Let Someone Else Book Your Award Flights for You: Presenting Unpacked by AFAR

Explore how the 2024 presidential candidates' tax plans could impact your finances and what to know before voting. What tax proposals are the 2024 presidential candidates making, and how might these policies affect your finances? What should you know before voting on tax issues? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the key differences in the candidates' tax plans and how to make informed decisions to protect your financial future. They begin with a discussion of the importance of tax policy, how taxes fund government services, and the long-term effects of tax laws on your paycheck. Then, Anna talks to Amy Hanaeur, the executive director of the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, to discuss the candidates' specific tax proposals. They discuss proposals to cut corporate taxes, extend expiring tax cuts, provide child tax credits, and eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Trump tax proposals, Harris tax proposals, 2024 tax plans, presidential tax policies, tax policy comparison, how tax cuts affect the middle class, child tax credit, corporate tax cuts, small business tax credits, housing tax credits, personal finance and taxes, presidential election taxes, tax cuts for wealthy, understanding tax deductions, tax credits explained, government spending and taxes, tax policy and inequality, tax laws 2024, income tax changes, tax reforms 2024, tax policy for corporations, presidential candidates tax proposals, tax policy debate, tax reform proposals, and corporate tax rate. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how to protect your Social Security number and stay safe from identity theft, plus the latest news on inflation and health insurance rates. How can you protect your Social Security number from identity theft and data breaches? How can you freeze your credit? What should you do if your Social Security number is compromised? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski talk to Lauren Schwahn, a writer at NerdWallet who covers credit scoring, debt, budgeting and money-saving strategies, about how to keep your Social Security number safe. In the wake of recent data breaches exposing millions of Social Security numbers to potential fraud, Lauren shares practical tips on how to protect your personal information and prevent identity theft, from freezing your credit to setting up protections with the Social Security Administration. Then, Sean and Anna cover a few other money headlines, including the latest inflation numbers and what they mean for your wallet, rising health insurance premiums, and how much Americans are planning to spend on Halloween this year.  Get your free credit report: https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/free-credit-report  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Social Security protection, identity theft prevention, how to freeze credit, credit freeze, preventing identity theft, data breaches 2024, how to secure personal data, Social Security fraud, identity theft protection tips, how to avoid identity theft, rising health insurance costs, healthcare premiums 2024, Halloween spending statistics, inflation impact on groceries, cost of living 2024, inflation and consumer confidence, employer-sponsored health insurance, and financial security tips. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s limited time sign-up bonus and understand the impact of Federal Reserve interest rate changes. What is the economic impact of lowering interest rates? Does lowering interest rates increase people’s spending power? Host Sean Pyles leads discussions around the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Federal Reserve's interest rate adjustments to help you understand how to optimize travel rewards and navigate economic shifts. Travel Nerds Sally French and Meghan Coyle start the episode with a discussion of a limited time sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, offering tips and tricks on integrating the card into a long-term financial strategy. Then, NerdWallet's Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter joins Sean to discuss the impact of lowering interest rates. They delve into how the Federal Reserve uses interest rate changes to manage inflation and employment, how changing rates can stimulate economic growth, and the implications of recent Federal Reserve rate cuts on the broader economy. Use NerdWallet’s free tool to compare mortgage rates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel rewards, Chase travel portal, interest rate impact, Federal Reserve, economic growth, credit card sign-up bonuses, credit card offers, inflation control, student loan rates, mortgage interest rates, Chase Ultimate Rewards, travel credit cards, Federal Reserve rate cuts, economic trends, credit card bonuses, travel statement credits, Chase travel credits, rewards points, and the impact of lowering interest rates. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how presidential policies on tariffs, immigration, and prices can impact your everyday expenses like groceries and gas. What can a president actually do to lower prices and fight inflation? Can campaign promises really impact your wallet, or are they just political hot air? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss presidential policies and how they affect everything from the cost of gas to your grocery bill to help you understand the real impact of political decisions on your finances. They begin with a discussion of inflation, with tips and tricks on understanding how inflation is measured, what drives price hikes, and what role the president plays in influencing it. Then, Anna talks to Derek Stimel, an associate professor of teaching economics at UC Davis, about the economic implications of tariffs and immigration policies. They discuss how tariffs raise the price of imported goods, how immigration impacts labor costs and wages, and what these political policies mean for your everyday purchases. Stay up to date on the latest financial news by visiting NerdWallet’s Financial News Hub: https://www.nerdwallet.com/h/news/financial-news  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: inflation, gas prices, grocery prices, presidential policies, price gouging, campaign promises, tariffs, housing prices, lowering inflation, food costs, how presidents affect inflation, impact of tariffs, rising prices, how to reduce inflation, economic policy, cost of living, presidential election impact on economy, Federal Reserve, interest rates, macroeconomics, energy costs, labor costs, wages, supply chain issues, grocery store prices, price hikes, government spending, immigration policies, taxes, high inflation causes, price control, real estate market, debt and inflation, how tariffs work, price increases, affordable housing, consumer prices, cost of goods, natural gas prices, economic recession, and job market trends. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn how the gig economy impacts workers' finances and get tips for managing taxes, savings, and benefits. How does the gig economy affect people financially? How can gig workers save for taxes and retirement without employer benefits? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Sara Rathner are joined by Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet’s senior news editor, to explore what defines a gig worker, how many Americans are involved in gig work, and what this means for benefits like healthcare and retirement. They discuss the complexities of gig work, its rise during the pandemic, and what gig workers can do to manage their finances and save for the future. Plus: Tess and Sara cover some of the week’s top financial headlines, including the latest job market report, tax filing extensions for Hurricane Helene victims, and rising interest rates on credit card debt.  Learn about the best no balance transfer fee credit cards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-no-balance-transfer-fee-credit-cards  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: gig economy, gig workers, freelance jobs, side hustles, independent contractors, gig work benefits, gig worker taxes, freelancer taxes, how to save as a freelancer, managing freelance income, self-employment tips, self-employment tax, gig economy trends, freelance health insurance, gig work flexibility, saving for retirement as a freelancer, freelancer budgeting, part-time jobs, gig economy apps, freelance income tips, budgeting for gig workers, self-employed retirement plans, healthcare for gig workers, gig economy statistics, gig economy news, freelance careers, gig worker rights, independent worker benefits, alternative work arrangements, and freelance tax tips. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn what it truly means to work with a certified financial planner (CFP) and how personalized advice can help you set and achieve your financial goals. What should you know before working with a certified financial planner? What strategies can help you navigate societal pressures and make personal financial choices? Host Sean Pyles talks to Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner with NerdWallet Advisors, to discuss the power of personalized financial advice and behavioral budgeting to help you understand how to align your financial goals with your personal values. They begin with a discussion of the role of certified financial planners, including the fiduciary responsibility of CFPs, the specialized knowledge they bring to areas like estate planning, and common strategies for cutting through societal noise to focus on personal priorities. They also discuss the innovative concept of behavioral budgeting, which involves creating sustainable financial habits, like limiting dining out. NerdWallet Advisory LLC, dba NerdWallet Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet Inc. The advice provided in this episode of Smart Money was for illustrative purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice specific to your personal facts or circumstances. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial planning, certified financial planner, personalized financial advice, financial goals, estate planning, financial anxiety, behavioral budgeting, fiduciary responsibility, financial choices, societal pressures, financial journey, managing finances, financial management, money questions, financial behavior, financial habits, spending habits, retirement savings, debt management, investment vehicles, financial coaching, personal values, and sustainable changes.. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn what powers the president does and does not have to influence the economy and your wallet. Does the president really have power over the economy? How do presidential promises impact your wallet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the grand economic promises made by presidential candidates and the intricate realities of presidential influence on the economy to help you understand the real effects on your daily finances. They begin with a discussion of the policy proposals from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with tips and tricks on understanding the scope of presidential influence on taxes, inflation and economic growth. Then, Anna talks to NerdWallet Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter about the complexities of the business cycle and the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. They discuss the limited presidential power over economic cycles, the structure and independence