How to Manage Credit and Debt for Financial Wellness

Prepare for financial health in 2024 with expert strategies for managing your credit and getting and staying out of debt. What’s the right amount of credit utilization to maintain a high credit score? How can reviewing your credit reports impact your financial health? Credit Nerd Lauren Schwahn joins host Sean Pyles to answer these questions and more as they delve into the intricate world of credit and debt management. They discuss how you can overcome the financial strain that typically follows the holiday season and focus on strategies that could enhance your fiscal health. They explore many different aspects of credit management, including analyzing holiday spending patterns, maximizing credit card rewards, assessing the value of annual fees, and planning for upcoming major expenses. Sean and Lauren also talk through the complexities of credit scores and offer strategies for paying down credit card debt, especially in the context of rising interest rates.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: financial freedom, credit management, debt strategies, credit card rewards, fiscal reset, annual fees, major expenses, financial success, credit reports, credit fraud, credit score, timely payments, interest rates, savings strategies, budgeting hacks, financial well-being, post-holiday recovery, holiday spend habits, credit utilization, credit limits, authorized users, loan terms, balance transfer credit cards, debt avalanche, debt snowball, 50/30/20 budget, credit counseling, credit score improvement, minimum payments, credit bureaus, annualcreditreport.com, credit score tiers, APR, debt management, and student loan payments. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Om Podcasten

NerdWallet’s objective finance journalists answer real-world questions empowering you to make smarter decisions with your money and help your finances thrive. The Nerds are your resource to make the most of your personal finances, while cutting through the clutter and misinformation of today’s economic news and advice. You’ll get clarity on strategies to help you build your wealth, invest wisely, shop for financial products, and plan for major life events. By the end of each episode, you’ll feel smarter and more informed to make the most of your finances. Future You will thank you. Join hosts Sean Pyles, Sara Rathner, and other expert Nerds as they discuss everything personal finance, including: - Credit cards: credit card rewards, different types of credit cards, credit card annual fees - Investing and retirement: investment strategies, retirement planning, financial independence, investing in the stock market, money market accounts, financial strategies, mutual funds, short-term bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Roth IRA investing, robo-advisors, retirement savings - Personal finance: budgeting methods, emergency funds, paying off debt, frugal living, money management tips, wealth accumulation, money habits, cultivating a money growth mindset, debt-free living, financial resources, budgeting apps and browser extensions, avoiding scams, tax bills, financial success and financial stability - Banking: high-yield saving accounts, online banking, credit unions - Loans: student loans, home equity loans, HELOC, student loan forgiveness - Home: mortgage interest rates, homebuying, home improvement projects, homeowners insurance - Insurance: travel insurance, pet insurance, auto insurance, home insurance You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/