HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Episodes

• Ep 183: On The Couch With Financial Therapist Amanda Clayman

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  Oct 16 2019

  That's just a bit of the wisdom shared by this week's HerMoney podcast guest, financial therapist Amanda Clayman. In her role, Amanda guides her clients on how they can positively change their overall approach to their finances, and adjust their thinking in areas that may be holding them back.  Over the last decade, the concept of financial therapy has become more mainstream, as more people have sought to discover why and how our thoughts and feelings may shape our financial choices.  Amanda says she was led to her profession after seeing "how money was so misunderstood, and how much suffering we really take on in our lives because of this misunderstanding." Facing her own financial struggles has better enabled her to guide her clients: "I was in a pattern where I would just shut my eyes and spend," she says, describing some of the money habits she had to re-learn.  "I had been engaging with money only as a form of self punishment," she says, discussing a time when she erroneously believed she had to strip away all the small joys and comforts from her life in order to pay off debt. After some self-discovery, she was able to make the mindset shift from thinking of budgeting as a constraint that forced her to say "no," to a tool that has allowed her to say "yes" to the things she wants most in life.  At the end of the day, Amanda says she tries to impart to all her clients that money is a tool that should be used consciously — a tool that allows us to take care of ourselves and the things and people we care most about, both today and in the future.  She describes why her approach to money is based on holistic health and wellness, and tells us what many of her clients have in common. (Hint: No one shows up to financial therapy because they want to check in and brag about how well they're doing with their money!) In many cases, people seek her guidance because of a conflict in their family, or a desire to finally put a stop to a recurring problem. Amanda starts each session by helping her clients to establish a framework for where money is or isn't working in their lives, and then digs into where and why money may be causing them anxiety.  Amanda also offers up her thoughts on the automation of our finances — sometimes "set it and forget it" can separate us too much from our money. "I fully embrace and appreciate automation, but it takes us away from being conscious," she says. In other words, automation is a place that we want to get to, but there needs to be a period where we are highly engaged with our money before we can allow ourselves to disengage.  In her role as a financial therapist, Amanda has guided hundreds of couples on their path to understanding one another's differing money styles, and has helped them "excavate under the surface" so they can start solving the real problems. (As opposed to just arguing about who is "right"... No one is, but often we so desperately want our partner to validate our point of view that it results in conflict!)  Lastly, Amanda shares her thoughts on why money is such a sensitive and powerful thing, and offers her tips for the best things we can all do to feel positive and confident about our finances on a daily basis. She leaves us with some powerful philosophy to mull over as we look to make more empowered money decisions: “Don't live so in service of the future that you miss out on the joys of today. And similarly, don't be so focused on today that you aren't taking the necessary steps to have safety in the future.”  Then, in Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk about the pros and cons of closing credit cards you no longer use, what to do if you worry you'll have too much money saved for college, and the myriad options for how childfree individuals can leave a legacy behind. And in Thrive, Jean gets serious about elder abuse — who’s at risk, how to prevent it, and what to do if you suspect it.  ...more

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• Ep 182: Having ‘Enough’ With Vicki Robin, Author Of 'Your Money Or Your Life'

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  Oct 09 2019

  What does it really mean to have “enough”?  Every day, we’re confronted by messages from advertisements and society telling us that we need a new car, new clothes, a new phone — new everything. Without even realizing it, it’s easy to fall into a thought process that goes a little something like this: If I consume more, I'll be happier. But that's just not true.  This week’s guest, Vicki Robin, co-author of the seminal book “Your Money Or Your Life,” challenged a whole generation of people to think critically about what they were really working toward financially, and how they could live authentically in a consumer-driven world.   Vicki and her late partner and co-author Joe Dominguez are largely credited with sowing the seeds of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) as it is known today. Vicki says the reason the FIRE movement has been such an awakening for so many people is because it’s given them a steering wheel with which to take control of their financial lives — which they can use to steer themselves away from debt and other money struggles. For so many people, it feels like an awakening, she says, "like someone just sent me a life ring in a vast sea, and I'm being reeled in."  Vicki speaks some hard and necessary truths about the concept of "enough," and how we can fully embrace what’s "enough" for us. She reminds us that you have to want something else more than you want stuff, and tells us that for every purchase, you need to ask yourself: Is this making me happy? Is this thing really worth the number of working hours I’m going to invest in it?  Unfortunately, nothing in society today is inspiring us to think critically about how much we’re spending — every day, we are encouraged to consume. Oftentimes, the only way out of the spending cycle is introspection, and making a conscious effort to think about the future in the present. For example, asking yourself: In five years’ time, what would I like to be doing with my life? or, What are ten things I’d like to do before I die?  While on the topic of consumerism, Vicki also talks about environmental impact — people who reduce their overall consumption also reduce their carbon footprint. In this way, she says, living authentically means living without excess.  Then, in Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk about how to build credit scores and credit history for young people, how to save for retirement if your employer doesn't offer a 401(k), and what to do with a balance remaining in a 529 college savings account. Lastly, in Thrive, Jean talks about balance transfers on credit cards, and whether one might be right for you. Want to learn from some of the world's most successful women? Subscribe to the #HerMoneyPodcast so you don't miss a beat! ...more

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• Ep 181: Living Your Best Financial Life with The Debt Free Guys

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  Oct 03 2019

  Husband and husband team David Auten and John Schneider, hosts of The Queer Money Podcast, are known as the “Debt Free Guys” for a reason. This week they sit down with us to offer some inspiring advice on how to live a fulfilling life without sacrificing financial security. Listen in as they break down how to discuss combating financial anxiety with your partner, how to take a good hard look at what you may be doing wrong with your money, and how to weigh the financial priorities (and sacrifices) in your life. They also tackle the question as to why the LGBTQ community assumes more debt than the heterosexual population, why same-sex couples are 73% more likely to be denied a mortgage, and what financial institutions can do to affect change.  Then, in Mailbag, Jean and Kelly tackle listener questions about how credit cards that get closed due to inactivity may impact your credit score, whether you should contribute to your spouse’s 401(k), and tips on saving for grad school. And in Thrive, details on Facebook’s crypto to come. ...more

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• Ep 180: Are You Recession-Proof?

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  Sep 25 2019

  The R-word looms large in the headlines these days.  If you’re feeling a little anxious about your finances, well, we don’t blame you. That’s why we sat down with wealth advisor Ed Butowsky. He’s the author of the new bestseller *Wealth Mismanagement: A Wall Street Insider On the Dirty Secrets of Financial Advisers and How to Protect Your Portfolio, *and he gets candid about the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut, how to stay calm in the face of a potential market swings, and what the heck an inverted yield curve is, anyway. He also gives us his suggestions for tried and true stock sectors that can weather any storm. In Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk through tips on reducing your credit card debt in the face of competing priorities — like student loans and your mortgage. And in this week’s Thrive, Jean breaks down the concept of “traditional retirement” vs. “phased retirement,” in other words, how you can pull out of the workforce slowly. ...more

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• EP 179: Ethical Investing with Megan Schleck

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  Sep 18 2019

  This week, Jean sits down with Megan Schleck, co-founder and CEO of COIN, a conscious investing platform that allows us to put our money into companies making an impact in the areas we care most about. Megan shares with us the genesis of COIN, her thoughts on “buycott” culture, and how to make a positive societal impact through ethical investing. Listen in as Megan and Jean discuss creating an avenue for everyday investors to have a place where their voice can be heard (for as little as $50!), the dramatic rise of companies that are following suit, mission-based investing as we enter the 2020 elections, and Megan’s background as a wilderness guide. Then, in Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk about how age is more than just a number, encouraging women in the C-suite, and the Fidelity Women’s Leadership Fund. Then Jean tackles listener questions about when to sell an apartment that’s losing value, the best ways to start investing while in college, and how to spend an inheritance. Lastly, in Thrive, Jean talks about the large net worth gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials, and ways the younger generation can close it once and for all. ...more

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• EP 178: Making Empowered Choices With Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

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  Sep 11 2019

  One of the challenges we face when making decisions is that there can be an overwhelming number of choices — in work, with our finances, and in our personal lives. And when we start to second guess ourselves, it can make us feel disempowered.  This week, our guest is going to help us break down the entire decision-making process and help us gain the confidence we need when faced with life’s big “what to dos.”  Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, well known from her many years on CNBC, is also the creator of the AREA Method which helps people solve complex problems when making such decisions. She's also an author and her most recent book is Investing in Financial Research: A Decision-Making System for Better Results. Cheryl shares her method for decision-making and explains how research is fundamental to the process. She also dives into the concept of risk, and how we can feel more empowered when making choices and navigating the emotional aspects of big decisions.  Cheryl also tells us about her personal practice to increase daily productivity called “Cheetah Pauses” — and yes, it is based on real Cheetahs. Then in this week’s mailbag, Jean and Kathryn tackle listener questions about helping a parent save for retirement when they’re new to the country, what to do when a child doesn’t qualify for a federal student grant or loan because the parents have a generous savings account, and getting out of debt after divorce. Plus, Thrive warns of the dangers of dating site fraud, and the scam artists who profit from it. ...more

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• EP 177: Cryptocurrency Investing For Dummies, With Kiana Danial

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  Sep 04 2019

  This week we're boldly going where no HerMoney episode has ever gone before — we're talking cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Listen in as we explore some of your most frequently asked questions, including: How does it work? Should you invest in it? How do I use my money once I buy crypto? Our guest, Kiana Danial, is the author of the new book Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies, and CEO of InvestDiva.com. She  talks with Jean about her journey into investing in cryptocurrency, and understanding what blockchain was all about. With Kiana's help, we'll learn about the digital ledgers that record cryptocurrency transactions and keep them secure. Of course we'll also tackle the risks associated with investing in a new technology, and how difficult it is to pinpoint which of the thousands of cryptocurrencies currently on the market will be the "winner" in the end. Kiana also talks about her international upbringing, with a childhood in Iran, her time spent in Japan, and how that shaped her perspective on a de-centralized currency like Bitcoin. Kiana also shares her thoughts on exactly when we're all going to be able to use cryptocurrency in a "real" way, to pay for things on our mobile devices, just like we would with any other purchasing app. Hint: The future isn't so very far away. ...more

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• EP 176: Resilience And True Wealth With Veronica Dagher

