PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips

Hosted by Lee Enterprises

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Episodes

141

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

PennyWise is a show about money, personal finance, investing and travel. The program features a variety of financial experts who can help save you money.

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60 recent

October 16, 2026Episode 2828 min

Holiday Shopping Trends & Tips: Early Intel That Could Save You Money

In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan discusses early holiday shopping trends with guest Carl-Philip Ahlbom, an assistant professor of marketing at Florida State University. John and Dr. Ahlbom cover where shoppers can expect to find the best deals, how to adjust for inflation, and the best ways to save money in the current retail landscape.   More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-credit-cards-for-shopping">Best Credit Cards for Shopping </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/blog/early-holiday-shopping-survey/142151">Early Holiday Shopping Survey (2026)</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/b/holiday-shopping-tips/28660">8 Holiday Shopping Tips for 2026 – Give More & Spend Less</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/free-gift-ideas/28663">14 (Nearly) Free Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-credit-card-signup-bonus">Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses</a> </li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

October 3, 2026Episode 2722 min

Fed Rate Hikes: Why You Should Care & What You Need to Do

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: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/sa/fed-rate-hike-survey/48053">Fed Rate Hike Probability & Analysis</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/d/debt-statistics/140104">Debt Statistics for 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-balance-transfer-credit-cards">Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-debt-consolidation-loans">Best Debt Consolidation Loans</a>   </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-high-yield-savings-accounts">Best High-Yield Savings Accounts </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/b/best-expense-tracker/155193">Best Expense Tracker Apps</a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

September 19, 2026Episode 2611 min

High Credit Card Fees: When They’re Worth Paying & When to Stay Away

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: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-premium-credit-cards">Best Premium Credit Cards</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-rewards-credit-cards">Best Rewards Credit Cards Right Now</a>   </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/how-to-choose-a-credit-card-for-rewards/174371">How to Choose a Credit Card for Rewards in 2026</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-cards-fees/144681">Key Things to Know About Credit Card Fees (2026)</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/how-much-americans-pay-in-credit-card-interest-and-fees/129964">How Much Americans Pay in Credit Card Interest and Fees (2026)</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/cardadvisor">WalletHub CardAdvisor: Get Personalized Credit Card Recommendations</a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

September 4, 2026Episode 2522 min

Identity Theft Insurance & Cyber Insurance: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

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 coverage. John and Daniel discuss how effective the insurance is, who needs it, and more.   More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/identity-theft">Identity Theft Insurance: $1 Million in Coverage</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-identity-theft-protection-services">Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/lost-wallet-assistance">Lost Wallet Assistance: Avoid Hassle & Identity Theft</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/identity-theft-statistics/131472">Identity Theft Statistics (2026)</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-identity-theft-and-fraud-are-worst/17549">States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud </a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

August 24, 2026Episode 2419 min

How to Save on Streaming Services: Tips to Help You Get More Entertainment for Less Money

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 you stream on a budget, the best credit cards for streaming savings and more.  More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-credit-cards-for-streaming-services">Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services of 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/best-credit-card-to-use-for-hulu-1000746-2140895949/">What is the Best Credit Card for Hulu?</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/which-credit-card-gives-a-netflix-discount-2140884675/">Which Credit Card Gives a Netflix Discount?</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/subscription-manager">Subscription Manager: Keep Track of Recurring Bills</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/answers/b/how-much-to-budget-for-entertainment-1000639-2140880919/">How Much to Budget for Entertainment</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/budgeting">Budget Better With WalletHub</a> </li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

August 11, 2026Episode 2322 min

How to Choose the Right Bank Accounts: Tips to Take Your Checking & Savings Game to the Next Level

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 mistakes people made when picking a bank account, and more.  More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/ca/how-to-open-a-checking-account/10299">How to Open a Checking Account</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-bank-accounts">Best Bank Accounts Right Now</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-high-yield-savings-accounts">Best High-Yield Savings Accounts </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/sa/how-to-close-a-bank-account/14327">Close Your Account & Switch Banks: The Breakup Guide</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-bank-account-bonuses">Best Bank Account Bonuses</a>      </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/sa/banking-landscape-report/1629">Banking Landscape Report</a> </li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

July 25, 2026Episode 2221 min

Back-to-School Shopping: Money-Saving Tips, Best Stores, Mistakes to Avoid & More

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, including the best stores to visit, plus the biggest money-wasters people should avoid and more.  More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/back-to-school-credit-cards">Best Back-to-School Credit Cards for 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/blog/back-to-school-survey/52395">Back-to-School Shopping Survey</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-credit-cards-for-students">Best Credit Cards for Students</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-the-best-schools/5335">States With the Best Schools </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/t/sales-tax-holidays/25688">Back-to-School Sales-Tax Holidays</a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

July 14, 2026Episode 2141 min

How to Protect Your Identity: Simple Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe, Straight From the Experts

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 dedicated to helping victims and educating the public, Eva worked with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Better Business Bureau. William is an Associate Professor at Governors State University and the former Director of the Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption. He’s also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a former Chicago Election Commissioner. They provide valuable advice on how to keep your identity safe and what to do if some fraud sneaks past your defenses.  More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-identity-theft-protection-services">Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/identity-theft">Identity Theft Insurance: $1 Million in Coverage</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/identity-theft/17120">Identity Theft: What It Is, How It Happens & the Best Protection</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/steps-to-take-after-identity-theft/17040">6 Steps You Should Take Following Identity Theft</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/bankaccount-takeover-monitoring">Bank Account Monitoring: Keep Your Cash Safe</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/lost-wallet-assistance">Lost Wallet Assistance: Avoid Hassle & Identity Theft</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/premium/usps-address-monitoring">Address Change Monitoring: Keep Your Mail Safe</a> </li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

June 29, 2026Episode 2019 min

Time to Join a Warehouse Club? Exploring the Savings Potential in the Face of High Prices

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 the school’s Initiative on Digital Competition, and Associate Editor of the journal Management Science. He and John cover the benefits and drawbacks of warehouse clubs, who should and should not join one, and other money-saving strategies for shoppers. If you need a new way to save, give this episode a listen and maybe join the club.   More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/what-is-the-best-credit-card-for-wholesale-clubs-2140888160/">Best Credit Cards for Warehouse Clubs</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-credit-card-for-groceries">Best Credit Cards for Groceries</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/d/costco-credit-card-72c">Costco Credit Card</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/d/costco-business-credit-card-62c">Costco Business Credit Card</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/d/bjs-credit-card-1454c">BJ’s Credit Card</a> </li> <li><a href="https://wallethub.com/d/sams-club-credit-card-1946c">Sam's Club Credit Card</a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!

June 13, 2026Episode 1919 min

Where Budget Travelers Should Turn Now That Spirit Airlines Is a Ghost

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 airline options, money-saving strategies for cost-conscious vacationers, and more. If you need the cheapest flight possible, give this episode a listen.   More on this episode from WalletHub: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-airlines/20916">Best Airlines of 2026</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/best-airline-credit-card">Best Airline Credit Cards </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-frequent-flyer-program/25943">Best Frequent Flyer Programs </a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/b/how-to-travel-on-a-budget/157867">How to Travel on a Budget </a></li> </ul> If you want to take your finances to the next level, sign up for a <a href="https://wallethub.com/upgrade">WalletHub Premium subscription</a>. You can get personalized credit-improvement help, budgeting tools, identity protection and more. And if you want to find the best financial products, always add “WalletHub” to your search!