HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

What does it actually look like to spend just $400 in a week… intentionally, joyfully, and with a clear-eyed plan for the future? This week on A Week in Her Wallet, Jean sits down with Ann, a 63-year-old Early Childhood Director from upstate New York, who is on a mission to build what she calls her "rich enough old lady future self." Ann brings in over $100k a year, but her spending week clocked in at under $400, not because she's depriving herself, but because she's figured out exactly what she values and what she doesn't. From homemade iced coffee and Sunday meal prep to a cleaning splurge she refuses to apologize for, Ann's week is a masterclass in intentional money. In this episode, Jean and Anne talk about: The "All About Me" account Anne created to spend guilt-free — and why it changed her relationship with money How a scarcity mindset from childhood still shows up today, even after buying window treatments she saved two years for Why Ann went from DIY-ing her investments to hiring a financial advisor, and why she calls it the best money she's ever spent Her paid-off Honda, "the green lady," and what shifting from luxury cars taught her about values Navigating finances in a new relationship after a 36-year marriage ended What she wants women in their late 50s and 60s, especially those feeling behind, to hear If you want to be considered for a future episode of A Week in Her Wallet, fill out the form here, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the best financial advice you've ever received? Not the trendiest tip or the hottest stock pick; what's the wisdom that actually holds up over a lifetime? That's exactly the question Diane Harris, Deputy Editor of Kiplinger, put to 35 of the most trusted voices in personal finance…and the answers are as practical as they are profound. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "spend less than you make" is still the foundation of everything, and what Jean says happens when you don't Peter Lynch's "elevator pitch" test for any stock you own (and why most people fail it) Teresa Ghilarducci's one-date-a-year rule for protecting yourself from panic-selling Why Christine Benz says paying off your mortgage early makes sense, even if the math says otherwise Diane's number one personal finance tip she learned from taking care of her mother Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it actually feel like to be on the cusp of retirement and wonder if you're doing it right? This week, Jean sits down with two listeners, Nancy and Melissa, who are both asking the same underlying question: How do I make sure I don't run out of money in retirement, while still actually enjoying my life? First, Jean talks with Nancy, 68, a soon-to-be retired nurse with $850K saved, a pension, and Social Security on the way. Nancy wants to renovate her bathrooms before she stops working, but she's torn between using her HELOC or tapping her nest egg.  Then Jean hears from Melissa, 53, who, along with her husband, has $1.2M+ saved across tax-deferred, Roth, brokerage, and treasury accounts, and wonders if she's taking on too much risk. Jean helps her zoom out, look at the full financial picture, and think through what a bucket strategy or annuity could mean for her peace of mind. In this episode: HELOC vs. refinance vs. pulling from savings; how to think through home improvement financing in retirement The 4% rule and when it makes sense to use it RMDs, IRMAA penalties, and why timing your withdrawals matters more than you think What 72% stocks actually look like when you account for your entire net worth Why hybrid long-term care policies might be worth a look How guaranteed income can actually free you to invest more aggressively with the rest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that claiming Social Security at 62 instead of 70 could mean locking in a permanent 30% cut to your monthly benefits for life?  In this episode, Jean sits down with Marcia Mantell, founder of Mantell Retirement Consulting and author of Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt, to talk about what's really going on with Social Security's solvency, why Congress will almost certainly act before the fund runs dry, and how to make the best claiming decision for you. In this episode: The truth behind the "benefit cuts are coming" headlines, and what they get wrong Why the 2032 trust fund deadline isn't the catastrophe it sounds like What "popcorn careers" are doing to women's Social Security benefits The divorced spouse rules that could mean hundreds of extra dollars a month Survivor benefits: what every married woman needs to plan for now The real cost of claiming early Pre-order Jean's new book: If this episode got you thinking about how to make your money last in retirement The Forever Paycheck is out September 9th.  Create your my Social Security account: ssa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does a real week of spending look like for a busy working mom who also happens to be a landlord? This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we're heading to Annapolis, Maryland, to follow Larisa, a 48-year-old HR Director with a combined household income of $375,000, two kids in competitive sports, a dog, and a rental condo she's owned since her twenties. We talk through it all: how she keeps a separate checking account just for rental income and expenses, why she almost always orders ahead for pickups at Sam's Club, and how she thinks about the guilt that still creeps in when she spends money on herself. Plus… Bucky's. If you've never stopped at Bucky's on a road trip down I-95, Larisa will make you want to. In this episode, we cover: The good, the bad, and the ugly of owning a rental property, and how she budgets for the unpredictable How she handles big annual bills (like a $1,200 water assessment) without breaking a sweat How she uses a dependent care spending account to offset summer camp costs How splitting costs with her sister makes family vacations feel easy and fun Want to be featured in A Week In Her Wallet? Every woman has a money story worth telling, and we want to hear yours. Fill out this form to be considered. We'd love to hear from you.  Pre-order Jean's new book, The Forever Paycheck, out September 9! Every pre-order helps get this book into more readers' hands — thank you for supporting the show and the book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've planned for retirement. You've built your savings, mapped out your Social Security strategy, and thought through market risks. But what happens if one day, you can't manage your money at all? It's an uncomfortable question – and one many people avoid. Yet, research shows that cognitive decline can quietly undermine financial decision-making, often earlier than we expect, and with serious consequences.  On this special episode of HerMoney, sponsored by LIMRA, Dr. Chris Heye, LIMRA Retirement Income Institute Fellow and CEO of Whealthcare Planning and Wealthcare Solutions, explains why health risks – especially cognitive decline – may be one of the biggest blind spots in retirement planning today. Then, Erin Gilmore Smith, Head of Estate Planning for Edelman Financial Engines, joins us to share practical steps you can take now to protect your finances, your family, and your future self.  In this episode, they'll highlight: Why health risks – and especially cognitive decline – might matter more than the markets How cognitive decline shows up in our finances, before we realize we have it Why women are more challenged when it comes to the risk of cognitive decline – and how we can protect ourselves Protected income can help create greater stability in retirement, especially in the face of potential cognitive decline. If you're curious and want to dig deeper, this resource from LIMRA can help: Protect Your Retirement From Cognitive Decline: The Link Between Cognitive Health and Financial Security Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You saved diligently for your kids' education, and now that chapter is closing. So what happens to the money? Can you protect those tax benefits and roll the funds into something new? We're getting into it. This week, Jean is joined by Lacy Garcia, founder and CEO of TrustWillow.com, a personalized advisor-matching platform that connects women and their families with vetted, fiduciary financial advisors who are legally required to act in your best interest, and who have been trained specifically in working with women's financial lives. They dig into your mailbag questions from: Inge, who opened Coverdell ESAs for her kids 20 years ago, just got a notice that Vanguard is shutting down the program. What are her options for keeping that money tax-protected? An anonymous listener just paid off her husband's student loans and is officially done with daycare. Where should that newfound money go? Rebecca, who is recently divorced with a high school senior and a 529 that covers about one year of college. She wants to know: Are there financial planners who specialize in college planning?

Do you actually know where your money went last week? Not roughly...where it actually went. Every coffee, every impulse buy, every bill that hit all at once on a Monday morning when you were least expecting it. A Week in Her Wallet is a HerMoney limited series where real women from our community track every single dollar they spend for one full week, and then sit down with Jean Chatzky to talk about what they learned. Because the way we spend says so much about what we value, what we're afraid of, and where we might want to make a change. In this series, you'll hear from women like: Kortne, a 55-year-old tech director in Texas who meal preps every meal — even on race day at a half-marathon across the country — but didn't think twice about dropping $820 on Bruno Mars tickets for her daughter Kristen, a single woman in her 40s who travels constantly for work, owns her own home, and used her yard sale earnings to buy festival tickets for a night out with a friend Larisa, a Maryland mom juggling a rental property, two busy kids, a road trip to Florida, and a Sam's Club run that started with paper towels and ended with a bathing suit Real women. Real numbers. Real life. Subscribe to HerMoney on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, look for A Week In Her Wallet directly in your HerMoney podcast feed. And if you want to track your own spending with us, apply here to be featured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At HerMoney, we're always trying to make money a little less intimidating; breaking down the big, complicated stuff into things you can actually use in your real life. And when it comes to understanding the economy, nobody does that better than today's guest. Alex Mayyasi is a contributor to Planet Money, the NPR podcast that has spent seventeen years making economics genuinely entertaining, and he and the team have just written a book: Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life. Alex also stuck around for a Mailbag, answering listener questions about tariffs, tax-loss harvesting, and why everything you buy seems to be getting more expensive but less high quality at the same time. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the economy feels so broken right now, even when GDP is growing, inflation is down, and wages are solid Baumol's Cost Disease: the simple but powerful concept that explains why childcare, healthcare, and college keep getting more expensive What the history of the ATM tells us about AI and whether it's really going to take your job Why it's nearly impossible to beat the market, and what a cute animal experiment reveals about how stocks actually work The one economic principle Alex has found most useful in his own life, and why it applies to way more than just your money Resources mentioned in this episode: Planet Money's new book, Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life Subscribe to the free twice-weekly HerMoney newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard the rules. Subtract your age from 100. Go 60/40. Play it safer as you get older. But what if those long-held guidelines have been steering you wrong and costing you? Yale finance professor James Choi returns to HerMoney to share groundbreaking research that could change the way you think about your investments forever. His new asset allocation formula goes far beyond the traditional rules of thumb, factoring in your income, your savings, your risk tolerance, and something most investment guidelines completely ignore: the future paychecks you haven't earned yet. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the "100 minus your age" rule and the classic 60/40 portfolio have a critical blind spot  The concept of "human capital" and why your future paychecks function like a bond in your overall wealth portfolio How the formula shifts dramatically for mid-career investors, and why the size of your nest egg matters more than you think What near-retirees and women already in retirement should really know about how much risk to take on Resources mentioned in this episode: James Choi's allocation spreadsheet calculator The Wall Street Journal piece on James's research Jean's new book, The Forever Paycheck (coming Sept 2026) Subscribe to the free twice-weekly HerMoney newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Q1 2026 has been a lot. Tariffs. Oil above $100 a barrel. A war in the Middle East. Recession chatter. Stock market swings. And the creeping feeling that something has shifted in the economy… and not for the better. This week, Jean Chatzky sits down with economist and fan-favorite guest Kathryn Edwards for a full Q1 economic report card and a roadmap for what Q2 might bring.  In this episode: The K-shaped economy explained Why the White House's 4% growth projection was never realistic, and how we got from boom talk to recession odds so fast How long oil prices need to stay elevated before the economic damage becomes truly lasting Why Kathryn is still an optimist, and why she believes Americans are resilient to change Links mentioned: Follow Kathryn on socials: @kedseconomist Subscribe to Optimist Economy wherever you get your podcasts Join InvestingFixx — your first two classes are free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you felt truly in control of your time? Not your calendar, not your to-do list…your time? If the answer is "I can't remember," this episode is for you. Jean Chatzy is joined by Andy Hill, AFC, founder of Marriage, Kids, and Money, and author of Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind. Together, they tackle your most pressing mailbag questions about the real tension so many of us are feeling right now: how do you balance saving aggressively for the future with actually enjoying your life today? In this episode: A 41-year-old high earner wants to know what to do with extra money beyond maxing out her accounts A 54-year-old asks whether her financial advisor is right that fully funding her 401 (k) won't make much difference.  A 52-year-old is stretched thin between her career and caring for her aging mom and wonders: Is it financially irresponsible to step back during her peak-earning years? Andy also shares how he and his wife hit their Coast FIRE number, redesigned their lives around a 20-hour workweek, and what the first move looks like if you want to do the same. Ready to make your money work harder so you don't have to? Join InvestingFixx and learn how to build a portfolio that buys back your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're earning more than you ever have. You're doing everything you were told to do. So why does it still feel like you can't get ahead? This week, Jean sits down with Hanna Horvath, CFP, personal finance journalist, and writer behind the Substack Your Brain on Money, to talk about why so many women are struggling with money right now, and why it probably has a lot less to do with your choices than you think. In this episode, you'll learn: Why GDP being up and your life feeling hard are not contradictory, and what's actually driving the disconnect The concept of mattering, and why losing your sense of economic contribution can feel like an identity crisis The four money behaviors that show up when economic anxiety takes hold Why community investment is one of the most underrated strategies for financial resilience The one question to ask yourself before every spending decision Join InvestingFixx, our twice-monthly women-only investing club. Your first two classes are always free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Markets are swinging. There's a war with Iran. Oil is spiking. And if your stomach has been dropping every time you look at your portfolio, Stephanie Link has something to say about that. Stephanie is Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Hightower Advisors, and a longtime CNBC contributor with more than 30 years of experience managing money through every kind of market cycle. She joined Jean Chatzky this week to cut through the noise and tell us exactly what she's doing with money right now. Stephanie shares her boldest market calls for the rest of 2026, including why she's bullish on Brazil and why its role in the AI power story is completely underappreciated, which sectors she's watching closely, and why the fear that AI is going to kill software companies is, in her words, overdone. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Stephanie says it's impossible to time the market, and what to do instead Her top three international markets right now The AI infrastructure food chain, and which industries stand to benefit most How much crypto she actually holds in her own portfolio The one book every new investor should read  Connect with Stephanie Link: LinkedIn: Stephanie Link X: @Stephanie_Link Hightower Advisors: hightoweradvisors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When retirement plans fall apart, we tend to assume it's because someone overspent – maybe on travel, hobbies, or helping the kids a little too much. But, often, that's not what does the real damage. It's healthcare costs.  Dr. Carolyn McClanahan – a physician turned fee-only financial planner – joins Jean Chatzky on this special episode of the HerMoney Podcast, sponsored by LIMRA, to share how unexpected health costs impact women, and how you can better prepare so they don't derail your financial security.  In the episode, they'll break down: What people get wrong about healthcare costs – and why women face greater risks The Medicare misconceptions that can cost you How to prepare for the hidden threat of cognitive decline  What you can do to better plan for unexpected healthcare costs After tuning in, complete this “Healthcare and Aging Game Plan” worksheet from our friends at LIMRA. It will help you outline your healthcare priorities, decisions, and anticipated expenses in retirement, as well as prepare you to talk through these topics with your financial advisor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, three ships were struck near the Strait of Hormuz just yesterday, and the word "recession" is creeping back into the conversation. And we're all feeling more than just a little bit anxious about what that means for our money. On this special bonus episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with Claudia Sahm, former Fed section chief, senior economist under President Obama, and creator of the Sahm Rule, a recession indicator that has been 100% accurate going back to 1959. Claudia breaks down exactly what's happening with oil prices and why it affects everything from your gas tank to your grocery bill to your retirement account.  She explains what the Sahm Rule actually is, why she's cautioning people not to over-rely on it right now, and what she means when she says she just doesn't have "a good feeling" about this economy. Links mentioned: Claudia's Substack: Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) Claudia's writing at Bloomberg Opinion Join InvestingFixx — your first two classes are free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything the wellness industry is selling you is actually making your life worse…not longer? This week, Jean Chatzky sits down with Ezekiel Emanuel, oncologist, bioethicist, and author of Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long, Healthy Life, for one of the most thought-provoking conversations we've had on HerMoney. Then we're joined by Lacey Garcia, founder and CEO of Willow, for this week's mailbag. Because once you've thought hard about how long you might actually live, the next question is: do you have the right financial guidance to match? Jean and Lacey walk through three real listener questions about when to hire a financial advisor, when a one-time planning session is enough, and how to stop feeling embarrassed about your numbers and start getting the help you deserve. Get matched with a vetted fiduciary financial advisor who specializes in working with women: hermoney.com/findanadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the next decade, roughly $30 trillion is expected to move into the hands of women, and the question isn't just what women will inherit. It's what they'll build. This week, Jean Chatzky sits down with Janine Firpo, an impact investor and co-founder of Invest for Better, to talk about Our Sheconomy, a data-backed initiative that models what the world would look like if women had held equal economic and political power since 1925.  But this episode isn't just about a hypothetical future. It's about the very real, very practical steps you can take right now — no matter how much (or how little) you have — to invest in alignment with your values without sacrificing returns. In this episode, you'll learn: How to audit your current portfolio for impact using free tools (including one Janine swears by Why ESG isn't a political buzzword — it's a risk management to How to start impact investing for as little as $100 Ready to put Janine's advice into action? Join InvestingFixx, Jean's twice-monthly women-only investing club, where expert stock pickers bring ideas to the table, and a community of women learn and win together. Your first two classes are always free. Resources: As You Sow – Invest Your Values Our Sheconomy Invest for Better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we keep doing the things we know aren't good for our finances? Whether it's emotional spending, avoiding a growing credit card balance, over-controlling every dollar, or saying “yes” to spending when we really mean “no”. So many of our money habits aren't about math; they're about emotion. This week, Jean Chatzky sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health educator Kati Morton, author of the new book Why Do I Keep Doing This?, to unpack the psychology behind the patterns that keep us stuck, especially when it comes to money. In this episode, we explore: The difference between healthy control and control that quietly sabotages us Why emotional spending happens — and how it differs from compulsive spending How financial insecurity in childhood can shape our careers, relationships, and money mindset Why the world feeling “out of control” can trigger impulsive financial decisions How women nearing retirement can navigate financial anxiety during major life transitions Practical tools to help break the cycle And if you're ready to take control of your financial future in an intentional way, join us in InvestingFixx, our investing community designed to help you build confidence, clarity, and long-term wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does a real week of spending look like for a 55-year-old director of technology earning $212,000 a year? In this episode of A Week in Her Wallet, Jean Chatzky talks with Kortne, a Texas-based executive, marathoner, and mom of two adult daughters, who tracked every dollar she spent over seven days. Kortne grew up in a working-class family in Detroit and says she's intentional about enjoying her money now — especially when it comes to experiences. She's run all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, travels frequently, and invests heavily in her health. At the same time, she's focused on retirement planning, savings, and making sure her lifestyle remains sustainable long term.

Have you saved and saved and saved… but now feel unsure about how to spend? On this week's episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with entrepreneur and bestselling author Mike Michalowicz to talk about why managing money isn't a math problem, it's a behavior problem. Mike opens up about losing everything after selling two multi-million-dollar companies, how lifestyle inflation and ego nearly destroyed his finances, and the emotional moment with his daughter that forced him to completely rethink how money works. From there, he shares his Money Habit System, a simple but powerful framework for: Paying off high-interest credit card debt Creating “financial seasons” (Recovery, Fund, Activate, Balance)• Learning how to spend confidently in retirement Managing money as a couple without conflict Using debit vs. credit strategically Breaking bad money habits with behavioral science

Are private equity, private credit, and crypto coming to your 401(k)? And if they do, should you invest? In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with CFP® professional and Summit Place Financial founder Liz Miller to break down the new push to allow alternative investments, such as private equity, private credit, and cryptocurrency, in retirement accounts. In This Episode We Cover: What private equity and private credit actually are (in plain English) Why Wall Street is eager to bring alternative investments into 401(k)s The truth about private equity fees (including the “2 and 20” model) How much crypto is reasonable in a diversified portfolio Tax pros and cons of holding crypto in a 401(k) vs. a brokerage account Why illiquidity matters in retirement investing ✨ Want deeper investing conversations, live market breakdowns, and portfolio strategy guidance? Join the HerMoney Investing Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've read economic headlines recently and thought, “Well, that's not comforting,” you're not alone. Market swings and broader economic uncertainty are enough to make even confident investors second-guess their strategies.  And here's the hard truth: Wall Street doesn't care if you're retiring next year. It doesn't care if you're five years away. And it definitely doesn't care if you're lying awake at night wondering if you've done “enough.” The good news? You can take steps to build confidence.  On a special episode of the HerMoney Podcast, sponsored by LIMRA, Jean sits down with two of the smartest voices in retirement – Jason Fichtner, Executive Director of the LIMRA Retirement Income Institute and David Blanchett, head of retirement research at Prudential, a portfolio manager at PGIM and a LIMRA Retirement Income Institute Fellow – to talk about how to step off the emotional rollercoaster of the markets and build a retirement plan that feels stable, predictable and livable.  In the episode, they'll break down: Why market swings hit harder as retirement gets closer How protected income can help build a foundation for financial peace of mind Whether you should be worried about the future of Social Security Why waiting to claim Social Security can be one of your biggest wins – and strategies to make doing so easier Protected income can play a helpful role in creating more stability in retirement. If you're curious and want to dig deeper, these two resources from LIMRA can help: Retirement planning can feel complex. This resource breaks down how fees and commissions work, so you know what to expect and what questions to ask. There's plenty of conflicting information online about annuities. This guide walks through common misconceptions and explains the basics to help you better understand how they fit into retirement planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More American women are single than ever before, but our financial system is still built for couples. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with finance journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams to unpack the hidden financial penalties of being single (aka The Singles Tax) and what solo earners can do to protect themselves, build wealth, and plan for retirement on their own terms. We're talking about: What the “Singles Tax” really is—and where it hits hardest Why single women may need larger emergency funds and more downside protection Renting vs. buying: how to decide what's right for you The most overlooked tax strategies for single women The biggest retirement planning mistake single women make

What does financial freedom really mean? Not just a healthy retirement account or a growing investment portfolio, but the ability to walk away from a situation that isn't right. To say no. To have choices. In this episode, Jean sits down with writer and speaker Paulette Perhach, whose essay about building a “F*ck Off Fund” has resonated with women for nearly a decade. Together, they explore how financial independence evolves over a lifetime, from the early years of building an emergency cushion to the later years of protecting your retirement, your relationships, and your sense of agency. In this episode, we discuss: What a “F*ck Off Fund” really is,  and why it doesn't have to be a huge number to change your life Why financial independence is about more than money The power of small boundaries and everyday decisions How to talk to daughters, nieces, and younger women about money  Why many women still feel financially fragile, even when they're doing everything “right” How financial independence evolves as you approach retirement Resources Mentioned in This Episode Join InvestingFixx (HerMoney's twice-monthly women's investing club) Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard  The Paradox of Choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many credit cards is too many? Are premium travel cards actually worth those eye-popping annual fees? And what should you do when a card in your wallet stops pulling its weight? This week, Jean Chatzky is joined once again by money expert Vivian Tu for a listener mailbag all about credit cards, points, and smart strategies for getting real value, without paying unnecessary fees or interest. Together, they break down: How to decide if high-end travel cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are actually worth the cost The smartest way to evaluate card perks — from lounge access to travel protections — in real dollar terms When it makes sense to downgrade a credit card How to use points efficiently without spending hours comparison shopping What to say if you call your credit card company to ask for a lower interest rate How to switch cards while protecting your credit score and account history

She's back, and she brought her boldest advice yet. Vivian Tu, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Your Rich BFF, joins us to talk about her new book Well Endowed and why now is the time to rethink how you spend, save, and build the future you want. Vivian and Jean get real about what it means to be truly wealthy—not just financially, but emotionally and generationally. From burnout to budgeting to luxury trap purchases, this episode is your permission slip to stop spending for the wrong reasons and start aligning your money with what actually matters. What we're diving into: The “values detox” every spender needs How to know if that splurge is really worth your time Why premium doesn't always mean better (hello, MVP rule) What Vivian's learned from the vibrant, retired women in her Miami building How to design a retirement that's anything but tired Why estate planning is non-negotiable—even in your 30s Resources & Links:

In this week's episode of A Week In Her Wallet, we head to New Jersey to follow Prisca, a 35-year-old nurse and part-time money coach who tracks every dollar with intention. From $8 therapy copays to $25 dance classes that light up her world, Prisca shows us how structure and joy can coexist in personal finance. Prisca's week is packed with practical tips, emotional insights, and small moments that reveal big truths. Whether it's her mantra of "aiming for calm" or her strategy to save before she spends, this is a blueprint for budgeting with purpose. Resources: Join our investing club! Your first month is completely free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do two financial pros with over 60 years of combined experience really wish they knew about money 30 years ago? In this very special crossover episode of HerMoney and The David Bach Show, Jean Chatzky sits down with longtime friend and bestselling author David Bach to share candid stories, big career lessons, and one bold new idea that could change retirement in America. Together, Jean and David trade their top financial insights, biggest regrets, and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating money, health, aging, and family in 2026. Resources: David's Flat Tax Proposal The Automatic Millionaire (20th Anniversary Edition) HerMoney's InvestingFixx Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're cutting through the chaos and zeroing in on what matters most to your financial life: your investments, your home, and your next money moves. Jean sits down with Dr. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, to unpack how global uncertainty, rising mortgage rates, and Trump-era policies are reshaping our economy. From the stock market rollercoaster to the housing “lock-in” crisis, Mark offers practical, down-to-earth advice for navigating it all. You'll learn: Why Mark says, “Don't even look at the market” (and what to do instead) What the mortgage “doom loop” means for Millennials, Gen Z, and retirees How long it could take to restore housing affordability in America Why homeownership is still a powerful wealth-building tool The truth about 50-year mortgages, portable loans, and whether they can help How to think smartly about helping your kids now vs. leaving a legacy later

When people think about preparing for retirement, they usually think about saving. But the real challenge? Making sure your money lasts as long as you do. Morningstar's Christine Benz joins us for a conversation about the smartest ways to prepare for retirement and make sure your money goes the distance.  This episode is part of our new, monthly retirement-focused series, brought to you by LIMRA. With practical tips and real-world conversations, these episodes will give you the tools to help you feel more confident about what comes next. In this episode, Jean and Christine break down: Why there's no one-size-fits-all retirement plan How to shift from a saving to a spending mindset in retirement The biggest retirement blind spots – and why they're more challenging for women The steps you can take today to feel less overwhelmed about retirement planning

You've got questions, we've got Amanda Holden. In this special Mailbag episode of HerMoney, Jean is joined once again by investing expert and How to Be a Rich Old Lady author Amanda Holden to tackle your biggest investing dilemmas. We're talking: What to actually do after opening a Roth IRA Whether crypto deserves a spot in your portfolio What to do with a $500,000 401(k) after a layoff Whether target-date funds are worth the cost And why diversification is non-negotiable ✨ Want to get smarter with your money in 2026? Join our women-only investing club, InvestingFixx, where expert stock pickers pitch ideas—and you help build the portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we kick off 2026, it's time to talk about the future—and the woman you want to become. Whether she's rocking silver bangles on the beach or sipping coffee in her cabin, your Rich Old Lady deserves a life of financial freedom. And today's guest is here to help you build it. Amanda Holden is the founder of Invested Development and the author of How to Be a Rich Old Lady: Your Guide to Easy Investing, Building Wealth, and Creating the Wild, Beautiful Life You Want. After a career in investment management (yes, she was once a finance bro), Amanda walked away from Wall Street to help over 25,000 women learn to invest, without shame, jargon, or feeling overwhelmed.  In this episode, Jean and Amanda break down: Why the financial system feels so exclusive—and how to take your seat at the table How to build “the Gap” (your most powerful financial tool) Amanda's hilarious (and helpful) dating metaphor for asset allocation Whether it's too late to catch up on retirement (spoiler: it's not) The surprising risks of today's AI-driven stock market boom

Is fair always equal when it comes to family and money? On this week's HerMoney Mailbag, Jean Chatzky is joined by Quentin Fottrell, Managing Editor of Advice at MarketWatch and the voice behind The Moneyist column, to tackle the most emotionally charged financial questions from our listeners and his inbox. They dive into:

The markets are still riding high, but if 2025 taught us anything, it's that not everything that glitters is gold. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with legendary investor and InvestingFixx co-founder Karen Finerman to unpack the wild ride of 2025: the highs, the flops, the lessons learned, and the big bets she's making in 2026. We also talk about what makes a winning portfolio, how our InvestingFixx club beat the market, and how you can start building confidence with your own investments, one smart move at a time. In this episode: What Karen's biggest winner of 2025 says about the market's resilience Her biggest regret and what she'd do differently Whether the AI hype is starting to look like 1999 How to use the volatility index to make better decisions Why banks might be the most overlooked opportunity of 2026 What our InvestingFixx community got right and how they keep winning Looking for more? Join our InvestingFixx club Listen to How She Does It with Karen Finerman Karen Finerman's viral end-of-year thread on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you invest in yourself when life throws you off course? In this special HerMoney Mailbag episode, Jean Chatzky and Maha Abouelenein, author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, answer your real-life questions about navigating layoffs, career pivots, and side hustles. We answer your questions on: What to do immediately after a layoff to protect your career momentum How to transition to a less stressful career after parental leave Smart ways to supplement your income from home  How to build your personal brand and start getting noticed on LinkedIn Why your network is your greatest asset and how to start using it  We love your questions! Send them to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to invest in yourself in 2026 and beyond? In this empowering episode, Jean sits down with Maha Abouelenein, global communications strategist and author of the bestselling book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, to talk about how women can build confidence, create value, and stop waiting for permission to grow. Maha shares the pivotal story of how she rebuilt her life after a major career pivot, going from secretary to business partner in just four years, and how we can all tap into the mindset of self-reliance to create real opportunity, no matter where we're starting from. We discuss: What it really means to invest in yourself—personally, professionally, and financially Why your reputation is currency, and how to build a personal brand that opens doors How to develop the five key traits of self-reliant people: initiative, adaptability, decision-making, leadership, and growth mindset Maha's mantra “Stay low, keep moving”—and how it can help you block the noise and stay focused Why hustle culture is out, and value culture is in How to use small daily actions to build lasting change

This week, we're following Beth, a 52-year-old federal attorney from Kentucky who earns $230K a year and is raising a blended family, a 14-year-old son, two grown stepsons, and two adorable grandkids. Beth walks us through a week of intentional spending, including: Snagging $10K worth of high-end furniture on Facebook Marketplace for just $750 Treating herself to monthly DryBar blowouts Managing skyrocketing teen food bills And staying mindful through a hybrid work schedule and variable family expenses We're looking for more real women to share their spending diaries.

As we head into a new year and set goals for our health, wealth, and happiness, there's one powerful factor that's often overlooked: social connection. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with Ken Stern, longevity expert and author of the new book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, to explore how the loneliness epidemic is quietly threatening both our health and our finances, and what we can do about it. Whether you're nearing retirement, navigating your second act, or just looking to improve your healthspan (not just lifespan!), this conversation is packed with practical tips on: How to build meaningful relationships without overspending Why third places (not home or work) are essential to healthy aging What other countries are doing right when it comes to retirement and lifelong learning How women, in particular, can fight isolation and plan for long, vibrant lives

How do you stick to a budget in retirement without feeling restricted, anxious, or deprived, especially when the cost of living keeps rising? This week on Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky is joined by Tiffany Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista, to talk about what budgeting and financial security really look like in retirement today, and why the old rules don't always apply anymore. Why budgeting alone isn't always enough, and what does help How to think about spending in retirement without feeling deprived The case for lowering overhead before you stop working Paying off a mortgage vs. keeping a low-interest loan Hidden programs and benefits that activate later in life Tiffany's top three tips for anyone approaching retirement

Car buying can be one of the biggest — and most stressful — financial decisions we make. And too often, the auto industry feels like it was built to leave women out of the conversation. That ends today. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with Chaya M. Milchtein, automotive educator, author of Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership, and all-around badass when it comes to helping women and LGBTQ+ folks feel confident in car buying, maintenance, and ownership. We also dive into: Why EVs aren't for everyone, and what to know before you commit How to figure out the true cost of car ownership The #1 negotiating mistake people make (and how to avoid it) How women can reclaim power in auto spaces that weren't built for us What to do if you're buying a car for your kid, and peace of mind is your top priority

This week, we're welcoming back someone who feels like part of the HerMoney podcast family: happiness expert and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin.  Gretchen is back with Jean to tackle some of the trickiest, most taboo, and surprisingly relatable money dilemmas our listeners have shared, including: What to do when your bank suddenly shuts down your account with no explanation How to confidently ask your employer to sponsor you in a pageant (without sounding cringe) And how to professionally advocate for yourself when a colleague with less experience is making $20K more

When bestselling author and podcast host Jen Hatmaker's 26-year marriage imploded, she realized something shocking: even though she was the breadwinner, she had no idea how much money she made… or how to access it. In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Jen sits down with Jean Chatzky to discuss her financial “wake-up” — how she went from completely disconnected to financially independent after divorce. Together, they unpack how faith, purity culture, and traditional gender roles shaped her relationship with money, and how she ultimately took back control. What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why she went to an attorney, not a therapist, after finding out about her husband's affair The cultural and religious beliefs that kept her from managing her money Jen's 90-day crash course to financial independence (and the exact checklist she followed) How friendships and solo travel helped her heal emotionally and financially Her evolving relationship with spirituality after stepping away from church Jen's advice for women who feel they're “late” to their own financial lives Resources & Links: Jen Hatmaker's memoir: AWAKE Jen's podcast: For The Love Follow Jen on Instagram More financial tips and support: HerMoney.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more stories of reinvention, resilience, and taking control of your financial future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we meet Megan, a 47-year-old office manager living on Long Island with her husband. Together they earn around $200,000, but keep most of their spending separate — and it works. Megan hasn't paid a cent in credit card interest in over two decades and recently spent just $400 in a week, all while training for her fifth marathon. Tune in as she shares: Why she keeps her money separate from her spouse, and how they make it work The real costs of marathon training How she budgeted for a trip to Barcelona without touching savings Her unique take on tipping, impulse buying, and personal finance independence

Today on the HerMoney Podcast, we're bringing you something special — an exclusive preview of one of our brand-new Patreon-only AMA episodes. In this series, Jean sits down one-on-one with real listeners to talk through their biggest financial questions in real time. In this episode, you'll meet Donna, a 68-year-old listener who is rebuilding her financial life from scratch after the end of a 30-year marriage, years out of the workforce, and time spent navigating disability. Now she's back at work full-time — earning nearly double what she made before — and she's trying to figure out how to use this new income to build the retirement she wants. Jean and Donna talk through: What it feels like to step back into the workforce at 68 How to choose between Roth and traditional contributions How to invest when you feel “behind” on retirement What to do when advisors tell you your portfolio is “too small.” And how to finally create a plan after years of trying You'll hear the first half of their conversation here. To listen to the full episode — plus all of our new bonus content — join us on Patreon.

For decades, college was considered the ultimate launching pad—your ticket to a good job, a stable life, and financial freedom. But today, that path feels a whole lot blurrier. In this episode, Jean sits down with leading financial expert Ric Edelman, whose new book The Truth About College pulls back the curtain on what higher education really delivers—and where it falls short. Together, they dive into: When college still makes financial sense—and when it really doesn't How families can make smarter decisions together  Why trade schools, gap years, and community college deserve a second look The emotional toll of student debt (and what parents often miss) How adults can tap into lifelong learning without breaking the bank More from HerMoney:

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky sits down with entrepreneur and author Julie Wainwright, founder of The RealReal, to talk about failure, reinvention, and why it's never too late to bet on yourself. She shares candid stories from her new book, Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion Dollar Business that Rocked the Fashion Industry, and the hard-won lessons she learned about leadership, raising capital as a woman over 50, and taking calculated risks — including the moment she emptied her 401(k) to fund her vision. Topics We Cover: How Julie rebuilt her career after Pets.com The surprising advantages of launching a business later in life Facing ageism and gender bias in venture capital Why she bet her retirement savings on herself The messy truths behind entrepreneurship Advice for women starting over at any age

Thinking about ditching the 9-to-5? Already navigating the ups and downs of freelance work? This episode is your financial playbook for thriving as your own boss. Jean Chatzky sits down with money coach and longtime freelancer Emily Guy Birken to unpack everything from budgeting on irregular income to choosing the right retirement accounts. Emily shares her personal percentage-based money system, explains why separate bank accounts are non-negotiable, and reveals the must-have clauses for every freelance contract. Whether you're freelancing full-time or hustling on the side, these tips will help you get paid, save smart, and sleep better. In This Episode: How to build a baseline budget as a freelancer A smart, percentage-based system for managing income The pros and cons of solo 401(k)s vs. SEP IRAs How to structure your business Why contracts are your best friend in freelance work How to stay emotionally grounded in unpredictable times Resources & Links:

In this Mailbag, Jean is joined by financial planner and author of My Mother's Money, Beth Pinsker, to answer your real-life questions about caregiving, estate planning, and financial decision-making for aging parents. Whether you're currently managing someone else's money or prepping your own, this episode is packed with compassionate, practical advice to help you protect your finances and your peace of mind. Mailbag Questions: 1:05: “Should we loan money to a parent for home repairs?”  7:15 “Who pays the medical bills after someone dies?”  13:05: “How do I put my RMDs to work in the market?”  Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you're at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're suddenly put in charge of an aging parent's finances, the emotional toll is heavy, and the financial fallout can be even heavier. In this episode, Jean Chatzky is joined by certified financial planner and MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Together, they unpack Beth's personal journey of managing her mother's finances through illness, surgery, and estate settlement. Even with decades of experience writing about money, Beth found herself caught off-guard by just how complicated — and expensive — caregiving can be without the right documents and conversations in place. What You'll Learn: The most overlooked (and affordable) legal documents everyone needs The difference between joint accounts, POA, and transfer-on-death How to prep for financial caregiving before a medical emergency The unexpected costs of not planning ahead — and how to avoid them How to be “the person who gets called” in a crisis — and what to ask in advance

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we head to Atlanta to follow Kristen, a 40-something clinical researcher who earns about $150K a year and travels nearly full-time for work. She walks us through a week of thoughtful spending, including a $1,300 mortgage payment, $500 toward her HELOC, a $150 yard sale win (promptly spent on music festival tickets), and the small joys that keep her grounded when she's on the road so much.