengers in 2022. So that's why it makes the number one spot. But I really do think it deserves the number one spot. Just in general.
This airport is located in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri. Now, Branson, Missouri, is this absolutely amazing family entertainment hub in the Midwest. So, you know, when you go to Branson, there's a lot to do. There's a lot of live entertainment. There's a historic downtown. There's lakes, there's museums, and it's kind of like this like Wild West vibe.
And that's exactly what the airport is like as well. In fact, there is an actual creek that flows inside the airport. And then when you're there, the Missouri Fun doesn't stop. But Bass Pro Shops is headquartered nearby, and so there's actually a mini bass pro shops inside the airport. What better suited area than that? And if you don't want to do that, you can just hang out inside the airport, which has absolutely hilarious and adorable facades like a saloon and a sawmill.
It just seems like so much fun inside this airport. It's like a it's like a miniature Disneyland as you're waiting for your flight special place. Looks like it's out of a storybook, which is actually very fitting for that area. So. Oh, I love it. Well, that wraps up the end of this. And most nine most charming airports list.
I got to ask you, Sally, have you been to any of these yourself? You? Yes, in fact, I have been to most of them. I haven't been to Alaska, but I'm waiting to hop on that boat. I'm actually a Southern California girl at heart. So I make it a point to fly in and out of Long Beach Airport whenever possible.
It's not the closest to my family, but it is worth it because it's a far better airport experience. So many people think of airports as being miserable, being loud, being chaotic. It's a long TSA line. And then once you get there, you're sitting in this chair that seems like it was designed for like some sort of elephant to sit in because it fits No.
One. And, you know, the loudspeaker is blaring, but all of these airports really make air travel enjoyable. And so many people hate air travel. And I think it's because they've only been exposed to these brutal airports. But when you go to these charming ones, it really, really makes air travel actually fun and actually part of the vacation experience.
So I would go out of my way, whether it's long Beach for me to go home or just taking a little trip to any of these other airports, absolutely worth it. I'm glad I asked that. Thank you so much, Sally. I appreciate it. Thanks for taking some time out with me. Absolutely.

Nine of the most charming airports in America for your consideration

Travel is the fastest growing segment of the "buy now, pay later" purchasing trend. It may work for some, but there are some big pitfalls, too.

Helping us navigate the scenarios with host Teri Barr is Sally French, a travel expert with NerdWallet, to help explain the pros and cons.

Travel is the fastest growing segment of the "buy now, pay later" purchasing trend. It may work for some, but there are some big pitfalls, too.
Helping us navigate the scenarios with host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/author/sfrench/">Sally French</a>, a travel expert with NerdWallet, to help explain the pros and cons.

3 tips before you use buy now, pay later to fund travel costs

Is there any new information about the student loan debt cancellation plan from the President?

Host Teri Barr is finding out by talking with Cecilia Clark, a student loan specialist with NerdWallet.

Clark also answers the five biggest and most confusing questions about student debt cancellation, including if the lawsuits filed against the President's plan are going to the Supreme Court anytime soon, plus two new parts of the plan to consider if you are already thinking about bankruptcy.

Also, the income-driven repayment plan hasn't received a whole lot of attention, but could be important for many borrowers:
How the New Income-Driven Repayment Plan Works

More from Cecilia at NerdWallet:
Is $20K Student Debt Forgiveness Still Going to Happen?
What to Do With Your Remaining Student Loan Debt
Unlock the College Financial Aid You Need Starting Oct. 1

Is there any new information about the student loan debt cancellation plan from the President?
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is finding out by talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/cecilia-clark">Cecilia Clark</a>, a student loan specialist with NerdWallet.
Clark also answers the five biggest and most confusing questions about student debt cancellation, including if the lawsuits filed against the President's plan are going to the Supreme Court anytime soon, plus two new parts of the plan to consider if you are already thinking about bankruptcy.
Also, the income-driven repayment plan hasn't received a whole lot of attention, but could be important for many borrowers:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/the-new-idr-plan">How the New Income-Driven Repayment Plan Works</a></li>
</ul>
More from Cecilia at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/debt-relief-lawsuits-qa">Is $20K Student Debt Forgiveness Still Going to Happen?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/what-to-do-with-your-remaining-student-loan-debt">What to Do With Your Remaining Student Loan Debt</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/2023-24-fafsa-opens">Unlock the College Financial Aid You Need Starting Oct. 1</a></li>
</ul>

Answers to 5 confusing student loan debt cancellation questions

If you have one checking and one savings account, you have what's considered, the typical accounts. But could you — and your money — be doing better?

PennyWise host Teri Barr is talking with Chanelle Bessette, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it pays to do an annual review of your bank accounts.

Chanelle also shares the five questions to ask yourself to understand if your current set up is working best for you or if it's time to consider some other options.

Past Pennywise episodes with Chanelle Bessette as the guest:
4 things to consider before changing banks
Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings
Looking for a different way to save money? 4 rules for starting your own savings circle

More from Chanelle on NerdWallet:
Carver Federal Savings Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types
Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?
4 Bank App Features You Might Be Missing Out On

If you have one checking and one savings account, you have what's considered, the typical accounts. But could you — and your money — be doing better?
PennyWise host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/chanelle-bessette">Chanelle Bessette</a>, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it pays to do an annual review of your bank accounts.
Chanelle also shares the five questions to ask yourself to understand if your current set up is working best for you or if it's time to consider some other options.
Past Pennywise episodes with Chanelle Bessette as the guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/4-things-to-consider-before-changing-banks">4 things to consider before changing banks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-of-five-americans-are-choosing-to-reallocate">Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/looking-for-a-different-way-to-save-money-4-rules">Looking for a different way to save money? 4 rules for starting your own savings circle</a></li>
</ul>
More from Chanelle on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/banking/carver-bank?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Carver%20Federal%20Savings%20Bank%20Review%3A%20Checking%2C%20Savings%20and%20CDs&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Carver Federal Savings Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/overdraft-protection-what-it-is-and-different-types">Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/ask-a-nerd-will-interest-rates-continue-to-rise">Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/4-bank-app-features-you-might-be-missing-out-on">4 Bank App Features You Might Be Missing Out On</a></li>
</ul>

5 questions to ask to better understand if you have the right bank accounts

A new survey shows one in three Americans say their resolution for 2023 will focus on finances.

PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with Jill Gonzalez, a Spokesperson for WalletHub, to learn why the number of Americans making a money-related resolution is higher than in the past. Jill also shares four ways to make your resolution stick throughout the year.

A new survey shows one in three Americans say their resolution for 2023 will focus on finances.
PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillrgonzalez">Jill Gonzalez</a>, a Spokesperson for <a href="https://wallethub.com/">WalletHub</a>, to learn why the number of Americans making a money-related resolution is higher than in the past. Jill also shares four ways to make your resolution stick throughout the year.

4 ways to make your money-related resolutions stick

If you are still searching for a one-of-a-kind last minute present, here's a unique idea for your holiday shopping -- check out a thrift store!

PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn why the idea of thrifting for gifts is trending right now. Kimberly also shares five benefits you'll enjoy when spending your hard-earned-money at a resale store.

If you are still searching for a one-of-a-kind last minute present, here's a unique idea for your holiday shopping -- check out a thrift store!
PennyWise Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn why the idea of thrifting for gifts is trending right now. Kimberly also shares five benefits you'll enjoy when spending your hard-earned-money at a resale store.

Need a last minute gift idea? 5 reasons to try a thrift store

Planning carefully now can help you before it's time to file your 2022 taxes next year.

PennyWise host Teri Barr talks with Andy Rosen, investing and tax spokesperson for NerdWallet, to learn why — even though the holiday season is busy — it's also important to think about your taxes before the end of the year. Andy also shares five things to consider to support your planning efforts.

Planning carefully now can help you before it's time to file your 2022 taxes next year.
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise">PennyWise</a> host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/andy-rosen">Andy Rosen</a>, investing and tax spokesperson for <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/">NerdWallet</a>, to learn why — even though the holiday season is busy — it's also important to think about your taxes before the end of the year. Andy also shares five things to consider to support your planning efforts.

5 tax tips to consider as the end of the year approaches

Winter travel, especially during the holidays, can be trying on both your patience and your pocketbook.

PennyWise host Teri Barr is talking with John Kiernan, managing editor at WalletHub, to learn why it's especially important to plan ahead for your travels. Kiernan also shares five important tips to make your travels, smooth sailing.

Helpful links from WalletHub:
Best Travel Credit Cards
2022 Winter Travel Survey
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

Winter travel, especially during the holidays, can be trying on both your patience and your pocketbook.
PennyWise host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://wallethub.com/profile/13301077i">John Kiernan</a>, managing editor at <a href="https://wallethub.com/">WalletHub</a>, to learn why it's especially important to plan ahead for your travels. Kiernan also shares five important tips to make your travels, smooth sailing.
Helpful links from WalletHub:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wallethub.com/best-travel-credit-cards__;!!LvYzicI!lZR8BEuVWF1texyXY5fzuXSsnxSjeTlBSlfDgIK5WtLRFB_ii20qhVbsAfeaoETqb8zUBgfs4H5DJtI$">Best Travel Credit Cards</a></li>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wallethub.com/blog/winter-travel-survey/54756__;!!LvYzicI!lZR8BEuVWF1texyXY5fzuXSsnxSjeTlBSlfDgIK5WtLRFB_ii20qhVbsAfeaoETqb8zUBgfsCEUQR5U$">2022 Winter Travel Survey</a></li>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/no-foreign-transaction-fee/__;!!LvYzicI!lZR8BEuVWF1texyXY5fzuXSsnxSjeTlBSlfDgIK5WtLRFB_ii20qhVbsAfeaoETqb8zUBgfs1b5jLFA$">Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards</a></li>
</ul>

5 winter travel tips to save your patience and your pocketbook

Could more disruptions in the supply chain lead to new shortages on store shelves?

Host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a Personal Finance Expert with Nerd Wallet, to learn if supply chain issues are expected to derail the holidays. Kimberly also shares four things to consider right now -- from retailers overstocking to weather and strikes impacting items you may have on your shopping list.

More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
Holiday Survival Strategies From 5 Financial Educators
5 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Shopping This Season

Could more disruptions in the supply chain lead to new shortages on store shelves?
Host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with Nerd Wallet, to learn if supply chain issues are expected to derail the holidays. Kimberly also shares four things to consider right now -- from retailers overstocking to weather and strikes impacting items you may have on your shopping list.
More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/holiday-survival-strategies-from-5-financial-educators">Holiday Survival Strategies From 5 Financial Educators</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-ways-to-save-money-on-holiday-shopping-this-season">5 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Shopping This Season</a></li>
</ul>

4 tips to get ahead of holiday season supply chain shortages

Are you considering a way to support a charity or nonprofit right now?

PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with Adam McCann, a Financial Writer and Editor with WalletHub, to learn whether you should donate time or money this holiday. He shares five great tips to help you make the right decision when it comes to your time or money and how it helps make a difference for others.
Determine the best value of volunteer hours versus working more and giving cash: Charity Calculator
Find a charity and see how it rates: Charity Navigator

Are you considering a way to support a charity or nonprofit right now?
PennyWise Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://wallethub.com/profile/15598394i">Adam McCann</a>, a Financial Writer and Editor with <a href="https://wallethub.com/">WalletHub</a>, to learn whether you should donate time or money this holiday. He shares five great tips to help you make the right decision when it comes to your time or money and how it helps make a difference for others.
<ul>
<li>Determine the best value of volunteer hours versus working more and giving cash: <a href="https://wallethub.com/charity-calculator/">Charity Calculator</a></li>
<li>Find a charity and see how it rates: <a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/?c_src=WPAIDSEARCH&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr-9_rniFnqVpf-OnAp4xiv5XFPlbsi4sTmPJ_55BW2Knr7Osen8wf3saAohSEALw_wcB">Charity Navigator</a></li>
</ul>

5 tips for donating your time or money this holiday season

Are you struggling to find the perfect present right now? PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with Milvionne Chery, a Personal Finance Editor for WalletHub, to learn how a gift card can take the guesswork (and stress) out of your gift-giving.

Milvionne also shares five important tips you need to know if you plan to purchase any gift cards for others this holiday season.
Best Gift Cards in 2022
Can You Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card?

Are you struggling to find the perfect present right now? PennyWise Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://wallethub.com/profile/68371234i">Milvionne Chery</a>, a Personal Finance Editor for <a href="https://wallethub.com/">WalletHub</a>, to learn how a gift card can take the guesswork (and stress) out of your gift-giving.
Milvionne also shares five important tips you need to know if you plan to purchase any gift cards for others this holiday season.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/best-gift-cards/27133__;!!LvYzicI!nV-XS_BKBO-KlezkO8BRAUrnydI316euR9P6jl_jK-GYcPRpJqnLqNno4tzSEdjaFnXxVXUzKmwEJA$">Best Gift Cards in 2022</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/can-you-buy-gift-cards-with-a-credit-card-2140662766/">Can You Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card?</a><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/can-you-buy-gift-cards-with-a-credit-card-2140662766/__;!!LvYzicI!nV-XS_BKBO-KlezkO8BRAUrnydI316euR9P6jl_jK-GYcPRpJqnLqNno4tzSEdjaFnXxVXU5zKy7pg$"></a></li>
</ul>

5 tips to consider if you're giving gift cards this holiday season

Are you working on your gift list but you also really need to stick to your budget?

PennyWise Host Teri Barr is talking with Christie Matherne, a Personal Finance Writer and Editor for WalletHub, to learn why a new survey shows many shoppers will spend thousands of dollars, despite not having the budget to support these big holiday purchases.

Christine also shares five tips to help you save money during the gift-giving season!

Are you working on your gift list but you also really need to stick to your budget?
PennyWise Host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://wallethub.com/profile/15862659i">Christie Matherne</a>, a Personal Finance Writer and Editor for WalletHub, to learn why a new survey shows many shoppers will spend thousands of dollars, despite not having the budget to support these big holiday purchases.
Christine also shares five tips to help you save money during the gift-giving season!

5 gift-giving tips that won't break your budget

The student loan debt plan is on hold, again, and no one knows if or when it's coming. What could this mean for you?

Host Teri Barr is talking with Cecilia Clark, a student loans expert with Nerd Wallet, to learn why this newest hold on the program could take awhile and three things you need to know about right now, including making your loan payments again in the New Year.

The latest from Cecilia at NerdWallet:
Is $20K Student Debt Forgiveness Still Going to Happen? - NerdWallet
What to Do With Your Remaining Student Loan Debt - NerdWallet
Unlock the College Financial Aid You Need Starting Oct. 1 - NerdWallet

More episodes on debt:
Pros and cons of holiday shopping with store credit cards
Don't wait! 3 steps to help you start tackling debt right now
3 ways debt can be a helpful tool

The student loan debt plan is on hold, again, and no one knows if or when it's coming. What could this mean for you?
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/cecilia-clark">Cecilia Clark</a>, a student loans expert with Nerd Wallet, to learn why this newest hold on the program could take awhile and three things you need to know about right now, including making your loan payments again in the New Year.
The latest from Cecilia at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/debt-relief-lawsuits-qa">Is $20K Student Debt Forgiveness Still Going to Happen? - NerdWallet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/what-to-do-with-your-remaining-student-loan-debt">What to Do With Your Remaining Student Loan Debt - NerdWallet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/2023-24-fafsa-opens">Unlock the College Financial Aid You Need Starting Oct. 1 - NerdWallet</a></li>
</ul>
More episodes on debt:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/holiday-shopping-store-credit-card-pros-cons">Pros and cons of holiday shopping with store credit cards</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/dont-wait-3-steps-to-help-you-start-tackling-debt">Don't wait! 3 steps to help you start tackling debt right now</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/3-times-debt-can-be-a-helpful-tool">3 ways debt can be a helpful tool</a></li>
</ul>

Student debt forgiveness on hold (again): 3 things to know

Are you feeling some pressure when it comes to your holiday shopping this year? If you plan to use or open a store credit card account, there are some good and bad cards — and things to know — before you decide to swipe it as your payment.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Melissa Lambarena, a credit card expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it's important to slow down and think about financing your purchases with a store credit card. Lambarena also breaks down the pros and cons about using these types of cards during the Holidays, or anytime.

Past episodes of Pennywise with Melissa Lambarena:
Don't wait! 3 steps to help you start tackling debt right now

More from Melissa Lambarena on NerdWallet:
What Fed Interest Rate Hikes Mean for Your Credit Cards
7 Lesser-Known Credit Card Moves to Stretch Your Budget
AmEx's Member Week Brings Cardholders Exclusive Discounts

Are you feeling some pressure when it comes to your holiday shopping this year? If you plan to use or open a store credit card account, there are some good and bad cards — and things to know — before you decide to swipe it as your payment.
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/melissa-lambarena">Melissa Lambarena</a>, a credit card expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it's important to slow down and think about financing your purchases with a store credit card. Lambarena also breaks down the pros and cons about using these types of cards during the Holidays, or anytime.
Past episodes of Pennywise with Melissa Lambarena:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/dont-wait-3-steps-to-help-you-start-tackling-debt">Don't wait! 3 steps to help you start tackling debt right now</a></li>
</ul>
More from Melissa Lambarena on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/what-fed-rate-interest-hikes-mean-for-your-credit-cards">What Fed Interest Rate Hikes Mean for Your Credit Cards</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/lesser-known-credit-card-moves-to-stretch-your-budget">7 Lesser-Known Credit Card Moves to Stretch Your Budget</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/amex-member-week-cardholder-discounts">AmEx's Member Week Brings Cardholders Exclusive Discounts</a></li>
</ul>

Pros and cons of holiday shopping with store credit cards

Prices are up more than 8% in the last year. Is that why many consumers have already started their "Black Friday" shopping?

Host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn what to expect if you are hunting for holiday deals this year, and why there are four specific things you should be prepared for while shopping.

More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
How to Handle Your Medical Bills
How to Find a Happy Balance Among Competing Savings Goals
5 Ways to Feel Richer (Even If You’re Not)
How to Plan Your Big Expenditures for the Year

Prices are up more than 8% in the last year. Is that why many consumers have already started their "Black Friday" shopping?
Host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn what to expect if you are hunting for holiday deals this year, and why there are four specific things you should be prepared for while shopping.
More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills">How to Handle Your Medical Bills</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-find-a-happy-balance-among-competing-savings-goals">How to Find a Happy Balance Among Competing Savings Goals</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-ways-to-feel-richer-even-if-youre-not">5 Ways to Feel Richer (Even If You’re Not)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-plan-big-expenditures">How to Plan Your Big Expenditures for the Year</a></li>
</ul>

Black Friday deals: 4 tips to get the biggest bang for your door-busting buck

Host Teri Barr talks with Andy Rosen, an investing and taxes spokesperson with NerdWallet, to learn about the new projections for 2023 taxes based on inflation.

If your income isn't keeping up, we'll tell you why some tax adjustments, credits and savings contributions could change your bill, and why it may be for the better.

Read more here:
Higher Inflation Could Mean Smaller Tax Bills

More from Andy on NerdWallet:
Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake in Cryptocurrency
Friendly Reminder: Celebrity Crypto Endorsements Don’t Mean Much
What Are Smart Contracts in Cryptocurrency?

Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/andy-rosen">Andy Rosen</a>, an investing and taxes spokesperson with NerdWallet, to learn about the new projections for 2023 taxes based on inflation.
If your income isn't keeping up, we'll tell you why some tax adjustments, credits and savings contributions could change your bill, and why it may be for the better.
Read more here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/income-taxes/inflation-impact-taxes">Higher Inflation Could Mean Smaller Tax Bills</a></li>
</ul>
More from Andy on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/proof-of-work-vs-proof-of-stake">Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake in Cryptocurrency</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/celebrity-crypto">Friendly Reminder: Celebrity Crypto Endorsements Don’t Mean Much</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/smart-contracts">What Are Smart Contracts in Cryptocurrency?</a></li>
</ul>

Higher inflation could mean smaller tax bills for some

A new survey shows one in five Americans have decided to put off any debt payment planning.

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Melissa Lambarena, a credit card expert with NerdWallet, to learn why so many people are deciding not to deal with their debt right now.

Melissa tells us more about the survey, than walks us through the simple but solid steps to start tackling your debt.

More from Melissa on NerdWallet:
AmEx's Member Week Brings Cardholders Exclusive Discounts
5 Things to Know About the Dick's Sporting Goods Credit Card
5 Things to Know About the JCPenney Credit Card

A <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/personal-finance">new survey</a> shows one in five Americans have decided to put off any debt payment planning.
PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/melissa-lambarena">Melissa Lambarena</a>, a credit card expert with NerdWallet, to learn why so many people are deciding not to deal with their debt right now.
Melissa tells us more about the survey, than walks us through the simple but solid steps to start tackling your debt.
More from Melissa on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/amex-member-week-cardholder-discounts">AmEx's Member Week Brings Cardholders Exclusive Discounts</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/dicks-sporting-goods-credit-card">5 Things to Know About the Dick's Sporting Goods Credit Card</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/jcpenney-credit-card">5 Things to Know About the JCPenney Credit Card</a></li>
</ul>

Don't wait! 3 steps to help you start tackling debt right now

What do you know about your credit score? PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it's important to understand some of the "myths" surrounding your credit score.

Kimberly takes us through a new survey showing most of us admit to not knowing enough, including confusion about the top three credit score myths. We talk about those and get you the right answers, too.

