IRA Conversion Strategies and Reading Economic Signals During a Shutdown

Discover how current economic data affect you and decide if a Roth or Traditional IRA is the most appropriate option for your retirement savings. What’s happening with layoffs and the economy right now? How should you be thinking about the data used to determine the economy's health, and what does it mean for your personal finances? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles discuss non-traditional financial indicators and Roth IRAs versus Traditional IRAs to help you understand the current economic landscape and make smarter retirement contribution choices. First, Elizabeth shares her conversation with NerdWallet senior economist Elizabeth Renter about how we can gauge the health of the U.S. economy based on private sector data in the midst of the government shutdown. They talk about labor market nuances, layoff announcements, and how we can use consumer sentiment  figures when hardly any other federal economic data are available. Then, investing Nerd June Sham joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss retirement funding options. They weigh prioritizing retirement accounts for contributions, when to choose Roth vs. Traditional contributions, and the benefits and trade-offs of Roth conversions. The discussion covers the tax differences between Roth and traditional accounts, guidelines for deciding which to use based on your current and projected future tax bracket, and reasons why someone might convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, such as avoiding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and strategies for timing conversions. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: 401k, retirement savings, retirement account, investing, financial freedom, tax-free withdrawals, tax planning, high income, contribution limits, Roth conversion ladder, self-employed retirement, employer match, investment options, Solo 401k, simple IRA, taxable events, Medicare premiums, ADP employment report, Chicago Fed Nowcast, stock market, corrugated box indicator, champagne indicator, men's underwear index, capital gains, estate planning, price growth, economic cooling, market stability, inflation, household finances, unemployment, and job cuts. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how first-generation wealth builders create financial freedom and what stablecoins could mean for your savings. How do you build wealth when you’re the first in your family to be able to do so? And can stablecoins really out-earn your savings account? Host Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles explore generational wealth-building and the myths and realities of stablecoins in a rapidly changing cryptocurrency environment. Joined by entrepreneurs and fiancés Ronne Brown and Courtney Hale, Elizabeth kicks off the first segment with a heartfelt look at how first-generation wealth builders are redefining what it means to be “rich.” Ronne and Courtney share their journeys from modest beginnings to financial independence, relaying how childhood lessons shaped their values, how they built multiple income streams through entrepreneurship, and the steps they’re taking to continue building generational wealth together. They discuss the power of investing early, using real estate and the stock market strategically, and protecting assets through estate planning and life insurance. Then, investing writer Sam Taube joins Sean and Elizabeth to break down the difference between Bitcoin and stablecoins — and whether high-yield stablecoins are too good to be true. They explore how the Genius Act changes crypto regulation, how yield-bearing stablecoins compare to high-yield savings accounts, and what risks investors should consider before diving in. They discuss how to find a balance between risk and reward in crypto-based savings options, how stablecoins actually earn yield, and why traditional banking products still offer peace of mind for the risk-averse. Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of November 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  The Costs of Being Unbanked (and How to Minimize Them) https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/studies/data-unbanked  Crypto staking: What it is, how it works, calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-crypto-staking-works  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial independence, building generational wealth, multigenerational money mindset, family legacy planning, breaking the cycle of poverty, entrepreneurship strategies, business ownership, side hustles, wealth psychology, mindset shifts, money trauma, minority entrepreneurship, real estate investing, stock investing basics, portfolio diversification, passive income streams, estate strategy, life insurance for families, trust and wills, crypto investing, digital currency regulation, crypto yield risks, yield-bearing coins, decentralized finance, DeFi savings, crypto-backed savings accounts, tokenized assets, stablecoin interest rates, inflation hedge, risk management, safe investing, traditional bank safety, asset protection, long-term wealth growth, market volatility, risk versus reward, financial resilience, and balancing traditional and digital assets. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to pick dental, vision, life, and disability coverage with confidence, and when refinancing a home can actually save you money. Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? Which open enrollment benefits are worth it this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk to an expert about the ins and outs of open enrollment in 2026. But first, news Nerd Anna Helhoski joins them to share her conversation with NerdWallet mortgage writer Holden Lewis about falling mortgage rates and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. They begin with a discussion of refinancing and today’s housing market, with tips and tricks on using a refinance calculator, how much of a rate cut to target, weighing closing costs and the break-even timeline, and other smart reasons to refi. Then, benefits expert April Brasher, knowledge advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss open enrollment choices beyond health insurance. They discuss what dental and vision plans usually cover and what they don’t, how and when to add to group life insurance provided by some workplaces, and how disability insurance works. They also discuss when accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), hospital indemnity, and critical illness policies can make sense, how to avoid being over-insured, and why taking a quick personal and financial inventory before enrollment deadlines helps you choose only what you need. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: mortgage rates, refinance mortgage, refinance break-even, FHA mortgage insurance, remove FHA MIP, conventional vs FHA loan, housing market outlook, best time to buy a house, home buying season, mortgage closing costs, homeowners insurance shopping, lower mortgage payment, Fed rate cuts, housing inventory, open enrollment, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance through employer, supplemental life insurance, beneficiary designation, evidence of insurability, AD&D insurance, disability insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, own occupation vs any occupation, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, high deductible health plan, and limited purpose FSA. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to pick the right health plan for your situation and build a stronger retirement even if you feel behind. How do you choose the best health plan during open enrollment? What can you do to secure retirement if savings feel like they’re falling short? In the first of a two-part series, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down open enrollment decisions so you can protect your health and long-term wealth. But first, NerdWallet senior writer Kim Palmer joins them to present this month’s book club conversation about Gen X’s path to retirement security. She talks to Kerry Hannon and Janna Herron, authors of “Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future,” about how to take control of retirement even when you feel like you’re late to the game. That includes revisiting cash flow and lifestyle creep, attacking high-interest debt, considering step-down or flexible work to extend earning years, and planning for healthcare costs in retirement.   Then, NerdWallet writer Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to present a clear walkthrough of healthcare plans as we enter open enrollment season. She discusses premiums vs. deductibles vs. out-of-pocket maximums, when an HMO or PPO fits best, and how Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) work — including the triple-tax edge of HSAs. They share practical, listener-first guidance on running plan comparisons, checking drug prices and doctor networks, watching ACA subsidy changes and deadlines, and building a values-driven, realistic retirement health plan you can start acting on today. From comparing health insurance plans to understanding out-of-pocket costs, here’s NerdWallet’s free step-by-step guide to help you choose the best coverage: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/health/choose-health-insurance  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: health coverage options, ACA marketplace, premium tax credits, health insurance subsidies, annual enrollment period, insurance plan comparison, coinsurance examples, copay structure, catastrophic health plans, employer benefits package, dependent coverage, preventive care coverage, out-of-network costs, provider networks, telehealth coverage, prescription tiers, pre-tax savings, IRS contribution limits, healthcare inflation, medical cost planning, retirement healthcare expenses, long-term care costs, catch-up contributions, IRA rollover, compound growth, late retirement planning, work after retirement, side income in retirement, debt-free retirement, financial independence, budgeting for healthcare, reducing healthcare costs, maximizing employer benefits, flexible work transition, delayed retirement, insurance renewal tips, healthcare budgeting, and cost-of-living planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to spot shutdown-era scams and build a budget that works even when you and your partner disagree. How can you protect yourself from shutdown-era scams? How do you build a household budget when you and your partner see money differently? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share strategies to figure out a household budget when you and your partner are not on the same page about how to manage your finances. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins them to discuss a surge in spam calls, texts, and emails tied to the federal government shutdown. She talks with Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, about the spike in government-imposter schemes, AI-driven deepfakes, and spoofed sites — and how to avoid and respond.  Then, fellow Nerd Jay Leong joins Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola to discuss getting on the same budgeting page with a spouse who prefers a different system. They discuss using the 50/30/20 framework without obsessing over every transaction, setting shared goals and “money dates” to surface financial values, and practical tools like sinking funds and lightweight expense tracking. They also cover trimming inflated “needs,” capping discretionary categories such as dining out or kids’ activities, and giving each partner clear fun-money boundaries via separate checking accounts or allowances. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header See your money clearly, save smarter, and unlock sophisticated hassle-free investing all in one place with the free NerdWallet app: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/nerdwallet-app-track-your-wealth-and-build-your-future  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: government shutdown scams, spam calls surge, do not call registry, FTC scam reporting, Identity Theft Resource Center, government imposter scam, deepfake scams, voice cloning scam, AI phishing, spoofed websites, how to report a scam, how to stop spam calls, credit card charge dispute, safer payment methods, couples budgeting, money dates, values-based budgeting,sinking funds, manual expense tracking, budgeting apps for couples, NerdWallet app budgeting, overspending fixes, wants vs needs, separate checking accounts, joint vs separate finances, kids activities budget, dining out budget, Costco credit card, travel credit card, insurance shopping, car insurance quotes, home insurance quotes, emergency fund buckets, vacation fund, budget categories, and shutdown impact on finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to get and read your free credit reports and spot red flags so you can protect your score and money. How do you set a realistic budget for a big life event without guilt? What’s the foolproof way to get and read your free credit reports? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting and credit monitoring to help you protect your finances. They open by discussing trip and wedding budgeting trade-offs, like how to prioritize comfort, set spending caps, and decide when to splurge. They share tactics for separating wedding and honeymoon costs, using cash gifts and registries wisely, and staying flexible when real prices blow past early estimates. Then, NerdWallet lead writer Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer listeners’ questions about how to access and monitor their credit reports. They explain the difference between reports and scores and do a live read-through of Sean’s Experian report. They cover how to get free weekly credit reports, how to spot hard vs. soft inquiries, what truly matters to your score, what to ignore, and step-by-step moves to dispute errors with the right bureau(s) fast. NerdWallet's list of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  Standout high-yield CDs: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/banking/standout-cd-rates-2  Enter your deposit, CD term and APY to see what interest you would earn on a certificate of deposit with NerdWallet’s free CD calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/calculators/cd-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: free credit report, credit score, FICO vs VantageScore, how to read a credit report, dispute credit report errors, credit freeze vs lock, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, hard vs soft inquiry, identity theft credit report, free weekly credit reports, adverse action notice, credit utilization, bank app credit score, frozen credit report, collections on credit report, mortgage on credit report, mixed credit files, verify identity for credit report, step by step read credit report, remove errors from credit report, how to check credit score for free, VantageScore 3.0, FICO score 10T, credit bureau upsell, lock vs freeze security, and travel budget planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to handle holiday shopping in an increasingly expensive spending environment. Plus, lightning round insights around debt, investing, and savings goals.  How should you prepare for holiday shopping when tariffs and inflation are leading to higher prices? When should you prioritize paying off your mortgage versus investing in the market? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola welcome back senior news writer Anna Helhoski  and data writer Erin El Issa to dig into holiday shopping trends, including ways you can save on gifts and travel while reducing stress.  Then, Sean and Elizabeth jump into a lightning round to answer a number of listener questions. They share insights on how to weigh the opportunity cost of paying off a mortgage versus investing in the market. They also look into how to better understand what your robo advisor may be investing in. And they talk about some of the smartest places to stash cash — like high-yield savings accounts or CDs — if you are planning for a short term goal.   NerdWallet Holiday shopping report: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/studies/holiday-spending-report  Best CD rates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/cd-rates  Best High-Yield Savings Accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: holiday budgeting, holiday spending tips, how to budget for the holidays, holiday shopping debt, how to avoid holiday debt, NerdWallet holiday spending report, tariffs and inflation 2025, saving for holiday gifts, managing holiday travel costs, holiday money stress, how to save for holiday travel, pay off mortgage or invest, paying off mortgage vs investing, opportunity cost investing, ETFs explained, SPY ETF, XLK ETF, Vanguard Digital Advisor, collective investment trust, CIT vs ETF, Vanguard institutional trust, best high-yield savings accounts, CD ladder strategy, best CD rates, how to save for a house down payment, short-term investing options, budgeting app, NerdWallet app, personal finance podcast, Smart Money podcast, holiday money advice, how to manage debt during the holidays. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to choose term vs whole life insurance and calculate your coverage so your family stays protected. How much life insurance do you really need? Which is smarter, term or whole life? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss recent smart, fun, and dumb spending to spark a quick audit of your own money habits, then pivot to right-sizing life insurance so your family isn’t left exposed. They begin with a discussion of everyday spending wins and fails, with tips and tricks on reviewing statements to catch unused subscriptions, setting guilt-free “fun” budgets that match your values, and investing in your health and home with intention. Then, insurance Nerd Kaz Weida joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss a listener’s question about life insurance choices. They explain the DIME method for figuring out how much coverage you need, how to weigh term vs whole based on goals and risk, what costs look like at different ages, and how to handle beneficiaries, trusts, and group coverage from work. Plus: why you should periodically update your beneficiaries as life changes. How much life insurance do you need? NerdWallet’s free life insurance calculator can help you do the math: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/how-much-life-insurance-do-i-need  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: life insurance, term life insurance, whole life insurance, beneficiary designation, trust vs beneficiary, group term life insurance, life insurance cost in your 30s, life insurance cost in your 40s, cash value life insurance, indexed universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, estate planning basics, stay-at-home parent life insurance, update life insurance beneficiaries, convert term policy, smoker vs nonsmoker life insurance rates, life insurance medical exam, term vs whole life comparison, permanent life insurance, life insurance through employer, supplemental life insurance, life insurance payout, coverage amount calculator, college fund and life insurance, mortgage protection with life insurance, and prenuptial agreement and finances. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to plan for surprise bills and what to ask about a home’s past so your budget and buying feel stress free. Do sellers have to disclose deaths, crimes or “hauntings” in a home? How can you budget for irregular expenses without daily tracking? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola open a spooky episode with housing Nerds Holden Lewis and Kate Wood to break down which states require sellers to reveal a home’s dark history, when they don’t, and how to protect yourself as a buyer. They unpack how to check local laws, research an address, and talk with neighbors so you can make confident choices — and avoid creepy surprises. Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer listener Alyssa’s question about managing expenses that change (or don’t come up at all) from month to month. They share practical ways to plan ahead for costs like home maintenance, credit card fees, childcare, pet care, and car repairs — without tracking every penny. Learn how to build flexible savings buckets, automate deposits, and keep lifestyle creep in check so your budget finally feels steady. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: haunted house disclosure laws, seller disclosure death in house, stigmatized property, California real estate law, Alaska disclosure rules, Massachusetts disclosure requirements, Minnesota property laws, South Dakota home sale rules, Kentucky real estate disclosure, house history search, property value and crime, neighborhood research before buying, state disclosure differences, how to check a home’s history, due diligence when buying a home, buyer protection strategies, homebuyer checklist, surprise home costs, unpredictable expenses, annual fees planning, sinking funds, budgeting system, flexible savings account, automated transfers, pay yourself first, lifestyle creep management, household budget balance, high income budgeting, financial organization, saving for irregular costs, long-term financial planning, and how to do a monthly money check-in. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how your habits and the cash and cards in your wallet reveal your money mindset, then learn how to know when it’s time to quit your job. What amount of cash should you keep on hand? Should you “quiet quit” or make a clean break from your job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss everyday wallet decisions and career change trade-offs to help you understand how everyday money habits and major career choices can strengthen your financial stability. They begin with a candid, “What’s in Your Wallet?” segment, revealing what they keep close and providing some tips and throughs on keeping a small emergency cash stash, rotating rewards cards wisely, and avoiding risky wallet habits like storing everything in your car. Then, Tess Vigeland, Smart Money producer and author of Leap: Leaving a Job with No Plan B to Find the Career and Life You Really Want, joins Sean and Elizabeth to help answer a listener’s question about whether they should quit their job or simply “quiet quit.” They discuss building a “freedom fund” before quitting, ways to reduce workload without burning bridges, the realities of healthcare and benefits if you leave your job, how today’s labor market affects timing, and why giving yourself reflection time can clarify your next step. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: quiet quitting, emergency fund, freedom fund, how much cash to keep at home, what to keep in your wallet, wallet organization, travel credit cards, cashback card strategy, debit vs credit, remote work burnout, career change planning, leave a job without plan b, how to quit without burning bridges, lateral move vs new job, reduce workload tips, using AI at work, outsource repetitive tasks, referral risk when underperforming, healthcare after quitting, benefits when changing jobs, real estate license costs, FIRE financial independence retire early, savings goals at 29, HSA spending, high deductible health plan, emergency cash vs card, labor market trends, employee engagement Gallup, identity beyond work, partner concerns about quitting, building a freedom fund timeline, cash vs digital payments, keeping cards safe, rotating cards for categories, smart travel rewards use, backup plan before quitting, burnout signs, and when to leave a job. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices