How to Maximize Rewards on Big Credit Card Purchases

Get tips for saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations, plus how to leverage credit cards when making big purchases. How can you use credit cards to maximize rewards when making big purchases? What are some ways to save money on Halloween costumes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations to help you understand how to be festive without breaking the bank. They begin with a discussion of Halloween budgeting, with tips and tricks on DIY costume ideas, using cash back apps, and repurposing items you already have.  Then, Personal Finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss the best ways to use credit cards for major expenses. They discuss how to earn rewards while minimizing interest, ways to protect your credit score, and how to make use of a health savings account (HSA) for medical-related purchases. Cash back apps help you save a little bit of money on everyday purchases. Here’s NerdWallet’s list of 8 great cash back apps and why each stands out: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/cash-back-apps  Here’s NerdWallet’s list of the best budget apps: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/best-budget-apps  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit cards, big purchases, credit card rewards, saving money on Halloween, DIY costumes, cashback apps, Halloween budgeting, credit card interest, maximizing credit card points, health savings account, HSA, personal finance, budgeting tips, managing credit utilization, DIY Halloween ideas, saving money on costumes, repurposing costumes, cashback rewards, credit card sign-up bonus, using credit cards wisely, paying off credit card debt, zero APR credit cards, financial planning, paying off big expenses, cash-back vs points, credit card rewards strategies, making big purchases with credit cards, budgeting for big purchases, and sign-up bonus strategies. 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.

Om Podcasten

NerdWallet’s trusted finance journalists answer real-world money questions to help you make smarter financial decisions with confidence. Each episode dives deep into topics like budgeting, saving, investing, home buying, and credit cards, cutting through misinformation to bring you clear, actionable advice backed by thorough research. By the end of every episode, you’ll have the latest financial insights and the tools you’ll need to manage your money wisely, build wealth, and plan for life’s milestones. And if you have questions for the Nerds, you can leave them a voicemail at 901-730-6373. Join hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, Elizabeth Ayoola, and other expert Nerds as they answer your biggest money questions and share strategies to help you build wealth and reach your financial goals, including: – Investing: Advanced investment strategies, integrating ETFs and mutual funds into a diversified portfolio, tax-efficient retirement planning, understanding Roth IRA conversions, and navigating robo-advisors. – Credit Cards: Top credit cards for travel rewards and luxury perks, balance transfer strategies, maximizing credit card points, and optimizing credit card usage to boost your credit score. – Personal Finance: Advanced budgeting tips, building generational wealth, creating effective savings plans, managing high-income expenses, and developing a strong money growth mindset. – Home: Smart strategies for homebuying in competitive markets, leveraging home equity loans and HELOCs, refinancing for long-term savings, first-time homebuying tips, and budgeting for major home improvements. If you’re searching for the best personal finance podcasts or want practical knowledge to make smarter money decisions, then follow NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. 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,Money Guy Show, 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/