HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Today we are bringing you a mailbag question about retirement benchmarks, you know the ones: You want to aim to have one times your salary by age 30, three times by age 40, six times by age 50, eight times by age 60, and 10 times by the time you retire. These benchmarks are fabulous, but they're also not personal.  Listener Tiffany joins us to ask how pensions, retiring early, and Social Security factor into these benchmarks.  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

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

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. 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're so excited to reshare this episode with Leanne Brown, New York Times bestselling cookbook author of Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day ahead of Thanksgiving. We get into how it's possible to eat healthy while saving money and her favorite pantry and freezer winter recipes from everything toasts to hearty stews. Chapters: 00:00 Leanne Brown's journey 06:19 “Good Enough” cooking 14:16 Favorite recipes and pantry essentials 20:01 Navigating rising grocery store prices  Takeaways: Simplify meals by using fewer ingredients per recipe, such as canned tomatoes, beans, pasta, and hearty greens. Use leftovers creatively, such as repurposing them into “stuff on toast” or hearty salads. Reframe cooking as a personal and flexible activity rather than a chore. 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. 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

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. 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 clear there's one thing HerMoney listeners can't get enough of — retirement. There's truly an endless amount to explore with this topic because whether you're 65 or 25, we know the best time to start strategizing is NOW.  And there's one person that we turn to again and again for retirement advice, specifically when it comes to IRAs — Ed Slott. He's a CPA, a nationally recognized IRA distribution expert, and a best-selling author. This week, Ed was kind enough to join us again to tackle some questions from our community. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding the complexity of IRAs 5:30 Why Roth conversions are so popular right now  9:30 Withdrawal strategies for retirement  13:30 Retirement options for small business owners 17:00 Choosing investments for your Roth IRA TAKEAWAYS: Roth conversions are up significantly this year Making Roth conversions is a smart move even in strong market years. When planning withdrawals, start with taxable accounts and wait on tax-advantaged accounts. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  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

We're revisiting one of our most popular conversations with author and human performance expert Brad Stulberg, exploring what it means to achieve success without compromising your well-being or personal values.  Brad explains how shifting from a traditional "if-then" mindset to a values-driven approach can help you find fulfillment, avoid burnout, and improve your life. Whether you're aiming to make a career shift, reduce stress, or rethink your approach to investing, this conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to find success on your own terms. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:00 Shifting from Goal-Driven to Values-Driven Success 11:00 How To Identify Your Core Values 20:00 Rest vs. Action to Address Burnout Takeaways: By focusing on values rather than constant achievement, you'll find deeper satisfaction and avoid the “hedonic treadmill” of always seeking more. Identify your core values by envisioning an ideal future self, reflecting on qualities you admire in others, and reconnect with the original motives behind your goals.  Grounding success in values reduces stress and improves performance by fostering a state of "relaxed striving." Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  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 does the future of remote work really look like? Recently, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy mandated that employees must return to the office 5 days a week. So did Elon Musk for employees of both Tesla and X, which made us wonder: Are our remote or hybrid roles going to go the way of the dodo sometime soon?  Nick Bloom, Stanford Professor of Economics weighs in on what the future holds for remote work, and how to get ahead in a remote or hybrid position.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction  07:00 The Future of Remote Work 17:30 Finding the Right Hybrid Work Balance 29:00 Advice for Employees Facing In-Person Mandates 44:00 Mailbag Question 1: What allocation is ideal between Roth and 401(k)? 50:00 Mailbag Question 2: I'm very risk-averse, have I saved enough to retire?  TAKEAWAYS: Remote work can enhance concentration but may hinder innovation. Hybrid work models can lead to increased job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Employees should align their work-from-home preferences with their team's schedule. Remote work does not necessarily impact promotion opportunities if managed well. The future of work will likely involve more technology to facilitate remote collaboration. Robert Half Report on Remote Work Trends and Statistics for 2024 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

