How to Budget Money Your Way and Save Smarter for Big Milestones

Learn how to pick a budget that fits your life, where to save for a big goal and how identity theft has changed.

Does a budget work without sorting your spending into needs and wants? And where could you keep money you’re saving for a big expense that’s five years away? Hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola answer two listener questions. The first comes from a listener who splits her budget into monthly and one-time expenses instead of using the 50/30/20 rule. The second comes from a parent saving $13,000 for her daughter’s quinceañera whose CD is about to mature. 

Then, how has the identity theft playbook changed over 40 years, and what new risks could AI agents bring to your finances? Senior news writer Anna Helhoski talks with Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. They discuss why there’s almost no barrier left to committing fraud, and why victims often feel ashamed even when they did nothing wrong. They also cover who pays when an AI agent makes a costly mistake for you, how freezing your credit has gotten easier, and why help for victims after the fact still falls short.

Run the numbers on your own savings goal with NerdWallet’s savings calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/calculators/savings-calculator

Compare rates on accounts for short-term goals:Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of October 2026: Up to 5%: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accountsBest CD Rates of October 2026: Up to 5.00%: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/cd-rates5 Best Money Market Accounts for October 2026: Up to 4.05%: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/money-market-accounts

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*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

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