Past Pennywise episodes with Kimberly as the guest:
6 tips to help you save on back-to-school shopping this year!
6 steps you can take to control your food budget

More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
How to Handle Your Medical Bills
How to Find a Happy Balance Among Competing Savings Goals
5 Ways to Feel Richer (Even If You’re Not)

What do you know about your credit score? PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to learn why it's important to understand some of the "myths" surrounding your credit score.
Kimberly takes us through a new survey showing most of us admit to not knowing enough, including confusion about the top three credit score myths. We talk about those and get you the right answers, too.
Past Pennywise episodes with Kimberly as the guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/6-tips-to-help-you-save-on-back-to-school-shopping">6 tips to help you save on back-to-school shopping this year!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/6-steps-you-can-take-to-control-your-food-budget">6 steps you can take to control your food budget</a></li>
</ul>
More from Kimberly on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills">How to Handle Your Medical Bills</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-find-a-happy-balance-among-competing-savings-goals">How to Find a Happy Balance Among Competing Savings Goals</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-ways-to-feel-richer-even-if-youre-not">5 Ways to Feel Richer (Even If You’re Not)</a></li>
</ul>

3 common myths about credit scores and what you really need to know

Have you ever thought about who your bank does business with using your money in checking or savings as loans to those businesses?

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Chanelle Bessette, a banking expert with NerdWallet, to learn why more Americans want to deal with banks considered socially conscious.

Bessette explains what it means, and how you can find out if your bank is using your money to make loans to businesses that matter to you.

She'll also share details to find a socially conscious bank that matches what you care about as a customer and community member.

Learn more about what to ask if you want a socially conscious bank at the brand new hub from NerdWallet here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/ethical-finance

More from Chanelle Bessette on PennyWise:
4 things to consider before changing banks
4 rules for starting your own savings circle
Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings

The latest from Chanelle Bessette at NerdWallet:
Andrews Federal Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types 
Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?

Have you ever thought about who your bank does business with using your money in checking or savings as loans to those businesses?
PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/chanelle-bessette">Chanelle Bessette</a>, a banking expert with NerdWallet, to learn why more Americans want to deal with banks considered socially conscious.
Bessette explains what it means, and how you can find out if your bank is using your money to make loans to businesses that matter to you.
She'll also share details to find a socially conscious bank that matches what you care about as a customer and community member.
Learn more about what to ask if you want a socially conscious bank at the brand new hub from NerdWallet here: <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/ethical-finance">https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/ethical-finance</a>
More from Chanelle Bessette on PennyWise:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/4-things-to-consider-before-changing-banks">4 things to consider before changing banks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/looking-for-a-different-way-to-save-money-4-rules">4 rules for starting your own savings circle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-of-five-americans-are-choosing-to-reallocate">Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings</a></li>
</ul>
The latest from Chanelle Bessette at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/banking/andrews-federal-credit-union?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Andrews%20Federal%20Credit%20Union%20Review%3A%20Checking%2C%20Savings%20and%20CDs&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Andrews Federal Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and CDs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/overdraft-protection-what-it-is-and-different-types?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Overdraft%20Protection%3A%20What%20It%20Is%20and%20Different%20Types&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/ask-a-nerd-will-interest-rates-continue-to-rise?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Ask%20a%20Nerd%3A%20Will%20Interest%20Rates%20Continue%20to%20Rise%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?</a></li>
</ul>

What to ask if you're looking for a socially conscious bank

Do you have an extra $12,000? It's how much more experts say you are spending, on average this year, compared to two years ago.

PennyWise host Teri Barr is talking with Elizabeth Renter, a Personal Finance Data Analyst with NerdWallet, to learn more about the specific categories where you've had to spend a lot more money in 2022.

Elizabeth also shares what this means related to a recession, and what you can do about it.

More from Elizabeth on NerdWallet:
First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q2 2022
Got an Extra $11,500? You’ll Need It to Keep Up With 2022 Prices
U.S. Drivers’ Gas Spending Soars Toward $562 Billion in 2022

Do you have an extra $12,000? It's how much more experts say you are spending, on average this year, compared to two years ago.
PennyWise host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/elizabeth-renter">Elizabeth Renter</a>, a Personal Finance Data Analyst with NerdWallet, to learn more about the specific categories where you've had to spend a lot more money in 2022.
Elizabeth also shares what this means related to a recession, and what you can do about it.
More from Elizabeth on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/fthb-affordability-q22022">First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q2 2022</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/data-inflation-spending-recession">Got an Extra $11,500? You’ll Need It to Keep Up With 2022 Prices</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/data-gas-inflation">U.S. Drivers’ Gas Spending Soars Toward $562 Billion in 2022</a></li>
</ul>

An expert answers: How much money do you need this year?

Are you happy with your current bank? Our host Teri Barr is talking with Chanelle Bessette, a banking expert with NerdWallet, to learn why right now may be the perfect time to make a change!

Bessette also shares the four important things to consider if you are ready to open a new account or go to a different bank, altogether.

Past Pennywise episodes with Chanelle Bessette as the guest:
Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings
Looking for a different way to save money? 4 rules for starting your own savings circle

More from Chanelle on NerdWallet:
Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types
Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?
4 Bank App Features You Might Be Missing Out On

Are you happy with your current bank? Our host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/chanelle-bessette">Chanelle Bessette</a>, a banking expert with NerdWallet, to learn why right now may be the perfect time to make a change!
Bessette also shares the four important things to consider if you are ready to open a new account or go to a different bank, altogether.
Past Pennywise episodes with Chanelle Bessette as the guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-of-five-americans-are-choosing-to-reallocate">Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/looking-for-a-different-way-to-save-money-4-rules">Looking for a different way to save money? 4 rules for starting your own savings circle</a></li>
</ul>
More from Chanelle on NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/overdraft-protection-what-it-is-and-different-types">Overdraft Protection: What It Is and Different Types</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/ask-a-nerd-will-interest-rates-continue-to-rise">Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/4-bank-app-features-you-might-be-missing-out-on">4 Bank App Features You Might Be Missing Out On</a></li>
</ul>

4 things to consider before changing banks

Many people are remaining in their homes right now and hoping to increase the value with a remodel of their bath, kitchen or basement.

Our host Teri Barr talks with Kate Wood, a home and mortgage writer for NerdWallet, to learn what areas of a house are currently bringing the best bang for your buck.

Wood also explains why it's so important to budget for your project and shares some options to help you pay for it.

Past Pennywise episodes with Kate Wood as a guest:
Will interest rates go up again? What to do if you are a homebuyer

More from Kate at NerdWallet:
Fed Raises Target Rate Again, but Mortgage Rates Are Unfazed
Mortgage Rates Head Higher as Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest Rate
What Are Real Estate Agent Networks?

Many people are remaining in their homes right now and hoping to increase the value with a remodel of their bath, kitchen or basement.
Our host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kate-wood">Kate Wood</a>, a home and mortgage writer for NerdWallet, to learn what areas of a house are currently bringing the best bang for your buck.
Wood also explains why it's so important to budget for your project and shares some options to help you pay for it.
Past Pennywise episodes with Kate Wood as a guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/will-interest-rates-go-up-again-what-to-do-if-you">Will interest rates go up again? What to do if you are a homebuyer</a></li>
</ul>
More from Kate at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/federal-reserve-july-mortgage-rates">Fed Raises Target Rate Again, but Mortgage Rates Are Unfazed</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/federal-reserve-75-basis-points-june">Mortgage Rates Head Higher as Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest Rate</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/what-are-real-estate-agent-networks">What Are Real Estate Agent Networks?</a></li>
</ul>

Ready to renovate? Try these budgeting options to get the most bang for your buck!