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  Aug 28 2019

  When many people hear the word "wealth," they think about dollars and cents — but it's oh-so-much more than that, according to our guest this week, Veronica Dagher. Veronica is an award-winning reporter for the Wall Street Journal, co-host of the “Secrets of Wealthy Women” podcast, and author of the new ebook, Resilience: How 20 Ambitious Women Used Obstacles to Fuel Their Success. Veronica shares some of the biggest lessons she's learned from the incredible women featured on her podcast, including Ayesha Curry, Maria Sharapova and Barbara Corcoran. She also dishes on the most important career and financial advice she's gotten from female CEOs and other women leaders. Listen in as Veronica shares her advice for what to do when you're afraid to take that leap in life and in business, and why you should never give up. She also discusses the best financial advice her mom ever gave her, and why she followed it to the letter once she was out on her own. Then, in mailbag, Jean tackles a question from a listener who's unsure how to fund her family's much-needed home improvements, and also offers advice for how best to ask for a raise at your annual review. She also dives in to help out a woman who is considering buying a home for her aging mother-in-law — but only if it's not going to put her own retirement at risk. Lastly, in Thrive, we tackle the problem of the boomerang kid — the adult child who moves back home with mom and dad. Jean gives us a run-down on how to set those all-important boundaries so that your sanity and your relationship with your child remain strong. ...more

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• Ep 175: Investing For Good, With Nicole Connolly

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  Aug 21 2019

  Is ESG investing on your radar yet? That stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it’s a huge trend — particularly among women and millennials — who want to invest in companies they can feel good about.  In this week’s episode, Jean sits down with Nicole Connolly, Head of ESG investing and Portfolio Manager for the Women’s Leadership Fund at Fidelity Investments. She breaks down how we can all put our money where our mouth is when it comes to supporting companies that are doing the right thing. Because, newsflash — we no longer have to choose between doing well financially and making an impact in the world. In fact, you can actually make more money by doing good. Nicole shares how some of the highest-ranking ESG companies outperform the market by around 2% per year, and breaks down how you can get involved, and use ESG as part of your overall investing and retirement strategy. Hint: These companies exist in every sector!  Nicole also talks about the Women’s Leadership Fund at Fidelity Investments, a fund that invests in companies that support future female leaders. She dishes on why more companies today are doing the right thing by society and the world, by being more environmentally conscious, having more women in the C-suite, having more diversity on their boards, and much more. In other words, we can all get returns with a purpose and align our capital and our values in a way that also generates superior returns and is sustainable.   Then, in mailbag, Jean breaks down tax laws for folks with side hustles, and talks about how we can all strike a balance between investing using your head and your heart. Lastly, in thrive, Jean breaks down eight reasons why you might be unhappy at work, and how to fix them.  ...more

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• Ep 174: Money-Saving Coupon Strategies With Joanie Demer

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  Aug 14 2019

  Listen in as Joanie talks about her journey into couponing, and how she went from being skeptical that it would work to being "all-in." (Hint: Her enthusiasm might have something to do with the fact that she saved $100 on her first trip to the store with coupons!) She also dishes on the Krazy Coupon Lady's vibrant online community, and some of the advice they share with one another. For example, just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you should go shopping. Learn what style of couponing may work best for you, and how 10 minutes of effort each week could save you $50. You'll also hear Joanie discuss some of the mistakes she's made (hello, high fiber oatmeal) and the differences in the type of discounts offered by loyalty programs, in-store promotions and coupon stacking.  Then, in Mailbag Jean discusses negotiating vacation days and a flexible schedule as part of your total compensation package, how to successfully (and easily) consolidate retirement accounts, and whether or not there's a benchmark spending timeline for retirement like there is for saving. Lastly, in Thrive, Jean talks about the evolution of the wedding registry. It's not your mother's china patterns anymore. These days, Millennials are registering for down payments on homes, experiences, even fertility treatments. Learn why there's been such a radical shift.  ...more

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• Ep 173: Working It After A Career Break With Addie Swartz

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  Aug 07 2019

  If you haven't taken a career break yourself, chances are you know someone who has. Today, 85% of millennials are planning to take career breaks, but unfortunately, returning to the workforce after time away can be much more challenging than landing that first job. This week, Jean sits down with Addie Swartz, CEO of ReacHIRE, a company that partners with Fortune 500 companies to create re-entry opportunities for women of all ages, at all stages of their careers. Addie, who is a serial entrepreneur and also a mom of two, talks about the resources women need to get back to work, including free online courses, resume updates, and networking. She also offers insider tips on how using the right keywords on your application can help your resume rise to the top of digital applicant systems and databases. Jean and Addie also explore the variety of compensation packages available on the market right now, and why no decision should ever be made based on salary alone.  In Mailbag, Jean dishes on the best bank and investment account security protocols, and dives into some of the best ways to eliminate credit card debt and get that "sparkle" back in your life. And, in Thrive, a look at why remote workers are not only happier, they're also (gasp!) more productive.          ...more

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• Ep 172: Claire Wasserman And How Ladies Can Get Paid More

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  Jul 31 2019

  When's the last time you asked for a raise? In this week's episode, Jean sits down with Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, a career development organization that helps women negotiate for pay and power at work. Claire dishes on power, value, and the wage gap in the workplace, and why women have to ask for more money. She also talks about her journey to becoming a feminist and the best advice she's ever been given around negotiating and asking for more money. She walks us through the negotiating process and tells us why, anytime you negotiate, you should walk through the door with three numbers in mind. (Hint: that first salary offer you get is only a starting point for your negotiating!) Plus, in mailbag, Jean tackles questions about home building, some of the best ways to increase your retirement savings, and in Thrive, Kelly shares the top money lessons she's learned after spending six years working with Jean. ...more

