Podcast 11: Jon Gaskell from SmartyPig and New Consumerism Commentary Contributor, Jeff

Today’s guests in the eleventh episode of the Consumerism Commentary Podcast are Jon Gaskell from SmartyPig and Consumerism Commentary’s newest contributor, Jeff.

SmartyPig is a unique banking application that works closely with West Bank to offer surprisingly high interest rates but presents limitations to its customers. In this interview, Tom Dziubek and SmartyPig founder Jon Gaskell explore SmartyPig’s purpose and the tools offered for goal-oriented savings.

I join Tom to speak with Consumerism Commentary’s newest contributor, Jeff. Jeff writes a weekly column for Consumerism Commentary, appearing usually on Thursdays. You can find Jeff’s articles here and on Jeff’s own blog, StretchyDollar.

To listen, use the player above (Adobe Flash required), download the podcast here, subscribe to the podcast RSS feed, or use the iTunes link. Note: open links in a new window (Ctrl-click or Command-click) to avoid interrupting the podcast.

[00:00] Introduction from Flexo
[00:36] Interview with Jon Gaskell
[01:20] — How SmartyPig helps savers stay goal-oriented
[01:50] — Accounts for children
[02:35] — How SmartyPig makes money
[03:28] — SmartyPig’s interest rates
[06:28] — Red McCombs’ investment into SmartyPig
[06:57] — SmartyPig account opening process
[09:15] — Contributing funds towards a SmartyPig goal
[11:42] — What happens when a saver reaches a goal
[13:58] — What happens if a saver doesn’t reach that goal
[15:04] — Using SmartyPig to help raise funds for charities
[17:55] Interview with new Consumerism Commentary contributor, Jeff
[18:55] — Jeff’s initial interest in personal finance
[19:30] — Why Jeff started writing about personal finance
[20:11] — Jeff’s favorite personal finance advice
[20:40] — Favorite personal finance authors and books
[21:16] — Jeff’s anticipated contributions to Consumerism Commentary
[22:29] End