Host Teri Barr talks with Sara Rathner, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, about the increase in additional costs to own and operate a new car.

A new survey from AAA shows those expenses are up 11% in the last year:
Buying a New Car? Prepare for Over $10K in Yearly Ownership Costs

Thankfully, Sara shares 8 factors to consider and be prepared for, and how knowing these can help you save money.

Past Pennywise episodes with Sara:
3 ways debt can be a helpful tool
5 tips to help avoid credit card debt
5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates

More from Sar at NerdWallet:
Best USAA Credit Cards - NerdWallet
A Scarcity Mindset Can Cost You Mentally and Financially
How the Wells Fargo Autograph Stacks Up Against Competitors 

Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sara-rathner">Sara Rathner</a>, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, about the increase in additional costs to own and operate a new car.
A new survey from AAA shows those expenses are up 11% in the last year:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/buying-a-new-car-prepare-for-over-10k-in-yearly-ownership-costs">Buying a New Car? Prepare for Over $10K in Yearly Ownership Costs</a></li>
</ul>
Thankfully, Sara shares 8 factors to consider and be prepared for, and how knowing these can help you save money.
Past Pennywise episodes with Sara:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/3-times-debt-can-be-a-helpful-tool">3 ways debt can be a helpful tool</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-tips-to-help-avoid-credit-card-debt">5 tips to help avoid credit card debt</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-tips-to-help-tackle-higher-credit-card-interest">5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sar at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-usaa-credit-cards">Best USAA Credit Cards - NerdWallet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/scarcity-money-mindset-amid-recession">A Scarcity Mindset Can Cost You Mentally and Financially</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/wells-fargo-autograph-vs-competitors">How the Wells Fargo Autograph Stacks Up Against Competitors </a></li>
</ul>

U.S. drivers are on track to spend twice as much on gas in 2022 as in 2021 — pushing overall new car ownership costs higher!

8 money-saving factors to consider when buying a new car

The cost to travel remains expensive — and airfare, which is still up by 30% compared to a year ago — isn't going down in price anytime soon.

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Sam Kemmis, a travel rewards expert with NerdWallet, to learn if there are ways to find any deals on your next flight. Kemmis has four great tips to help you find affordable airfare, but you'll also need to be flexible.

Past PennyWise episodes with Sam as a guest:
3 of the worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them

More from Sam Kemmis for NerdWallet:
Airbnb Prices: Here’s What They Actually Are
What You Should Bring to Your Next Airbnb to Make It Livable
Are People Getting COVID on Planes?
Is it Better to Book Airbnbs in Advance or Last Minute?
Has Remote Work Changed the Travel Landscape?
Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal — How to Cope

The cost to travel remains expensive — and airfare, which is still up by 30% compared to a year ago — isn't going down in price anytime soon.
PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sam-kemmis">Sam Kemmis</a>, a travel rewards expert with NerdWallet, to learn if there are ways to find any deals on your next flight. Kemmis has four great tips to help you find affordable airfare, but you'll also need to be flexible.
Past PennyWise episodes with Sam as a guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/3-of-the-worst-hidden-travel-fees-and-how-to-avoid">3 of the worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sam Kemmis for NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airbnb-prices-how-much-is-an-airbnb">Airbnb Prices: Here’s What They Actually Are</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/what-to-bring-to-an-airbnb">What You Should Bring to Your Next Airbnb to Make It Livable</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/covid-transmission-on-planes">Are People Getting COVID on Planes?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-time-to-book-airbnb">Is it Better to Book Airbnbs in Advance or Last Minute?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/remote-work-travel">Has Remote Work Changed the Travel Landscape?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airbnb-cleaning-fees-brutal">Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal — How to Cope</a></li>
</ul>

Four tips to help you find affordable airfare

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr talks with Sally French, a travel expert with NerdWallet, about the high cost to rent a car these days.

French reveals what she found during a recent analysis comparing brands, prices and where you rent your car.

She also shares her tried and true tips to help you save money the next time you need to book a car rental.

Past PennyWise episodes with Sally French as a guest:
Is room service dead? Why you're seeing other, cheaper options taking over
How to Be a 5-Star Traveler This Holiday Season
Planning a trip to Vegas? Here's what you need to know!

More from Sally for NerdWallet:
This Major Travel Cost Is Up 50% Since Before the Pandemic
Is It Worth Booking Airbnbs for 1 Week?
Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal — How to Cope
Travel Problems? 12 Ways to Make It Less Bad
Are Airbnbs Really Cheaper for Large Groups?
Avoid Airline Cancellations: How to Book Better

PennyWise Podcast host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> talks with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sally-french">Sally French</a>, a travel expert with NerdWallet, about the high cost to rent a car these days.
French reveals what she found during a recent analysis comparing brands, prices and where you rent your car.
She also shares her tried and true tips to help you save money the next time you need to book a car rental.
Past PennyWise episodes with Sally French as a guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/is-room-service-dead-why-youre-seeing-other-cheape">Is room service dead? Why you're seeing other, cheaper options taking over</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-be-a-5-star-traveler-this-holiday-season">How to Be a 5-Star Traveler This Holiday Season</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/planning-a-trip-to-vegas-heres-what-you-need-to-kn">Planning a trip to Vegas? Here's what you need to know!</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sally for NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/car-rental-price-increase">This Major Travel Cost Is Up 50% Since Before the Pandemic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/why-its-worth-booking-airbnbs-for-a-week-or-longer">Is It Worth Booking Airbnbs for 1 Week?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airbnb-cleaning-fees-brutal">Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal — How to Cope</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-problems">Travel Problems? 12 Ways to Make It Less Bad</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airbnb-for-large-groups">Are Airbnbs Really Cheaper for Large Groups?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/avoid-airline-cancellations">Avoid Airline Cancellations: How to Book Better</a></li>
</ul>

Tried and true tips to help you save money the next time you need to rent a car!

10 easy tips to save money on rental cars!

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Sara Rathner, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how you can use debt as a financial tool.

Sara shares the differences between bad and "good" debt, and explains the three ways to use it to your advantage, especially right now.

More Pennywise episodes with Sara:
How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic
High gas prices have you down? Try these 4 simple tips to save at the pump!
How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates
5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates

More from Sara at NerdWallet:
Sometimes, Debt Can Be a Helpful Tool
5 Things to Know About the Upgrade OneCard
How the Wells Fargo Autograph Stacks Up Against Competitors

PennyWise Podcast host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sara-rathner">Sara Rathner</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how you can use debt as a financial tool.
Sara shares the differences between bad and "good" debt, and explains the three ways to use it to your advantage, especially right now.
More Pennywise episodes with Sara:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-protect-yourself-from-debt-collectors-using">How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-save-at-the-pump-with-these-4-simple-tips">High gas prices have you down? Try these 4 simple tips to save at the pump!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-manage-your-credit-card-debt-in-the-face-of">How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-tips-to-help-tackle-higher-credit-card-interest">5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sara at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/3-times-debt-can-be-a-helpful-tool">Sometimes, Debt Can Be a Helpful Tool</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/upgrade-onecard">5 Things to Know About the Upgrade OneCard</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/wells-fargo-autograph-vs-competitors">How the Wells Fargo Autograph Stacks Up Against Competitors</a></li>
</ul>

It's not always bad. You can use debt to your advantage, or to soften the blow of an unexpected expense.