If you listened to this week's episode with Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist at the Washington Post, you know just how smart she can be about saving and investing, for her goals and for her family's long-term goals. You probably also won't be all that surprised to learn that a few years ago, she achieved something many of us can only dream of. She woke up one morning and she found that she had the elusive perfect credit score of 850. Listen in to hear how she did it. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:00 Living below your means 09:00 Balancing college plans and retirement  14:00 The 21-day financial fast Takeaways: Achieving a perfect credit score means paying all your bills on time and maintaining a very low credit utilization. Prioritizing financial goals over lifestyle spending will allow you to save aggressively. A 21-day "financial fast" helps you avoid non-essential spending. 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

Getting older is pretty incredible. And that's not just our opinion — lately, on the HerMoney podcast, we've been talking to some amazing women who have shown us that getting old is actually a life-affirming experience.  We recently chatted with Tamsen Fadal on reinventing your career in your 50s. There was also Gwen Bounds, who took up Spartan Racing at age 47, and Bonnie Hammer who started a family in her 40's. These women have shown us that there's no timeline for accomplishing all of your dreams. Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist at the Washington Post, joins us to share some of the goals we should be meeting — or striving to meet — in every decade of our lives.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Jean's Reflections on Turning 60 06:00 Financial Milestones for Your 30s 09:00 Financial Milestones for Your 40s 11:00 Financial Milestones for Your 50s 17:00 Financial Milestones for Your 60s and Beyond 32:00 Mailbag Question 1: What are the pros and cons of taking out a reverse mortgage? 38:00 Mailbag Question 2: I received a large settlement as part of my divorce. How should I invest it?  TAKEAWAYS: Developing a healthy hatred for debt is crucial for financial success. Investing early and often is key to building wealth. Health should be prioritized to avoid future financial burdens. Creating a spending plan can help manage financial anxiety in retirement. Planning for retirement should involve sitting down with your partner and aligning on goals. Traveling and enjoying life should be part of retirement planning. 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

We are right on the eve of what is going to be a truly pivotal election. And this year, more than many others, it seems there's a unique urgency in the air. At least part of that is because each candidate has pledged to make changes to critical facets of American life — including to our personal finances.  Catherine Rampell, nationally syndicated opinion columnist at the Washington Post, joins us to dissect the issues and how the 2024 election can impact the broader financial system (and our personal economies). CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Voter Awareness and Candidate Platforms 02:59 Inflation: Candidates' Influence and Economic Policies 09:05 Price Gouging and Its Implications 12:03 Student Loan Proposals and Their Impact 14:54 Social Security: Candidates' Stances and Future Challenges 18:08 Tax Policies and Their Economic Implications 21:01 Stock Market Trends and Candidate Influence TAKEAWAYS: Inflation remains a top concern for American voters but Presidents have limited control over inflation and price levels. The Federal Reserve's independence is vital for economic stability. Student loan proposals vary significantly between candidates. Social Security faces financial challenges regardless of the elected candidate. Tax policies proposed by candidates could have long-term economic implications. Stock market performance is influenced by various factors beyond presidential control. 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

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

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

It's that time of the year again: yes, it's spooky season, but it's also time for open enrollment. This year, it's absolutely essential that we do a thorough review of all our health insurance options, and make sure we're choosing the best plan for us — without paying a penny more than necessary. Sabrina Corlette, research professor, founder, and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) at Georgetown University shares the mistakes she wants you to avoid when choosing a healthcare plan this year.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 What's New For 2025 Open Enrollment  10:00 Evaluating Plan Options 22:00 Shopping Around For Healthcare 24:00 HSAs vs FSAs 29:00 Mailbag Question 1: Can I open an HSA outside of my employer?  33:00 Mailbag Question 2: I'm coming up against hefty healthcare costs, how do I pay for them without draining my emergency fund?  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

Today we are bringing you a mailbag with listener Amy. She's in her early 40s and she is wondering if she should hit the brakes when it comes to saving for retirement because of the other things on her plate. She's working on paying down credit card debt and she wants to be able to afford to move into a nicer home.  So, what's the order of operations here? We'll dive into some timely advice for her. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Priorities 02:57 Understanding Current Financial Situation 06:00 Exploring Debt Management Strategies 09:07 Retirement Contributions and Future Planning 12:12 Real Estate Considerations and Options 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. 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