of the Federal Reserve, and the direct effects of presidential actions like student loan relief on individual finances. Listen to Smart Money’s coverage of the “No Tax on Tips” policy:   Stay up to date on the latest financial news by visiting NerdWallet’s Financial News Hub: In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: presidential promises, economic policies, financial impact, presidential influence, economic realities, Federal Reserve, Donald Trump economic policies, Kamala Harris economic policies, taxes, deregulation, economic growth, cost reduction, small business support, down payment assistance, business cycle, Federal Reserve structure, Fed independence, Fed governors, monetary policy, student loan relief, macroeconomy, personal finances, campaign promises, tax policies, inflation control, healthcare impact, banking regulations, economic cycles, consumer sentiment, government spending, fiscal policy, executive orders, economic output, GDP growth, unemployment rates, economic downturns, financial stability, economic sentiment, policy and finance, and election impact. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Learn to spot risky social media money “hacks” and discover safe, effective financial strategies to follow instead. Are social media money hacks reliable? Are financial influencers trustworthy? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski dive into the world of viral social media money hacks. They break down a recent TikTok trend that encouraged risky and illegal financial behavior, leading to disastrous consequences for some users. They highlight the dangers of following influencer advice blindly and explore how certain tried-and-true financial methods have been rebranded as trendy “hacks,” offering practical tips for distinguishing between solid financial advice and internet gimmicks. Then, Sean and Anna break down the latest money headlines, including inflation rates showing signs of cooling, a major lawsuit filed against Visa by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations, and the FTC’s settlement with Invitation Homes over unfair rental practices. Read NerdWallet’s article on how to compare two options to consolidate debt: a balance transfer credit card and a personal loan. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/debt-consolidation-credit-card-balance-transfer  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: money hacks, social media money hacks, viral TikTok trends, personal finance tips, budgeting methods, check fraud, cash stuffing, debt snowball method, no-spend challenges, low-spend challenges, TikTok financial advice, saving strategies, budgeting trends, money saving tips, debt repayment methods, financial literacy, viral money tips, financial trends, money management, financial influencers, saving vs spending, check kiting scam, debt avalanche method, CD ladder strategy, budgeting tips, thrift store flipping, grocery hauls, social media finance, budgeting apps, financial scams, viral finance tips, credit card rewards, personal finance trends, debt consolidation, debt repayment tips, saving challenges, smart spending, and envelope system budgeting. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Booking travel using points and miles can be complicated — but you don't have to do it alone. In this special presentation of the podcast Unpacked by AFAR, host Aislyn Greene discusses a service that does all the hard work of booking using points and miles for you, so you can focus focus on your best travel life. Listen to Unpacked by AFAR wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at https://link.chtbl.com/MrR4D8h9

Learn how to optimize debit and credit cards abroad, avoid fees, and maximize rewards for stress-free international travel. What are the best ways to use debit and credit cards while traveling internationally? What are best practices for avoiding fees and maximizing card benefits abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss strategic card usage and essential financial tips for international travel to help you understand how to enjoy a seamless and cost-effective travel experience. They begin with a discussion of the importance of preparing for holiday travel, with tips and tricks on carrying multiple credit cards for redundancy, avoiding pitfalls of cash advances, and the benefits of traveling during off-peak times. Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss practical tips for managing credit cards and currency while traveling internationally. They discuss the advantages of using cards for their rewards and protections, the necessity of charging in local currency to avoid conversion fees, and obtaining local currency before departure to minimize ATM and currency exchange fees. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to help your international travels stay financially savvy and stress-free. Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: international travel tips, using credit cards abroad, debit card tips for travel, avoiding ATM fees abroad, holiday travel finances, travel expert tips, maximizing card rewards, charging in local currency, obtaining local currency, avoiding cash advances, minimizing travel costs, financial savvy travel, travel currency tips, holiday travel tips, travel spending strategies, travel card usage, credit card protections, travel rewards cards, international spending tips, foreign transaction fees, ATM fees abroad, travel planning, stress-free travel, travel stories, travel anecdotes, off-peak travel benefits, travel points, local currency tips, avoiding travel pitfalls, credit card tips, international travel guide, travel with multiple cards, safe travel tips, RFID protection, trip delay insurance, and lost luggage protection. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.