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• Ep:171 The Master Cleanse For Your Money

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  Jul 24 2019

  Today, most of us are taking better care of our health. We’re more active, get more Vitamin D, and stress a little less. As for our finances, sometimes these feel-good vibes — including summer vacations — cause us to amp up our spending. If your wallet is starting to sweat (like ours), then Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of The 30-Day Money Cleanse, is here to whip our finances back into shape. We also have a candid discussion on the divisive latte — you don’t want to miss it. In Mailbag, is it smarter to pay additional money toward the principal on a home mortgage or to invest that money in an index fund? Plus: In case you hadn’t heard, there’s lots of good news for borrowers on the horizon — fixed mortgage rates and interest on federal student loans are heading down. We discuss. ...more

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• Ep 170: Travel Savings Secrets From An Instagram Influencer

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  Jul 17 2019

  You know those people on Instagram who are always traveling to fabulous places, making you question a number of things like: How do they make it work? How do they afford it? And why aren’t you doing the SAME thing?! Or is that just us? This week we’re getting all of the answers — and travel savings secrets — from Rachel Rudwall, an Emmy-nominated on-camera host and producer, who has traveled to all seven continents, lived in three countries and journeyed through nearly 70 nations — all on a limited budget. She’s got millions of airline miles and she knows how to use them. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on pensions and other retirement savings strategies. And, in Thrive, how to make the most of your travel rewards credit card. ...more

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• Ep 169: Fear Factor. It May Not Be Possible To Conquer All Your Fears Before You Take Financial Action. It's Also Unnecessary.

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  Jul 10 2019

  When you look back at all of the things you haven’t done with your money, or your career, what stopped you? What held you back? Maybe you were scared — of what would happen, of failure, of the reaction of the people you know and love. Although getting over fear may be a goal, there's another way: You could do it scared. So says our guest Ruth Soukup, author of “Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, and Create a Life You Love.”  She walks us through how and why it works. Then, in Mailbag, we answer your questions on where to build your savings to buy your first home and why we have many (!) credit scores. Plus: Summer travelers beware! You now stand a higher chance of getting bumped off your flight. Our advice in Thrive. Have you entered to win two floor seats for the Rolling Stones No Filter Tour this summer?! Enter at https://www.hermoney.com/rolling-stones/! ...more

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• Ep 168: How To Take Your Side Hustle Or Job To The Next Level

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  Jul 03 2019

  We’ve had a handful of stellar (and free!) career coaching sessions on HerMoney, and this week we’re building on those learnings with a session with entrepreneur coach Ali Brown. Over the last 15 years, Brown has advised and helped nurture the businesses of many of the women you see today online pulling in millions (sometimes 10s of millions) a year. Learn how to stand out online in 2019 and position yourself as a ‘category of one,’ understand tall poppy syndrome, avoid excellence burnout and master the 80/20 rule with your time. Then, in Mailbag, we answer your questions on how to create a budget in retirement, when young adults should get their first credit cards and how one woman can approach the guilt and embarrassment she feels around her financial success. And if you’re looking to buy a home, and, financially, just can’t swing it? Stick around for Thrive. P.S. We’re giving away two floor seats to almost every stop in the Rolling Stones No Filter Tour this summer, and we want you to win! Enter at https://www.hermoney.com/rolling-stones/! ...more

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• Ep 167: Build Better Habits With Charles Duhigg

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  Jun 26 2019

  You’re trying to save more money, but can’t find the spare change. You’re trying to exercise more, but end up making monthly donations to your gym. You’re trying to stop snacking at 4:00pm, but reach for the cookie like clockwork. That last one was exactly what was happening to Charles Duhigg. Intrigued by his personal frustration with breaking certain habits for himself, the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist went on to become an expert on habits — and how to change them — writing two bestsellers, “The Power of Habit” and “Smarter Faster Better,” along the way. With his help, we explore the psychology behind habit formation and discuss his research-backed solutions for long-term behavior change. In Mailbag, we go over how to choose a Roth IRA, a financial planner and how to start investing with your kids. And finally, in Thrive, we’re talking about women rocking it in all professions. P.S. We’re giving away two floor seats to almost every stop in the Rolling Stones No Filter Tour this summer, and we want you to win! Enter at https://www.hermoney.com/rolling-stones/! ...more

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• Ep 166: Can Fertility Tech Save You Time And Money?

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  Jun 19 2019

  “Do you want kids?” Like it or not, it’s a question you’ve probably been asked (many times). No matter what your answer is, having a baby isn’t cheap. It’s about $11,000, on average, and that’s without complications. Run into fertility issues, as many, many women do, and solutions can run into the thousands. Enter FemTech: Companies and products that are looking to tackle fertility, like Ava, a wearable fertility tracker. This week we’re with Ava’s co-founder and president, Lea von Bidder, to discuss all things fertility, including the emotional and financial costs that come with it. In Mailbag, we discuss incorporating tax diversification into retirement planning, fixing errors on our credit reports and understanding our credit score fluctuations. Plus: Balancing kids and career is never easy, but if it seems that men make the transition into parenthood much easier than women — that’s because, well, they do. We discuss why in Thrive. ...more

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• Ep 165: From A Penny In Savings To A Millionaire In Five Years. Meet Grant Sabatier.