Every year during hurricane season, we see that many of you have questions about how to lower the cost of homeowner's insurance. And we get it — it's so difficult to know exactly which policies are right for your specific property.  Ben Keys, the Rowan Family Foundation Professor of Real Estate and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, shares how to know how much coverage we really need, and walks us through the steps to take to get a better deal on our policies.  Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Homeowners Insurance in a Changing Climate 05:58 Understanding the Rising Costs of Homeowners Insurance 11:52 Assessing Your Insurance Needs and Coverage 17:59 What to Do When Your Insurer Drops You 24:00 Practical Tips for Lowering Your Insurance Premiums Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Ben Keys NY Times Op-Ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/opinion/climate-change-homeowners-insurance-housing-market.html 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 know that aging is a privilege, but there is still so much negativity wrapped up with aging — particularly for women who are still thriving in their careers. There's perhaps no greater blow than to be made to feel we're “past our prime” just when we finally hit a point in life where we have more clarity and more to offer the world than ever.  Tamsen Fadal, "The Midlife Mentor" on Instagram, joins us to talk about what she's letting go of now that she's in her 50s, and the misconceptions we all need to push back on about midlife. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:00 Changing Careers After 50 09:00 Menopause Support At Work 14:00 Debunking Myths About Productivity in Midlife 22:00 Tamen Fadal's Fashion and Personal Style 25:00 Mailbag: I'm a recent widow, should I sell my historic home to free up cash for traveling? 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

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

Admit it: You're overworked. We spend more time working in America than any other developed country. And maybe you think we're working extra hours because we're doing work that feels necessary and engaging and fulfilling — but no. We just don't care about our jobs as much as we used to.  So, is there a way to ensure we're doing productive work that we actually enjoy? Brigid Schulte, author of Overwork: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life, spent 10 years researching our discontent with work. She eventually found countries, companies, and people who are all doing it better. Here's what they're doing right, and how to change your situation, ASAP.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Work Culture Overview 05:00 The Shift in Work Expectations 10:00 The History of Work in the US 17:00 Iceland's Short Work Hour Movement  24:00 Practical Tips to Reduce Overwork in Your Own Life 35:00 Mailbag Question 1: How to manage stock received as part of a divorce 38:00 Mailbag Question 2: ​​Should I pay down debt or max out my retirement savings? 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

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! 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

We know that our connections to our families, our friends, and our communities are SO important — so important that when we don't maintain them, our health and our overall well-being can suffer.  Maintaining our connections in real life is essential, and perhaps nobody knows that better than our guest Danielle Bayard Jackson, known as “The Friendship Expert” on TikTok. Listen in to hear how societal changes, cultural obstacles, and personal expectations have changed the way we maintain our most important relationships.   And then, Allison Gilbert, co-author of “The Joy of Connections” with the late Dr. Ruth, talks about how we can forge deeper connections and show the people we love that we care about them — without going broke in the process.  Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Danielle Bayard Jackson and The Finances of Friendship 06:00 Challenges of Modern Friendships 17:00 The Friendship F.I.L.E.S. Framework 25:00 Transition to Allison Gilbert and The Joy of Connections 36:00 Forming New Connections and “Being the Turtle” 43:00 What Authentic Connections Really Do For Us 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 are bringing you two mailbag questions with our incredible listeners. First, we'll be talking to Beth. She is calling in from upstate New York. Beth is in her early 60s and her company's made the decision to terminate employee pensions, which has left her with some options: Should she take the lump sum? Should she roll it over? We'll dive into some timely advice for her. Then we'll be talking to Sarah. She is wondering how best to start a side hustle as she transitions out of her long-time career as a healthcare executive.  Chapters: 1:00 Mailbag Question 1: My pension is being terminated, help! 5:00 Retirement Annuity Option 8:00 Lump Sum Option  18:00 Mailbag Question 2: How do I get paid for freelance writing? 27:00 Starting A Blog or Substack 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. Take the MoneyType quiz here and listen to our MoneyType episode for a deep dive here.  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

