HerMoney with Jean Chatzky (Jean Chatzky Her Money)

We are just past the halfway point of 2024, and things aren’t feeling great economy-wise, despite the US economy reaching “superstar status,” according to a recent article in the Atlantic.  Kyla Scanlon coined the term “vibecession” to explain this feeling. In her new book, “In This Economy? How Money & Markets Really Work,” she breaks down why what’s really going on in our economy feels at odds with what we’re experiencing in our day-to-day lives.   Chapters: 0:00 Intro 4:08 The Disconnect Between Economic Data and Consumer Sentiment 9:10 Personal Economic Experiences 13:37 American Personal Savings Rate 21:26 Economic Impact of Upcoming Presidential Election 27:00 Mailbag Segment 31:25 Evaluating Credit Card Benefits 34:14 Managing Savings for Major Goals Takeaways: Despite the US economy's strong performance, many Americans have a negative perception of the economy — that’s what we call the “vibecession,” influenced by alarmist media headlines and the vague language used by the Federal Reserve. Buying a house is challenging due to high mortgage rates and elevated home prices, with the housing market facing long-standing issues that will take time to resolve. The stock market's all-time high does not necessarily reflect the financial well-being of consumers, as it is driven by a few companies and does not capture the experiences of all Americans. Financial education and savings incentives are crucial to address the low savings rate among Americans and promote a healthier personal economy. The upcoming presidential election could have significant economic implications, with different policy approaches potentially impacting tariffs, student loan debt relief, and other areas. Adopting an adventure mindset and promoting innovation can help address economic challenges and lead to solutions to the housing crisis, rising healthcare costs, and climate change. Have a question for us? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a shift in the job market. More jobs can be done remotely than ever before. More companies are hiring. And — great news — salaries are on the rise. So, how do you stand out and secure one of these jobs for yourself? Irina Novoselsky, CEO of CareerBuilder​, weighs in on all, including the biggest areas for growth, and how women can excel. In Mailbag, Jean and Irina tackle questions on how to make a career transition and how to ask for a raise. In Thrive, how to save money while working from home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think, for a second, about all of the things you do before you head to the gym or go out for a run. Do you wear special running shoes? How do you tie them? Do you give yourself a pep talk on days when you’re just not feeling it? Is there a certain playlist you always listen to?  Dr. Mike Norton, author of: “The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness The Surprising Power of Everyday Actions,” says while working out at a certain time of day may be a habit, all of these little things we do to get ready are rituals, and paying more attention to them can transform our lives (financially or otherwise). Takeaways: The connection between rituals and financial habits. The difference between a ritual and a habit, with rituals adding emotion and meaning to actions. How to avoid taking ritualistic behavior too far. Insights on how rituals can help high performers manage stress. How to introduce rituals into the workplace without seeming forced or silly. Chapters: 00:00:00: Introduction and News Segment 00:05:43: Interview with Michael Norton Begins 00:07:38: Connection Between Financial Habits and Rituals 00:10:16: The Emotional Aspect of Rituals vs. Habits 00:12:13: Defining Rituals and Their Impact 00:13:45: When Rituals Become Excessive 00:18:06: Rituals of High Performers 00:19:54: Using Rituals to Prepare for Stressful Situations 00:22:41: Workplace Rituals and Meaningful Work 00:25:24: Where to Take the Ritual Quiz and Find More Information Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re bringing back expert investor Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington for a special mailbag episode. She’s answering all of your excellent saving and investing questions—from how to start investing outside of a retirement account to making the most of a short college savings window to figuring out which account to draw from in retirement.  Whether you're just getting started investing or reassessing your strategy later in life, Jenny and Jean break down the decisions that matter most—and remind us that successful investing is more about time in the market than picking the perfect stocks. Mailbag Questions: [1:30] “Is 59 too late to open a Roth IRA, and what should I invest in?” [5:00] “We have 3 teens and not much saved for college yet. Where should we start?” [7:30] “I'm a retiree, and I’d like to start pulling money on a monthly basis. Which account should I pull from first?”  [11:30] “I make $150,000 a year and put $1,000 into my 401k every month. If I want to retire in 15 years, what else should I be investing in?” Looking for more financial confidence? 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4-week or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we answer the two questions that Jean gets asked most often: When do I need a financial advisor, and how do I find one? Pam Krueger, founder and CEO of Wealthramp and host of Money Track, breaks it all down for us. We talk types of advisors, what a “fiduciary” does, and the steps to take if you’re ready to work with someone. In Mailbag, advice for a listener who came into a sizable inheritance but has no other savings, and questions on whole life insurance, retirement catch-up contributions and rolling over an IRA vs. starting a new one. In Thrive, how to stop money fights in their tracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re probably familiar with the “OK, Boomer” meme… But it’s not just a sarcastic dismissal — it’s a recognition that millennials are in crisis, says this week’s guest Jill Filipovic, author of "OK, Boomer, Let's Talk: How My Generation Got Left Behind.” Jill highlights some of the policy changes and economic structures that have held millennials back, and walks us through concrete suggestions to improve our lives. In Mailbag, we tackle listener questions on loaning money to family, what to do if you’re considering a career in finance, and how to move forward with FMLA if you’re a contract employee who is expecting a baby. In Thrive, a mind trick that can help you save more money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re diving into your FIRE questions with Shang Saavedra, author of Wealth is a Mindset and a trailblazer in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Shang achieved financial independence at 32 and is here to help you tackle everything from early retirement to overcoming money trauma. We cover: How to plan for retirement when the timeline feels uncertain. The importance of viewing retirement not as an age, but as a state of mind. Strategies for dealing with money trauma and shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset. Advice for parents balancing their own savings with paying for their children’s college education. How to make retirement a reality if you’re working in a toxic environment and want to leave. Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  Learn more about InvestingFixx, our women’s investing club where you can vote on stocks, build a model portfolio, and grow your financial knowledge. Take the next step in your financial journey with FinanceFixx, our money makeover program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s so much to unpack with IRAs — individual retirement accounts — that we did a dedicated Mailbag episode to tackle your most pressing questions. Jean joins expert Ed Slott, CPA and author of The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb to answer listener questions on SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, IRA rollovers, IRA contributions, IRAs vs. 401(k)s and so much more. (If you have a question for Jean to tackle on an upcoming episode, please drop us a line here!)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for some excitement in the kitchen, and ideas for how we can create new food favorites — and save money while we’re at it. Leanne Brown, chef and author of bestselling cookbook Good and Cheap breaks down how to eat well on $4.00 a day, and hacks for grocery shopping and preventing food waste. In Mailbag, retirement and savings priorities, and in Thrive, conversations to have before you get married. P.S. If you haven’t already joined the HerMoney Council, we’d love to have you with us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and instead of fearing it, we should learn how to make it work for us. Celia Quillian is an AI expert and author of the new book, AI for Life: 100+ Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence to Make Your Life Easier, More Productive…and More Fun!  She’s joining us to break down how generative AI can help us boost productivity, negotiate raises, manage our finances, and even help book our next vacation.  Resources & Links Mentioned: Find Celia on TikTok here. Article on AI Tools and Environmental Impact Looking for more financial confidence? 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts April 2nd, use code WHM for a $100 discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wondering how best to invest for life’s myriad short- and long-term goals? Investing the “right” way is a complicated topic, with no single answer. That’s why on this week’s Bonus Mailbag, we tackle your investing questions, with the help of Ryan Viktorin, VP at Fidelity. Jean and Ryan advise listeners on what to do with liquid funds saved for a down payment on a house, selling investments in a taxable account, saving for retirement and more. Got a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com! And please take our listener survey and enter to win $100 gift cards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women face systemic challenges when it comes to negotiations in the workplace, but we also often don’t realize our inner strengths. All of us have the power to be great negotiators, and we don’t have to pretend to be tough while doing it, either. Wharton negotiation professor Mori Taheripour joins us to discuss the misconceptions people have about negotiations, and shows us how we can succeed more by being collaborative and true to ourselves. In Mailbag, we answer questions about creating a nest egg for your child and reopening a divorce case from years ago. And in Thrive, how to make your money last in retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How often do you say "yes" to things you don't want to do? We all have our boundaries tested from time to time, but we have to guard our free time and protect our sanity. The good news is, it can be done! Terri Cole, psychotherapist and author of Boundary Boss, helps us all learn how to say “no” when we’re used to saying “yes,” and put up guardrails when we need them. In Mailbag, we look at buying a home when you're planning to move in 3-5 years. In Thrive, a breakdown on tailoring your clothing — is it really worth it, and where do you go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever wondered how to navigate love, money, and relationships in today’s dating world, you’re not alone! 💕 In this HerMoney Mailbag, we’re bringing back Matchmaker Maria Avgitidis, CEO of Agape Match and author of Ask a Matchmaker, to answer your biggest dating and financial questions. From dating with an income gap to tackling prenups, managing retirement expectations, and knowing when to accept financial help from a partner—we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of love and money. More From This Episode: 📖 Preorder Maria’s Book: Ask a Matchmaker 💬 Join the private HerMoney Facebook Community: Get support from like-minded women navigating love, career, and money. 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts March 6th, use code SAVENOW for a 15% discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holiday season is the perfect time to express gratitude for our loved ones and communities. (HerMoney is grateful for you!) Another part of that celebration is donating to our favorite charities. Two nonprofit experts join us to break down everything we need to know about giving back. Valerie Jones is a Certified Fundraising Executive who has spent 25+ years raising money for nonprofits. Adam Nash is the CEO of Daffy, a nonprofit that helps people donate through its donor-advised fund. They show us how to prioritize our giving for the biggest impact, donate our money in a tax-advantaged way, encourage others to give, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gender confidence gap is real. So, what can we do? Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of the book, “Living The Confidence Code” are here to empower the next generation of young women to make a difference in the world. The pair discuss the importance of role models who are real, and the pivotal cultural moment we’re in now for women’s leadership and representation. We talk about some of the best ways we can all give ourselves (and the women around us) a boost. In Mailbag, how to prevent identity theft, and how to manage a successful retirement when your partner has less saved than you do. In Thrive, how to escape your work-from-home productivity slump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teenagers have always had their finger on the pulse of the latest trends, but they’re not only great forecasters — they’re also big drivers in the economy, and they always have been. Mattie Kahn has put a spotlight on many of the forgotten young women throughout history in her new book “Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America’s Revolutions.” She describes how young women throughout history have wielded their money and power to change society. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who feels like she’s grown out of her Roth IRA, and from someone who picked up How To Money at the library and is hungry for more personal finance book recs :) In our money tip of the week, in the midst of a pink craze — what should you do when a stock (like Mattel) goes viral? Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation, and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Thanks to our other sponsor for this episode, Athletic Greens. Go to athleticgreens.com/hermoney to get a free 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every week on the HerMoney podcast, we talk about how to get control of your money, and in most cases, that means getting in control of your spending and knowing exactly where your money is going. Having this knowledge is so important because the truth is that many of us may be sabotaging ourselves financially.  Sarah Newcomb, applied behavioral scientist at Edward Jones, and the author of Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind, joins us to talk about why we financially self-sabotage and how to stop.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 06:00 What is Financial Self Sabotage 17:00 Setting Long-Term Financial Goals 28:00 Impulse Spending and Emotional Triggers 38:00 Mailbag Question 1: Should I stretch my budget to purchase my dream home? 43:00 Mailbag Question 2: I’m in a lot of credit card debt, will credit card companies negotiate it with me?  TAKEAWAYS: Financial self-sabotage can manifest in many unconscious ways. Women often prioritize caregiving at the expense of their financial goals. It's essential to balance short-term desires with long-term financial health. Emotional health is deeply intertwined with financial education and success. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working moms are the backbone of our families and the economy, but plenty of moms still feel guilty for focusing on their careers. We talk with Lara Bazelon, a law professor and mom of two kids, about how career-focused women can be great mothers and role models for their children. In Mailbag, Scotty Reiss of A Girls Guide to Cars pops in to answer questions about selling used cars and new electric vehicle credits. And in Thrive, where to recycle your clothes for cash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should we be doing now to earn more? To not only know our worth but be paid our worth? Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, tells us how women can get recognized and rewarded at work and get paid what we deserve. We talk about networking during COVID, and networking internally once we’re hired, in a remote work environment. In Mailbag, we talk career transitions and pay cuts, and protecting our retirement earnings from a tax hit. In Thrive, spring cleaning your finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The phrase “limited time only” lights up our brains and causes us to spend money when we otherwise wouldn’t. That’s because we can’t stand to lose out on a good deal — even when it risks our budgets. Marketing and psychology expert Dr. Mindy Weinstein breaks down the science behind our impulse purchases and the marketing tactics that businesses use to open our wallets. Listen to learn how to resist buying into the latest trends — and how to use marketing to your own advantage. In Mailbag, we answer questions about long-term care and part-time work. In Thrive, how to stop paying the pink tax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reason why risks seem like such a big deal is because we never really know if we’re going to be successful. We might fail. But what if we could approach our risk-taking with a better understanding of what’s required to achieve lasting success? Or with more faith that we could find a silver lining in the face of failure? Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, author of Choose Possibility, offers the ultimate guide to decision-making and risk-taking for anyone who's ever been afraid of making the wrong choice. In Mailbag, where to invest an extra $3,000 a month, and buying a home while earning $48,000. In Thrive, inherited wealth for millennials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, in honor of #DryJanuary, we’re bringing back this episode with Laura McKowen, author of We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life. We explore the evolving conversation around alcohol consumption, sobriety, and how they intersect with women’s lives, careers, and finances. Laura also shares her personal journey with alcohol addiction, recovery, and how sobriety improved her financial habits and overall life. CHAPTERS: 2:30: Alcohol and Culture: Why We Don’t Talk About It 8:00: A Turning Point: Laura’s Sobriety Journey 17:45: The Financial Cost of Drinking 26:00 Practical Tips for the Sober Curious Additional Resources: “Is That Drink Worth It To You?” By Susan Dominus This Naked Mind by Annie Grace  Learn more about Jean Chatzky's multiweek Money Makeover program FinanceFixx here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are right around the corner, which means the holiday “shopping season” is now in full swing. And while we love scoring a good bargain on just about everything, we score the best deal when we just don’t buy the thing in the first place.  Shira Gill, an expert on minimalism, intentional shopping, and living your values shares how to stop ourselves from buying the thing BEFORE we buy the thing, and how to get creative with gift-giving, with heartfelt items that will mean a heck of a lot more to the recipient than something shiny and expensive.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 The allure of bargains  06:00 Minimalism and values-based decisions 13:00 Intentional gifting 26:00 Tips for a stress-free holiday season  34:00 Mailbag question 1: Retirement-Specific Book Recommendations 36:00 Mailbag question 2: Managing Credit Card Debt and Balance Transfers TAKEAWAYS: Minimalism is about clarifying what matters most and removing distractions to create time, space, and freedom. Unique, heartfelt gifts—like sharing skills, creating experiences, or consumable items—often resonate more than material possessions.  Set a mission statement for the season. Identify what your family truly values, whether it’s a trip or simply quality time together and stick to it. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been another volatile few weeks in the markets, and we’re all seeing a lot of red. But history is on our side. Bob Pisani, Senior Markets Correspondent for CNBC, joins us to discuss investing pitfalls and shares some of the most common mistakes that he’s seen investors make over the years. Bob tells us what facts and numbers he focuses on to measure how well the markets are doing, and tells us why he prefers the “boring” investments to the “exciting” ones. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener being paid in crypto, and one launching a small business. In Thrive, advice for travelers with a layover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Patti and Patrick about the substantial student loan debt they’ve incurred on behalf of their daughter. They explore various ways to pay it down, including using a home equity line of credit or tapping into retirement funds. Jean gives detailed guidance on the best approach to consolidate the debt. The episode also touches on the broader financial responsibilities parents face, and the importance of open communication with children about the realities of debt.  Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Takeaways: When dealing with multiple student loans, consider consolidating them to secure a lower interest rate.  Before tapping into retirement funds or other long-term savings to pay down student loans, consider the tax implications and potential penalties.  Home equity lines of credit can be a viable alternative for paying down student loans, but compare interest rates and terms. Chapters: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:02:52: Details of Student Loan Debt 00:05:18: Interest Rates and Consolidation Options 00:07:52: Home Equity and Savings 00:13:38: Financial Planning and Parental Support 00:16:08: Next Steps The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Valentine’s Day, HerMoney fam! If you’ve ever ventured into online dating, you know how tricky (and sometimes exhausting) it can be. But before you consider hiring a matchmaker with a hefty price tag, we’ve got you covered. This week, we sit down with Maria Avgitidis, aka Matchmaker Maria to talk about what really goes into finding “the one.” She’s a fourth-generation matchmaker, CEO of Agape Match, and author of Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide To Finding Love. If you’re single and looking — or just fascinated by modern matchmaking — you won’t want to miss this one! In Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn answer listener questions about prenups, financial independence in marriage, and the best way to sell an engagement ring post-divorce. Resources & Links: 📖 Preorder Maria’s book: Ask a Matchmaker 🔗 Listen to Scott Rick talk about why he thinks couples should merge their money. Learn more about InvestingFixx, our women’s investing club where you can vote on stocks, build a model portfolio, and grow your financial knowledge. Take the next step in your financial journey with FinanceFixx, our money makeover program. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Close your eyes for a second and step back to the 1940s. Specifically, New York City in the 1940s. You’re walking down the crowded street with a certain pep in your step because guess what? You’re headed to your favorite department store, Lord & Taylor.  Department stores were not only the places where women shopped but also the places where women had power — power they did not have elsewhere at the time. Julie Satow joins us to talk about her new book: “When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion,” and how women working in department stores in the early 1900s carved new paths for what it means to be a woman at work today. Chapters: 00:00 Department Stores in the early 1900s  6:00 How Department Stores Empowered Women 14:17 Challenges Working Women Faced 23:36 Inspiration for Women Today 30:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment  32:00 Mailbag Question 1: Where do I put the money my kids made this summer? 37:00 Mailbag Question 2: Will closing my business credit card hurt my credit?  Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What role does luck play in life? How does luck relate to fate, and how does all of this tie back into what we can and can’t control? We’re discussing it all this week with Maria Konnikova, author of “The Biggest Bluff.” She talks about what good investors have in common, and the truth behind the “illusion of control.”  We discuss emotions, and why they’re so critical to our decision-making process, and we get a crash course on how to bluff — and how to know when we’re being bluffed. In Mailbag, we talk aging parents, target date funds, and caring for a significant other financially. In Thrive, should you take a gap year if your college is closed this fall?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to modern medicine, the average life expectancy has been on the rise for decades now, and women now have as much as a 15% chance of making it to their 100th birthday. So while our parents may have planned for closer to 20 years in retirement, we need to save and invest for closer to three or even four decades. Deb Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP and author of “The Second Fifty” joins us to talk about how to prepare financially, and otherwise, for the second half of our lives.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 What is the “second fifty”? 06:00 Why women need to financially prepare to live longer than men 13:00 Rethinking partial retirement and lifelong learning  23:00 Positive perspectives on aging 26:00 Mailbag Question 1: I’m about to inherit a significant amount of money, how should I invest it?  29:00 Mailbag Question 2: I’m 62, am I on track to retire and continue to travel the way I want to?  TAKEAWAYS: With women potentially reaching an average life expectancy of 90+ years by 2039, we need to save for a longer retirement. This requires proactive financial planning. Midlife is a time of new opportunities rather than decline.  Lifelong learning, career changes, and “encore careers” keep people engaged, purposeful, and financially prepared in midlife and beyond. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you marking your calendars for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? So are we. It looks like shoppers are expected to spend more than ever this year — around $1,700 a person according to Deloitte.  We thought it would be fun to bring our pals Jill Sirianni and Jen Smith, cohosts of the Frugal Friends podcast, and the new book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: Transform Your Spending and Get More of What Money Can’t Buy back on the show to answer all of your shopping questions.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Holiday Spending Trends and Impulse Control 06:14 Meaningful and Frugal Gift Ideas 10:12 Navigating Unexpected Costs and Community Support 16:02 Credit Card Use and Financial Boundaries TAKEAWAYS: Consider using last year's spending as a guide for this year's budget. Community support is crucial during unexpected financial hardships. Creative limitations can lead to better problem-solving and gift-giving. Don't rely on credit cards for holiday spending if you can't pay it off quickly. Thoughtful gifts can include experiences or personal items rather than material goods. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all been there: endlessly scrolling through financial headlines, absorbing TikTok hot takes, or reading investing books with dreams of becoming the next Warren Buffett. But what if all that advice is doing more harm than good? On the most recent episode of Your Money Map, our weekly show with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, we sit down with Barry Ritholtz, host of Bloomberg’s Masters in Business podcast, CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, and author of the new book How Not to Invest: The Ideas, Numbers, and Behaviors That Destroy Wealth and How to Avoid Them. His mission? To help us unlearn everything that’s steering us in the wrong direction. If you like this episode and want more, check out all of our Your Money Map episodes at protectedincome.org/your-money-map/ or tune in live every Wednesday at 12 PM ET on Facebook or LinkedIn. 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts May 6th, use code SAVENOW for a 15% discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many caregivers are feeling more overwhelmed than ever as we head into year 2 of the pandemic. 79% of caregivers said that the decision to give their time and energies in such a way has set them back on a variety of fronts, including financial goals, social life, mental health and career. In this week’s episode, we’ve got solutions. Meredith Stoddard, Vice President of Life Events Planning at Fidelity Investments breaks down some of the most challenging things that women are facing, and discusses how we can take steps to lessen our burdens. In Mailbag, we talk making your nieces your beneficiaries, getting a "deed upon death," and benchmark retirement milestones. In Thrive, the new rules of allowances for kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women have been fighting for equal pay for more than a century, but the gender wage gap is far from old news. It’s still around, and there’s still more to learn about it. What do we need to know to close the gap, once and for all? We talk about the latest research with Lauren Weber, a Wall Street Journal reporter and co-author of a new study about the gender pay gap. In Mailbag, we answer questions about retirement savings benchmarks, and how much you should pay for a financial advisor. In Thrive, how to reduce costs as a wedding guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re talking about money with Rebecca Walker, editor of the book, “Women Talk Money: Breaking The Taboo.” Listen in as Jean and Rebecca talk money trauma, reimagining our relationships with money, financial lessons, and the gender and racial wealth gaps. In Thrive, we discuss the best books and educational sources for retirement, and in Thrive, the red flags women should look out for when job hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it truly mean to live a wealthy life? If you think it’s all about money, think again. On the most recent episode of Your Money Map, our weekly show with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, we sit down with Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur, writer, and author of The Five Types of Wealth, to explore a new, holistic approach to wealth-building. Sahil shares his personal journey of redefining success and explains why financial wealth is just one piece of the puzzle. If you like this episode and want more, check out all of our Your Money Map episodes at protectedincome.org/your-money-map/ or tune in live every Wednesday at 12 PM ET on Facebook or LinkedIn. 👉 More from Sahil Bloom: Follow him @SahilBloom on social media and grab his new book, The Five Types of Wealth, wherever books are sold. 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts March 6th, use code SAVENOW for a 15% discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The amount of women who invest is on the rise, but navigating stocks, bonds, ETFS, and other asset classes can feel daunting. That’s why we’re answering your most pressing investment questions with expert investor and host of our new podcast How She Does It, Karen Finerman. We take questions on dollar-cost averaging, how to get started investing in index funds, how to switch online brokerage firms, and the rules for an exit plan from a stock that just isn’t doing it for you anymore. For more great investing conversations like these, join Karen on her new show, and join us in our investing club for women, InvestingFixx.  Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation, and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the 2024 World Happiness Survey, we’re pretty unhappy as a country this year. And although there are plenty of external reasons for us to be unhappy — sky-high costs at the grocery store, mortgage rates hovering around 7%, and credit card debt soaring – we’re all about controlling what we can control and that includes prioritizing our well-being over all else (no summertime sadness here).  Stephanie Harrison, author of: “New Happy: Getting Happiness Right In a World That’s Got It Wrong,” feels that way too, so much so that she spent 10 years diving into the world of happiness research. Listen in to hear why the “Old Happy” is making us all miserable and why she believes the “New Happy” should be the framework we’re building our lives around instead.  Chapters: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:02:58: The Concept of "New Happy" vs. "Old Happy" 00:07:11: The Role of Money in Happiness 00:12:08: Social Media's Impact on Happiness 00:19:39: Tactical Solutions for Creating a Happier Life 00:23:11: Finding a Job that Aligns with Your Gifts 00:25:44: Daily Shifts to Increase Happiness 00:27:30: Mailbag Segment  Takeaways:  The Old Happy tells us we need to achieve more, be perfect, and be hyper-independent. These expectations are unrealistic and make us miserable. The New Happy involves discovering who you are and using your gifts to help others. This leads to personal growth, fulfillment, and creating happiness for others. Money is necessary to fulfill our needs and create experiences of well-being, but the pursuit of more and more money does not lead to proportionate increases in happiness. To find intrinsic goals that make you happier, consider safety, community, relationships, passions and interests, and personal growth. Daily shifts to make yourself and others happier include looking for opportunities to help, recognizing the support you receive, and paying attention to people who are doing good in the world. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting, and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From lip butter to Botox, people today are shelling out a lot of money on beauty products and procedures. According to The Aesthetic Society, people in the U.S. spent $11.8 billion on aesthetic procedures in 2022. When it comes to beauty products, one report from Lending Tree shows the average American spends $1,754 annually, with younger generations budgeting even more for beauty (thanks, TikTok). But do we really need to spend big bucks on beauty products and procedures to look our best? Val Monroe, the former longtime beauty director at O Magazine and writer behind the popular Substack How Not To F*ck Up Your Face, says it’s time to get back to basics. She joins us to talk about her simple skincare routine and whether you really need that new product you’re eyeing. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and the Shift in Beauty Conversations 03:21 The Importance of a Simple Beauty Routine 17:04 Exploring the Use of Botox and Fillers 27:24 Embracing Self-Acceptance 31:12 Making Informed Beauty Purchases Using the Five W's 32:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 34:00 Mailbag Question 1: How much skincare do I really need?  38:00 Mailbag Question 2: What is the correct order for skincare products?  40:00 Mailbag Question 3: How long does it take to see results? Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing back our episode with Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of the renowned toy company Melissa & Doug, to discuss the critical importance of mental health. Melissa opens up about her decades-long battle with anxiety, depression, and existential despair, sharing how she learned to channel her struggles into light and creativity. We explore why so many women feel isolated, the power of self-acceptance, and how to build authentic relationships. Learn more about Jean Chatzky's multiweek Money Makeover program FinanceFixx here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking to buy or sell a car? New and used vehicles have increased in price by 30% since the start of the pandemic, and women buy or jointly purchase 85% of all cars. This week, we take a deep dive into all your car questions, whether you're looking to buy new, buy used, or sell, with Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars. In Mailbag, we talk about cars damaged in natural disasters, and saving for retirement in your 30s + following the FIRE movement. And in Thrive, how not to get fired from your full-time job because of your side hustle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you listened to our episode with Sabrina Corlette, founder of the Center for Health Insurance Reforms, you are already armed with the information that you need to make a decision about which healthcare plan you want to choose when open enrollment rolls around.But no matter which one you choose, it's also inevitable that at some point you are very likely to receive a medical bill that you didn't expect. That's where negotiation comes in. Our guest today, Braden Pan, founder and CEO of Resolve, a company that negotiates your medical bills on your behalf. He's joining us to talk about how you can do this yourself, how to negotiate your medical bills down, when to settle and pay up, and when to get your insurance company to step in and cover more. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 10:00 Tips For Negotiating Medical Bills 16:00 How To Be Your Own Advocate 25:00 What To Do If You Can’t Pay the Bill Takeaways: - Before negotiating, gather as much information as possible about your medical bills. - Persistence is crucial when negotiating medical bills.  - Make allies, not enemies. It may take multiple attempts to reach an agreement.  - Many hospitals offer financial aid programs and will be flexible with you.  Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our families are a big reason why so many women stepped out of the workforce during COVID. But after putting others first for over a year now, it's time to get back on track with a real financial check-up. Sangeeta Moorjani, Executive Leader for Workplace Investing at Fidelity, breaks down the main building blocks to a solid financial plan and tells us how to get started. In Mailbag, saving for children and how pensions factor into retirement planning. In Thrive, rebuilding savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022 was an economic rollercoaster. With stocks down, interest rates up, and inflation still hitting our wallets, where do we go from here? Award-winning economist Diane Swonk joins us to share her top financial takeaways from 2022 and her predictions for the new year. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who contributes to her boyfriend’s mortgage, but doesn’t share official ownership of his house. In Thrive, how to get your finances organized in the new year. HerMoney wants to hear from you! Take 8 minutes to fill out our Podcast Listener Survey, and get the chance to score gift cards and HerMoney merch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we’re shopping for wine, we all want to get the highest-quality bottle that won’t break the bank. But how do we know what to look for? Sommelier Victoria James is here to tell us all of her wine hacks, from which regions offer the greatest steals to how we should pair wine with food for the best experience. Sit back, relax with your own glass, and listen in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re tackling your retirement questions, with certified financial planner Rose Niang. We talk about selling property vs. becoming a landlord, relocating to a cheaper part of the country, how to save when you’re starting late, and a Roth 403b vs. a Roth IRA. If you have a question you’d like Jean to tackle on an upcoming episode, please reach out to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learning something new can be daunting, especially as you get older. But here’s the thing, the sooner you master a new skill, whether it be how to invest in the stock market, manage your debt, or take on a new sport — the closer you are to mastering it.  Gwendolyn Bounds, author of “Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits At Any Age,” wants you to ignore that nagging voice at the back of your head that says that you don’t know enough to get started and just take the first step. She did that when she took on Spartan Racing at age 47 and today, we’re talking about the parallels between striving for financial and physical goals at any age.  Takeaways: Setting big goals, whether they be physical or financial, and breaking them down into smaller steps is the key to achieving personal growth. Overcoming financial and physical challenges requires perseverance and a willingness to push yourself beyond your comfort zones. Financial and physical challenges share similar processes of setting goals, learning new steps, getting out of your comfort zone, and seeing incremental improvements add up.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:04 The Power of Learning New Skills in Middle-Age 06:39 Embracing New Challenges, Spartan Racing 12:17 Similarities Between Personal Finance and Exercise  19:13 Overcoming Fear 23:54 Finding Patience in Plateaus and Setbacks 33:18 The Connection Between Financial and Physical Well-being 35:46 Transition to Mailbag  39.30 Mailbag Q 1: Should I take out a reverse mortgage? 43.51 Mailbag Q 2: Should I invest my HSA money? Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s becoming more and more likely that a recession will hit sometime this year. For some, that might mean pay cuts, hiring freezes, or layoffs. How can you continue to develop your career during a less forgiving job market? Lauren McGoodwin, founder of career building site Career Contessa, joins us to discuss how to tell whether your company is struggling in the current economy, how to prepare if you suspect layoffs are coming, and what steps to take to make your job search successful. In Mailbag, we answer a question about managing a lump sum retirement payout. In Thrive, the difference between investing and trading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very special discussion on career, motherhood, and so much more with Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and Illinois Senator. She gets candid about her work, her journey into motherhood and special initiatives and legislation. In Mailbag, we answer questions on iBonds, mutual funds and taxes, and adding bonds to your portfolio. In Thrive, what you need to know about student loan scams in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post pandemic, many of us have taken a hard look at our jobs and realized that the relationship wasn’t exactly healthy. As a result, we’ve fought for some amazing changes, including higher salaries and greater flexibility. But how do we make those changes last in the midst of layoffs and an upcoming recession? Journalist Helaine takes us through the past, present, and future of work in America, and how we can keep pushing for workers’ rights. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on thrifty wedding planning and what to do after checking all the financial “boxes.” In Thrive, the best budgeting tips for your 20s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about investing for good — investing in the kinds of companies and funds that allow you to earn a profit, but that also have a hand in helping make our world a better place. Many companies are looking to elevate women, they're carbon neutral, and they're fighting the same fight for social justice and change that we are. But where do we even begin? Jean Case, CEO of the Case Impact Network and founder of For What It’s Worth, tells all. In Mailbag, listen closely and you'll hear Jean's adorable new puppy Norman snoozing away... She advises an aspiring homeowner who has been price out of the market, and we check in with a woman who received a negative reception from her benefits provider when she tried to open her IRA. In Thrive, the top trends to watch in sustainable fashion in 2022.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you really need a budget to manage your money? Or is it time to delete the apps, toss the spreadsheets, and rethink everything? Today, we’re sitting down with Dana Miranda, author of the bold new book You Don’t Need a Budget: Stop Worrying About Debt, Spend Without Shame, and Manage Money With Ease. Together, she and Jean dig into why traditional “budget culture” can be just as toxic as diet culture and a more intuitive, values-based approach we can use instead. Looking for more financial confidence? 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track!  📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to 2025! It’s a New Year and it’s also a Presidental transition year which means we’re all wondering where things may be headed this year economy-wise. A little trepidation is always expected anytime a new President is due to take office, but Americans are feeling especially uncertain about how President-elect Trump’s decisions may have a ripple effect on our personal economies.  Kathryn Edwards, PhD Economist shares how the US economy is really doing and what it could mean for our wallets in 2025. CHAPTERS: 04:00 The lasting economic reverberations from the pandemic 06:00 Structural economic inequality in the U.S. 11:00 The economy’s cyclical nature 14:00 Advice for investors 17:00 The economic impact of tariffs 22:00 The childcare market failure TAKEAWAYS: The pandemic's impact has left a long-lasting imprint, contributing to current economic uncertainty. The challenges Americans face are rooted in decades of structural economic inequality dating back to the 1980s. Tariffs increase consumer costs and create unpredictable economic ripple effects. Learn more about Jean Chatzky's multiweek Money Makeover program FinanceFixx here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the pandemic, we lost 30 years of progress for women in the workforce. Today, more than 80% of CEOs are male, and women are often "punished" when they ask for a raise. We. Must. Take Action. Stacey Vanek Smith, author of “Machiavelli for Women" is here to help. Her book has been heralded as THE handbook for any woman who is ready to learn how to wield her power unapologetically and finally break that glass ceiling for good. In Mailbag, we talk raises and 401(k)s, ad in Thrive, how to make fast (and cheap!) furniture purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women of color are behind white women in almost every financial and career measurement. Today, we take a look at action steps that white women can take to be allies and advocates, and begin to truly make an impact. Administrative Judge Karen Ortiz and CEO of communications firm CJC Insights, Chanel Cathey, join us to talk about what it’s like to be the only woman of color in the room, and the biases and stereotypes that we all need to watch out for in our daily lives. In Mailbag, we talk about financially supporting our parents and paying down credit card debt with personal loans. In Thrive, the essential items that every woman should build into her budget.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we head into a New Year with high hopes for what it holds, we need goals. We need plans. And we need intention. Teneshia Jackson Warner, founder and CEO of EGAMI Group, tells us how to catapult ourselves from where we are to where we want to be, how to escape the 9-to-5 grind, embrace more risk, start a business, and pursue our biggest and boldest dreams. In Mailbag, we talk about asset allocation, and buying a new home before you sell your old one. In Thrive, ending a car lease early.  Please take our listener survey and enter to win $100 gift cards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Americans Are Shopping For Groceries Like It’s 1996.” That headline caught our eye because it’s true — we’re cooking at home, we’re ordering everything from Amazon, and our spending habits have radically changed. Will they ever go back to “normal”? Dan Frommer, Founder of The New Consumer, joins us to share why it’s like “a switch flipped, and we skipped 15 years into the future.” Dan talks about some of the pitfalls of shopping online, and the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer brands, like Warby Parker and Glossier. We also talk about where to get the best bargains out there right now. In Mailbag, what to do with 529 funds that may have been refunded, how to prioritize funds between debt repayment and investing, and navigating target date funds. In Thrive, the steps you need to take to keep your connections strong in this happy hour-less era.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you made a new friend? A real friend, not an online one, a friend that you can actually grab brunch with, or go for a walk with. Our guest today, Adam Smiley Pozwolsky, millennial workplace expert and author of Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide To Connection says the average American hasn't made a new friend in the last five years, and that 75 percent of us are not satisfied with the friendships we do have. So our challenge for you today after you listen is to go out there and make plans with a new friend or make a plan with somebody that you've been meaning to get back together with for a while and then report back. Drop us a note at mailbag@hermoney.com if you followed through on plans with someone after listening to this episode!  Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registration Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you swiping right on potential new partners? A majority of women say their dating lives aren’t going well, but apps are more popular than ever. What’s going on? Author Jon Birger says modern dating is in crisis, but he has a solution. In his new book Make Your Move: The New Science of Dating and Why Women Are in Charge, he tells us how we can take charge of our dating lives. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on using Medicaid when our savings run out, and hiring a bill negotiator. In Thrive, the money conversations to have with your partner every year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CDs (Certificates of Deposit) often get dismissed as "your parent's savings plan"—safe but, let's be honest, a little boring. But in today's high-interest-rate environment, they're making a strong comeback as a smart choice for short- and medium-term savings. With inflation cooling and the Fed expected to cut rates soon, these great rates won’t last forever. Joining us today is banking veteran and CEO of CD Valet, John Blizzard, to break down what CDs are, who should consider them, and whether now is the perfect time to invest. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:14 How To Find the Best CD Rates 05:21 Retail CDs vs. Broker CDs 09:12 Locking in High CD Rates in a Decreasing Interest Rate Environment 11:24 CDs: A Savings Option for Savvy Savers, Retirees, and Event Savers 13:26 Shopping Around and Being Aware of CD Rollover Options 16:24 Considering Digital Capabilities When Opening a CD Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fresh New Year means it’s time to take a fresh look at the state of the economy. The U.S. economy has continued to grow at a stronger pace than expected, which has made many of us wonder what, exactly, happened to all of that recession talk a year ago? At the same time, we’ve also had a spectacular recovery of women in the workforce — with 75% of working-age women now have jobs. Plus, holiday spending late last year reached an all-time high, with Americans spending almost 10% more than they did last year on Cyber Monday.  And yet, Americans are still feeling anxious about the economy. Rana Foroohar, Associate Editor at the Financial Times, joins us to explore why. We also go over her predictions for the state of the 2024 economy, and break down how those movements may impact your wallet.  In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who’s recently widowed and needs advice on where to start learning about personal finance, and we check in with someone with three jobs who has a question about her withholding on tax documents. In our money tip of the week, it’s #engagmentseason – should you be considering a lab-grown diamond?  Take our podcast and community survey! We can't wait to hear what you think. Join us! Snag all the latest episodes, savvy budgeting tips, investing advice and even giveaways via the HerMoney Newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Levain cookies are some of the most sought-after treats in the country today, and if you haven’t stood in a line around the block to get them fresh out of the oven in New York City, chances are you’ve had them shipped to your door. This week we’re sitting down with founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, who started Levain Bakery 27 years ago. They tell us about their journey, their product, and what it looks like to run and grow a successful bakery. We know you'll love their sweet story as much as we do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need a wardrobe refresh? In this week’s bonus Mailbag, we’re dishing on everything that goes into our closets. What should we be looking for at thrift stores? Is tailoring really worth it? What about dry cleaning? And when we head back to the office, what should we be wearing to work? Fashion and beauty expert Jacqui Stafford (who recently joined us for Episode 273: Help! I Have Nothing To Wear) is back to answer all your questions with her practical ‘best girlfriend’ style advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The markets are swinging. Inflation is making headlines. And President Trump just imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum. So… are we heading for a recession? And if we are, what does that mean for your wallet? On this special episode, we sit down with economist Kathryn Edwards to break down what’s really happening in the economy. Kathryn explains what a recession is, why economic indicators have so many people on edge, and how new trade policies could impact our financial future. Looking for more financial confidence? 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts April 2nd, use code WHM for a $100 discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're bringing you an extra special mailbag with friend of the show and Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar, Christine Benz. If you listened to our “New Rules for Retirement” episode, then you know all about Christine and why she thinks women need a new playbook for retirement.  We are going to tackle a few of the follow-up questions that came from our viewers on YouTube, go check out our channel if you haven’t already! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Mailbag Question 1: I have 425k saved and want to retire early, what am I missing?  08:00 Mailbag Question 2: I have 700k saved, how much can I safely start to withdraw without running out of money? 12:00 Mailbag Question 3: I’d like to begin converting money from my 401k to my Roth before I retire, is that possible? 17:00 Mailbag Question 4: I’m 62 and after a series of setbacks I’m basically starting over financially. How do I get started saving for retirement this late in the game?  Have a personal finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registration Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women of color have long been denied equity in the workplace. Black women face racial trauma that ranges from blatant racism to microaggressions, to being overlooked for the best assignments or projects. Minda Harts, founder and CEO of The Memo, and author of “Right Within” joins us for an important discussion on how we can heal from racial trauma in the workplace. She shares a 5-step plan for addressing trauma, and what it means to be a good manager and ally. In Mailbag, how to pay for your financial planner, and buying a home if you have limited assets in retirement. In Thrive, managing your finances post-divorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 16 million people have moved recently, and millions more looking to create more beautiful living spaces. But how do we know where to start, how much to spend, or what’s really going to have the biggest impact? Interior designer James Farmer joins us to share how we can make our spaces more personal and beautiful, all while sticking to a budget. In Mailbag, funding retirement + buying a second home, and how to "borrow" from yourself for a down payment. In Thrive, how to identify your financial weakness and overcome it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home sales are up, and you have real estate questions! We’re diving into all of them. First, we hear from a listener who is unsure whether or not to sell her condo, even though she’s losing money every month. We also tackle a question from a listener who was outbid on a home, but then the sellers came back to her and offered her the chance to buy the house. Another listener writes in with a question on doing IVF vs. building an addition onto her home, and one woman is seeking guidance on the different methods of financing large home projects. Lastly, we hear from a listener who just refinanced in 2018, and is wondering if she should refinance again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be financially confident? What about financially responsible? And how can we do it all during an era when our goals are ever-shifting? Because we all want to become more financially conscious along the way, too. Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of Financial Adulting, dishes on all. In Mailbag, we discuss ESPPs and how to set up a trust to ensure that your children get all your money, not your husband’s new spouse. And in Thrive, the couple’s guide to setting 2022 financial goals.  P.S. If you haven’t already joined the HerMoney Council, we’d love for you to join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax day is just around the corner, and we’ve got tax expert Robbin Caruso here to answer all of your biggest questions. We hear from one listener who’s wondering whether state stimulus checks count as taxable income, and another who isn’t sure if she needs to pay quarterly taxes. We also tackle questions about changing your filing status on your W-4, and tax strategies to keep in mind when using a 529 college savings plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although by now we’ve all found our new ‘COVID routines,’ we’ve also found our COVID ruts, with more drudgery and ‘adulting.’ Katina Mountanos, mindset coach and author of ‘On Adulting’ breaks down how we can all embrace our responsibilities without letting go of the joy in our lives. She offers formulas for getting off the hamster wheel of work-gym-sleep, and she shares some of her favorite ‘perspective shifts’ to make it through stressful times. In Mailbag, we talk about reinvesting after losing money in the stock market, saving for retirement in an HSA, and how to save for retirement after being laid off. In Thrive, job interview follow-up etiquette during COVID times.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial success doesn’t come overnight, but it can come if we learn to retrain our brains to achieve our most important money goals. We chat with Barbara Huson, author of “Rewire For Wealth,” about how we can step into the driver’s seat of our money and our careers. Barbara discusses the differences between men and women in how we approach our financial lives, and how we can move past our fears. In Mailbag, we talk about saving for retirement, putting kids through college, and claiming your ex-husband’s Social Security benefits. In Thrive, Jean weighs in on the most essential skills you’re building while working from home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jean sits down for an important discussion with Sharon Epperson, Senior Personal Finance Correspondent at CNBC. Sharon weighs in on how to show support for Black friends and colleagues during this time, and how to help elevate voices of color. Sharon offers a suggested script for diving into conversations, and a look at her favorite sources for education. In Mailbag, we discuss saving for a house while paying down debt, investing in the market, and supporting aging parents. In Thrive, why you should check your junk mail for your stimulus check — that might actually be a debit card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're taking a deep dive into all things college + education costs, answering listener questions. (Got a question for us? Email us at mailbag@hermoney.com!) We sit down with Rita Assaf, squad leader for Retirement and College Leadership at Fidelity Investments, to help us tackle all your questions. Jean and Rita discuss: Paying for college while you're in college, making up for lost time if you haven’t been able to save, how to help cover college costs for a niece and nephew, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into all things women’s health — from periods to abortions to menopause — and why we need to talk about it at work. Joining us is Joy Altimare, the Chief Revenue Officer of healthcare provider EHE Health. We get real about how much paid parental leave you should ask for, how companies should support employees who need abortions, why burnout is a women’s issue, and more. In Mailbag, we talk about alternatives to 529s and how to break out of a cycle of debt. In Thrive, 4 healthcare expenses you shouldn’t cut, even during a recession. HerMoney wants to hear from you! Take 8 minutes to fill out our Podcast Listener Survey, and get the chance to score gift cards and HerMoney merch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long has it been since you applied to college? These days it seems every school wants something different, but the process doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, say this week’s guests, Eric J. Furda and Jacques Steinberg, authors of “The College Conversation.” The pair offer up a step-by-step guide to having some tough conversations, assessing the schools best suited to your child’s interests, getting financial aid, and making the final decision on a school. In Mailbag, we tackle alternatives to college savings accounts, the best financial books for women, and securing a financial planner. In Thrive, how to capitalize on the gold rush.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode tackles the sensitive topic of financial abuse, which may be difficult for some to hear. A staggering 99% of people in abusive relationships experience financial abuse, and this episode is dedicated to ensuring that all our listeners are able to get to a safe and secure place with their money. We sit down with Katie Hood, CEO of The One Love Foundation, and Rebecca, a woman who bravely shares her personal story of the financial abuse she endured, and was eventually able to escape from. We discuss what financial abuse looks like, how to escape, and how to help a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We heard from so many of you after our Crypto 101 episode. You had questions. This show is filling in the gaps during a time of volatility in the sector. Is it something we should be investing in? Is there a way to know if you’re buying the next Bitcoin at a low, and you stand to earn millions, or if you’ve just put your money into the next Luna? Shirin Bucknam, co-founder of Crypto Witch Club, joins us to tackle your questions. In Mailbag, we dive into how single people can get an executor for their estate, and questions on SEP IRAs. And in Thrive, what to do in times of market volatility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend so much time on social media nowadays, and none of us are strangers to online harassment. But research shows that online abuse is getting worse. What can we do to protect ourselves? Software engineer Tracy Chou built an app called Block Party to help victims of online harassment take back control. She tells us about her journey creating a tech company that protects the voices of women and minorities, and she also shares helpful tips for securing your privacy online. In Mailbag, we tackle a question about managing finances with a rental property. And in Thrive, what to delete from your resume. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think about our financial fears, one tops the list: Running out of money before we run out of time. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, half of all US households are at risk of not having enough income to maintain their standards of living in retirement. The bottom line is that Americans have a problem and we know it. The good news is that we have the ability to fix this problem in our own individual lives, with tools we already have access to today. They’re called annuities, and more people are interested in, and buying annuities, than in years past.   Minji Ro, Chief Strategy Officer at Gainbridge, and Jason Fichtner, Chief Economist at the Bipartisan Policy Center join us to talk about what annuities are, why economists like them, and the advantages of considering them as part of your retirement portfolio. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 4:04 Defining Annuities: What They Are  12:06 The Shift in Retirement Income Strategies Over Time 14:01 The Three Major Types of Annuities: Fixed annuities, Fixed Indexed Annuities, and Variable Annuities 21:23 Transitioning Mindset: From Saving and Accumulating To Spending And Securing Protected Income  24:28 Annuities and Managing Longevity Risks As Women 30:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 33:23 Retirement For Highly Compensated Employees 41:34 When To Get A Second Opinion From A Financial Planner Takeaways: Annuities can provide a guaranteed stream of income during retirement. There are three main types of annuities: fixed, fixed index, and variable. Economists like annuities because they offload risk and provide income protection. There is a behavioral barrier to annuitization, but changing the framing and understanding the benefits can help overcome it. Women, who earn less and live longer, should consider annuities to manage longevity risk. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got a rundown on everything you wanted to know about investing in Bitcoin (or any other form of cryptocurrency) how to open a Coinbase (or other crypto trading) account, how much to invest, and more. If you're still sitting on the sidelines asking, "Should I?" or "Am I too late?" then this episode is for you. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who’s son’s “Plan B” college choice turned out to be the BEST decision, and how to adjust 529 allocations during volatile times. In Thrive, how to create a financial vision board. P.S. If you haven’t already joined the HerMoney Council, we’d love for you to join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the start of the pandemic, a record number of people have undergone a “great money reset” — they’ve quit their jobs, changed careers, retired early, or started new businesses. So, how do we make these changes happen financially? CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins us to break down how you can do your own great money reset by analyzing your money, curbing your spending, and throwing financial assumptions out the window. In Mailbag, we answer questions about estate planning and working as an independent contractor. In Thrive, the secret money habits of super savers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we ensure a healthy retirement for ourselves + a successful financial start for our children? This Mailbag-only episode is all about college and retirement. We talk 529s, 401(k)s. paying for college as a single mom, life insurance, and what to do if you're facing college bills + retirement in quick succession. If you have a question you'd like Jean to tackle, write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few months ago, AARP released a survey that found that one in five Americans over 50 reported having no retirement savings, and over half don’t think they'll have enough money to keep them going in retirement. While many of us used to have pension plans to keep us afloat in retirement, now the vast majority of us rely heavily on Social Security and 401(k)’s.  Our system and our life expectancy are just different now…which means we need to plan differently. (And yes, this means we need to actually make a plan.) Christine Benz, author of How To Retire: 20 Lessons For A Happy, Successful, And Wealthy Retirement, shares her top strategies for planning the retirement of your dreams.  Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registration Chapters: 00:00 The Retirement Crisis 02:00 Planning for Longer Lives 04:01 The Shift in Retirement System 06:50 Challenges of Retirement 10:01 Cognitive Decline and Long-Term Care 13:46 The Bucket Approach to Retirement 22:14 How To Calculate Retirement Needs 26:24 The Impact of Taxes on Retirement 29:04 Non-Financial Aspects of Retirement For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We answer all your questions about how to find an advisor, minimums required to work with an advisor, how often you should meet with your advisor, how to "break up" with an advisor, and so much more. We do it all with the help of Pam Krueger, Founder and CEO of Wealthramp. If you have questions for us for an upcoming episode, write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most powerful ways to create social change is to do it with your wallet. And that’s why, on this HerMoney episode, we’re talking about how to support Black-owned businesses this holiday season. Joining us is LaToya Williams-Belfort, the executive director of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which has called on retailers to dedicate 15% of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses. We discuss what it really means for companies to support racial justice, and how consumers can continue to invest in Black entrepreneurs into 2023. In Mailbag, we answer questions about I-bonds and teaching investing to the next generation. In Thrive, a beginner’s guide to donor-advised funds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the time comes for us to support an elderly family member, finances are a big piece of the puzzle. But what does this mean for you, as a potential caregiver? You’ve got to start having discussions around money, retirement assets, and wills now — as in, today. We sit down with Cameron Huddleston, author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk” for a step-by-step guide to the conversations we need to have. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on home sales, financially supporting our parents, and how best to invest and allocate non-retirement funds. In Thrive, we tackle winter’s productivity slump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health matters have been a priority for all of us lately, and when we’re sick, the last thing we want to deal with are insurance questions and medical bills. Janine Urbaniak Reid, author of “The Opposite of Certainty” joins us to share her story and discusses some of the tactics that she used to get answers. She dives into the topic of resiliency, and opens up about how we can all “live a life you don’t hate, in circumstances you do.” She also tackles how to stay positive through it all, how to support a friend who is hurting, and how to truly live in the present. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on asking for a raise during the pandemic and refinancing a home. In Thrive, a chat with your parents about their financial situation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pets are a part of our families — but they can also be expensive. That’s why we’re here to answer all your questions about budgeting for your furry friends, and we’ve got a pet expert on board to help us. Rob Jackson is the founder and “Chief Pet Protector” at Healthy Paws, a pet insurance plan, and he’s also the creator of the Healthy Paws Foundation. Rob and Jean tackle questions about how to determine a pet’s temperament before you adopt, whether you should set aside savings in advance for unexpected treatments, how pet insurance works for older animals, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was money something you learned about in school? We’re not talking about math classes like geometry or pre-cal, we’re talking about personal finance — the art of managing our dollars. While some of us were lucky enough to learn personal finance from our parents, an aunt or another money-savvy family member, most of us never took a single personal finance class in school before we opened our first bank account. Yanely Espinal, author of Mind Your Money, Insightful Stories and Strategies to Help You Reach Your #MoneyGoals has made it her mission to teach kids the lessons she didn’t learn young, so they can make smarter decisions about money. Listen in for her number one piece of advice on teaching kids key personal finance lessons early.  