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  Jun 12 2019

  What's your most limited resource? Money? We get how it can feel that way, but the real answer is time. You can earn more money. You can't get more hours or minutes or seconds...or years.  The latter — particularly as it relates to compound interest, giving your money time to grow — is just one of the things we dive into with the inspiring Grant Sabatier, a proponent of the "Financial Independence, Retire Early" (FIRE) movement, and author of “Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need.” (Note: If you're catching up, we've talked about FIRE in Episodes 145 and 146.) Sabatier shares his recent journey with FIRE and how he went from broke — literally $2.26 in his checking and $0.01 in his savings — to millionaire to financially independent in roughly five years. Oh yeah, and he's in his early 30s. Then, in Mailbag, does going to a more expensive college mean more success? Plus: How to tackle (what feels like) crippling credit card debt. And since we also discuss how to increase our incomes with Grant, we thought it’d be a good time to review some best practices for asking for a raise. Dos and don’ts in Thrive. ...more

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• Ep 164: She Said, She Said With Laura Cox Kaplan

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  Jun 05 2019

  Whether you're reading the list of Fortune 500 CEOs and board members, or a roster of members of Congress, the lack of women in numbers is hugely apparent. It provided the impetus for Laura to start her “She Said / She Said” podcast and this week we're digging into how to bridge the gap — for ourselves and for society as a whole. As the 2020 elections draw closer, it's a conversation that can't come soon enough. In Mailbag, fraud alerts vs. credit freezes, and how to say, “no, thank you,” to buying into all of your friends’ side hustles. In this week’s Thrive: What does it mean to short a stock? We discuss. ...more

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• Ep 163: Take Your Investments To The Next Level

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  May 29 2019

  You've been telling us you want more shows on investing. We listened. This week, we're in conversation with Erin Lowry, who's just out with her new book: “Broke Millennial Takes On Investing: A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up Your Money.” She did the legwork on everything from opening accounts (what kind?), figuring out what to put in them (stocks, bonds, funds?), how to invest when you want to make an impact in the world and more. In Mailbag: How to handle a rental property that’s underwater, and financial tradeoffs (invest or pay down the mortgage?). And, in Thrive, are you spending more on food than retirement? Time to make some changes. ...more

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• Ep 162: Earning It With Mika Brzezinski & Daniela Pierre-Bravo

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  May 22 2019

  This week, a lesson in resilience. We're talking with Mika Brzezinski, co-host of Morning Joe and founder of Know Your Value, and Daniela Pierre-Bravo, her Morning Joe producer. The two have teamed up on a new book, “EARN IT! Know Your Value and Grow Your Career, in Your 20s and Beyond,” inspired by Daniela's journey from DACA recipient/DREAMer, struggling to pay her way through college, to NYC success. It involves Greyhound busses, resume fibs and other details you're going to want to hear — as well as their great advice for positioning yourself to rise in any career. In Mailbag: Can you put a price on happiness and Roth 401(k)s? And, in Thrive, what to do when politics are causing whiplash in your portfolio. ...more

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• Bonus Mailbag #13

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  May 17 2019

  It was a rough week for the markets. Our advice? Instead of checking your accounts (in fact, do yourself a favor and remember, it’s a long-term game), tune into this new bonus show and catch up on past episodes. In this Bonus Mailbag, we discuss the documentation needed for purchasing a home and the decision to tap into an IRA before retirement. Should you ever consider this, and, if so, under what circumstances? Plus: How to find the right financial planner, how to approach paying off six-figure student debt and when to pull money from your savings for your investments? Are you among the many women who have money in savings that should be invested instead? Let’s find out! ...more

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• Ep 161: For Women Who Do Too Much (Like You!)

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  May 15 2019

  Do you have a degree in anticipating other people’s needs before your own? Does your brain house the master to-do list for not just you, but for your entire family? Don your crown. You're a queen of emotional labor — the unpaid and often unnoticed work that many women do to keep their loved ones happy. This week’s guest, Gemma Hartley, made the concept a worldwide conversation with her viral article, "Women Aren’t Nags; We’re Just Fed Up." In this episode, she shares her story, the deets on her book and helpful tips for how to (really) cut back. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on how to invest in Roth IRAs, prioritize saving versus investing, plus the dos and don’ts for downsizing. And, in Thrive, HerMoney editor in chief Kathryn Tuggle (woot!) joins us to discuss best practices for using your professional networks to land your next job. ...more

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• Ep 160: The Mom Of The CEO-Sisters Of YouTube And 23andMe Tells Us How To Raise Successful People

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  May 08 2019

  Just in time for Mother’s Day (Happy Mother’s Day, BTW) we’re speaking with Esther Wojcicki, a leading American educator, journalist, and mother, who raised three superstar daughters, Susan, the CEO of YouTube, Janet, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California-San Francisco and Anne, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe. She’s got simple advice for raising successful people (which clearly works) and a new book that promises "radical results."  In Mailbag, we dive into where you can get the biggest returns on your savings and whether those credit card interest rates can really be negotiated. Plus: Another tax filing season has come and gone. What did the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act really do for your wallet? ...more

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• Ep 159: Til Debt Do Us Part? How One Couple Conquered Debt Together

