Money Smart Podcast Network
Welcome to the FDIC's Money Smart Podcast Network
The Money Smart Podcast Network covers topics such as the basics of borrowing money, using a spending plan to achieve financial goals, and how to use banking products effectively. The Money Smart Podcast Network consists of audio files that offer tips to help people make informed financial decisions and take charge of their finances.
Listen to the audio files online or download them to your portable audio player. Join the more than 3 million people reached through Money Smart!
The FDIC Money Smart Podcast Network is:
- Free,
- Not copyright protected, and
- Developed by the FDIC based on the award-winning Money Smart curriculum
If I am having trouble accessing audio or downloading files, what should I do?
Email us at communityaffairs@fdic.gov and we will do our best to assist.
Steps for Listening & Downloading
Listen Now to the Podcasts
- Click the Categories below to direct you to the mp3 files to listen.
- Listen to podcasts online or download the programs to listen to later.
- To listen, select the Listen Now button
- To download, select the Download Audio button
note: the file automatically saves to your computer’s download folder
- Take advantage of the downloadable Reference Materials for each program.
Downloads and Reference Materials
- Click the Categories below to see the Topics and Segments within.
- Select View Transcripts button to read only
- Right click on document and select Save As to save a copy of the transcripts for each program.
- Find referenced links and download Reference Materials.
Topics
The more you listen, the more you’ll learn!
How Banks Work and the Benefits of Using Them
Learn the basics of protecting your money and financial information. It helps you choose the best types of accounts how to protect your personal identity, and ways to prepare for a natural disaster or other emergencies.
1-1: How Having A Bank Account Protects Your Money
Learn About Types Of Financial Institutions, Security, Your Legal Rights, And Privacy.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- FDIC's Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE)
- Privacy Rule Handbook
- Basics of Banking – FDIC Insurance Coverage - PDF
1-2: What A Bank Can Do For You
Learn About The Benefits Of Banking, Types Of Accounts, Credit Cards, And Consumer Loans.
Audio Materials
1-3: How To Protect Your Identity
Get Vital Information To Prevent Identity Theft – Or Take Action If You Think You’re A Victim.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- 1-888-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) OptOutPrescreen.com (www.optoutprescreen.com)
- Fraud.org (www.fraud.org)
- Annual Credit Report (www.annualcreditreport.com)
- Recovering from Identity Theft (www.ftc.gov)
- Basics of Banking – Avoid Identify Theft - PDF
- Basics of Banking – Information on Opting Out - PDF
1-4: Prepare Yourself Financially For A Disaster
Know How To Prepare And Where To Store Your Financial Information In Case Of Emergency.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- Plan Ahead for Disasters (www.ready.gov)
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - PDF
1-5: When There’s Too Much Debt
Learn Ways to Get Out of Debt, Find a Credit Counselor, and Avoid Risky Debt Consolidation.
Audio Materials
Reference Material
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org)
- The U.S. Department of Justice (www.justice.gov)
An Overview Of Checking Accounts And The Benefits Of Using Them
Learn how to choose, open, and manage an account. Understand common banking fees, how to deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and balance your checkbook. Learn about online banking and banking by phone.
2-1: Open A Checking Account
Choose An Account That’s Right For You, And Find Out How To Open An Account.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- Checking Account - Checking Account Fees - PDF
- Checking Account - Choosing a Checking Account - PDF
- Checking Account - Determine Your Checking Account Needs - PDF
- Checking Account - Tips on Investing in Non-deposit Products - PDF
- Checking Account - Types of Checking Account - PDF
2-2: Make Deposits And Write Checks
Learn About Banking Transactions, Including Direct Deposit, And Online And Telephone Banking.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
2-3: Balance Your Checkbook
Understand Your Statement And Learn To Reconcile It With Your Check Register.
Audio Materials
The Basics Of Saving And Investing Money
Get tips on finding ways to save, making a personal spending plan, and tracking what you spend. Learn potential benefits from direct deposit and tips to save for retirement.