In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who’s mentoring a teenager on how to manage her finances and is looking for next steps. We also check in with someone who’s filing for divorce and wondering if now is the right time to start collecting Social Security. In our money tip of the week, the cost of ignoring your finances is steep (we’re talking $2,000 a year). If you’ve been dragging your feet on creating a budget that works for you, join us for our next session of FinanceFixx on January 23rd.   Have thoughts about the show that you’re dying to share? Take our podcast and community survey! We can't wait to hear what you think.  The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Latina women suffered more than any other demographic during COVID, which is why, when we talk about a “return to normal,” we must discuss ways to build back a more inclusive economy that works for all women. First-generation American Pamela Zapata, founder and CEO of Society 18, joins us to discuss entrepreneurship, why women need to charge more for their services and expertise, and what influencer marketing really looks like for Black and Brown women. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on creating a will when you have no children, and saving for retirement after an illness and a divorce. In Thrive, gardening on a budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, we’ve been told that we need a college degree to get anywhere in life and that a college education is the most important thing for our careers. But lately, young people have been asking themselves: do you really need a college degree anymore?  Hannah Maruyama, one of those would-be college students, decided not to take that path. Now she’s making $100,000 a year working in AI and teaching other young people how to discover their passions without a degree. Her experience led her to found Degree Free, a community that helps people find good jobs without a college degree.  She shares the steps to take to decide if a college degree is the right path for you. Chapters:  0:00 The Rising Cost of College and Alternative Paths 9:42 Applying for Jobs Without Meeting Qualifications 15:16 Deciding If College Is the Right Path 24:36 Career Paths Without College 27:43 Finding Apprenticeship Programs 33:30 Learning High-Value Skills Takeaways: The cost of college has become astronomical, leading many to consider alternative pathways to success. There are various pathways to a successful career, including getting a job, on-the-job training, earning a license or certification, building a business, and learning a skill. It is important to consider financial needs and personal interests when choosing a career path. Critical thinking skills are valuable and can be developed outside of a college setting. Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the necessity of college and explore alternative options. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a question everyone’s asking: “Where should I put my money?” Because not only do we want to make sure our money will be there for us when we need it, we also want to know our money is doing good. Loretta McCarthy, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Golden Seeds, joins us to discuss what smart investors do during an economic downturn, and how we can invest in companies that we can be proud of. In Mailbag, we talk investing apps and freezing your credit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this double-feature Mailbag, Jean talks to Kathryn and Audrey. Kathryn is a little over a decade from retirement and recently started a new job. In her new role, she'll be eligible to receive a pension when she retires. She's wondering if, in addition, an annuity makes sense for her.  Our next call is from Audrey who’s working on rebuilding her credit after not being employed for a little while. She’s wondering if now is the right time to close the credit cards she opened up that have monthly fees.  Chapters: 1:00 Mailbag Question 1: Do I need an annuity? 5:00 Investing and Planning for Retirement  9:00 Planning for Future Expenses  14:00 Mailbag Question 2: Is now the right time to close credit cards with monthly fees? 19:00 Building up an Emergency Fund 21:00 Goals for Financial Independence  Have a personal-finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever stopped for a second and thought about all of the things you do at work in a week? There are some tasks most of us need to do to be successful at our jobs. But do you also find yourself doing other tasks like administrative work, planning and setting up for parties, or training new employees? And have these responsibilities started to take over your work days?   If so, you’re not alone. These types of tasks are called “non-promotable tasks” and women volunteer for them far more often than men.  Dorie Clark’s new book, The Long Game: How To Be A Long-Term Thinker In A Short-Term World delves into how the little tasks we do day to day at work may be harming our long-term career strategy. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 02:57: Busyness as an Anesthetic 07:42: Defining Long-Term and Short-Term Thinking 14:56: The Importance of Saying No 18:32: Optimizing for Interesting 25:56: Career Waves and Making Smart Choices 28:51: Conclusion Takeaways: Non-promotable tasks, such as administrative work and planning office parties, can take up valuable time and prevent you from focusing on tasks that align with your long-term career goals. It is important to recognize and address overworking as a coping mechanism. Long-term thinking involves considering the big picture and making choices that optimize for interesting and meaningful work. Saying no can be challenging, but it is important to set boundaries and prioritize tasks that align with personal and professional goals. Asking important questions, such as the total cost and physical/emotional impact of a task, can help evaluate requests and make informed decisions. Navigating different phases of a career involves transitioning between learning, sharing, connecting, and reaping phases, and being willing to disrupt oneself to avoid stagnation. Have a question for us? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, one million Americans got a letter in the mail – the Social Security Administration miscalculated their benefits. They had been overpaid, and now, the government wanted that money back within 30 days. How much money? In one couple's case, it was almost $70,000 and in another’s, it was $52,000. Most of us don’t have thousands of dollars to spare. Especially when we’re retired or nearing our retirement years, every dollar counts. So how do you prepare ahead of time if you’re one of the one million people to receive these letters — and is there a way to fight the system?  Larry Kotlikoff and Terry Savage join us to discuss their new book “Social Security Horror Stories: Protect Yourself from the System and Avoid Clawbacks.” Listen in to hear what you can do to avoid Social Security clawbacks and the next steps if you receive a letter asking for repayment. Take our podcast and community survey! We can't wait to hear what you think. Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever wish you could be more confident, less anxious, or just a little more you, only better? Today we’re joined by Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares what she learned during a year-long experiment in tweaking her habits, mindset, and daily routines — and what actually works when it comes to personal growth. Plus, it’s Sleep Awareness Week! So in today’s Mailbag, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked factors in financial success, quality sleep. Joining us to tackle your questions is Luke Kelly, CEO of Bryte, a company at the forefront of sleep technology. Use code HERMONEY at bryte.com for $500 off the Bryte Balance model and $750 off the Bryte Balance Pro and Pro Conform. 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🔹 Olga’s article on how having a baby changed her personality 🔹 Ellen Cushing’s viral piece on why Americans aren’t going to parties 🔹 Nathan Hudson’s research on personality shifts Looking for more financial confidence? 🚀 FinanceFixx – Our 4 or 8-week coaching program to get your finances on track! Our next 4-week session starts April 2nd, use code WHM for a $100 discount. 📈 InvestingFixx – A club for women ready to grow their wealth. Your first month is completely free. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are nuptials in your future? Whether you're a bride, a bridesmaid or a guest, things look different this year. Many brides are hosting “minimonies" with smaller crowds, getting married in private homes, and spending less on everything, including dresses. Enter Grace Lee and Monica Ashauer, co-founders of Birdy Grey, bridesmaid attire company, known for its $99 dresses. (Yes, they're all $99!) They talk about what's new in weddings for 2021, and how to cut costs. In Mailbag, we hear from a bride unsure whether to spring for a father-daughter dance, a mom unsure if her contribution to her son's wedding is a sufficient present, and an investor debating a new property. In Thrive, how to teach your kids about money.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to become an angel investor? Someone who provides funding for small startups or entrepreneurs? Brianna McDonald, President of Global Investment Network Keiretsu Forum, gives us a crash course in what an angel investor really does, and breaks down the different pathways to becoming one. We talk about finding successful rates of return, doing your research, and hidden “gotchas.” In Mailbag, saving for the down payment on a child’s home, rebuilding a credit score, and what to do when a card loses its 0% introductory rate. Lastly, in Thrive, where to find the best deals at Costco.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling stuck in your job, but don’t know how to move on? Don’t just quiet quit. You deserve a career that gives you purpose, and our guest today can help you find it. Elizabeth Pearson is an executive career coach who helps women navigate job changes, succeed in male-dominated fields, and launch their own companies. We talk about how to recognize career confinement, why you owe it to yourself to take risks, and how you can use mindfulness to feel less stressed and more confident at work. In Mailbag, we tackle questions about Social Security taxes and finding a financial advisor. In Thrive, how to save on your next hotel stay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices