More Sense Than Dollars: Recent Episodes
Harry Roberts, Nick Roberts
Some people have more dollars than sense. They spend money they don’t have, rack up debt, and have no control over their personal finances. If you don’t want to be that person, join Nick and Harry for the personal finance class you should have had in school.
Every episode covers a different topic with no background knowledge needed and only what’s important. Whatever your money situation is today, you’ll learn how to get on track with some bite-size steps and a little financial sense.
Questions? Suggestions? Episode requests? Let us know at podcast@moresensethandollars.fm or via our website at moresensethandollars.fm/contact.
The credit card bracket comes down to this. The six category winners from Episodes 1 and 2 go head-to-head in the championship round, and the Chase dominance throughout the bracket can't be ignored. We crown a winner in each category, then break down which card is actually best for you based on how you spend and travel. No single card wins for everyone, but by the end of this episode you'll know exactly which ones belong in your wallet.
Episode 3 Matchups:
- Premium Cards: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Everyday Cash Back: Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Flexible Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
- Hotel Cards: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs. World of Hyatt
- Airline Cards: United Explorer Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card
- Business Cards: Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Ink Business Cash
Spoiler Warning — Episode 3 Winners Below
- Premium Cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Everyday Cash Back: Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Flexible Travel: Amex Gold
- Hotel Cards: World of Hyatt Card
- Airline Cards: United Explorer Card
- Business Cards: Chase Ink Business Preferred
The credit card bracket continues. In Episode 2, we're debating cards we actually own against each other. We have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but Nick also has the Capital One Venture X, so who really wins the premium card debate? Six more head-to-head matchups, six more winners advancing to the championship.
Episode 2 Matchups:
- Premium Cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X
- Everyday Cash Back: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Discover It Cash Back
- Flexible Travel: Capital One Venture vs. Amex Gold
- Hotel Cards: World of Hyatt vs. Hilton Honors Aspire
- Airline Cards: JetBlue Plus vs. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- Business Cards: Ink Business Cash vs. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Spoiler Warning — Episode 2 Winners Below
- Premium Cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Everyday Cash Back: Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Flexible Travel: Amex Gold
- Hotel Cards: World of Hyatt Card
- Airline Cards: JetBlue Plus Card
- Business Cards: Ink Business Cash
It's March Madness season, and we're settling some long-standing credit card debates bracket-style. In the first round, we put cards head-to-head across six categories: premium cards, everyday cash back, flexible travel, hotel cards, airline cards, and business cards to pick which cards deserve to advance to the championship. No visual bracket required, just strong opinions and real experience from cards we actually carry in our wallets.
Episode 1 Matchups:
- Premium Cards: Amex Platinum vs. Citi Strata Elite
- Everyday Cash Back: Citi Double Cash vs. Amex Blue Cash Everyday
- Flexible Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Bilt Mastercard
- Hotel Cards: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs. IHG One Rewards Premier
- Airline Cards: Delta Amex Gold vs. United Explorer Card
- Business Cards: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Chase Ink Business Preferred
Spoiler Warning - Episode 1 Winners Below
- Premium Cards: Amex Platinum
- Everyday Cash Back: Citi Double Cash
- Flexible Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Hotel Cards: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- Airline Cards: United Explorer Card
- Business Cards: Chase Ink Business Preferred
Agree with our picks? Disagree? Let us know in the comments or find us on Instagram. See you in round two!
Confused about filing your taxes? You’re not alone. In this episode we break down who needs to file, how deductions work, and whether DIY tax software is worth it so you can file confidently and avoid overpaying.
Once you have your budget in order and disposable income to spend, how should you spend it? In this episode we discuss how to separate short term from long term wants and tactics on how to get the most out of the fun money leftover in your bank account.
2025 was a year of tariffs, stock market volatility, and interest rate changes. In this episode we recap the top stories of 2025 and how they'll impact your personal finances going into 2026.
In this episode we answer the top 5 questions from this credit card focused season. Thank you for listening, see you next season!
Are you trying to get more credit card sign up bonuses but can't charge enough to hit the minimum spend? In this episode we explain manufactured spending, a way to get more on your credit card statement without hurting your budget. This is an advanced churning strategy, but when done right can really speed up the number of points and rewards you earn.
If you're having fun credit card churning but want to take things to the next level and really max out those points, this is the episode for you. We share some of the more advanced tips including two player mode, getting business cards, how to fish for targeted offers, and why you shouldn't always take no for an answer from the bank.
Okay, you’ve jumped into churning and maybe got your first signup bonus. Now you’re wondering how to keep the points rolling and which credit cards to get in what order. In this episode we’ll help with card recommendations for your personal churning strategy to maximize points while staying within all the bank’s secret policies.
We're kicking this credit card series into another gear. In this episode we walk through how to start racking up credit card sign up bonuses for very little time and effort. Listen in for tips on hitting Minimum Spend Requirements and which cards to apply for first.
Credit card churning is a great way to rack up credit card points, but its not as free as it seems. In this episode we walk through the 3 most important things to know before getting started on churning and whether you're in a position to start collecting those big signup bonuses.
Have you wondered whether you should get more credit cards? Or how to know which ones to get? In this episode we'll help you maximize your rewards across your everyday spending categories to get the most points possible for the least amount of effort.
Why would I get a credit card with an annual fee when there are so many without a fee? How do I know which tier is best for me? What do cards from different banks have in common?
If you've asked yourself these questions, hit play and your questions will be answered. We cover the different tiers of credit cards from entry level, mid tier, and premium and where you should jump in when applying for a card.
There are so many types of credit cards out there, so where should you start? Listen in, we'll walk through the different credit card categories and which ones apply to your credit and spending situation. From travel to balance transfers to your favorite store, there's a card out there for you!
We're back with Episode 2 in the Credit Card Crash Course series. In this one we take things further and discuss the importance of getting away from something called credit card float and how it can feel like you're more on top of your credit card bills than you actually are. If you can stay off the float you'll have a good foundation for maximizing credit card perks and benefits so tune in for strategies on fixing this hidden problem.
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Credit Card Boot Camp! We're going on a 9 episode journey to get the most out of your credit cards and start racking up points and miles. In this episode, we explain the complicated terms you'll see when you go to pay your bill and which dates are actually important to avoid paying interest.
In this episode we answer the top listener questions from season 7. We'll clarify when to do a Backdoor Roth IRA, how to spend tax refunds, and maximizing your return on credit card points.
We're back with another year in review episode. We discuss some of the top financial stories of 2024 ranging from Bitcoin to interest rates to potential tariffs. Thank you all for listening this year, we'll see you in 2025!
In this episode we continue the conversation with Eric on what factors to consider when choosing a place to live. We cover some of the overlooked costs of living and how to make sure you end up somewhere affordable that matches your values.
Have you been accumulating credit card points but not sure how to spend them? In this episode we discuss how to cash in those points and get the best bang for your buck when you do it.
Do you have monthly subscriptions you're still paying that you rarely use? Or are you subscribed to some services you don't even know about? In this episode we discuss how to audit your list of monthly subscriptions and get intentional about which you keep while saving money by cutting the rest.
Have you ever blown a bonus and felt guilty you didn't set any aside for savings? In this episode we discuss how to allocate those lump sums like annual bonuses or tax refunds so you can treat yourself without worrying about saving for the future.
Wondering where to put your savings to give yourself the best bang for your buck? In this episode we discuss which accounts to fill in which order by using a detailed flowchart to bucket your goals money.
Here's a link to the flowchart for you to follow along.
In this episode we answer another batch of our listeners' questions. From top budgeting apps to savings guilt, from retirement planning to lifestyle inflation, Harry and Nick have you covered. Thank you to everyone that continues to listen and support the show, see you in Season 7.
Have you worried whether you'll have enough savings to retire when you want? In this episode, we'll walk through the benchmark milestones you should aim for at different ages and why starting to save early is so helpful thanks to compound interest. Whether you're just starting your savings journey or looking to grow your nest egg, this episode will give you the insights and practical tips to set yourself up for a stress-free retirement.
Owning a pet can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be expensive if you don't know what bills to expect. In this episode, we uncover some of the most common upfront and recurring costs that come with getting a pet as well as some you might have missed so you can be financially prepared for your new pet.
