PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

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 demographi...

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 tha...

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 f...

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 c...

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 a...

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...

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.<...

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 H...

In this enlightening episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona engages with WalletHub's managing editor, John Kiernan, to tackle the essential topic of emergency funds. With many Americans feeling unprepared for unexpected expenses, especially amidst rising inflation, John provides valuable insights into the importance of building a financial safety net.
Listeners will discover the alarming statistics from Wall...

In this insightful episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona welcomes NerdWallet's Sarah Rathner to discuss the intriguing findings from the 2024 American Household Credit Card Debt Status Study. As we transition into 2025, Nat and Sarah reflect on the financial landscape of 2024, a year that appeared promising on the surface but felt challenging for many consumers. They delve into the paradox of rising economic i...

In this informative episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona sits down with Chip Lupo, a credit card writer for WalletHub, to explore the vital topic of credit freezes. As the importance of maintaining a good credit score becomes undeniable, Chip offers a comprehensive guide on how to protect your credit and identity through the strategic use of credit freezes.
Listeners will gain insights into the process of ...

In this essential episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet expert Elizabeth Ayoola to discuss the upcoming changes to Medicare in 2025. With new developments on the horizon, Elizabeth provides listeners with crucial insights into the evolving landscape of Medicare Part D, including the introduction of an out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drugs, which promises relief for many consumers...

In this motivating episode of Penny Wise, host Nat Cardona is joined by WalletHub finance writer Adam McCann to tackle the age-old tradition of New Year's resolutions with a focus on achieving real financial results in 2025. Adam offers expert advice on setting practical resolutions, specifically around saving money and budgeting, to help listeners start the new year on the right financial foot.

Discover the be...

In this insightful episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona welcomes NerdWallet's personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer to share practical tips on reducing your monthly bills. As holiday expenses mount and budgets tighten, Kimberly provides a step-by-step guide to negotiating lower rates on your internet, cable, and utility bills.

Learn the art of timing your calls for the best results and discover the importan...

In this insightful episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by WalletHub editor Milvian Cherry Copeland to delve into the world of gift cards, a popular holiday gift choice. While they are convenient, not every gift card fits the recipient's needs. Milvian shares expert advice on how to make the most of unwanted gift cards, including where to sell them and how to avoid common scams.

Discover where to fi...

In this festive episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet travel expert Sally French to explore nine last-minute Christmas vacation destinations across the United States. Whether you're looking to escape the cold or embrace the holiday spirit, Sally's curated list of spectacular getaways has something for everyone. And they're easier to get to than  you might think.

Join us as we uncov...

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona explores the evolving world of cruise dining with travel rewards expert Sally French from NerdWallet. Gone are the days of mundane buffets under heat lamps; cruise lines are now elevating their culinary offerings with renowned chefs and unique dining experiences.

Discover the allure of specialty dining on cruises, where partnerships with celebrity chefs like Tony G...

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet's personal finance writer Elizabeth Ayoola to help you navigate the whirlwind of Cyber Monday shopping. With the holiday season in full swing, it's easy to get swept up in the frenzy of deals and discounts. Elizabeth shares expert tips on how to spend wisely and avoid common pitfalls during this busy shopping period.

Learn how to set a reali...

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona addresses a common fear among drivers: the dreaded insurance rate increase after a car accident. With expert advice from WalletHub's Milvionne Chery Copeland, listeners will learn practical strategies to avoid overpaying on car insurance following an at-fault accident.

Discover the benefits of accident forgiveness programs an...