PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

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PennyWise is a show about money, personal finance, investing and travel. Hosted by Nat Cardona, the program features a variety of financial experts who can help save you money.

20H AGO

Weddings and Homeownership: Smart Strategies for New Couples on a Budget

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet personal finance expert Kim Palmer to tackle the dual challenge many American couples face: financing a wedding while pursuing homeownership. As costs continue to rise, they discuss practical do's and don'ts that can help newly engaged couples navigate these financial hurdles effectively.Listeners will learn about the shifting demographics of first-time homebuyers, with the median age now at 38, and strategies for building a house fund instead of opting for traditional wedding gifts. Kim shares insights on the importance of avoiding credit card debt when financing wedding expenses, emphasizing that it's crucial to minimize financial burdens post-wedding. More on this episode from Nerdwallet- First Homes and Weddings For more insights, check out NerdWallet's comprehensive resources on financing weddings and homeownership. Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

9 min
MAR 24

Dress to Impress Without the Stress: Mastering Your Clothing Budget for 2025

In this insightful episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona sits down with WalletHub's financial expert, Adam McCann, to tackle a common question: how much should you budget for clothing in 2025? As clothing prices continue to rise, Adam breaks down the average annual spending on apparel, revealing that households typically spend around $1,945 on clothing each year. However, he emphasizes that this figure can vary widely based on personal needs and lifestyle.Listeners will discover practical tips for saving money on clothing, including the importance of shopping during sales, utilizing coupons, and understanding the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' in their wardrobe. Adam also discusses the benefits of investing in quality pieces that last longer, as well as savvy shopping strategies like buying off-season and exploring thrift stores or community clothing swaps. Additionally, the episode covers the advantages of using the right credit cards for clothing purchases, highlighting how rewards and cashback options can maximize savings. Adam stresses the importance of managing credit wisely to avoid interest charges that can negate savings from rewards. More on this story- How Much to Budget for Clothes in 2025 For more insights on budgeting and saving, check out WalletHub's resources at WalletHub. Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

13 min
MAR 17

Last-Minute Tax Tips for 2025: Don't Miss Out on Savings and Avoid Common Pitfalls

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona teams up with tax expert John Kiernan, Managing Editor at WalletHub. John shares essential last-minute tax tips for the 2025 filing season. As the deadline approaches, they emphasize the importance of filing a return regardless of your ability to pay, explaining the significant penalties associated with failing to file. Listeners will learn about the IRS's direct file program and how to utilize free resources for tax assistance, especially for those facing financial challenges.The conversation also covers strategies for managing tax payments, including the benefits of using credit cards wisely to earn rewards while settling tax obligations. They delve into disaster relief for those in FEMA-designated areas and the advantages available for taxpayers in these situations, such as extended filing deadlines and deductions for personal property losses.For more insights and resources, check out WalletHub's budgeting features to get your finances in shape. More on this story- Countdown to Tax Day: WalletHub’s Tax Tips for 2025 Show notes created with assistance from headliner.app

12 min
MAR 10

Budgeting with a Brain: How AI Can Transform Your Financial Game Plan

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona engages with WalletHub's personal finance writer, Milvionne Chery Copeland, to explore the innovative world of AI budgeting tools. As artificial intelligence continues to permeate our daily lives, Milvionne explains how these tools can revolutionize the way we manage our finances. Listeners will learn about the benefits of using AI to automatically track and categorize expenses, saving precious time and effort in the budgeting process.The conversation delves into how AI can analyze spending patterns, alert users to unusual expenses, and even help automate savings by identifying manageable amounts to set aside. There are also tips on utilizing AI chatbots, with occasional review, as virtual financial assistants, providing instant advice and insights. Learn more from WalletHub at Are Budgeting Apps Safe? Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

9 min
MAR 3

Debunking the 20% Down Payment Myth: Affordable Home Buying Options You Didn't Know Existed

In this enlightening episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona welcomes NerdWallet's senior writer, Holden Lewis, to debunk the common myth surrounding down payments for home buying. Many potential homeowners believe that a hefty 20% down payment is a necessity, but Holden clarifies that this isn't the case. The discussion addresses the financial pressures faced by first-time homebuyers, including interest rates and living costs, which can make homeownership seem unattainable.Listeners will discover that conventional loans can require a lot less down, while FHA loans offer nearly unbeatable opportunities for first-time homebuyers. This episode is packed with practical advice and reassurance for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the home buying process. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/data-down-payment Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

11 min
FEB 24

Grocery Spending Showdown: Where Your State Ranks in Food Costs and How to Save

In this informative episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona sits down with WalletHub's financial writer, Adam McCann, to discuss the rising costs of groceries and how different states are faring in terms of food expenses. With grocery prices increasing over 25% since 2019, Adam shares insights from WalletHub's latest study that reveals which states spend the most and least on groceries. Listeners will learn that while Mississippi tops the list for grocery spending, New Jersey enjoys the lowest percentage of income spent on food.The conversation dives into practical budgeting strategies, emphasizing the importance of tracking grocery expenses and creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. Adam also highlights the benefits of using credit cards that offer rewards on grocery purchases. For more details on grocery spending by state, check out WalletHub's report here. Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

13 min
FEB 17

Superstar Cities: 5 Key Takeaways from the Cities with the Best Budgeting Populations

In this engaging episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by Milvionne Chery Copeland, a personal finance writer at WalletHub, to explore the fascinating dynamics of budgeting across various cities in the U.S. As many individuals continue to face financial challenges, Nat and Milvionne dive into the cities with the best and worst budgeters and uncover the strategies that set successful budgeters apart.Listeners will learn about the impressive debt-to-income ratios in cities like Seattle and Fremont, as well as the importance of maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. Milvian emphasizes the critical role of smart spending and the necessity of paying more than the minimum on credit card balances to avoid spiraling debt. Cities With the Best & Worst Budgeters in 2025 Show notes created partially with assistance from https://headliner.app

10 min
FEB 10

Beyond Airbnb: Big Hotels Enter the Vacation Rental Game

In this engaging episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet's travel expert, Sally French, to explore the evolving landscape of vacation rentals. As family travel needs shift towards larger accommodations, the episode delves into the emergence of hotel-affiliated vacation rentals that are challenging traditional platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Sally discusses how major hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott are entering the vacation rental market, catering to groups seeking multiple rooms and kitchen facilities.Listeners will learn about the advantages of these hotel-backed rentals, including consistent quality and service, as well as unique amenities that enhance the vacation experience. From sprawling resort-style properties to high-end villas, Sally paints a vivid picture of what travelers can expect when opting for these new accommodations. Show notes created with assistance from https://headliner.app

12 min

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TRAILER

Trailer

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. Support the show: https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1

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2 min

4.5

out of 5

8 Ratings

PennyWise is a show about money, personal finance, investing and travel. Hosted by Nat Cardona, the program features a variety of financial experts who can help save you money.