How long have you been using the same checking and savings account at the same bank? There are more account options out there than ever, and with the competition comes some nice incentives to switch to a better bank. In this episode we discuss reasons to switch accounts and how to do it painlessly, whether its online or a physical bank.
If 80% of New Year's Resolutions fail by February, how are you going to make sure yours survive the year? In this episode, we discuss how to set yourself up for success in making and keeping your financial resolutions to reach your personal finance goals.
A lot happened in the world of finance in 2023, and in this episode we'll recap the most relevant stories and events of the year. From crypto fraud to the Eras Tour, we discuss how this years events could impact your 2024 financial goals.
When you've successfully negotiated a pay raise, what do you do with the extra money? In this episode we discuss how to allocate extra income to give yourself some reward today and still set your future self up for success.
Happy Thanksgiving listeners! If you pay attention to the 24 hour news cycle, the present and future economy seem pretty bleak. Luckily the actual data is a lot more promising, but less dramatic. In this episode we discuss some of the good news out there to be grateful for and how to avoid the negativity the press likes to highlight.
Gone are the days where you need pen and paper or a spreadsheet template to create your budget. Today there are apps and software tools that track your transactions and offer recommendations on how to dial in your spending the way you want. In this episode, we'll walk through some of the top rated apps out there to help you figure out which one is best for you.
Have you tried the 50/30/20 budget and found it doesn't work for you? In this episode we offer up some other ways to allocate your paycheck that help you save for your future and keep the lifestyle you want.
Your Mission1. Choose the budget breakdown that feels most sustainable for you 2. Run the budget for a few months and see if you're happy with the results 3. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good, tweak the percentages as you need * Why 50/30/20 might not work for you * Alternative budget options * 50/30/20 and other options
This season had some great questions come in. In this episode we answer a few on interest rates, buying a car, credit scores, and more. Thank you all for listening to another chunk of episodes, more to come and let us know what topics you'd like to hear.
Everyone is saying interest rates are too high to buy cars or houses, but why are rates high and who decides the rates? In this episode we'll explain how to Federal Reserve sets interest rates and what impact those rates have on everyday life.
Your Mission1. Be a lender, put your money in High Yield Savings Accounts and CDs 2. Adjust your budget with current rates based on your new buying power 3. Question any unnecessary loans that could be more difficult to get a return on * How the Fed sets rates * Why waiting for rates to go down could be bad * Should you wait for rates to drop?
You're sold on credit card churning and want to apply for your first card, but which type of card from which bank? This episode covers more specifics on credit card bonuses and recommendations on cards we own with the best perks available.
Your Mission1. Research card signup promotions with bonus categories that match your spending 2. Create loyalty accounts and apply for a card you're interested in 3. Wait a few months, then consider adding another card to the mix * Card Sign up bonuses * Chase 5/24 rule * The Points Guy
Credit card sign up bonuses might seem too good to be true, but you can earn some big rewards with a bit of discipline. In this episode we'll give the basics behind credit card churning and whether you should be getting into the game or not. Your regular spending habits might be able to get you hundreds or thousands in free travel or cash back.
Your Mission1. Decide whether you're in a healthy financial position to apply for credit cards 2. Explore different cards based on current bonuses or your brand loyalty 3. Apply, hit the minimum spend requirement, and treat yourself with the points * Credit Card Churning * Current sign up offers * Churning 101
Wondering what to do with money you need safe but isn't making any interest in your checking account? In this episode we walk through some options for shorter term investments that are safer than stocks but give more return than sitting under the mattress. We explain how to buy fixed income investments and the pros and cons of each.
Your Mission1. Figure out what savings you have that you don't need soon 2. Explore different options offered by your bank and shop around 3. Buy one and start small to get used to these types of investments * Guide to fixed income investments * Best fixed income investments * Pros and Cons of fixed income
Banks are always looking for ways to attract new customers, so why not take advantage? Bank account bonuses are a way to make some extra cash in exchange for a little time and effort. We'll cover the pros and cons of opening accounts to get a few hundred dollars and help you decide whether its a good option for you.
Your Mission1. Look through the banks and see if you're eligible for any promotions 2. Follow the steps to get your bonus for each account 3. Collect the cash and repeat with other banks * Best account bonuses * Are bank bonuses worth it? * Pros and cons of bank account bonuses
Episode NotesWe've all done it: You're having a rough day, you go do some online shopping, you feel better for a bit, then you regret buying something you didn't need and you're stuck with credit card bills. In this episode you'll learn tips to practice self-care and treat yourself without hurting your budget and future financial goals.
Your Mission1. Look for your emotional spending triggers and stay mindful when they come up 2. Use the 48 hour rule to prevent buying something you don't need 3. Dedicate a piece of your budget to self-care spending * How to stop emotional spending * Statistics on retail therapy * How to deal with retail therapy
Episode NotesIt might seem like just a number, but a high credit score can make your life easier and save you money in a lot of different ways. In this episode we'll bust some myths about credit scores and explain how a higher score opens more opportunity on your personal finance journey.
Your Mission1. Sign up for auto pay and payment alerts on your loans and credit cards 2. Monitor your score for any big changes to investigate 3. Make your payments on time, keep your balances low, and keep your accounts open * How to freeze your credit * Chase credit score monitoring * Credit score percentages
Car insurance can be a big part of car ownership expenses, so its important to get the most coverage for the lowest cost. In this episode we'll explain the industry buzzwords, how to get a policy, and when you should file a claim.
Your Mission1. Find out what coverage you need in your state 2. Shop around policies with different insurance companies 3. Purchase a policy and drive safe to keep your premium low * Top car insurance companies * When to file a claim * How premiums are calculated
Is used car salesman on your list of biggest fears? This episode will help you conquer that. We break down all the steps to take from researching to driving off the lot so you can get the car you want at a price that fits your budget.
Your Mission1. Figure out what you can afford 2. Do the research and pick your make and model 3. Test drive and negotiate, but be patient in the process * How Much Car You Can Afford * How to Buy a Car * Buying a Car Tips
You asked some good questions about moving, unemployment, and stocks and we've got answers. Keep the questions coming, it helps us decide what to cover in each episode and what episode topics to use in the future.
2022 had some ups like interest rates and some downs like the stock market. In this episode we're covering some of the biggest financial events and news stories of the year and how they can influence your personal finance decisions for 2023 and beyond.
Your Mission1. Decide what you want to do more and less of financially for 2023 2. Start with small changes to reach your goals for next year 3. Follow us on social media and let us know what episodes you want to hear * 2023 Financial resolutions * Stock market losses * Student loan updates
Whether you're unemployed now or in an at-will employment state where you could find yourself unemployed without warning, this episode will help you plan for the worst. Staying disciplined and following a few key steps while you're jobless can be the difference between finding something quickly and having trouble paying bills.
Your Mission1. Have a plan for if you find yourself unemployed, it can happen at any time 2. If it happens don’t panic, listen to this episode again and start executing the plan 3. Stay positive and remember lots of other people have gone through it * Making the most of unemployment * Resume templates * Things to do while unemployed
When you buy or sell shares of a stock, have you wondered what all those options under Order Type mean? You'll see things like Market, Limit, Stop Market, Stop Limit and they all have very different purposes depending on what you want to do. In this episode we'll explain what they mean and when to use which type of order.
Your Mission1. Figure out what you want to do with your shares 2. Experiment with limit/stop orders in small amounts 3. Use market, limit, and stop orders as part of your strategy going forward * Stock Order Types * When to use Market vs Limit * Stop Loss vs Stop Limit
The path to financial freedom is not linear. Your personal finance journey really is a journey and there'll be mistakes and regrets along the way. In this episode we'll cover a few expensive lessons and things we wish we could do over if we could go back. Learn from our mistakes so you don't need to make as many of your own.
Your Mission1. Don't get hard on yourself when you make mistakes, but don't make the same one twice 2. Learn from others who have been in your shoes before 3. Remember that you can recover from missed opportunities and still succeed * How to avoid credit card debt * How to stay on a parents health care plan * Using exit strategies for investments
A home can be one of the most expensive purchases of you're life, so it's worth doing it right the first time. We'll go through the steps from saving up to closing day and how preparation can make buying a house more exciting than scary and stressful.
