NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
by NerdWallet Personal Finance
Latest Business Ideas
Last-Minute Flight Deal Aggregator
Market Gap: Travelers miss out on last-minute flight deals.
Develop a Last-Minute Flight Deal Aggregator that collects and displays last-minute flight deals from various airlines, showing both the points costs and cash prices. Users can filter deals based on their location and destination, enabling them to quickly find the best value for last-minute travel. This tool would appeal to spontaneous travelers and those looking for budget-friendly options, helping them make informed decisions on whether to use cash or points for their flights. The platform could also include alerts for significant drops in points requirements for specific routes.
From: Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025
Credit Card Points Transfer Optimization Tool
Market Gap: Consumers find it difficult to optimize credit card points transfers.
Create a Credit Card Points Transfer Optimization Tool that allows users to input their credit card points and see the best transfer options available to maximize their travel rewards. This tool would analyze various transfer ratios and redemption values across multiple loyalty programs, helping users decide how to best allocate their points for the highest value. Target users would be frequent travelers and points enthusiasts who want to ensure they are getting the best deals from their credit card rewards. The tool could also feature alerts for changes in transfer ratios or promotions.
From: Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025
Airline Miles Valuation Calculator
Market Gap: Travelers struggle to determine the value of their airline miles.
The idea is to develop an Airline Miles Valuation Calculator that allows users to input specific flight options and calculates the value of their miles versus the cash price of the ticket. This tool could use data from various airlines to present users with clear insights, helping them decide whether to redeem miles or pay in cash. Similar to the calculators mentioned in the episode, this tool would provide transparency and empower travelers to leverage their points more effectively, maximizing the value of their rewards. Potential customers include avid travelers, frequent flyers, and anyone engaged in loyalty programs.
From: Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025
Diversified Investment Fund Selection Platform
Market Gap: Investors need guidance on choosing suitable index funds.
This business concept involves creating a platform that helps users select appropriate index funds and mutual funds based on their individual profiles and investment goals. The platform could feature algorithms that analyze user data, such as risk tolerance and financial objectives, to recommend diversified investment options with low expense ratios and solid performance histories. Additionally, it could provide educational resources about fund performance, fees, and market trends to empower users to make informed decisions. By simplifying the investment selection process, the platform would cater to the needs of novice investors looking to grow their savings intelligently.
From: Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely
Automated Retirement Contribution Management Tool
Market Gap: Individuals struggle to consistently contribute to retirement accounts.
This business idea revolves around creating a tool that automates retirement contributions for individuals, especially freelancers and those without access to workplace retirement plans. Users could link their bank accounts and set parameters for automatic contributions to various retirement accounts, such as IRAs or solo 401(k)s. This tool would not only simplify the contribution process but also encourage users to stay disciplined in their savings habits. Additionally, the platform could provide reminders and progress tracking towards retirement goals, addressing the common problem of inconsistent contributions and fostering a culture of saving for retirement.
From: Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely
Elder Care Financial Planning Service
Market Gap: Navigating elder care finances is complex and daunting.
This business concept involves launching a financial planning service tailored to elder care. The service would assist families in understanding the financial aspects of elder care, including Medicare options, Social Security benefits, and potential subsidies for housing and healthcare. It would also connect families with elder care attorneys who can provide legal advice and assist in estate planning. The target audience would be adult children of aging parents who are trying to navigate these complex financial waters. By streamlining the process and providing clear guidance, this service could significantly ease the burden on families.
From: Preparing Finances for Fall and How to Help Parents Who Haven’t Saved Enough
Financial Assistance Platform for Aging Parents
Market Gap: Aging parents may struggle financially and need support.
This business idea revolves around creating a platform that provides structured financial assistance options for children supporting their aging parents. The platform could offer tools for budgeting, tracking expenses, and facilitating monthly contributions directly to parents for bills such as housing and healthcare. It could integrate resources for subsidized housing options and connect families with local agencies that provide assistance. Target users would be adult children of aging parents, particularly those with limited income and savings. The platform could also provide educational resources on Medicare options and how to navigate financial discussions with parents.
From: Preparing Finances for Fall and How to Help Parents Who Haven’t Saved Enough
Credit Score Monitoring and Alert Service
Market Gap: Consumers lack proactive monitoring of their credit health.
A Credit Score Monitoring and Alert Service would provide users with real-time updates about their credit scores and any changes to their credit reports. This service could offer features such as alerts for hard inquiries, credit score changes, and potential fraud attempts. By integrating with existing credit reporting APIs, the service would ensure users receive timely notifications, helping them stay informed and proactive about their credit health. This tool would target consumers who want better oversight and control over their credit and financial well-being.
From: The Fed Just Cut Rates — Here’s How to Make the Most of It (Plus: How to Freeze Your Credit)
Automated Credit Freeze Management Tool
Market Gap: Consumers struggle to manage multiple credit freezes effectively.
An Automated Credit Freeze Management Tool would allow users to easily manage their credit freezes across all three bureaus from a single platform. Users could set up, maintain, and temporarily lift freezes in a streamlined manner, receiving alerts and reminders for thawing credit before major transactions. This service would cater to consumers who are concerned about identity theft but find the current processes too complicated. The tool could utilize APIs from credit bureaus to facilitate real-time updates and actions, providing a user-friendly dashboard for monitoring credit activity.
From: The Fed Just Cut Rates — Here’s How to Make the Most of It (Plus: How to Freeze Your Credit)
Mobile Wallet Security Awareness Platform
Market Gap: Consumers lack awareness of mobile wallet security measures.
This concept focuses on creating an educational platform aimed at enhancing consumer understanding of mobile wallet security. The platform would provide engaging content, tutorials, and resources about the safety features of mobile payments. It could also include interactive tools to help users assess and enhance their security practices while using mobile wallets. By targeting both tech-savvy individuals and those new to mobile payments, this platform would build consumer confidence in the technology, potentially increasing the adoption of mobile wallets and reducing the likelihood of fraud. Partnerships with financial institutions could help amplify reach and credibility.
From: Tap to Pay, Tap to Overspend? Mobile Wallet Traps and Money Conversations That Pay Off
Recent Episodes
Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025
Host: Sally French and Meghan Coyle
Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola
2 ideas found
Preparing Finances for Fall and How to Help Parents Who Haven’t Saved Enough
Host: Sean Pyles, Elizabeth Ayola
2 ideas found
The Fed Just Cut Rates — Here’s How to Make the Most of It (Plus: How to Freeze Your Credit)
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
Tap to Pay, Tap to Overspend? Mobile Wallet Traps and Money Conversations That Pay Off
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
AI Stocks May Be in a Bubble, and Car Prices Could Rise Soon — Here’s What to Know
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
Estate Planning Made Simple and How to Handle Family Loans
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
Why Refis Are Spiking and How to Optimize Your 401k Target-Date Fund for Long-Term Growth
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
Smart Buying Tips from Your Mama’s Kitchen and How to Change Banks Wisely
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola
How to Talk Finances Before Cohabitating, and Why Coffee and Tea Prices Are Surging
Host: Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayola
3 ideas found
Get Business Ideas from NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Join our community to receive curated business opportunities from this and hundreds of other podcasts.