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  May 01 2019

  Money is a leading cause of stress in relationships, and, consequently, a leading cause of divorce. But not for the McNeely’s. Talaat and Tai McNeely, the couple behind His and Her Money, paid down one partner’s $30,000 credit card debt—and a $330,000 mortgage—together. They tell us how, and, get this: They never fight about money. Yes, we asked for all the secrets. In Mailbag, one listener questions whether achieving a perfect credit score of 850 is actually possible. It is. (It’s not easy, but it is.) We go over how to boost your score, how to build credit for new college grads and how to work through decision fatigue when it comes to your finances. Plus: Venmo recently changed its user agreement to indicate that it may “engage in collection and other efforts” to recover lost monies. Will you be receiving a Venmo from them? We know, very meta. Find out in Thrive. ...more

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• Ep 158: Color Commentary With Amy Errett

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  Apr 24 2019

  “Life isn’t about winning. Life is about a journey. Life is about finding your happiness with whatever that genius is that you have.” So says Amy Errett, founder and CEO of Madison Reed, the beauty brand that’s challenging industry titans in the hair color space. She walks us through her career highlights and lowlights (ba-dum-bum!), including an unexpected firing that changed her entire perspective on work, family, happiness…and life. Plus, as a VC, she shares her take on the elements that create a successful business. In Mailbag, we discuss what you can do with your 401(k) if you’re leaving your job—and budgeting for charitable giving with donor advised funds. In Thrive, if we’ve learned anything in the past month, it’s that there’s a right way and a wrong way to get your kid into college. But just because you aren’t out there bribing coaches doesn’t mean you might not be making a few mistakes of your own. We discuss. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 157: LGBTQ Money Matters

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  Apr 17 2019

  Did you know that one in two LGBTQ adults associate money with anxiety, which is significantly more than straight, cisgender people who do? That was just one of our important takeaways from the 2019 LGBTQ Money Matters Survey, which was driven by this week’s guests, Tobin Low and Kathy Tu, hosts of the Nancy podcast and special series, Queer Money Matters. We discuss their findings, their stories and solutions for the increased costs the LGBTQ community often face when it comes to careers, parenthood, marriage, healthcare and more. In Mailbag, we discuss a hierarchy of how to use your tax return money with debt, emergency savings, retirement savings and family planning all in mind. Plus: Tax filing exemptions for expats. In Thrive, we’re talking about the “Failure to Launch” effect. In other words, what to do when parents are financially supporting their adult children for much longer than they thought they’d be…we discuss! ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #12

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  Apr 12 2019

  Remember our recent listener survey? (Thank you to everyone who weighed in!) One major finding: You want more Mailbag. Message received. In this bonus show, we discuss: the tax differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, the best places to save and grow money for short-term goals, the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, the considerations for one listener who might get a home equity loan to help her daughter pay down debt and why freezing your credit is still a must. Have a question for the show? Email them to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 156: Supporting The Girls Up Top

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  Apr 10 2019

  For many of the female founders we’ve featured on the show, either personal problems or macro pain points served as inspiration for their companies. For Heidi Zak, ThirdLove, was no different. Nearly seven years ago, the co-founder and co-CEO set out to change the dismal relationship she, and—as it turns out—millions of other women (including the HerMoney team) have with their bras. “Every woman has a bra story,” she says, and this week we hear hers, discuss ours, and learn the best practices for buying, maintaining and even donating bras. (If you’re like us, you’re doing it wrong!) Plus: Heidi gets honest about her experience in building and scaling a company that’s unapologetically for women. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on consolidating 401(k)s, picking a retirement plan when your company doesn’t offer one and using company stock for making a down payment on a first home. We end the show with some important news on finding love in the digital age: “Romance scams” are costing people more money than any other form of fraud, according to the FTC. Looking to donate your bras? Here are two options: -https://isupportthegirls.org/ -https://brarecyclingagency.com/ And if you know of any others, please email us at contact@hermoney.com! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 155: How To Talk About Money With Your Loved Ones

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  Apr 03 2019

  We’re at HerMoney headquarters this week, because when Carl Richards flies nearly 9,000 miles from New Zealand to New York City, has time to record and your studio is temporarily unavailable, you make it work. Carl is a CFP, an author, The Sketch Guy for The New York Times and the creator of a new workshop geared towards helping couples talk about money called “Talking About Money”—and that’s exactly what we do this week. Carl teaches us why talking about money with our partners and spouses can be tricky and how we can become better communicators. We lose the shame, we lose the blame and we learn to take “time outs.” It’s a must-listen. In Mailbag, we discuss closing credit cards without lowering your credit score, and why you might want to consider investing in a Roth IRA over a Traditional IRA after contributing the max to your employer’s plan. And, inspired by our conversation with Carl, in Thrive, we talk about first impressions and why your nonverbal expressions matter when making connections. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 154: Invest Like A Woman

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  Mar 27 2019

  Building off of last week’s “Women With Money” episode that focused on how and why more of us should be investing in addition to our retirement accounts, we’re with investing expert Manisha Thakor. She’s VP of financial wellbeing at Brighton Jones and host of the “true WELLth podcast.” We discuss the psychology of investing, the difference between active versus passive investing styles and best practices for working with financial advisors. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on closing credit cards without hurting your credit, whether it’s a smart move to help a boyfriend’s family with student loan debt and the complications that can ensue come tax time. Plus: Our Thrive segment is courtesy of one of our amazing listeners, Pam, who emailed us a few weeks back after Episode 149, in which we talked about the new rules of resume writing. Her advice will help your resume get seen! P.S. Jean’s new book, “Women With Money,” hits stands this week! Order yours today at WomenWithMoneyBook.com. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 153: Women With Money