3 ways debt can be a helpful tool

Teri is off this week, so Chris Lay is filling in as the host and introducing this little dip into the archives from August, 2021:

Host Teri Barr is talking with Jason Metz, Insurance Analyst from Forbes Advisor, to learn why insurance often isn't on the back to school list for college students.

Jason has important details about insurance in case of an accident, theft or poor decision making while your student is away from home. He also shares a checklist to help you consider if you do -- or don't -- need to add any levels of protection; plus, explains a few types of insurance you may not have heard about until now. 

Read more here: Insurance Checklist For College Students And Their Parents

Teri is off this week, so Chris Lay is filling in as the host and introducing this little dip into the archives from August, 2021:
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/author/jmetz/">Jason Metz</a>, Insurance Analyst from Forbes Advisor, to learn why insurance often isn't on the back to school list for college students.
Jason has important details about insurance in case of an accident, theft or poor decision making while your student is away from home. He also shares a checklist to help you consider if you do -- or don't -- need to add any levels of protection; plus, explains a few types of insurance you may not have heard about until now. 
Read more here: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/college-student-checklist/">Insurance Checklist For College Students And Their Parents</a>

Insurance checklist for kids heading off to college

A new survey shows credit card use has quickly grown in the last few months and many people say they are also racking up debt due to the increased use of their cards.

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Sara Rathner, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn why so many people are turning to their credit cards right now.

Sara also shares five important tips to help you avoid going into debt due to your credit card use.

More Pennywise episodes with Sara:
How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic
High gas prices have you down? Try these 4 simple tips to save at the pump!
How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates
5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates

More from Sara at NerdWallet:
Getting Therapy When Cost and Access Are a Barrier
5 Things to Know About the Walgreens Credit Card
AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Gets More Rewarding
Sometimes, Debt Can Be a Helpful Tool
5 Things to Know About the Upgrade OneCard

A new survey shows credit card use has quickly grown in the last few months and many people say they are also racking up debt due to the increased use of their cards.
PennyWise Podcast host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sara-rathner">Sara Rathner</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn why so many people are turning to their credit cards right now.
Sara also shares five important tips to help you avoid going into debt due to your credit card use.
More Pennywise episodes with Sara:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-protect-yourself-from-debt-collectors-using">How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-save-at-the-pump-with-these-4-simple-tips">High gas prices have you down? Try these 4 simple tips to save at the pump!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-manage-your-credit-card-debt-in-the-face-of">How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-tips-to-help-tackle-higher-credit-card-interest">5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sara at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/getting-therapy-when-cost-and-access-are-a-barrier">Getting Therapy When Cost and Access Are a Barrier</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/walgreens-card">5 Things to Know About the Walgreens Credit Card</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/amex-blue-cash-everyday-2022-new-rewards">AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Gets More Rewarding</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/3-times-debt-can-be-a-helpful-tool">Sometimes, Debt Can Be a Helpful Tool</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/upgrade-onecard">5 Things to Know About the Upgrade OneCard</a></li>
</ul>

5 tips to help avoid credit card debt

A new survey revealed that 90% of shoppers say the current economic conditions will impact their back-to-school budget this year.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how higher prices and lower supplies are impacting back-to-school shoppers.

Kimberly also shares six creative tips to help you save on your school shopping budget.

More Pennywise episodes with Kimberly:
6 steps you can take to control your food budget
Worried about interest rate increases? Try these quick money-saving tips!
Going to any weddings? Here are tips to keep your costs down!
5 easy steps to strengthen your finances for Financial Literacy Month!
Four great tips for buying used cars online

More from Kimberly at NerdWallet:
Spring-Clean Your Finances With Some Automation
To Fight Inflation, Take Down Food Expenses
How to Offset Rising Prices and Interest Rates
Why Managing Your Money Starts With Your Emotions
How to Plan Your Big Expenditures for the Year

A new survey revealed that 90% of shoppers say the current economic conditions will impact their back-to-school budget this year.
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how higher prices and lower supplies are impacting back-to-school shoppers.
Kimberly also shares six creative tips to help you save on your school shopping budget.
More Pennywise episodes with Kimberly:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/6-steps-you-can-take-to-control-your-food-budget">6 steps you can take to control your food budget</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/worried-about-interest-rate-increases-try-these-qu">Worried about interest rate increases? Try these quick money-saving tips!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/going-to-any-weddings-in-2022-heres-how-to-keep-yo">Going to any weddings? Here are tips to keep your costs down!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-easy-steps-to-strengthen-your-finances-for-finan">5 easy steps to strengthen your finances for Financial Literacy Month!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-great-tips-for-buying-used-cars-online">Four great tips for buying used cars online</a></li>
</ul>
More from Kimberly at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/spring-clean-your-finances-with-some-automation">Spring-Clean Your Finances With Some Automation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/to-fight-inflation-take-down-food-expenses">To Fight Inflation, Take Down Food Expenses</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-deal-with-rising-prices-and-interest-rates">How to Offset Rising Prices and Interest Rates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/why-managing-your-money-starts-with-your-emotions">Why Managing Your Money Starts With Your Emotions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-plan-big-expenditures">How to Plan Your Big Expenditures for the Year</a></li>
</ul>

6 tips to help you beat the high prices & save on your back-to-school shopping this year

6 tips to help you save on back-to-school shopping this year!

A new survey shows many of us are paying more to travel due to hidden travel fees.

PennyWise Podcast host Teri Barr is talking with Sam Kemmis, travel expert with NerdWallet, to learn what to look to uncover these fees.

Sam also shares some unique tips and tricks to help you avoid these extra costs to save money.

More from Sam at NerdWallet:
Family Travel Insurance Might Save Your 2022 Trip Budget
Remember: Travel Prices Usually Fall in September
What the Strong Dollar Means for Summer Travel
The Worst Hidden Travel Fees: How to Avoid Them
Travel Price Tracker: July 2022
Europe in 2022: A Budget Destination?

A new survey shows many of us are paying more to travel due to hidden travel fees.
PennyWise Podcast host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sam-kemmis">Sam Kemmis</a>, travel expert with NerdWallet, to learn what to look to uncover these fees.
Sam also shares some unique tips and tricks to help you avoid these extra costs to save money.
More from Sam at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/family-travel-insurance">Family Travel Insurance Might Save Your 2022 Trip Budget</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/dont-forget-travel-prices-usually-fall-in-september">Remember: Travel Prices Usually Fall in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/what-the-strong-dollar-means-for-summer-travel">What the Strong Dollar Means for Summer Travel</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/the-worst-hidden-travel-fees-and-how-to-avoid-them">The Worst Hidden Travel Fees: How to Avoid Them</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-price-tracker">Travel Price Tracker: July 2022</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/europe-as-a-budget-friendly-travel-option-its-true-in-2022">Europe in 2022: A Budget Destination?</a></li>
</ul>

Sticker prices can be misleading. Learn how to avoid 3 of the worst hidden travel fees on the latest PennyWise podcast!

