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PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

Lee Enterprises 139 Episodes Oct 3, 2026

PennyWise is a podcast about money, personal finance, investing, and travel. It features a variety of financial experts who offer advice to help listeners save money. The show covers practical ways to manage finances and make smarter decisions. It also touches on travel topics, likely with a focus on affordable or rewarding travel.

Episodes

Fed Rate Hikes: Why You Should Care & What You Need to Do
Fed Rate Hikes: Why You Should Care & What You Need to Do Oct 3, 2026 1322 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses Fed rate hikes with guest Abhi Gupta from the Budget Lab at Yale University, who previously worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. John and Abhi talk about why normal people should care about Fed rate changes and how to keep a hike from derailing your finances. More on this episode from WalletHub: Fed Rate Hi
High Credit Card Fees: When They’re Worth Paying & When to Stay Away
High Credit Card Fees: When They’re Worth Paying & When to Stay Away Sep 19, 2026 689 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses when it makes sense to pay high credit card fees. In some cases, paying a fee can actually help you save more money overall. But if you’re not careful, it can bleed your wallet dry. Learn how to walk that tightrope to extra savings.    More on this episode from WalletHub: Best Premium Credit Cards
Identity Theft Insurance & Cyber Insurance: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Identity Theft Insurance & Cyber Insurance: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Sep 4, 2026 1323 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses the value of identity theft insurance and cyber insurance with guest Dr. Daniel W. Woods, a Lecturer in Cybersecurity at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics. Daniel studies the U.S. identity/cyber insurance markets closely and has published some very interesting research about these types of covera
How to Save on Streaming Services: Tips to Help You Get More Entertainment for Less Money
How to Save on Streaming Services: Tips to Help You Get More Entertainment for Less Money Aug 24, 2026 1192 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses how to save on streaming with guest Adam Zeis, Managing Editor of The Streamable, the leading authority on the cord-cutting revolution. The Streamable helps users navigate the maze of streaming services, live TV bundles, and related tech. John and Adam talk about the best ways to save on streaming, services that help yo
How to Choose the Right Bank Accounts: Tips to Take Your Checking & Savings Game to the Next Level
How to Choose the Right Bank Accounts: Tips to Take Your Checking & Savings Game to the Next Level Aug 11, 2026 1329 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses how to choose the right bank accounts with guest Kevin Boucher, chief communications officer and strategy officer for Operation HOPE, an organization dedicated to finding “new and innovative ways to promote financial literacy for all.” John and Kevin talk about the ideal banking setup, the most common mistak
Back-to-School Shopping: Money-Saving Tips, Best Stores, Mistakes to Avoid & More
Back-to-School Shopping: Money-Saving Tips, Best Stores, Mistakes to Avoid & More Jul 25, 2026 1281 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses how to save on back-to-school shopping with guest Roxanna Caldwell, aka MamiCouponz on your socials. Roxanna is “just a mama who loves saving money,” and she’s passionate about helping others do the same. John and Roxanna talk about their favorite money-saving tips for back-to-school shoppers, includin
How to Protect Your Identity: Simple Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe, Straight From the Experts
How to Protect Your Identity: Simple Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe, Straight From the Experts Jul 14, 2026 2470 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses the key elements of identity theft protection with a pair of experts who have a ton of experience protecting consumers: Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, and William Kresse, aka Professor Fraud.  Before taking the helm of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicate
Time to Join a Warehouse Club? Exploring the Savings Potential in the Face of High Prices
Time to Join a Warehouse Club? Exploring the Savings Potential in the Face of High Prices Jun 29, 2026 1143 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan is joined by Professor Anthony Dukes to discuss whether it makes sense to join a warehouse club in search of savings amidst inflated prices at supermarkets, department stores, gas stations and pretty much everywhere else. Anthony is the Robert E. Brooker Chair in Marketing at the USC Marshall School of Business, Co-Director of th
Where Budget Travelers Should Turn Now That Spirit Airlines Is a Ghost
Where Budget Travelers Should Turn Now That Spirit Airlines Is a Ghost Jun 13, 2026 1194 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan is joined by airline industry expert Blaise Waguespack to discuss what’s next for budget travelers in the wake of Spirit Airlines’ collapse. Blaise is a professor at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, focusing on airline marketing and service quality measurement. He and John discuss the remaining budget
First Time Homebuyer? Here’s the Blueprint for Success
First Time Homebuyer? Here’s the Blueprint for Success May 30, 2026 1162 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan is joined by guest Stacie Rihl to discuss how to go about buying your first home. Stacie hosts the “Your First Home” podcast and helps connect first-time homebuyers with the right real estate agents. She has also worked as both a real estate agent and a loan officer for a mortgage company, so she’s the perfect p
How to Buy a Car Without Breaking the Bank: Tips From a Car Dealer Turned Professor
How to Buy a Car Without Breaking the Bank: Tips From a Car Dealer Turned Professor May 18, 2026 1083 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan is joined by guest Brian Bastin to discuss how to buy a car without breaking the bank. Brian spent 14 years as a general manager and minority operating partner of Mercedes-Benz of Palm Beach, and he is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Program Director at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus, where he teaches autom
How to Save on Summer Travel: Expert Tips & Tricks to Help You Save Big
How to Save on Summer Travel: Expert Tips & Tricks to Help You Save Big May 4, 2026 1807 In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan is joined by Dr. Nancy McGehee, a professor of hospitality and tourism management at Virginia Tech. John and Nancy discuss how to save money on summer travel, from when to book to what common mistakes you should avoid making. If you want to travel this summer but you’re working with a tight budget, these tips and tricks cou

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