In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona dives into the world of store credit cards with expert insights from WalletHub editor Christy Mathern. With enticing offers at the checkout counter, store credit cards can seem appealing, but are they truly beneficial?

Explore the essential "do's" and "don'ts" of store credit cards, from understanding your credit score before applying to comparing rewards with traditional credit cards. Discover the hidden pitfalls of deferred interest and the importance of using credit responsibly to build your score. Christy shares valuable advice on avoiding common mistakes, ensuring your financial health remains intact.

More from WalletHub https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/mistakes-to-avoid-with-store-credit-cards/95806

Are you a Disney fan, but weary of the prices and endless lines at the theme parks? Or perhaps you have a large family and taking a trip to Orlando, Florida or Anaheim, California isn't in the budget. In this week's episode, host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet's Sally French who has 5 U.S. destinations for Disney fans that aren't Disneyland or Disney World.

Read more on NerdWallet here!

About this program

Nat Cardona is host of PennyWise. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts.

Join host Nat Cardona on this episode of PennyWise as she explores the exciting world of pickleball travel with insights from NerdWallet's Sally French. With nearly 14 million players in 2023, pickleball enthusiasts are taking their passion on the road.

Discover how cruise lines and resorts are embracing this trend, offering pickleball courts and tournaments at sea and on land. Learn about group vacations to exotic destinations like Portugal and Mexico, where pickleball fans can enjoy the sport and local culture.

Tune in to see how pickleball is reshaping travel, offering endless opportunities to play and explore the world.

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona explores the surprising resurgence of the cruise industry with insights from NerdWallet travel expert Sally French. Despite the pandemic's initial impact, the cruise sector is experiencing a remarkable comeback, drawing travelers back to its unique allure.

Recent data shows cruise transactions reaching all-time highs. Delving into the demographics, Sally highlights the strong appeal cruises hold for Baby Boomers, who account for a significant portion of cruise spending. However, she also notes the growing interest among families and younger travelers, fueled by innovative offerings like Disney's expanding cruise fleet and themed experiences.

This episode of PennyWise to discover why cruises are once again capturing the hearts of travelers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or considering your first voyage, this episode offers valuable insights into the revitalized world of cruising.

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona dives into the world of Black Friday shopping with insights from WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. As the holiday shopping season kicks off, many are gearing up to snag the best deals. But are Black Friday discounts as good as they seem? This episode is your guide to navigating the sales and maximizing your savings.
The conversation starts with an analysis of WalletHub's latest Black Friday study, revealing potential savings on popular items, with some discounts reaching up to 80%. Chip highlights key categories where significant bargains can be found.
Whether you're shopping in-store or online, tune in to this episode of PennyWise for expert tips on making the most of Black Friday deals while avoiding common pitfalls. Ensure your holiday shopping is both savvy and rewarding.

More from HalletHub- https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-items-for-black-friday/16901

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In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona navigates the world of travel credit cards with insights from WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. As the holiday season approaches, many are planning trips, and the right travel credit card can offer substantial savings and perks. If you're gearing up for holiday travel and want to maximize your rewards, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise to discover how to leverage travel credit cards for maximum savings and benefits this holiday season. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning a special holiday getaway, this episode provides essential guidance to make the most of your credit card rewards.

More from WalletHub- https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/mistakes-to-avoid-with-store-credit-cards/95806

https://wallethub.com/best-travel-credit-cards

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona delves into the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts with insights from NerdWallet lead writer, Kate Wood. If you're in the housing market—whether buying, selling, or refinancing—this episode is packed with crucial information to help you navigate these changes.

The discussion starts with an overview of the Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points, and how this impacts various interest rates, especially mortgage rates. Kate explains how mortgage rates had already begun to drop even before the Fed's announcement, causing confusion for many potential homebuyers.

For buyers, Kate discusses the implications of these rate cuts, providing a forecast that suggests mortgage rates will likely hover around the 6% mark for the foreseeable future. She emphasizes the importance of personal timing over market timing when deciding to purchase a home.

Homeowners considering refinancing are also in a potentially advantageous position. Kate breaks down the factors to consider, such as the break-even point and the impact of rising home values, which might make refinancing more beneficial than initially expected.

Sellers, on the other hand, might find themselves in a strong position due to increased home equity. Kate explains how selling in the current market could provide substantial funds for a robust down payment on a new home, making offers more attractive to sellers.

Kate also addresses the unlikely return of the ultra-low interest rates seen during the pandemic, explaining that such rates were outliers and would require significant, undesirable economic events to occur again.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise for expert advice on navigating the complexities of the current housing market. Whether you're looking to buy, refinance, or sell, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona explores the potential pitfalls of relying on Google search results for financial advice with insights from WalletHub expert, John Kiernan. If you're accustomed to trusting the top Google search results for your financial decisions, this episode is essential listening.

The discussion begins by addressing the common practice of Googling financial products like credit cards and savings accounts, and the assumption that the top search results are the best options. John shares findings from a recent study that reveals how this trust can be misplaced, often costing consumers significantly more money than they realize.

John explains how the deterioration of Google search result quality, with a bias towards big brands and advertiser-driven content, can lead to subpar financial product recommendations. For example, the study found that the top five Google search results for popular financial terms could cost consumers around $200 on average, and in some cases, up to $1,400.

The conversation delves into specific financial search terms like "best credit cards to build credit" and "best savings accounts," highlighting how these results often prioritize products with high fees and low rewards, benefiting publishers rather than consumers. John also shares insights from a survey conducted by WalletHub, revealing that a majority of people expect Google to show the best result first, yet many are noticing a decline in search result quality and an increase in bias towards big brands.

To help listeners navigate these challenges, John offers practical tips for overcoming Google’s flaws. He suggests trying alternative search engines, comparing multiple search results, and relying on trusted websites like WalletHub.com for direct recommendations. He also advises looking out for signs of quality and transparency in product comparisons to avoid biased recommendations.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise to learn how to protect yourself from misleading Google search results and make more informed financial decisions. Discover strategies to maximize your savings and ensure you're getting the best financial products available.