From plane tickets to hotels to restaurants, traveling can be expensive. But you don't need to go into debt every time you want to take a trip. This episode is about how to see new places on a budget and making your vacation fund stretch as far as possible while still having a great time doing it.
Your Mission1. Start planning and booking your next trip ahead of time 2. Compare hotels, Airbnb's, and camping options 3. Save on food by not eating out every meal * Saving on Travel * Budget Travel Tips * Forbes Travel Tips
We continue the conversation with Hannah Roberts on how she maintains discipline without a manager, the pros and cons of entrepreneurship, and what her goals are for the future.
Is the financial burden of an upcoming move keeping you up at night? This episode is all about how to move from one place you're living to another without breaking the bank. We'll talk through the balance of time vs money when it comes to DIY or hiring movers and how to save along the way.
Your Mission1. Prepare for your move a few months in advance 2. Donate or sell what belongings you can to lessen the work and expenses 3. Choose between DIY and hiring some help based on your budget * How to Cut Moving Costs * Saving on Moving * Moving on a Budget
Another season, another group of listener questions we've gathered over the last few weeks. We'll cover questions on things like credit cards, grocery shopping, and switching jobs. Stay tuned for another group of episodes!
Most people think that management is the main way to progress in your career, and that once you're a manager there's no turning back. Neither of those things are true. In this episode, we'll walk through your options for getting more raises and promotions in a way that fits your personal skills and preference.
Your Mission1. Work on your soft skills whichever path you decide to take 2. Know which track you're on now and decide if it's the one you want 3. Follow people who have found success before you and don't be afraid to climb * Individual Contributors vs Managers * How to Improve Soft Skills * Becoming a Manager * ICs Who Don't Want to Manage
The stock market is tanking and you're not sure what to do? You've come to the right place. In this episode we explain what to do when there's a bear market or stock market crash so you don't panic or make any impulse decisions. In a bear market, there are still ways to see the glass half full and set yourself up for future success.
Your Mission1. Don't panic or sell your shares for a loss 2. Don't look at your account falling if it'll scare you 3. Continue investing normally for the long term * Charles Schwab Study * Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market * Investing during a Bear Market
Have you heard you should carry a credit card balance month-to-month to boost your credit score? Or that you should pay for things with your debit card instead of a credit card? In this episode, we're busting ten of the biggest myths that are hurting your personal finance journey so you can get back on track.
Your Mission1. Identify any of these myths that you believe today 2. Try taking actions opposite to the belief and see if your finances improve 3. Search for any other myths you hear to confirm whether they're true or not * Top 10 Personal Finance Myths * 5 Personal Finance Myths * 6 Money Myths * 5 Myths You Still Believe
Without the right skills, building healthy habits and breaking bad ones is nearly impossible. In this episode we'll give some tips on how to strengthen the willpower muscle you'll need to turn conscious routines into unconscious habits. To make healthy money habits you'll need a plan, because a goal without a plan is really just a wish.
Your Mission1. Start small with one good habit to make and one bad one to break 2. Break it into chunks and choose a target that seems too low 3. Once you reach your target for at least a week, increase it a little bit * How to Build a Habit- James Clear * Routines vs Habits * Good Financial Habits
How are you making sure your salary is keeping up with the market rate? These days, if maximizing your income is a top priority, you'll probably need to change companies every few years to stay ahead. In this episode we talk through some good and bad reasons for staying or leaving and give some encouragement for anyone ready to make the leap.
Your Mission1. Decide whether you're happy with where you're at or you want to make a change 2. Look at the job market for your role or others you might want 3. Don’t be afraid to make the jump, your future self will thank you * Why To Switch Jobs * How Often to Switch Companies * Job Tenure Over the Years
Some think capital gains and losses only apply to the 1%, but if you've ever sold a stock, car, or house you should care too. In this episode we'll explain the difference between short- and long-term capital gains, why they matter, and how to limit the amount of taxes you pay on your profits.
Your Mission1. Set your capital gains money aside for when you’ll owe it next tax season 2. For stable assets, consider holding on to get the lower long term tax rate 3. With volatile assets, don't be afraid to lock in profits even if you'll pay short term capital gains taxes * Capital Gains Calculator * Long Term vs Short Term Capital Gains * What is Capital Gains Tax?
How are you making sure to maximize the points and rewards you get for your everyday buying? In this episode, we talk through when to have more than one credit card to cover all the categories in your budget. We'll share some of our favorite cards and how to balance annual fees with the perks you can get from higher tiered cards.
Your Mission1. Take the Nerdwallet quiz to see what categories you spend the most in 2. If you're in a position to, apply for a card with rewards you'll use 3. Keep your balances paid off and add more cards as you progress
Resources* Nerdwallet Recommendation Quiz * Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve * Best Credit Cards by Category
Looking to find ways to free up money in your budget? In this episode, we're taking a look at how to lower your food budget so you have more money for the other things you want to do. Everyone needs to eat, but if you're wondering how you're spending so much on groceries and restaurants every month check out this episode.
Your Mission1. Find out whether your food spending is a concern for you 2. Try some of these cost saving tips and see which stick 3. Saving any amount is a win so let this be progress over time
Resources* Cutting Your Grocery Bill * USDA Grocery Budget * Saving at Restaurants
High net worth doesn't always equal financially healthy, and a low net worth doesn't mean you're doing things wrong. In this episode we'll explain how to figure out your own net worth, why comparing it to others isn't very useful, and how celebrity net worth is estimated.
Your Mission1. Calculate your current net worth 2. Choose a tool to track it over time 3. Check in regularly to see if it's trending the way you'd like
Resources* Net Worth Calculator * YNAB Net Worth Report * Net Worth Formula * Personal Capital * Excel Template
Time to go through some of the questions we got from the last group of MSTD episodes, from buying a house to negotiating your salary.
Check out our Q&A with listeners on Wisdom here!
Last year the pandemic shook up the global economy and 2021 wasn’t very different. In this episode we’re discussing our highs and lows of the year along with some of the year’s biggest financial events and trends. We’ll cover how they likely impacted your personal finances and how they might continue to affect us in 2022.
We’ve also partnered with Wisdom, a new app for experts to answer live questions on their areas of expertise. Our first talk will be on January 12, 2022 at 7ET/4PT, follow us on Wisdom and join us there!
https://joinwisdom.audio/moresensepodcast
Your Mission1. Take stock of your 2021 finances and what goals you have for 2022 2. Congratulate yourself on getting through a difficult year and getting your personal finances in order 3. Follow us on Wisdom and bring any questions you want answered
Resources* 2022 Financial Resolutions * Wisdom App * Biggest market moments of 2021
How much are you planning to spend on gifts this year? In this episode Nick and Harry discuss how they get through holiday shopping without going into credit card debt. There are a few ways to avoid overspending, but as usual a little planning goes a long way to avoiding those ugly credit card interest payments.
Your Mission1. Make a plan for how much you'll spend on shopping, if not this year then for next 2. Buy your gifts early to avoid extra shipping fees or stock issues 3. Cut back on other expenses to avoid going into credit card debt around the holidays
Resources* Budgeting for Gifts * More on Holiday Budgeting * Holiday Shopping Statistics
Depending on who you ask, you might hear renting is throwing away money and buying a house is an investment. Another person could say home ownership isn’t worth the headache and renting gives more flexibility. If you’re unsure which direction to go, listen to Nick and Harry debate the pros and cons of each to help make the decision that’s best for you.
Your Mission1. Think about what you value, flexibility in moving or in customizing your living space? Low maintenance costs or choosing your appliances? 2. Don't listen to anyone with a hard-and-fast rule for renting or buying 3. Allow your values and opinion on renting or buying to change over time
Resources* Renting vs Buying Pros and Cons * Rent vs Buy Calculator * Rent or Buy: How to Decide?
It's hard to imagine that rising prices are actually good for you and the economy, but the alternative can cause a recession. There are still some downsides though, so in this episode we’ll explain how to protect your money and stay ahead of inflation as everything costs more every year.
Your Mission1. Make sure your emergency fund isn't losing out to inflation by having more than you need 2. Evaluate your income and try to keep pace with the annual inflation percentage 3. Keep calm while everyone around you is panicking about inflation being up a bit this year
Resources* Inflation Calculator * Inflation FAQ * Annual Inflation Rates
Odds are you know someone who invests in cryptocurrency and likes to talk about Bitcoin climbing or crashing. They might not even understand the basics or they try to explain it like a college professor. In this episode we answer the questions you don’t want to look stupid asking and discuss how to get into the crypto market with a little more knowledge behind you.