3 of the worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them

If you are trying to find different or extra ways to save money, there's an old option that's making a comeback right now.

PennyWise host Teri Barr is talking with Chanelle Bessette, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how a savings circle or money pool may work for you. They also share the top four rules to follow to get this idea underway.

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Chanelle:


What the Increase in the Federal Interest Rate Means for You and Your Money
Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings

More from Chanelle at NerdWallet:


8 Best Banks for Overdrafts


What Is Regulation E and How Does It Impact Your Bank Account?


How to Save More When Inflation Makes Your Money Count Less


Varo vs. Chime: Which Is Better for You?

If you are trying to find different or extra ways to save money, there's an old option that's making a comeback right now.
PennyWise host <a href="https://twitter.com/TeriBarrMedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/chanelle-bessette">Chanelle Bessette</a>, a Personal Finance Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how a savings circle or money pool may work for you. They also share the top four rules to follow to get this idea underway.
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Chanelle:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/what-the-increase-in-the-federal-interest-rate-mea">What the Increase in the Federal Interest Rate Means for You and Your Money</a>
</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-of-five-americans-are-choosing-to-reallocate">Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings</a></li>
</ul>
More from Chanelle at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/best-banks-for-overdrafts">8 Best Banks for Overdrafts</a>
</li>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/what-is-regulation-e-and-how-does-it-impact-your-bank-account">What Is Regulation E and How Does It Impact Your Bank Account?</a>
</li>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/how-to-save-more-when-inflation-makes-your-money-count-less">How to Save More When Inflation Makes Your Money Count Less</a>
</li>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/varo-vs-chime-which-is-better-for-you">Varo vs. Chime: Which Is Better for You?</a>
</li>
</ul>

Looking for a different way to save money? 4 rules for starting your own savings circle

Have you checked your credit card interest rate lately? Since credit cards are a type of variable-rate financing, and interest rates are on the rise, your credit card debt is getting a lot more expensive this year!

Host Teri Barr is talking with Sara Rathner, a Credit Card Expert with NerdWallet, to learn more about the direct impact interest rate increases have on  credit cards. They also discuss five steps you can take to pay off your credit card.

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Sara:
How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates
How to save at the pump with these 4 simple tips!
How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic

More from Sara at NerdWallet:
Getting Therapy When Cost and Access Are a Barrier
Using Credit Card Points at Checkout Has Become Too Easy

Have you checked your credit card interest rate lately? Since credit cards are a type of variable-rate financing, and interest rates are on the rise, your credit card debt is getting a lot more expensive this year!
Host<a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia"> Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/sara-rathner">Sara Rathner</a>, a Credit Card Expert with NerdWallet, to learn more about the direct impact interest rate increases have on  credit cards. They also discuss five steps you can take to pay off your credit card.
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Sara:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-manage-your-credit-card-debt-in-the-face-of">How to manage credit card debt with inflation and rising interest rates</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-save-at-the-pump-with-these-4-simple-tips">How to save at the pump with these 4 simple tips!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-protect-yourself-from-debt-collectors-using">How to protect yourself from debt collectors using this new tactic</a></li>
</ul>
More from Sara at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/getting-therapy-when-cost-and-access-are-a-barrier?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Getting%20Therapy%20When%20Cost%20and%20Access%20Are%20a%20Barrier&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Getting Therapy When Cost and Access Are a Barrier</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/using-credit-card-points-at-checkout-has-become-too-easy?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Using%20Credit%20Card%20Points%20at%20Checkout%20Has%20Become%20Too%20Easy&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Using Credit Card Points at Checkout Has Become Too Easy</a></li>
</ul>

With credit card interest rates on the rise, your debt is getting a lot more expensive this year! Learn more about the direct impact interest rate increases, plus steps you can take to pay off your credit!

5 tips to help tackle higher credit card interest rates

It's time for some summer fun. But if you are thinking about adding big fun in the form of a recreational vehicle or boat, there are three big financial considerations: the price of oil and gas are up, interest rates on your loan are up, and those added costs like storage, insurance and maintenance.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Annie Millerbernd, a Personal Loans Expert with NerdWallet, to learn about the different options to pay for your new Summer toy. They also discuss the "extras," things like storage and insurance, and why you need to add these items to your considerations list. 

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Annie:
Pay Later Services? Myths and truths explained!

More from Annie at NerdWallet:
How to Finance Solar Panels
New Laws, Lenders Boost Access to Affordable Small Loans


How to Finance a Swimming Pool

It's time for some summer fun. But if you are thinking about adding big fun in the form of a recreational vehicle or boat, there are three big financial considerations: the price of oil and gas are up, interest rates on your loan are up, and those added costs like storage, insurance and maintenance.
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/annie-millerbernd">Annie Millerbernd</a>, a Personal Loans Expert with NerdWallet, to learn about the different options to pay for your new Summer toy. They also discuss the "extras," things like storage and insurance, and why you need to add these items to your considerations list. 
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Annie:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/pay-later-services-myths-and-truths-explained">Pay Later Services? Myths and truths explained!</a></li>
</ul>
More from Annie at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/solar-panel-financing?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=How%20to%20Finance%20Solar%20Panels&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">How to Finance Solar Panels</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/find-affordable-small-dollar-loans?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=New%20Laws%2C%20Lenders%20Boost%20Access%20to%20Affordable%20Small%20Loans&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">New Laws, Lenders Boost Access to Affordable Small Loans</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/find-affordable-small-dollar-loans?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=New%20Laws%2C%20Lenders%20Boost%20Access%20to%20Affordable%20Small%20Loans&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles"></a><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/swimming-pool-financing?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=How%20to%20Finance%20a%20Swimming%20Pool&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">How to Finance a Swimming Pool</a>
</li>
</ul>

Thinking about big summer fun in the form of an RV or boat? There are three big financial considerations, especially right now.

Thinking about buying a boat or RV? Here is what you should consider

If you are still in the market to buy a house, you probably know interest rates are increasing sharply.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Kate Wood, a Mortgage Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how we got here and why it's important.

Kate also discusses what could happen next, and if you still want to buy a home, she has a few ideas to consider when you lock in your rate

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Kate:
Proposed Changes to Medicare and How They Could Impact You

More from Kate at NerdWallet:
Fed Hoists Key Interest Rate as Mortgage Rates Reach New Heights
What Are Real Estate Agent Networks?
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?

If you are still in the market to buy a house, you probably know interest rates are increasing sharply.
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kate-wood">Kate Wood</a>, a Mortgage Expert with NerdWallet, to learn how we got here and why it's important.
Kate also discusses what could happen next, and if you still want to buy a home, she has a few ideas to consider when you lock in your rate
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Kate:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/proposed-changes-to-medicare-and-how-they-could-im">Proposed Changes to Medicare and How They Could Impact You</a></li>
</ul>
More from Kate at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/federal-reserve-75-basis-points-june">Fed Hoists Key Interest Rate as Mortgage Rates Reach New Heights</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/what-are-real-estate-agent-networks">What Are Real Estate Agent Networks?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/what-does-a-real-estate-agent-do">What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?</a></li>
</ul>

Interest rates are increasing sharply. Learn how we got here, why it's important, and what could happen next.

Will interest rates go up again? What to do if you are a homebuyer

Are high prices and inflation taking a big bite out of your budget? Why not make some extra cash (or go hunt for bargains) at a summer yard sale!

Host Teri Barr is talking with Certified Financial Planner Liz Weston from NerdWallet to learn why it can be worth your time to hold a yard sale.

She also shares how these types of sales have changed, along with the three biggest tips to be sure your sale will be a success.

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Liz:
How to Prioritize Your Debt Payments... Now!

More from Liz at NerdWallet:
How to Make More Green at Your Next Yard Sale
How to Understand and Reduce Taxes When Selling Your Home
Dealing With Death? There’s an App for That
You Can Tweak Your Tech Settings to Protect Your Privacy

Are high prices and inflation taking a big bite out of your budget? Why not make some extra cash (or go hunt for bargains) at a summer yard sale!
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with Certified Financial Planner <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/liz-weston-cfp">Liz Weston</a> from NerdWallet to learn why it can be worth your time to hold a yard sale.
She also shares how these types of sales have changed, along with the three biggest tips to be sure your sale will be a success.
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Liz:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/how-to-prioritize-your-debt-payments-now">How to Prioritize Your Debt Payments... Now!</a></li>
</ul>
More from Liz at NerdWallet:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-make-more-green-at-your-next-yard-sale?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=How%20to%20Make%20More%20Green%20at%20Your%20Next%20Yard%20Sale&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">How to Make More Green at Your Next Yard Sale</a><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/kids-banking-app-greenlight-to-launch-family-cash-card-for-parents?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Kids%E2%80%99%20Banking%20App%20Greenlight%20to%20Launch%20Family%20Cash%20Card%20for%20Parents&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-understand-and-reduce-taxes-when-selling-your-home?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=How%20to%20Understand%20and%20Reduce%20Taxes%20When%20Selling%20Your%20Home&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">How to Understand and Reduce Taxes When Selling Your Home</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/dealing-with-death-theres-an-app-for-that?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Dealing%20With%20Death%3F%20There%E2%80%99s%20an%20App%20for%20That&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">Dealing With Death? There&rsquo;s an App for That</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/you-can-tweak-your-tech-settings-to-protect-your-privacy?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=You%20Can%20Tweak%20Your%20Tech%20Settings%20to%20Protect%20Your%20Privacy&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles">You Can Tweak Your Tech Settings to Protect Your Privacy</a></li>
</ul>

Want to make some extra cash with a summer yard sale? These tips will help make sure your sale will be a success!

Need extra cash this summer? Try these proven yard sale tips for 2022!

Is your savings account adding up in the way you'd like right now? A new banking study shows four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Chanelle Bessette, a Banking Expert with NerdWallet, to learn more about the study, the trends it reveals, and a few signs to keep an eye on if you are considering other savings options.

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Chanelle:
What the Increase in the Federal Interest Rate Means for You and Your Money

The latest from Chanelle
Hope Credit Union Review: Savings, Checking and CDs
How to Save More When Inflation Makes Your Money Count Less
Varo vs. Chime: Which Is Better for You?

Is your savings account adding up in the way you'd like right now? A new banking study shows four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings.
Host Teri Barr is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/chanelle-bessette">Chanelle Bessette</a>, a Banking Expert with NerdWallet, to learn more about the study, the trends it reveals, and a few signs to keep an eye on if you are considering other savings options.
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Chanelle:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/what-the-increase-in-the-federal-interest-rate-mea">What the Increase in the Federal Interest Rate Means for You and Your Money</a></li>
</ul>
The latest from Chanelle
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/banking/hope-credit-union?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Hope%20Credit%20Union%20Review%3A%20Savings%2C%20Checking%20and%20CDs&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=0&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles" aria-describedby="structured-content-client-5-1" data-currency="Card">Hope Credit Union Review: Savings, Checking and CDs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/how-to-save-more-when-inflation-makes-your-money-count-less?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=How%20to%20Save%20More%20When%20Inflation%20Makes%20Your%20Money%20Count%20Less&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles" aria-describedby="structured-content-client-5-2" data-currency="Card">How to Save More When Inflation Makes Your Money Count Less</a><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/varo-vs-chime-which-is-better-for-you?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Varo%20vs.%20Chime%3A%20Which%20Is%20Better%20for%20You%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles" aria-describedby="structured-content-client-5-3" data-currency="Card"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/varo-vs-chime-which-is-better-for-you?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=Varo%20vs.%20Chime%3A%20Which%20Is%20Better%20for%20You%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=2&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=tiles" aria-describedby="structured-content-client-5-3" data-currency="Card">Varo vs. Chime: Which Is Better for You?</a></li>
</ul>

A new banking study shows four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings. Learn about the trends it reveals and a few signs to keep an eye on.

Four of five Americans are choosing to reallocate their savings

Grocery costs are up by 10% in the last year and there's no sign prices will go down anytime soon.

Host Teri Barr is talking with Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to get some ideas you can try right now to help you save on your food budget.

Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Kimberly:
Worried about interest rate increases? Try these quick money-saving tips!
Going to any weddings? Here are tips to keep your costs down! 
5 easy steps to strengthen your finances for Financial Literacy Month! 
Four great tips for buying used cars online.
Environmentally conscious updates and your tax credits!

The latest from Kimberly
How to Deal With Rising Prices and Interest Rates
To Fight Inflation, Take Down Food Expenses
Spring-Clean Your Finances With Some Automation
How to Put Your Tax Refund to Work for You

Grocery costs are up by 10% in the last year and there's no sign prices will go down anytime soon.
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/teribarrmedia">Teri Barr</a> is talking with <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/kimberly-palmer">Kimberly Palmer</a>, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, to get some ideas you can try right now to help you save on your food budget.
Previous Pennywise episodes featuring Kimberly:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/worried-about-interest-rate-increases-try-these-qu">Worried about interest rate increases? Try these quick money-saving tips!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/going-to-any-weddings-in-2022-heres-how-to-keep-yo">Going to any weddings? Here are tips to keep your costs down! </a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/5-easy-steps-to-strengthen-your-finances-for-finan">5 easy steps to strengthen your finances for Financial Literacy Month! </a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/four-great-tips-for-buying-used-cars-online">Four great tips for buying used cars online.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise/environmentally-conscious-updates-and-your-tax-cre">Environmentally conscious updates and your tax credits!</a></li>
</ul>
The latest from Kimberly
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-deal-with-rising-prices-and-interest-rates">How to Deal With Rising Prices and Interest Rates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/to-fight-inflation-take-down-food-expenses">To Fight Inflation, Take Down Food Expenses</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/spring-clean-your-finances-with-some-automation">Spring-Clean Your Finances With Some Automation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-put-your-tax-refund-to-work-for-you">How to Put Your Tax Refund to Work for You</a></li>
</ul>

6 steps you can take to control your food budget

A show about money, finances, and investing. Join Teri Barr every Thursday as she's joined by specialists from Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet to talk about the topics that affect your bottom line.

A show about money, finances, and investing. Join Teri Barr every Thursday as she's joined by specialists from Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet to talk about the topics that affect your bottom line.

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PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips