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Most money advice for students is either condescending or delusional, and this episode is neither. This one is for the students…and for the parents, aunties, mentors, and big cousins trying to help without lecturing. Today I'm joined by Dr. Paris Woods, bestselling author of The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom and the new Student's Guide to Financial Freedom. We talk about what she saw growing up in St. Louis, the “education is the ticket” promise, and why getting out of poverty isn't the same as building wealth.If you love a young person, send them this episode and then follow up with, ‘did you listen?'We cover:The debt traps waiting for you the moment you turn 18The minimum payment trap and why “on-time payments” can still keep you stuck for yearsWhy “adulting” starts with a credit limit — and how cards + BNPL get marketed like free money.Sticker price vs. net price: How to find your real college cost before you commitCreating a “gap plan” with scholarships + grants + schools that meet need + a realistic part-time job so loans aren't the defaultDreaming as a strategy and finding the answer to “what would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?”The importance of building a Freedom Fund so you can take the trip, start the business, or pivot without panickingLinks:Order The Student's Guide to Financial FreedomFollow Dr. Paris Woods: @AuthorParisWoods + ParisWoods.com Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow
Affirm and Klarna are two leading players in the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) space, both leveraging securitization and forward-flow agreements to fund their lending activities. Securitization involves packaging BNPL loans into asset-backed securities (ABS) or selling receivables to investors, allowing these companies to recycle capital, manage risk, and scale operations. This comparison draws on their 2025 activities, highlighting similarities in funding needs amid expansion and differences in delinquency trends and revenue models.
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Grocery Dealz and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:IKEA's parent company Ingka Group announces that sports retailer Decathlon will open a store inside its Croydon, UK location this spring.New York State releases draft regulations for buy now, pay later lenders, establishing licensing requirements, fee restrictions, and consumer dispute protections in what the state calls a "nation-leading" template.The European Union puts its framework trade deal with the United States on hold following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of Trump's IEEPA tariffs, creating fresh uncertainty for retailers navigating transatlantic sourcing and supply chain strategies.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.Be careful out there!
In this episode we will talk about Buy Now, Pay Later securitization.It involves packaging short-term instalment loans—typically interest-free or low-interest point-of-sale financing—into asset-backed securities (ABS) or similar structures. Providers sell these loan portfolios to investors, freeing up capital for more lending while transferring credit risk. This practice hasgrown rapidly as BNPL explodes in popularity, but it remains nascent compared to mature ABS classes like auto loans or credit cards.
Immer freitags analysieren wir in unserem „Wochen-Podcast“ aktuelle Entwicklungen in der deutschen Banken-, Fintech- und Payment-Branche. Diesmal haben sich unser Redakteur Christian Kirchner und „Payment & Banking“-Experte Jochen Siegert den folgenden Themen gewidmet: #1: Von Kreditprüfung bis Compliance – wo die künstliche Intelligenz wirklich schon Bankprozesse verändert (und wo sie noch limitiert ist) #2: Die KI killt Jobs zurzeit vor allem da, wo gecoded wird. Und das ist nicht die Sparkasse (sondern IT-Dienstleister und Offshore-Vehikel) #3: Das neue KI-Narrativ: Bis zu welchem Punkt nutzt künstliche Intelligenz den Banken – und ab wann beginnt sie ihnen zu schaden? #4: Dass die Neobroker auf Provisionen von ETF-Anbietern schielen, ist verständlich – aber wie viel ist im passiven Asset Management wirklich zu holen? #5: Die Comdirect (und die BB Bank!!!) wagen sich ins Billig-Brokerage vor. Was ist die strategische Ratio dahinter? Und wer kannibalisiert hier wen? #6: Warum hat die Bawag dermaßen wenig für die Hamburger Barclays bezahlt? Versuche einer Erklärung (von Regulierung bis BNPL) #7: Frankfurts neues Hype-Fintech (das angeblich mehr wert ist als Barclays ...): Was macht Tradias eigentlich genau? == Fragen und Feedback zum Podcast: redaktion@finanz-szene.de oder (auch anonym) über Threema: TKUYV5Z6 Redaktion und Host: Christian Kirchner/Finanz-Szene.de Coverdesign: Elida Atelier, Hamburg Postproduction: Podstars Hamburg Musik: Liturgy of the street / Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com
Wade Tonkin is the Director of Global Affiliate Marketing at Fanatics, Inc., where he oversees one of the largest and most complex affiliate programs in the world. With over 20 years of experience in performance marketing, he has played a key role in shaping Fanatics' global partner ecosystem, driving growth through content creators, media publishers, loyalty partners, and innovative performance channels.This episode dives deep into the evolution of affiliate marketing at massive scale. The conversation spans growth levers beyond the traditional affiliate playbook—ranging from content partnerships, media integrations, sports‑driven real‑time demand, coupon ecosystem shifts, loyalty dynamics, influencer performance trends, incrementality measurement, BNPL behavioral changes, AI's emerging role in affiliate operations, transparency challenges with subnetworks, and experiments in compensation modeling. It also includes personal touches: international travel, hiking adventures, and the guest's surprising hobby as a certified bourbon steward.
Buy Now, Pay Later is boosting conversions, but quietly destroying margins. Buy Now, Pay Later looks like a conversion cheat code. Higher AOV. More checkouts. Fewer abandoned carts. But beneath the surface, BNPL is quietly bleeding eCommerce businesses dry.In this episode of the High Voltage Business Builders Podcast, Neil breaks down what most sellers are missing. BNPL customers return products more often, cost more to serve, and come with higher transaction fees than credit cards. When payments fail, merchants still eat the fees, the shipping, and the inventory risk.You'll learn why BNPL is not free money, how it impacts margins and cash flow, and what serious operators must track right now to avoid letting a payment method quietly destroy profitability. If BNPL drives a meaningful portion of your conversions, this episode is your wake-up call.
Buy Now Pay Later is rapidly growing in South Africa, offering flexible payment options but raising concerns about hidden debt, credit score impacts and limited regulation. Africa Melane speaks to Dehan Scherman from Financial Wealth Holdings about the opportunities and risks behind the BNPL boom. Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane For more about the show click https://buff.ly/XHry7eQ and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/XJ10LBU Listen live on weekdays between 04:00 and 06:00 (SA Time) to the Early Breakfast with Africa Melane broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3N Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Chit Chat Stocks, we speak with first-time guest Marc from Manu Invests on BNPL provider Sezzle. We discuss:(00:00) Introduction(01:57) Understanding Sezzle's Business Model(03:35) The Appeal of Buy Now Pay Later(05:50) Sezzle's Unique Position in the Market(09:24) Sezzle's Business History and Stock Performance(13:00) Keys to Sezzle's Profitability(15:21) Merchant Preferences and Sezzle's Strategy(17:50) The State of the BNPL Industry(21:20) Personal Insights on BNPL vs. Credit Cards(26:34) Understanding Sezzle's Financial Growth(27:01) Sezzle's Financial Performance and Growth Strategy(31:30) Sezzle's Future: Market Positioning and Consumer Trends(36:36) User Experience and App Functionality(38:53) Valuation Insights and Growth Potential(44:18) Risks and Challenges in the BNPL Market(49:54) Misconceptions About Sezzle and BNPLManu Invests: https://manuinvests.substack.com/*****************************************************Sign up for our stock research service, Emerging Moats: emergingmoats.com *********************************************************************Chit Chat Stocks is presented by Interactive Brokers. Get professional pricing, global access, and premier technology with the best brokerage for investors today: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Interactive Brokers is a member of SIPC. *********************************************************************Fiscal.ai is building the future of financial data.With custom charts, AI-generated research reports, and endless analytical tools, you can get up to speed on any stock around the globe. All for a reasonable price. Use our LINK and get 15% off any premium plan: https://fiscal.ai/chitchat *********************************************************************Disclosure: Chit Chat Stocks hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and nothing they say on this show is formal advice or a recommendation.
In This Episode Could up to 80% of existing credit cards be canceled or see credit reductions under the proposed 10% interest rate cap? That's the stark prediction from industry research and leading credit providers like JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon. Instead of helping consumers, the policy could trigger an evaporation of available credit, shrink access, and push borrowers toward less regulated alternatives. In this episode of Breaking Banks, Jason Henrichs connects with leading industry voices Ron Shevlin, Managing Director & Chief Research Officer of Cornerstone Advisors and author of Forbes‘ Fintech Snark Tank, and Rhett Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO of LoanPro. As the trio discuss benefits, tradeoffs, and risks, they recognize that one size doesn’t always fit all, and explore where innovation might fill the gap: buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) models, bespoke lending products, and how stablecoins could be a market-based alternative to blunt the access problem, a way to lower costs without breaking the system. Could “loan-on-card” structures or embedded finance preserve convenience while reshaping risk? If credit migrates outside traditional card networks, are we undermining decades of consumer protection? For anyone shaping the future of banking, fintech, consumer lending and credit, or just trying to better understand the benefits, potential tradeoffs, and risks of interest rate caps and stablecoins as a market-based alternative, this episode is essential listening. Credit has a very long history of teaching us that quick fixes often create new problems.
The financial system has run on basically the same payments rails for the past several decades. But there is new infrastructure being built today that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of stablecoins. In some ways, the future is already here as Visa has processed several billion dollars in transactions that have been settled in stablecoins. But who will build the infrastructure needed for credit when we move to this new system?Today's guest is Rhett Roberts, the CEO and Founder of LoanPro. I last had Rhett on the show back in 2021, and needless to say, a lot has changed since then. Part of Rhett's thesis is that this talk around interest rate caps could actually be a catalyst to hasten a movement away from the traditional credit rails. And his company is already working on the systems and protocols to create a new credit infrastructure that runs on stablecoins.In this podcast you will learn:How LoanPro has evolved over the past five years.Why most fintechs are now moving into credit products.Why both banks and fintechs are using LoanPro to launch new credit products.Why the idea of an interest rate cap on credit cards is resonating today.What would happen if a 10% rate cap went into effect.Why this could be great news for BNPL and the other alternative lending products.Rhett's thesis around stablecoins and the value proposition.The elephant in the room for a stablecoin payments network.How a line of credit backed by stablecoins could work in reality.Where the card networks will sit within this new system.How LoanPro is helping to create these processes and protocols.Where we will be in five years time with this new infrastructure.Connect with Fintech One-on-One: Tweet me @PeterRenton Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous Fintech One-on-One episodes
In this episode of QAV Australia, Cameron and Tony brave the Australian heat to discuss a mix of music history and high-stakes value investing. The duo pays tribute to the late Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, reflecting on his iconic sound and the band's cultural impact. Turning to the markets, they analyze the record-breaking success of hedge fund manager Chris Hohn, whose old-school value approach netted $28 billion in a single year. The episode features a deep dive into the complex takeover saga surrounding Humm Group (HUM), weighing the company's strong commercial leasing profits against its controversial buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) pivot and ongoing governance battles involving founder Andrew Abercrombie and Credit Corp. Finally, they wrap up with portfolio updates showing significant outperformance in both Australian and US dummy portfolios.
In the latest episode of Unseen Money, Timur Yunusov helps Paul Amery unravel a strange real-life story involving a spoofed eBay delivery, Paul's phone number and a photo of an Indian lady in a pink dressing gown.The story is part of a rapidly growing form of crime involving so-called “synthetic” identities. In a synthetic identity fraud, criminals create fake online identities by blending real, stolen data with fabricated information. They then use those identities to conduct money laundering and fraud.In the podcast, we cover:(00' 25”) How Paul got a DPD delivery notification for an eBay parcel he hadn't ordered (1' 20”) How DPD provided “proof of delivery” to a woman in a pink dressing gown(2' 45”) How eBay showed no interest in investigating the transaction(3' 15”) Why a synthetic identity combines real and fictitious information(4' 40”) How criminals use synthetic identities to decrease online friction (6' 40”) Possible use of synthetic IDs in buy now pay later (BNPL) fraud (7' 10”) Why synthetic identity frauds don't fit the standard stolen identity playbook(7' 40”) Why synthetic ID cases deserve much greater scrutiny from anti-fraud teams (11' 30”) Identity theft (account takeover) and synthetic identities (13' 00”) Why synthetic identity fraud has boomed post-COVID(21' 40”) AI and machine learning have turbocharged synthetic identity fraud(23' 40”) Who's buying the sets of synthetic IDs?(24' 30”) How criminals use synthetic identities in frauds(29' 30”) Dead souls, the Russia-Ukraine war and the exploitation of fake identity sets
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Grocery Dealz and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Lidl US loses another CEO as Joel Rampoldt exits after less than two years.Klarna launches after-purchase financing through "Swipe to Finance," partnering with Walmart-backed OnePay to let consumers convert completed debit card purchases into installment loans.BJ's Wholesale Club expands in-store digital advertising by deploying Looma interactive screens in wine and liquor aisles across all clubs with alcohol departments.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.Be careful out there!
In unserer neuen Podcast-Folge sprechen wir mit Vanda Astfäller (Mollie) und Alexander Scheibel (Riverty) darüber, wie sich Checkout, Abwicklung und Nachbetreuung zu einem durchgängigen Erlebnis verbinden: reibungslos im Moment des Kaufs, transparent und wertschätzend danach.
Buy Now, Pay Later is exploding, but so is consumer debt. Patrick Bet-David and the panel break down record BNPL spending, missed payments, Gen Z risk, and why these “interest-free” plans can quietly become more dangerous than credit cards for everyday Americans.
Anthony Ferry was not surprised by the latest retail sales report as consumers continue to look for bargains and using BNPL at record levels. He expects the same trends to continue, emphasizing “need to haves” rather than “want to haves.” Brian Jacobsen notes a decline in big-ticket items, partially driven by tariffs. He thinks consumers took advantage of the holiday shopping season by slowing down beforehand. He anticipates tax returns bridging the gap between the labor market and GDP growth.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Find out which credit cards shine in 2026 and how to avoid rising fees, APR surprises, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) traps. How can you change your spending to better match your values? How do you choose the right credit card in 2026 as perks shift, fees rise, and “buy now, pay later” spreads? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss values-based spending and the credit card landscape to help you make purchases that fit your priorities. They begin with a discussion of aligning money with values, with tips and tricks on auditing your statements for “idle” spending, shopping around for companies and banks that match your priorities, and building accountability so your goals stick. Then, credit card expert Caitlin Mims joins Elizabeth to discuss credit cards in 2026. They cover buy now, pay later and card-based installment plans, what to watch as card perks and annual fees change, and how NerdWallet chose its Best-of Awards winners. Our Nerds researched 280 credit cards, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-credit-cards-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011226_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-credit-cards Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus Citi Simplicity Review: 21 Months of 0% to Whittle Down Debt 5 Things to Know About the U.S. Bank Split Credit Card 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
Martin Lewis has his debt masterclass this week, helping you slash the cost of your existing credit cards, overdrafts, loans, buy now, pay later and much more! Plus, you tell us your New Year financial goals - some of you want to save more, some want to save less! Mastermind is all about capital gains tax, and how did Martin's yearly step count competition end?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you've always wanted to know his preferred pasta shape, if he can tie a Full Windsor knot, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.
In this episode, we're joined by Todd Moore, Education & Outreach Director at Trinity Debt Management, for an insightful conversation on financial wellness and navigating today's evolving credit landscape. Todd shares his journey into financial services, some of the most impactful moments of his career, and timely insights on the growing influence of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs.We explore how BNPL options can impact spending—especially during the holiday season—why caution is critical, and how these tools can be used responsibly. Todd also highlights the positive potential of BNPL, including opportunities to build credit when managed the right way.Tune in for a fun, informative discussion packed with practical tips on protecting your credit, making smarter financial decisions, and staying ahead of the curve—with support from our trusted partners at Trinity Debt Management.
BNPL schemes boomed across the Middle East at the end of 2025 - but how many people are now waking up to the reality of putting off costs into the new year with fear? Financial coach Beth Clay talks us through how to get 2026 started out on the right financial foot. Meanwhile, Ruth Dance and David MacKenzie talk recruitment and team spirit in January, David Harkin of 8 Billion Ideas joins us to discuss motivation and imagination for kids, and we ask Pulmonologist Dr Rachel Kaminski about a new drug bringing hope to asthma sufferers…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to the Fintech Takes podcast. Today's episode kicks off a new long-form interview format I'm calling Diving Deep. And in this episode, that's exactly what we do with Max Levchin, co-founder and former CTO of PayPal and co-founder and the current CEO of Affirm. This is what makes Max one of the most influential people in the history of fintech. We start with Max's early PayPal years, when building encrypted mobile wallets and secure handheld payments for Palm Pilots taught Max a lesson about timing, distribution, and the danger of solving puzzles before the market needs them (being right about the future means very little if you're early in the wrong way). From there, the conversation follows the spine of Affirm's business, underwriting. Max explores how his experience at PayPal pushed him toward lending at the point of sale, which unlocked a different kind of math (and how Affirm built an internal engine that could evolve as machine learning grew smarter, without losing reliability, repeatability, or regulatory discipline). That logic runs straight into product design. No late fees, treated as a constraint, not a revenue stream. Full Truth in Lending disclosures shown at checkout every time, even when advisers warned the extra screen would kill conversion. Credit bureau reporting when most other BNPL players avoided it. The throughline is incentives: design the system so the lender only wins when the customer does, and culture has a fighting chance to scale. We end in the future, with agentic commerce. As machines get better at optimizing decisions, the financial products that survive will be the ones that were honest to begin with (but also what happens when software starts flagging bad financial deals before people do?). Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Max Levchin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxlevchin/ Follow Alex Johnson: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson X: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson
In this episode, host Travis Chappell and producer Eric dig into one of the most dangerous trends in personal finance right now: exploding consumer debt from credit cards and “buy now, pay later” services—and what it reveals about how people actually spend. Using fresh data on U.S. credit card balances and global BNPL usage, they unpack why financing sneakers and burritos is wrecking budgets and what to do instead if you are serious about building wealth. On this episode we talk about: Why total U.S. credit card debt has climbed to roughly $1.33 trillion and what that means for everyday households How global “buy now, pay later” balances have surged to an estimated $560 billion, mostly for low‑ticket, nonessential items The top BNPL categories: clothing/fashion, electronics, furniture, and a fast‑growing share going to groceries How big-box stores and delivery apps now let you finance everyday purchases at checkout Why using debt for shoes, hoodies, and gadgets is fundamentally different from financing an HVAC unit or medical bill The psychological impact of seeing 4,000–10,000 marketing messages per day and how that fuels overspending Why blaming the economy while financing lifestyle purchases is a losing combo Practical alternatives: thrift stores, discount retailers, and simply opting out of nonessential buys Top 3 Takeaways If you have to finance it, you probably cannot afford it. Outside of big essentials like housing, transportation, or critical repairs, using credit or BNPL for clothes, tech, or takeout is a red flag. BNPL is still debt, even if it does not hit your credit report (yet). Spreading $60 here and $120 there across Klarna and Affirm quietly piles up into a bill that kills your ability to build wealth. You cannot out-complain your way to financial freedom. The economy may be tough, but personal discipline—saying no to financed lifestyle purchases and focusing on increasing income—is nonnegotiable. Notable Quotes “If you are financing sneakers and handbags and complaining about your finances, you have no right to be complaining.” “Just because it doesn't show up on your credit report doesn't mean it's free money—you still have to pay it back.” “Our parents were dealt a different hand; this is ours. Complaining about housing prices while running up BNPL on clothes is not a strategy.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️