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  Mar 20 2019

  The tables are turning for women and money—and the roles are reversing in this week’s episode. To celebrate the upcoming launch of Jean’s new book, “Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve,” Kelly interviews Jean for the very first time. Women have more money and more power than ever before and there’s more coming our way. We talk about the important ways in which we can use our money and our power to make life better for us, for the people we love and for the world. Above all, learn more about Jean—and why this book is more personal for her than any other book she’s written before. We close the show by answering your questions (of course) on paying off mortgages in the FIRE movement, FAFSA considerations for students who take breaks between school, the pros of tax-deductible IRAs and more. Women With Money is available for preorder now on WomenWithMoneyBook.com. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 152: The Lazy Woman’s Guide To Cooking With (None Other Than) Melissa Clark!

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  Mar 13 2019

  When it comes to saving more money, you’re tired of hearing to pack your lunch and make your own coffee, right? We get it. Because we’re tired of it, too. Trouble is, many of us do spend the majority of our disposable income on food. We literally eat our money. If we could get ourselves to cook even a little bit more, we could seriously save. Which is why we were so thrilled to hear cookbook author and New York Times food columnist, Melissa Clark, tell us she cooks, because she’s lazy. Seriously. She argues that it’s a lot less work than eating out. And she has a point. Which you’ll see as she takes us through cost-effective recipes, some common excuses for not cooking and which ingredients and kitchen supplies you can cut corners on. (If it sounds like we’re geeking out, it’s because we are. Just a little bit.) In Mailbag, we answer your questions on renovating a house, paying off five-figure credit card debt and setting up 529s for nieces and nephews. Plus: Did you know over 90% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to check you out? We discuss what to have on your profile. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 151: Why You Need A Work Wife

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  Mar 06 2019

  When it comes to being happy at work, guess which factor matters the most? The nature of our work? No. The money? Nope. OK, it’s the people we work with. And, if you’re lucky, you have a work wife. This week we’re with Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur, work wives and founders of the popular fashion and design website, Of a Kind. They’re out with the new book, inspired by their relationship, “Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses.” We discuss why these relationships are valuable (in more ways than one), how to take a friendship to the next level (i.e., starting a business together) and how to talk money with your besties, in general. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on the concept of gender-neutral investing and where to invest and save for the short-term. And since we’re on the subject of relationships, would you break up with someone because of their credit card debt? Interesting research in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 150: It’s Time For A Resiliency Booster

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  Feb 27 2019

  We’re sitting down with Emmy award-winning journalist and producer, Laura Ling. (Yes, the Laura Ling who was was arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days after reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women.) She’s now the host of the Everyday Bravery podcast, which documents people overcoming hardships. We discuss how to build your resiliency muscle, the power of mentorship and her personal caregiving story (a reminder that if you’re taking care of kids and your parents simultaneously, a) you’re not alone and b) you’re nothing short of amazing!). In Mailbag, we answer your questions on negotiating benefits packages and investing in real estate. Plus: Another friendly reminder to just say NO to store credit cards. Why in Thrive. The HerMoney Listener Survey: http://hermoney.com/survey ...more

  Episode

• Ep 149: Do You Speak Millennial?

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  Feb 20 2019

  How about Xer? Boomer? Having a multigenerational team at work can be a wonderful thing. The diversity of ages brings different experiences, different lenses—all of which can strengthen your company’s culture and increase your chances of success. But communication across the generations? That can be trying. Enter our guest, executive coach Lisa Lord. After today’s session — i.e. episode — you’ll have a new framework for figuring out what you want out of your job, how to interact effectively with all of your colleagues and even how to score a promotion you’re not qualified for (yet). In Mailbag, we answer your questions on where to save or invest money for a first home and financial considerations for first-time parents. Stick around for Thrive to hear the new rules of résumés. Have you taken our listener survey yet: http://hermoney.com/survey? To improve the show, we’re conducting a survey to learn more about you, what you think and what you want more (or less) of moving forward. It should take five minutes of your time. As a thank you—upon completion—we’ll enter you into our giveaway of $100 Amazon gift cards and signed copies of Jean’s new book, “Women With Money.” ...more

  Episode

• Ep 148: Talk Taxes To Me

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  Feb 13 2019

  With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, we decided to romance you with an entire show dedicated to your taxes. We shouldn’t have, right? But we did—because this will be the first filing season that taxpayers see the full effects of the tax reform that was passed in 2017. And given that this was one of the biggest overhauls of the tax code in over 30 years, there will be tons of changes. Will they affect you? Let’s find out. Our date and tax expert this week is Maggie Klokkenga, senior advisor at Clayton Financial Group. Maggie is both a CPA and CFP®, and, best of all, she’s a longtime HerMoney community member. (What? You’re not in our private Facebook group?) In Mailbag, we answer your questions on backdoor Roth IRAs, 529 savings plans, tax software and filing jointly. Plus: If you’re one of the many people who didn’t adjust their tax withholding last year—or you can’t remember the last time you did—then it’s time to do that. We tell you how. As always, thank you for listening. To improve the show, we’re conducting a survey to learn more about you, what you think and what you want more (or less) of moving forward. The survey should take five minutes of your time. As a thank you—upon completion—we’ll enter you into our giveaway of $100 Amazon gift cards and signed copies of Jean’s new book, “Women With Money.” Please share your opinion here: http://hermoney.com/survey Resources mentioned in the show: IRS Withholding Calculator NerdWallet Withholding Calculator ...more

  Episode

• Ep 147: Do You Have The Mentality Of A Millionaire?

