
Learn when pet insurance is worth the cost and how APR and APY affect your loans and savings accounts. Is pet insurance worth the monthly premium, or is a high-yield savings account the smarter play? Host Elizabeth Ayoola moderates an in-studio debate on whether pet insurance is a sound financial product or mostly an emotional purchase. Smart Money host Sean Pyles, CFP®, and NerdWallet social media content creator Taylor Mitchell weigh in on reimbursement models, breed-specific exclusions, pre-existing conditions, and how to think through a vet bill that could outpace your emergency fund. Then, Sean and Elizabeth break down annual percentage rate and annual percentage yield, covering fixed versus variable rates, how compound interest builds over time, why the Schumer box matters when you shop for a credit card, and what a 1% swing on a mortgage APR can mean over 30 years. Free resources from NerdWallet: Credit Card Interest Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/credit-card-interest-calculator Compound Interest Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/calculators/compound-interest-calculator Mortgage Calculator with PMI and Taxes https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/calculators/mortgage-calculator What Is APY? Annual Percentage Yield Definition and How It's Calculated https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/what-is-apy 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 To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AI Summary coming soon
Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Spring Homebuying in 2026 and the Case for Never Paying Off Your Mortgage

USPS’ Cash Crisis Hits More Than Your Mailbox, Plus The Debt Settlement Trap to Avoid

AI in the Home Buying Process: What Works, What Doesn't, and When to Call an Expert

Is Your Portfolio Ready for Energy Price Swings? Plus, Tackling Debt on a High Income
Free AI-powered recaps of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.