Ever moved money out of your vacation fund to cover a car repair, or dipped into your emergency fund for something that wasn't quite an emergency? That's exactly where sinking funds come in. 

This week, Jean sits down with Sean Pyles, CFP® and host of NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, and his co-host Elizabeth Ayoola to break down the sinking fund strategy: separate, named savings buckets each tied to a specific goal. 

Plus, Lacy Garcia of Willow is back. She's sharing the five things worth splurging on before the end of 2026, and the trade-offs she makes to afford them. She and Jean also get into when a financial advisor is actually worth the money, and what Willow's version of an advisor looks like for someone who's just trying to get organized. 

Find NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Get guidance and connect with a vetted fiduciary https://hermoney.com/findanadvisor/.

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