Money is SO personal, and no matter how prepared you think you are to meet your money goals, there are many factors that can throw a wrench into your carefully designed plans. There's perhaps no greater hurdle to overcome than being part of a community that is historically diminished in conversations about money.  Ellyce Fulmore, a queer ADHD money coach and neurodivergent content creator, joins us to talk about the social and personal identities that make you who you are — and how they shape the way we manage our money.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence in Money Management 22:37 The Five Account System 30:11 Visual Reminders and Progress Trackers 35:11 Creating a Mental Health Sinking Fund 39:48 Navigating Money Conversations in Relationships 40:00 Transition to Mailbag 41:00 Mailbag Question 1: How do I close a credit card without harming my credit? 49:00 Mailbag Question 2: Should I change my retirement money goals if I'm part of an underrepresented community?  Take the MoneyType quiz here and listen to our MoneyType episode for a deep dive here. 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

It finally happened…the Fed lowered interest rates, by a greater-than-expected half a percentage point when they met on Wednesday. This was the first time rates were cut in more than four years, and it's expected that the Fed may continue cutting the rate at its two remaining meetings before the end of this year.  We've heard from many of you who have been waiting to drive off the lot in a new — or new-to-you — car until rates fell. That's why this week, we're re-releasing one of our most popular car-buying episodes, all about buying, selling, and the surprising places where you can and can't negotiate at the dealer.  We're joined by Scotty Reiss, founder and CEO of A Girls Guide to Cars, a website that's empowering women to be smarter, happier car owners by arming them with car information. Don't forget to drop me a note at mailbag@hermoney.com if you used one of Scotty's tips when you negotiated at the dealer!  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

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.  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 Takeaways:  Many Americans over the age of 50 have no retirement savings, and the retirement crisis is a result of the shift from pension plans to individual savings. Longevity is a significant factor in retirement planning, as people are living longer and need to ensure their savings last. Social security and 401(k) plans play a crucial role in retirement income, but many people are not taking full advantage of these resources. Planning for cognitive decline and long-term care is essential, as it can have a significant impact on financial and caregiving responsibilities. The bucket approach to retirement portfolios, which includes a cash bucket for emergencies, can provide peace of mind and help manage risk. Retirement is not just about money; it also involves relationships, purpose, and personal fulfillment. 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

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 Takeaways CDs are a long-standing investment option that offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. Finding the best CD rates can be challenging as many community banks and credit unions are not searchable on popular rate comparison websites. With interest rates expected to decrease, now is a good time to lock in high CD rates. Savvy savers, retirees, and event savers are the primary audience for CDs. Shopping around for the best rates and being aware of CD rollover options are crucial. 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/earninvest 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

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/earninvest 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

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. Takeaways: Having a simple, effective, and inexpensive beauty routine is key. Surgical procedures should be approached with careful consideration. It's important to ask who you're doing this for and learn how to practice radical self-acceptance. Use the five W's (who, what, when, where, why) to make informed beauty purchases. 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. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/earninvest and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Use promo code HERMONEY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at 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

Did you spend too much this Labor Day weekend? Yeah...us too. Marketers are smart and they're only getting smarter. These days, there is so much targeted marketing based on what we like on Instagram, what we're watching on TikTok, or even (more creepy) the conversations we're having with friends. Sometimes it can be really difficult not to just click buy when the recommendations are SO spot on.  So, how do we resist? And how do we know when it's really the best time to buy the mattress, or the TV, or the couch, or whatever is featured in that back-to-school special? Mindy Weinstein, marketing and psychology expert, and author of: “The Power of Scarcity, Leveraging Urgency and Demand to Influence Customer Decisions,” says it's all about figuring out if you actually need that thing or if you're a target of what she calls scarcity marketing. Takeaways: Scarcity is a powerful marketing tool that taps into our primal instincts and influences our decision-making process. Scarcity triggers a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), leading to impulsive purchases. There are four types of scarcity: demand-related scarcity, supply-related scarcity, limited edition scarcity, and time-related scarcity. Scarcity can be used by individuals to improve their personal and professional lives. Understanding the tactics of scarcity marketing can help make smarter financial decisions. Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Scarcity 03:19 The Science Behind Scarcity in Our Brains 09:11 Four Types of Scarcity 23:31 The Influence of Scarcity in the Economy 25:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 26:00 Mailbag Question 1: What are the pros and cons of maintaining a long-term care policy?  32:00 Mailbag Question 2: Should I leave my full-time job and take on multiple part-time jobs? 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! 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

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. Takeaways: Department stores were not only places where women shopped, but also where they had power and influence. Women who worked in department stores had the opportunity to have successful careers and financial independence. The women highlighted in the book faced challenges and made sacrifices in order to succeed in a male-dominated industry. 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

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Ally, a 39-year-old single woman who bought a house in 2020 when rates were low and is wondering if now is the right time to upgrade and whether or not to keep her current home as a rental property. 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. 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

Very classy, very demure, very mindful…that's how the new TikTok trend that recently went viral from creator Jools Lebron says we should be in the workplace. We should be presentable, wear minimal, clean makeup, and not take up too much space. In other words, we should be bringing a muted version of ourselves to the workplace. Bonnie Hammer, Vice Chairman of NBC Universal and author of: “15 Lies Women Are Told At Work: The Truth We Need To Succeed” has a different take. She says work doesn't have to be the place where we leave our “fun” real selves behind, not anymore. Listen in to hear the other outdated lies Bonnie says are holding us back at work and the truths we need to succeed.  Takeaways: You can embrace fun, humor, and collaboration at work and still be taken seriously. Follow the opportunities and be open to learning new skills rather than focusing on chasing one big dream. Personal worth and professional worth and not the same thing. In a professional setting, it's important to work hard to prove yourself.  Stereotypically female characteristics, such as empathy and collaboration should be seen as strengths in the workplace, not weaknesses.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 2:55 Embracing Fun and Authenticity in the Workplace 04:33 Following Opportunities Instead of Chasing Dreams 08:14 Differentiating Personal Worth and Professional Worth 13:54 Embracing Stereotypically Female Characteristics as Strengths 19:52 Supporting and Uplifting Women in the Workplace 29:54 Embracing Change and Paying It Forward 35:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 38:00 Mailbag Question 1: Pre-retirement, should I pay off my home or put more money into an annuity?  43:00 Mailbag Question 2: I want to retire when I'm 56, do I have enough saved?  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

Last week, 2.9 billion records of personal data were for sale, from people in the US, Canada, and Britain, stolen from a company that does background checks called National Public Data. This data breach included the holy grail, Social Security numbers.  This is just one of the thousands of data breaches that have happened so far this year and a continuation of a growing pattern. Kim Komando joins us to share the 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your data online.  Takeaways:  Data breaches can have devastating financial and emotional effects. Free and paid solutions are available to remove personal information from public databases, but paid services may offer more comprehensive protection. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are important for data security. Staying informed about technology and its implications is crucial for maintaining data security. Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of Data Breaches 02:34 How To Check if Your Data Is Part of a Breach 09:42 Opting Out of Data Broker Sites 13:15 Paid Services For Removing Personal Information 17:36 Password Etiquette 21:53 Privacy Risks of Smart Devices 24:05 Key Takeaways and Staying Informed 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

Annika Sorenstam is one of the best female pro golfers that the world has ever seen. She also is a woman, like many of us, who started out with very little money, made some, and had to learn first how to budget it, and then how to invest it. She shares how she manages her money and advocates for other female professional golfers, on and off the green.  Chapters: 00:00 The Parallels Between Sports and Personal Finance 03:19 Discipline and Preparation for Success 07:41 Applying Discipline to Financial Life 10:33 Savings and Investment Strategies 18:16 Off-Course Development for Young Women in Golf 26:27 Transitioning from Sports to Life After 35:33 The Benefits of Playing Golf Takeaways: Discipline, preparation, and building on small habits over time are key to achieving success in both sports and personal finance. Having sponsors like Gainbridge is crucial for supporting initiatives that empower women in sports. Learning the game of golf has numerous benefits, including inclusivity, physical and mental challenges, and social connections. 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

However you feel about LinkedIn, there's no denying that having a profile is important. According to Forbes, LinkedIn is an essential platform to not only establish a professional online presence but also to showcase your skills and accomplishments.  Hala Taha, top LinkedIn influencer and host of the Young and Profiting podcast says that having a LinkedIn that gets you noticed is so much more than uploading your resume and a nice headshot. She shares how to use LinkedIn effectively to build your personal brand and get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.  Takeaways: Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile is important for standing out to recruiters and making a positive impression. Being a content creator on LinkedIn can help you establish your personal brand and grow your following. Using keywords strategically in your profile can improve your visibility and make it easier for recruiters to find you. LinkedIn is a valuable platform for finding clients and job opportunities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:00 Hala's Early Career & Setbacks 11:00 How Hala Built YAP Media 15:00 Building A Personal Brand on LinkedIn 27:00 Strategies For Landing A Job Using LinkedIn 30:00 Transition To Mailbag Segment 37:00 Mailbag Question 1: How do I make sure I'm being compensated fairly? 43:00 Mailbag Question 2: Is it wise to annuitize part of my 403b? Further Listening: How To Rock Your LinkedIn Profile 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

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Allie, who is looking for advice on how to help her friends who are about to inherit a significant amount of money. She wants them to make smart financial decisions and overcome their struggles managing money in the past.  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. 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

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.  My guest today, 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.  It's never too late to start pushing limits and pursuing new financial challenges. 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  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

When we start losing our hard-earned money in the market, we want to put a stop to it. We want to take action. But statistically, we know that investors who stay the course do better over time than those who try to time the markets.  Jinny Uppal, author of “IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results," dishes on why we should stop listening to the voice in our head that tempts us to a default action path. "The belief that ‘I am the one who can control the outcome with my action,' makes us take more action than is necessary," she says. In Mailbag, we advise a divorced listener on setting up a trust for her son.  Takeaways: Why strategic inaction might be your best move during times of instability in the market. Personal signals that indicate when to take action or pause. Why we associate action with results and how that could lead us astray.  It's important to take informed actions based on thoughtful consideration. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:30 The Importance of Thoughtful Pauses  5:57 When To Take Action and When To Pause 7:40 Recognizing Signals of Stress 10:19 Investment Recommendations 22:55 Right Action vs. Inaction 33:56 Mailbag: Setting Up a Trust and Estate Planning 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! 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

Today is Mom's Equal Pay Day so we're talking about the reality of motherhood in America today, no not the reality we see on social media where momfluencers make pregnancy to childbirth, to raising multiple kids seem like a breeze…we're talking about what it's really like to have kids in a country that doesn't make it easy for us.  Jessica Grose, author of, “Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood,” said she did everything right before she had kids, she was married, had a successful, thriving career, and was debt-free, but she still wasn't ready for the reality of motherhood, and doesn't think any of us are. We go over what every woman should do before welcoming a new addition to set themselves up for success. Takeaways: Having children in America can have negative financial and career implications. Cultural norms around motherhood in the United States are contradictory and place unrealistic expectations on mothers. Governmental solutions such as paid family leave and affordable childcare are needed to support working parents. Parents should support each other and ask for help when needed, and society should be more understanding and less judgmental of parents in public spaces. Chapters: 0:00 Challenges of Motherhood in America 11:16 Changing Expectations of Motherhood 15:33 Paid Family Leave and Solutions 22:32 Childcare Costs and Inflation 24:22 Advice for Parents Considering New Jobs 27:33 Transition to Mailbag Segment  33:30 Mailbag Question 1: Managing a $2 Million Inheritance 38:26 Mailbag Question 2: Splitting Finances with A Live-In Partner 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! 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

In this special episode, Jean Chatzky is joined by professional investor and cohost of our InvestingFixx club, Karen Finerman. They're talking about what the heck is going on with the stock market right now. With tech stocks plummeting and recession fears looming, Jean and Karen emphasize the cyclical nature of markets and the importance of staying calm in a downturn. They share their extensive experience with market fluctuations and offer practical advice on managing your investments during turbulent times.  Interested in learning more about investing in the stock market alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com. Takeaways: Don't panic and fall for herd mentality during market fluctuations. Review your holdings and look for opportunities during market downturns. Control risk by avoiding leverage and being in charge of your positions. Consider making IRA contributions and buying stocks on sale during market drops. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 7:11 Market Reaction to Bad Jobs Report 8:24 Concerns About Achieving A Soft Landing 10:57 Challenges with the Yen 13:10 Warren Buffett's Apple Stake 15:15 Comparison to the Market Crash in 1987 18:43 Advice on Market Volatility  23:53 Risk Management in Trading 27:25 Investing Strategy During Market Downturns 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! 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

You asked, we answered! In this Mailbag, Jean is joined by Celeste Headlee, author of, “We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter” to talk through how to approach your toughest money conversations.  They tackle your questions on everything from preparing kids for navigating their own finances in college to addressing salary disparities at work. Celeste shares practical advice from her own life, including budgeting tips for teens and strategies on how to approach a raise conversation with your employer.  Have a question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean? 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! Takeaways: Break financial conversations into smaller parts to make them more manageable and focused. Involve children in budgeting and decision-making to help them understand the cost of living and the value of money. Salary transparency is important for achieving pay equity, but it's not necessary to disclose salary information to coworkers or family members. Consider the context and purpose of financial conversations before sharing. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Tough Money Convo 1: How To Talk College Financials With Your Kid  6:25 Tough Money Convo 2: Coworkers Payscale and Asking For A Raise 10:00 Tough Money Convo 3: How To Respond When Family Asks About Salary 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! 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

We're smack dab in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record and although the heat can make many of us go a little crazy, it also forces us to slow down a lot, spend some time by the pool or the beach (or in the comfort of your living room with the AC on full blast) and embrace boredom more.  Celeste Headlee, author of, “Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving,” joins us to talk about why taking all of your vacation days is good for your career and how to really disconnect when you've turned on your OOO.  Takeaways: Embracing boredom and taking time for rest and relaxation can lead to better ideas and improved creativity. Taking vacations is essential for overall well-being and can lead to career success. Finding the best times for focused work and understanding our own productivity patterns can improve efficiency and work-life balance. Younger generations are rejecting toxic work culture and prioritizing work-life balance and well-being. Defining personal goals and focusing on end goals rather than means goals can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. It's important to reevaluate priorities and find a healthy balance between work, rest, and personal fulfillment. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Embracing Boredom for Creativity 7:17 Importance of Taking Vacation Time 13:15 The Three-Pronged Influence on Work Guilt 19:18 Gen Z's Preference for Analog Solutions 22:14 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation 26:58 Transition to Mailbag Segment 29:37 Retirement Investments 32:10 Pre-Retirement Financial Checkup 34:45 High Yield Savings Accounts  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! 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

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Cecilia, a 58-year-old listener, about asset allocation and portfolio management as she approaches retirement. She has a defined benefit pension and government benefits, but also wants to draw down on her portfolio for the first few years of retirement.  They explore the need to adjust asset allocation, the role of fixed income in your portfolio, and the importance of building a cash cushion for the initial years of retirement.  Have a question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean? 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! Takeaways: Consider adjusting asset allocation as you approach retirement, taking into account fixed income sources such as pensions. Build a cash cushion to cover the initial years of retirement, reducing the need to sell investments at a loss during market downturns. Consult with a financial advisor to create a comprehensive retirement plan, including strategies for cash flow management and mortgage payoff. Evaluate the benefits of individual bonds versus bond funds, considering the potential volatility of bond funds and the security of principal with individual bonds. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:11 Asset Allocation and Retirement Planning 5:13 Cash Cushion for the Initial Years of Retirement 8:02 Consulting with a Financial Advisor 11:00 Mortgage Payoff Strategies in Retirement 12:57 Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds 15:00 Conclusion 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

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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, while white women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by a white man, Black women earn just 64 cents. Dasha Kennedy says that for Black women specifically, there are a myriad of reasons for that.  Dasha Kennedy is the founder of the Broke Black Girl, where she shares her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and specific advice for Black women. This Black Women's Equal Pay Day, she joins us to talk about how she's pushing back against the gender wage gap and her favorite ways to save money in 2024. Have a question for us? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 07:45: Creating Broke Black Girl 11:06: Spending Intentionally 16:22: Pay Yourself First vs. Prioritize Savings 17:57: Collecting Experiences Over Things 19:52: Debt Strategies 22:22: Renting vs. Buying 27:07: Mailbag Segment 29:01: Understanding Mutual Fund Fees 36:25: Credit Score Variability Takeaways: The gender pay gap is a persistent issue, and Black women face an even larger gap compared to white women. Black women need specially tailored financial advice due to their unique experiences as the intersection of race and gender. Strategies for overcoming debt include spending intentionally, setting spending limits, and prioritizing savings. Collecting experiences can be more fulfilling than collecting material possessions. Taking small steps and breaking down financial goals into manageable increments can lead to long-term progress. 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

The promise and the peril of AI in the workplace seem to be all anyone can talk about these days and the biggest question on all of our minds is — will AI take my job?  According to Fortune 500 Human Resource Officers, the answer is yes, AI could be coming for your job. Gallup found that seventy-two percent of Fortune 500 leaders foresee AI replacing jobs in their organization in the next three years. So how do we get ahead of this? Our guest today, Hilke Schellman, author of The Algorithm: How AI Decides Who Gets Hired, Monitored, Promoted, and Fired, and Why We Need to Fight Back Now shares her ideas.  In Mailbag, we read a listener response to a previous mailbag on the pros and cons of pensions in Europe. We also hear from someone who's wondering if it would be better to take money out of a long-term care insurance policy and invest it in the stock market.  Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 05:30: Understanding AI 09:22: Challenges for New Graduates 15:06: Making Your Resume Machine Readable 24:54: Preparing for AI-Based Interviews 28:48: Using AI Tools to Your Advantage 29:21: Transition to Mailbag Segment 33:46: Listener Advice on European Pensions 38:20: Long-Term Care Insurance Takeaways: AI is predicted to replace jobs, with women's jobs being more affected. AI tools are used in job interviews and can analyze facial expressions, speech patterns, and keywords to assess candidates. Job seekers can improve their chances by making their resumes machine-readable, using tools like JobScan, and reaching out to recruiters directly. Employees should be aware that their online activities and communications at work can be monitored by AI tools. Dabbling with AI tools and staying up to date with AI technology can make individuals more employable. Have a question for us? We'd love to hear from you! Write in or send us a voicenote 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

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Alyce about how to pay for home renovations for her special needs daughter and whether it's reasonable to adjust her retirement savings. She and her husband have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and are concerned about the high interest rate. They also discuss whether they should consider a TSP loan or reduce retirement contributions to pay off the HELOC.  Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Takeaways: Consider using a TSP loan or reducing retirement contributions to pay off high-interest debt. Consult with a financial advisor who specializes in special needs planning. Set up a special needs trust and consider other estate planning options for a child with disabilities. Take advantage of employer-matching contributions for retirement savings. Evaluate the performance and usefulness of random investment accounts and consider selling them for immediate needs. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 01:44: Alyce's Family and Home Renovation Needs 07:28: Comparing Mortgage and HELOC Rates 11:04: Retirement Savings Overview 18:38: Considering a TSP Loan 21:48: Selling Stock and Brokerage Account 23:33: Final Advice 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

When we talk about the question of whether women can have it “all,” successful careers, thriving marriages, and families, the messy truth is often, no, at least not all at the same time.  Alli Webb, founder of Drybar found that out the hard way when her business blew up seemingly overnight. She shares what fame, attention, and obsession with building a brand cost her and how she found herself again in the wake of the fallout. In Mailbag, a listener asks if using roadside assistance too many times in a year can cause an increase in her car insurance. Another listener has a question about whether or not she should stay in her marital home post-divorce or sell it and build up her savings for retirement.   Chapters: 0:00: Introduction 03:13 Drybar: From Mobile Business to Brick-and-Mortar 08:14 The Rapid Growth of Drybar and the Cost of Success 21:55 Success and How It Impacted Alli's Relationships 27:19 Deciding to Let Go of Drybar 31:26 Finding Validation from Within 31:32: Transition to Mailbag 34:58: Listener Question: Auto Insurance and Roadside Assistance 37:29: Listener Question: Mortgage vs. Savings Post-Divorce Takeaways: Figuring out your greatest passions can lead to a successful business idea. Scaling a business quickly can be both exciting and overwhelming. Finding balance between work and personal life is crucial for happiness and well-being, especially as an entrepreneur. Excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment are key to building a loyal customer base.  Success in business can sometimes lead to problems in personal relationships, and it's important to recognize and address these issues. Learning to look inward and understand oneself is crucial for personal growth. Having a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can provide support, guidance, and solutions to common challenges. Going through difficult times can lead to self-discovery and personal growth, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. 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