3-1: Find Money To Save
Learn How Small Savings Add Up Fast When You Pay Yourself First, Cut Spending, Or Increase Your Income.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- VITA: 1-800-906-9887 (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
- TCE: 1-888-227-7669 (Tax Counseling for the Elderly)
- Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers (www.irs.gov)
- Savings Spending Plan – Budgeting/Savings Systems - PDF
- Savings Spending Plan – Monthly Payment Calendar - PDF
- Savings Spending Plan – Sample Daily Spending Diary - PDF
- Savings Spending Plan – Sample Income and Expenses Worksheet - PDF
- Savings Spending Plan – Sample Monthly Payment Schedule - PDF
- Savings Spending Plan – Social Security Benefits - PDF
3-2: Open A Savings Account
Choose The Right Account For You And Learn How To Open Your Account.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
3-3: Start Investing
Learn About Types Of Investments And Retirement Plans, And How To Evaluate An Investment.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- TreasuryDirect (www.treasurydirect.gov)
- Investor.gov (www.investor.gov)
The Basics Of Borrowing Money Wisely
Understand the costs of borrowing and how to qualify for credit or a loan. Find tips to choose a loan or credit card. Learn how loans work, and ways to get the best loan for your needs.
4-1: Decide Whether To Borrow
Understand The Costs And Risks Of Borrowing And Using Credit; Learn To Shop For The Best Option.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- Borrowing Money – Free Credit Report Circumstances - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Other Cards - PDF
- Borrowing Money – The Cost of Credit - PDF
4-2: Be Able To Borrow
Learn To Review And Understand Your Credit Report And Build Stronger Credit.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- Annual Credit Report.com (www.annualcreditreport.com) For Credit Reports toll-free: 877-322-8228
- Credit and Loans (www.ftc.gov)
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org)
- Borrowing Money – Checklist For Credit Decisions - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Credit Counseling vs Debt Management - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Rejection for a Loan - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Tips for Building Your Credit History - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Tips for Repairing Your Credit History - PDF
4-3: Choose The Right Loan
Learn How Different Loans Work From Down Payments, Interest, And To Fees And Penalties.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
4-4: Use Credit Cards Wisely
Learn How To Choose The Right Card, Read Your Statement, And Avoid Problems.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org)
4-5: Finance A Purchase With A Loan
Learn How Loans Work For Cars And Other Purchases, Get Tips For Car Buying, And Avoid Paying Too Much For Rent To Own Purchases.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov)
Click on Money and Credit and then Buying and Owning a Car.
4-6: Finance A Home With A Loan
Learn How Loans Work For Mortgages, Determine If Buying A Home Is For You, And How To Avoid Mortgage Foreclosure Scams.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- NeighborWorks America (www.nw.org)
- Buying a Home (www.hud.gov)
- VA Home Loans (www.benefits.va.gov)
- Borrowing Money – Components of a Mortgage Loan Payment - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Homebuyer Assistance Programs - PDF
- Borrowing Money – How Much Mortgage Can I Afford? - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Interest Only and Payment Option Mortgages - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Tips for Avoiding Mortgage Foreclosure Scams - PDF
4-7: Protect Yourself While Borrowing
Find Out How To Avoid Predatory Loans And Scams – And How To Get Help If You’re A Victim.
Audio Materials
Reference Materials
- IRS (www.irs.gov) 800-906-9887
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (www.consumerfinance.gov) 855-411-2372
- Pro Bono (www.americanbar.org)
- Federal Trade Commission Booklet “Home Sweet Home… Improvement” (www.ftc.gov) 202-326-2222
- Borrowing Money – Sample Predatory Loan Offer - PDF
- Borrowing Money – Predatory Loan Victim - PDF
Quick Links
Podcast Help
Questions & Answers regarding how to use and navigate through the podcasts.
Contact Us
FDIC staff is available to provide technical assistance and to help facilitate partnerships among interested parties. Contact us at communityaffairs@fdic.gov.