Your Mission1. Research more on the coin you're interested in and decide whether to invest or not 2. Open a Coinbase, Binance, Robinhood, or other account to buy your coin of choice 3. Plan an exit strategy and decide what you want to do with the money you invest
Resources* Coinbase * Binance * Robinhood * Bitcoin FAQ * Cryptocurrency FAQ
Do you have a process for finding a new apartment? Without one, you could wind up with a lease that puts a strain on your personal finances. We’ll walk you through some steps that’ll take the stress out and get you feeling confident in your final decision.
Your Mission1. Figure out how much apartment you can afford: divide annual salary by 40 and make sure your needs are still under 50% 2. Get a feel for the potential neighborhoods to which you could move 3. Be prepared and do the prep work ahead of time so you can enjoy the apartment hunting process
Resources* First Time Apartment Renter's Guide * The best apartment rental sites and apps * Rent Calculator * Rental Scams: How to Spot Them
Negotiating pay can be awkward, stressful, scary, and anxiety-inducing. It’s also a great way to get an instant raise and get paid what you really deserve. Join us in this episode for tips on how to make negotiating less stressful and maximize your chances of getting the money you want with the right preparation and mindset.
Your Mission1. Research the salary range for your position you want in your area 2. Prepare points on why you're unique and deserve what you're asking 3. Find comfort in this being a routine interaction and a normal part of the job market
Resources* 15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer * 13 Tips to Negotiate Your Salary and Job Offer * Indeed.com * Salary.com * PayScale.com * Glassdoor * LinkedIn
Everyone will file a claim at some point in their life, but if you’ve never needed it, insurance can seem like a waste of money. We’ll explain the most common types, clear up some confusing terms, and go over why it's worth insuring yourself and your property so you’re ready for any emergency.
Your Mission1. Make sure you have coverage for the most important types: health, auto, renters/homeowners 2. Get quotes from 5 sources and compare to your current rates, don't be afraid to change policies to save money 3. Looks for policies with the highest deductible your emergency fund can handle
Resources* Car Insurance Quotes * Top-Rated Renters Insurance Companies * Why Do Insurance Policies Have Deductibles? * Top-Rated Homeowners Insurance Companies
Every year 70% of American college students need to take out loans to get their degree, but few understand what they’re getting into. Knowing the different types of student loans can save time and money, so join Nick and Harry to learn what loans are best for you, how to minimize them, and pitfalls to avoid.
Your Mission1. Take out as few student loans as possible to get your education 2. Consider in-state schools, especially if you plan on continuing to grad school 3. Exhaust federal loan options before considering private loans 4. If you already have loans, evaluate the available payment plans for your federal loans, and look into whether refinancing would be right for your private loans
Resources* Student Loan Monthly Payment Calculator * Direct Subsidized vs. Direct Unsubsidized Loans * Student Loan Affordability Calculator * NerdWallet's Top Private Student Loans
Nick and Harry tackle all the burning questions submitted by listeners during MSTD's first 10 episodes.
If you're getting taxes taken out of your paycheck, its worth making sure the government isn't taking too much. Today's tax preparation tools make it easy and inexpensive to file your taxes yourself. We'll explain how the US tax system works and what to expect when you go through the steps.
Your Mission1. Pick a tool to complete your own taxes 2. Pick a safe place to gather any tax documents you receive so everything is in one place 3. Remember to come back and listen for a refresher when tax season rolls around
Resources* FreeTaxUSA * CreditKarma Tax * TurboTax * IRS Free File
Refinancing seems like a complicated process that isn't worth the effort, but it's really just replacing your current loan with a better one. Nick and Harry explain when you should refinance and how it can save you more money and stress than you think.
Your Mission1. Check your current interest rates and compare them to current average rates 2. Apply for new loans if it makes sense in your situation 3. Be on the lookout for future opportunities to refinance
Resources* Average Student Loan Interest Rates * Student Loan Refinance Calculator * Average Mortgage Interest Rates * Mortgage Refinance Calculator
Your credit score might seem like just a number, but it can be the difference between being approved or denied for your mortgage, credit card, car, student loans, or apartment. We’ll give the context on how your score is calculated and some tips on how to get it as high as possible to make it your financial ally.
Your Mission1. Sign up for Credit Karma and check your current score 2. Get one of your free annual credit reports from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion 3. Start putting our advice into practice and get that score up!
Resources* Credit Karma * AnnualCreditReport.com (this is where you get your free reports)
This episode is all about how to get the benefits of having a credit card without doing any damage to your personal finances. With rewards, fraud protection, and a way to build strong credit we'll explain how to use credit cards the right way and why you should have one if you don't already.
Your Mission1. Determine if you're ready for a credit card. Are you still struggling to get your budget under control? Hold off on this step! 2. If you are ready, decide on a credit card, apply, and set yourself up for success: get the app, set up auto-pay, and enable alerts 3. Aim to stay under 30% of your credit limit
Resources* NerdWallet: Start your credit card search with ease * 10 Tips for Using Your First Credit Card * Maximize your points and bonuses
When you picture yourself retired, do you have enough money to do all the things you want and live the way you like? Yes? Then it's because you started saving for it today. This episode covers the differences between the most popular retirement accounts for employees and why you should take advantage of their perks.
Your Mission1. Determine if you're eligible for any employer-sponsored retirement plans 2. Find out if you're eligible for an employer match 3. Begin, or begin working towards, contributing enough to get the maximum employer match 4. Open an IRA
Resources* 401(k) vs. 403(b) * 401(k) vs. 457 * Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA
Credit card bills, student loans, mortgages, car loans. Debt is a part of life, but where should you start when you want to get rid of your loans? We’ll spell out how to pay them off, the different types of debt, and situations to make debt work for you instead of against you.
Your Mission1. Take stock. Is your debt high (>10%), moderate, or low interest (<5%)? 2. Are you an "avalancher" or a "snowballer"? Pick a strategy and prioritize your extra payments. 3. Calculate your debt-to-income ratio. This can be an important factor when applying for new debt.
Resources* Avalanche vs Snowball method * Unbury.me * Debt-to-income ratio calculator
Saving for retirement can be complicated and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’ll break it down and walk you through a simple flowchart that gives you the best bang for your savings buck.
Your Mission1. See where you fall in the Flowchart below 2. Get your 401k employer match if its available 3. Look at your debt and find out the interest rates
Resources* Retirement Flowchart * 401k vs IRA * Why Save for Retirement?
If you have an emergency, you shouldn't have to worry about how you're going to pay for it. We'll explain how to build an emergency fund that's big enough for any problem that comes your way.
Your Mission1. Open a savings account to store your emergency fund 2. Add up 3-6 months of living expenses to find your e-fund goal 3. Put at least 20% of your paycheck into the account until you reach the goal 4. Update your resume to be ready for any job opportunity
Resources* High Yield Savings Account * When to Use Your Emergency Fund * Why Emergency Funds Matter
Have you been wanting to make a budget but just not sure how? This episode explains why you should have a budget and how to make a plan for your paycheck.
Your Mission1. Break down your current expenses as needs/wants/goals 2. Calculate your monthly income 3. What is 50/30/20 for you and how does it compare to your current expenses? 4. Pick a tool and begin budgeting!
Relevant Links* Investopedia: Budget * All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan * You Need a Budget * EveryDollar * Mint * 50/30/20 Budget Calculator
In this episode you'll learn how the stock market works, how to open a brokerage account and how investing can make you some serious money.
Your Mission1. Download a brokerage app 2. Check out the stock charts of your favorite companies 3. Buy shares of an index fund or company you feel confident in
Resources* S&P 500 Companies * Dow Jones Average * Yahoo! Finance * Brokerage Apps * Socially Responsible Index Funds
We're Nick and Harry. After a lot of trial and error, research, and nerding out on personal finance we wanted to start a podcast to share lessons we've learned over the years and how to take control of your personal finances.
Your Mission1. Get to know your hosts 2. Tell us what you want to learn about
Resources* More dollars than sense * Pareto Principle