Send us a textUNLOCKED Week 3: Ready for the Year AheadLast week we touched lightly on sinking funds. This week, we're going all in because your year will fail without them (sorry, not sorry).In a world of credit and BNPL, saving up for the things you want is one of the most underrated money habits there is. Sinking funds are about delayed gratification, being prepared, and having money waiting for future you.In this episode, Laura covers:Why sinking funds are her favourite under-the-radar money habitThe “unexpected” costs that show up every single year (MOTs, birthdays, holidays, Christmas…)Why sinking funds are elite money behaviourHow they remove guilt, overspending and last-minute stressWhy people resist them (yes, they can feel boring… and revealing)How sinking funds create emotional stability, not just financial stabilityHow to set them up using tools like Starling, Monzo and RevolutWhy the Financielle community pushed for the sinking fund tracker and how to use itIf you want to change your spending habits in 2026, you need sinking funds. Save now. Buy later. Feel calmer all year long.If you're enjoying the Unlocked series, subscribe to The Vault, leave us a review, and tell us how you're resetting and rebuilding in the comments or the Financielle App community.#moneystory #sinkingfunds #Financielle #TheVaultUnlocked #personalfinanceforwomenConnect with our Partner
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1223: Cars Commerce lines up its next CEO as a new chapter begins for dealer tech. Lucid's factory-backed used pricing puts EV depreciation in plain sight. And even as consumers keep spending this holiday season, a growing “joy deficit” reveals how tired—and cautious—shoppers really are.Show Notes with links:Our good friends at Cars Commerce are teeing up a major leadership transition. Longtime CEO Alex Vetter will hand the keys to Tobias “Tobi” Hartmann in early 2026, marking the end of an era and signaling a renewed push around growth, digital tools, and AI for dealers.Hartmann brings 25+ years of experience leading global marketplaces, most recently as CEO of Scout24 and previously at HelloFresh and eBay Enterprise.Alex Vetter, who has been with Cars.com since its 1998 launch, will step down after transforming the company into a vertical SaaS and marketplace platform for dealers.Under Vetter, Cars Commerce expanded through acquisitions like Dealer Inspire, AccuTrade, and DealerClub, strengthening its dealer-facing tech stack.Alex Vetter: “I'm confident that Tobi will continue our momentum for the next chapter of firsts. He will be a tremendous leader for this next phase of growth.”Lucid just launched its first factory-backed used-car program, and the pricing is doing more talking than the marketing.Lucid Recharged is the brand's certified pre-owned program for the Air sedan, with the Gravity SUV coming later.Eligible cars must be single-owner examples under 62,000 miles and pass a 160+ point factory inspection.Pricing is the headline: a 2023 Air Pure with ~20,000 miles can land in the mid-$40Ks versus a new MSRP just under $71K.Consumers are still spending this holiday season—but they're not exactly enjoying it as a new Retail Dive report says shoppers are leaning heavily on credit and BNPL.Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute summed it up bluntly: there's a “real joy deficit for consumers,” driven by high prices and constant anxiety-focused messaging.Despite steady spending, consumers are fatigued, stressed, and increasingly reliant on credit, resale, and “dupe” gifting to get through the holidays.Shoppers feel stuck in an echo chamber of stress—online, in ads, and in daily life—where everything is expensive and brands keep reminding them of it.“Getting emotional doesn't have to be serious,” Thomas noted0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier6:05 Cars Commerce Announces Leadership Transition9:52 Lucid Launches CPO Program12:31 The Joy Deficit In RetailThank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coveraJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Itching to do some shopping? In this timely conversation, Kennedy Rizzo & Cooper Lee discuss the growing trend of online shopping and the rise in popularity of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options. They explore the appeal of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) movement, particularly among younger consumers, and compare it to the formerly utilized traditional layaway system. The discussion highlights the risks associated with BNPL, including overspending and shadow debt, while also offering alternatives for smarter financial choices. The CarmApples emphasize the importance of caution and research when considering BNPL options. See ya on the other side!If you like what we do in the way of caramelicious nostalgia, drop by and show us some support at Buy Me a Coffee dot com… (go to link below), we so appreciate you! Thanks a latte!!
Katie and Matt discuss the Warner Bros. bidding war, negotiating against yourself, having your dad buy companies for you, Bleenberg, breakup fees, trillion-dollar IPOs, getting in on the third floor, orbiting data centers, tech capex, rocket explosion securities fraud lawsuits, alternative consumer lending and private credit regulation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone loves Cyber Week numbers. Big charts. Big screenshots. Big claims.But Cyber Week data lies….When demand is compressed into five days, behavior gets distorted. And if you build your next 90-day strategy on distorted data, you scale the wrong lesson.In this Week in Review, Neil breaks down what the post–Cyber Week data actually reveals, why traffic and revenue spikes mislead sellers every December, and how real operators read the scoreboard differently heading into January and 2026.
Adobe Analytics has reported that "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) usage hit an all-time high of $10.1 billion in November 2025, and this "phantom debt" doesn't always show up on credit reports immediately.Today's Stocks & Topics: PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP), Market Wrap, “The Holiday Debt Trap: BNPL "Phantom Debt"”, Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), Firefly Aerospace Inc. (FLY), Commodities, Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Entergy Corporation (ETR).Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: https://incogni.com/investtalk* Check out Invest529: https://www.invest529.com* Check out NordProtect: https://nordprotect.com/investalk* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVEST* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
If you run a small or mid-sized retail business and feel stuck between legacy tools and rising customer expectations, this conversation is your playbook for breaking through. We sit down with Unzer CEO Robert Bueninck to unpack how bundling software and payments helps merchants deliver seamless experiences across in-store and online without enterprise budgets or heavyweight integrations.Robert traces his journey from early Klarna days to leading Unzer's “payments and beyond” ecosystem, and lays out why the mid-market is the most underserved (and most promising) space in European commerce. We dive into the practical ways software plus payments drives real outcomes: faster onboarding, unified reporting, and simpler support when QR ordering, click-and-collect, or in-store returns marry e-commerce and POS. He explains Unzer's focus on food services, beauty, and apparel, and how a clear build-partner boundary keeps products sharp while letting merchants scale when complexity grows.We also dig into Europe's unique payments fabric. Alternative payment methods and account-to-account rails already dominate online checkout in markets like the Netherlands and Belgium, changing merchant economics with lower cost and instant funds. BNPL fills the buyer-protection gap, while policymakers push toward a pan-European A2A framework and greater vendor independence. Robert separates hype from habit on agentic commerce and stablecoins, arguing that adoption only happens when the new flow truly makes life easier for shoppers and staff and that's where the mid-market wins.Looking ahead, Robert outlines Unzer's growth bets: expand combined software and payments across core markets, bring all products to all regions, and help “make Germany digital” as a foundation for broader European reach. If you care about SMB retail, omnichannel checkout, A2A payments, BNPL, and the future of European payments infrastructure, you'll find plenty to act on here.
Welcome back to the Fintech Takes podcast. I'm Alex Johnson, joined by Dave Wasik (Partner at 2nd Order Solutions) for our new series, Facing Credit, where we unpack what's happening in lending right now. First, we kick off with the big picture in December 2025, starting with delinquency rates. TL;DR: Things don't appear to be improving, and if you squint, they may be eroding. Next, credit cards and BNPL. Dave explains why cards hold up, thanks to their clear value prop, rewards stickiness, and issuer concentration (the top 10 issuers control 82% of cards). Minimum payments are flexible and low, helping riders through cash-flow crunches. On the other hand, BNPL has shifted from big ticket items to everyday spending like groceries and restaurants (we discuss why the shift raises concerns, especially with limited bureau reporting). Finally, auto, student loans, and the thing at the top of Dave's worry board: private credit. It's enormous, growing rapidly, and hard to manage (there's no data to either corroborate or refute the risks; leverage plus interconnected bets can turn a small shock into a cascade). Plus, we'll close each Facing Credit episode with our guest's take on one trend shaping the industry. This time: what does the breakdown of FICO as the standard mean for credit scoring and underwriting? Tune in for Dave's take! This episode was brought to you by Marqeta. Don't sacrifice agility for stability. With Marqeta, launch payments experiences that perform at scale and flex with your business. Learn more at https://marqeta.com/ftt Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Dave Wasik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewasik/ Follow Alex Johnson: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnsonX: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson
The boys are back, and this time Jerome Powell shows up looking like he just stepped off the set of Terminator: Rate Cut Salvation. In this episode, Chris, Saied and Rajeil break down why markets are foaming at the mouth for a policy pivot… while conveniently ignoring every economic signal flashing bright orange. From exploding rate-cut odds to the consumer tapping out like they're on their ninth round of BNPL debt, this one's a full-speed sprint through the chaos the mainstream financial world desperately pretends isn't happening.➡️ Then we take a hard turn into the AI privacy nightmare no one seems ready for, and the kind of tech overreach that makes Skynet look spiritually grounded. You'll hear why the job market looks strong on the surface but hollow underneath, how corporate America keeps skating by on vibes, and why the average investor is still totally unprepared for what's coming. It's sharp, it's funny, it's troubling... in other words, it's The Higher Standard in peak form.
We talk about how Saudi Arabia has renewed Dakota Johnson's faith in film and Clara eavesdropping on Gen Alpha sleepover semantics. We also dive into the broader implications of younger consumers' preference for Buy Now, Pay Later, Gary Vee evangelizing livestream shopping, and how frictionless access to credit has allowed the creator economy and the trend ecosystem to rise at scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
En el episodio 296 de Café on a Budget, Manuel y Suhailly desmontan uno de los métodos de consumo más peligrosos (y populares) del 2025: los planes Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) —Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, PayPal Pay in 4 y todas sus variantes.En medio del boom de compras navideñas y del récord de consumidores utilizando estos planes, te explicamos cómo realmente funcionan, por qué pueden parecer “inofensivos” y cómo es que terminan atrapando a miles de personas en ciclos de deuda interminables sin darse cuenta. Enlaces:
In this episode of Words With Wista, we're diving into America's latest plot twists: Trump flirting with Australia's retirement system while freezing immigration from 19 countries, billionaires donating to Trump Accounts for kids, Halle Berry snatching Gavin Newsom's presidential dreams after his menopause bill veto, and Sen. Cory Booker rebranding as a married man just in time for 2028. We'll also cover AT&T dropping DEI, Southwest telling plus-size travelers to “double up,” Modelo and Corona caught in the immigration crackdown, Gen Z and millennials BNPL-ing their way through life, Prada buying Versace like it's a Zara sale, NYC raising subway fares to $3, and two wild true-crime cases. And of course—Milano Di Rouge calling out copycats, Travis Kelce accidentally retweeting a twerk video, and Kandi Burruss discovering Todd was talking to other women behind her back. A hot mess from start to finish. IG: itswista Podcast IG: wordswithwista Substack: wordswithwista
Vivek Pandya of Adobe Digital Insights spotlights Cyber Monday shopping. “Consumers are still very much prioritizing these days to get the best deals,” he says. Momentum is more in “the direction of Black Friday” as they still have the latitude to decide when the best time to buy is, he adds. Vivek discusses trends within holiday shopping and how AI and BNPL services are transforming the experience.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
We would love to hear your feedback!A year-end mix of gig-life highs and lows: walking deliveries in dense cities, the line between speed and sanitation, a CEO clip that aged oddly, and the ripple effects of buy-now-pay-later on DoorDash. We add real life too—sick days, frozen shoulders, and how to keep working without burning out.• viability of on‑foot delivery in dense markets• why bathroom hygiene rules matter for customer trust• managing illness and frozen shoulder as a gig worker• bidets, restrooms and practical comfort on shift• the early Uber Eats confusion and product clarity• Klarna and DoorDash partnership impacts on tips• when BNPL boosts grocery baskets vs fast food• driver strategy for screening and adapting to new patterns We'll be back with a live episode this Wednesday. Support the showEverything Gig Economy Podcast Related: Download the audio podcast Newsletter Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. TikTok Subscribe on Youtube
On episode 199 of Ask The Compound, Ben Carlson and Duncan Hill are joined by Corey Hoffstein, co-founder, CEO and CIO at Newfound Research to discuss: what return stacking is, how the 4 year rule works, leveraging BNPL, making up for lost investing time, and more. Submit your Ask The Compound questions to askthecompoundshow@gmail.com! This episode is sponsored by Public. Fund your account in five minutes or less by visiting http://public.com/ATC Subscribe to The Compound Newsletter for all the latest Compound content, live event announcements, find out who the next TCAF guest is, get updates on the latest merch drops, and more! https://www.thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
977. Laura answers a listener's question about whether to use a BNPL option or a credit card when shopping online.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308.Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips.Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Primark has introduced Buy Now Pay Later options through Klarna and Clearpay... marking a major milestone in BNPL's journey from innovation to mass adoption. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores what this means for retailers. Chris declares that BNPL has officially "crossed the chasm", seven years after it first emerged at Shop.org in 2018. When you can buy $4 shirts on installments, there's no turning back. Anne shares shocking data: 25% of Americans now use BNPL for groceries, up from 14% just a year ago. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/wZ9XYQsclAU #primark #buynowpaylater #klarna #clearpay #bnpl #retailpayments #paymentinnovation #retailtech #affordablefashion #retailnews
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Target launches an AI-powered gift finder, list scanner, and gamification features in its app to boost holiday shopping engagement and basket sizes.Primark introduces Buy Now, Pay Later options with Klarna and Clearpay in UK stores, joining the BNPL trend as new regulations approach.Grocery Dealz integrates with Instacart's Developer Platform, offering users same-day delivery while comparing prices across retailers.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!
Likefolio's Andy Swan discusses Affirm (AFRM) ahead of its earnings report. Andy calls it “the most disciplined and durable” of the buy now, pay later services and thinks it is targeting quality over quantity. He compares their web visits to their stock price and calls it the “category leader by usage.” While some competitors have higher growth in visits, Andy argues that Affirm already has a much larger user base.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
The BNPL world just changed — and if you're a merchant, you're not as safe from it as you think.The CFPB's new Buy Now, Pay Later regulations are aimed at BNPL providers, but the fallout will hit sellers next. Expect higher fees, tighter approvals, and more limits on who can use these services — especially if your store falls under “high-risk”.And it doesn't stop there. These changes will also affect how customers see and use BNPL. As fees rise and approvals drop, BNPL could become a less appealing checkout option — hurting conversions and your overall payment flexibility.In this episode, payments expert Maria Sparagis breaks down what's happening behind the scenes, how these new BNPL rules will impact merchants directly, and what you can do right now to stay ahead — from reviewing your BNPL performance to adding better alternative payment methods before costs skyrocket.Because when BNPL fees jump or customers start getting declined… it's your sales that take the hit.✅ You'll learn:What the CFPB's BNPL regulations actually changeWhy merchants will feel the ripple effects firstHow rising BNPL fees can erode profit marginsWhy high-risk stores may lose access entirelySmart next steps for merchants in 2025If you're offering Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm, this is your BNPL wake-up call.As BNPL rules tighten, flexible payment options will matter more than ever.DirectPayNet helps merchants diversify with ACH, international, and high-risk payment solutions built for growth. Get in touch today!
The wildest hocus pocus you'll see this Halloween isn't in the haunted houses, it's how Buy Now, Pay Later is leaving people trapped in debt or with ruined credit. Jen and Jill share BNPL horror stories featuring real people and truly scary consequences and how to protect yourself if you've already swiped your way into one of these spells.
Christian Widhalm, CEO of Bloom Credit, joins the latest episode of Extra Credit to unpack the evolving landscape of credit data furnishment. Christian shares how Bloom is tackling the limitations of legacy credit reporting formats — originally designed for traditional products and monthly cycles — and helping lenders report both conventional and alternative data more accurately and in real time. The conversation covers the rise of BNPL, the promise of transactional data for underserved consumers and regulatory headwinds shaping open banking. Widhalm also weighs in on why traditional credit data isn't dead — despite the hype — and how FinTech partnerships are accelerating innovation across the lending ecosystem.
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I dig into the real impact of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services on spending habits and financial health. These “pay-later” plans may seem harmless, but they can quietly lead people, especially young consumers—into cycles of debt and financial stress. I break down how BNPL changes the way we think about money, what the long-term risks are, and why financial education is one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself. Research shows that learning even the basics of personal finance can save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Also mentioned in this episode: 02:00 Introduction to Personal Finance and Consumer Culture 04:15 The Dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later Services 06:37 The Importance of Personal Finance Education 09:49 The Value of Financial Literacy 12:28 Building Wealth Through Smart Financial Habits 15:11 Conclusion and Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences. Links: New York Times Article: They Got To Live A Life Of Luxury. Then Came The Fine Print 'Buy Now, Pay Later' has built a delirious new culture of consumption — and trapped users in a vortex of debt. CNBC Article: You can put a price tag on the value of a personal finance education: $100,000 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
Starting this fall, FICO is changing how Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) loans affect your credit score—and 91.5 million Americans are at risk. If you've been using these apps thinking they won't impact your credit, you need to watch this NOW.In this video, I break down:- Why 54% of BNPL users have already made late payments- How a $135 purchase could destroy your financial future- The exact steps you need to take in the next 24 hours to protect yourself- Why Gen Z is getting hit the hardest (64% are using these services)- This isn't just about shopping—people are using BNPL for groceries, rent, and medical bills. We're in a survival crisis, not a luxury problem.
(October 09, 2025)Host of ‘How to Money' Joel Larsgaard joins the show to discuss consumers adopting BNPL into their lives, the rise in ‘accidental landlords,' and chatbots tapping into a goldmine of your personal information. Don't shoot the bride and groom: Crazy wedding traditions from around the world. Wild horses are trampling Mono Lake landscape; the feds plan a round up.
In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth and special guests eat spicy wings and share hot takes on saving versus investing, inflation, crypto, and when to trade up for an electric vehicle. When should you prioritize investing over traditional savings? How do you know when to keep repairing your car versus trading it in for something new, like an EV? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share their zestiest financial takes over hot wings, blending financial insights with fiery fun. NerdWallet YouTube creator Stephen Smith joins them in-person at NerdWallet HQ in Scottsdale, AZ, for a lively discussion which, like the hot sauce, gets eye-wateringly spicy. They debate whether saving in a checking account makes sense, how high-yield savings stack up against inflation, and whether the U.S. dollar could one day be backed by cryptocurrency. They also dig into why consumer debt is so easy to rack up, including the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later for everyday purchases. Then, listener Sandra joins the in-person conversation with Sean and Elizabeth as they discuss whether she should keep repairing her Acura or buy a new EV. They explore repair costs versus new car payments, the impact of high-yield savings rates, trade-in timing, and refinancing considerations. The episode wraps with practical insights on how to balance financial security with lifestyle goals like travel, education savings, and staying debt-free. Get matched with a financial planner for free using NerdWallet Advisors Match: https://nerdwalletadvisors.com/match Smart Money is a finalist for TWO Signal Awards! Please take a moment to vote for us here: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/individual-episodes/genre/money-finance https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/money-finance 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 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Bitcoin reserve currency, dollar backed by crypto, consumer debt in America, Buy Now Pay Later pros and cons, Klarna food delivery, Klarna at Chipotle, financing gas with BNPL, credit card debt cycle, checking account interest rates, financial literacy for kids, trust fund for children, custodial accounts for kids, Acura MDX, car repair costs, car repair vs new car cost, average car payment 2025, EV tariffs 2025, zero APR car financing, mortgage refinance break-even, 529 vs Roth IRA rollover, saving for college vs high-yield savings, passing down a car to kids, luxury vehicle maintenance costs, average miles per year US drivers, opportunity cost of buying a car, travel vs new car decision, and financial security vs lifestyle goals.. 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