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  Feb 06 2019

  “Becoming a millionaire is not a private country club—it’s a result of many many years of hard work.” This week we’re back with retirement expert and Ramsey Personality, Chris Hogan, who’s out with his new book, “Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth—and How You Can Too.” Chris and the Ramsey research team surveyed over 10,000 U.S. millionaires to discover how they reached seven-figure status. Not surprisingly, it starts with getting in the right headspace. Oh, and Andy Puddicombe, consider Chris your competition. (If you listened to Episode 49, then you know what we’re talking about!) In Mailbag, we answer your questions on being more hands-on with your retirement investments, budgeting for childcare and retirement planning with a pension. Then, should you share your salary with your colleague—your male colleagues? We discuss in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 146: One Woman’s Journey To Financial Independence

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  Jan 30 2019

  Building on last week’s episode on the FIRE movement, this week we sit down with Jamila Souffrant, creator of the blog and podcast, Journey To Launch, in which she chronicles her and her family’s experience towards financial independence. “For most people who hear about FIRE movement it seems overwhelming,” says Jamila. “I like to modify it and say it [financial independence] can mean anything you want it to mean. In my case, it meant I wanted to retire from my corporate job to do work I love.” Jamila is candid on how she and her husband increased their savings rate, modified their investments and managed their accounts together to make this happen. In fact, we all might want to take a lesson in financial togetherness (and respect) from this couple. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on maxing out 401(k)s without compromising your short-term goals, protecting your finances when buying property with a future spouse and funding HSAs. And Jamila’s story has us wondering: Do you feel engaged in what you’re doing at work? If not, we discuss new research that can help in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 145: Ring The Alarm! We’re Talking FIRE

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  Jan 23 2019

  Only you can prevent running out of money in retirement. OK, we’ll cool it with the fire and Smokey The Bear puns. This savings crisis is one we’ve covered before, but this week we’re discussing what thousands of people are calling the solution: The FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Movement. Our two experts, Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett, co-hosts of the ChooseFi podcast, explain what it is, its “simple math” and why it’s so popular: “You know, I think all of us kind of understand the golden years are the years that you’re allowed to do everything that you’ve really wanted,” says Jonathan. “Now society has given you the permission to go do that…I don’t just want my golden years right—I want my best years.” Then, in Mailbag, we answer your questions on how college students can start investing and building credit when they have none. Plus, there’s another gap—not in our favor—we can add to the list: the stress gap. Sigh, and talk solutions with us in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 144: The Emotional & Financial Debt From Being Duped

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  Jan 16 2019

  Double lives. Deception. Shame. Nope, it’s not an episode of “Dirty John” (though it could be)—it’s this week’s podcast. Abby Ellin, an award-winning journalist and author of the new book: “Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married,” is in the studio and does she have a story to tell! She also equips us with advice for how to be smarter even when we’re confronted with some of the most-skilled liars. Then, in Mailbag, we discuss how you can ask for more financial responsibility at home without implying you don’t trust your partner—and we answer your questions on long-term care policies for singles (plus other insurances singles should strongly consider) and the 4% retirement rule. In Thrive, staying on the theme of couples and money: Who do you think should pick up the check on a date? We discuss. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 143: For More Wealth, Freedom & Peace Of Mind in 2019, Practice The Art Of Abundance

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  Jan 09 2019

  We’re in the second week of 2019 — and with our New Year’s resolutions fresh in our minds — we thought it’d be an opportune time to talk about abundance. Or rather, the art of abundance with Leisa Peterson. Leisa is a wealth coach, business strategist, podcaster and author, who is known for her ability to quickly identify the exact issues that are holding us back from achieving our goals. She’s helped thousands of people (including us) develop practical skills for attracting greater wealth, freedom and peace of mind. In Mailbag, we cover your questions on refinancing student debt, aligning your budget with your ethics and exploring career opportunities in the financial services industry. Finally, have you heard of the FIRE movement? We’ve mentioned it on the show before and we have a podcast dedicated to it coming up soon. In the meantime, a FIRE 101 in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 142: Your Investing Questions Answered with Fidelity’s Kathy Murphy

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  Jan 02 2019

  Happy New Year HerMoney! Goodbye 2018 and goodbye investing confidence gap. After decades of focusing on why women weren’t investing, the broader conversation is shifting to why — and how — women are growing their wealth. We’re kicking off another fantastic year of important conversations with HerMoney’s champion from day one, Kathy Murphy. She’s the president of personal investing at Fidelity, which is out with new research on women and investing. A finding we’re thrilled to hear: Over 70% of women say it’s time to demand more from their money and that they’re going to take action in the next six months. Let’s join them! Kathy tells us how. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on Social Security, opening up a Roth IRA and buying a house in the current market. Plus: We know women are more likely to take career breaks for childcare — and now we have an idea of how much it can cost them. We discuss in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 141: The Earlier You Start Talking Money With Your Kids, The Better

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  Dec 26 2018

  Too many of us can relate to the fact that personal finance wasn’t something we were taught growing up. It’s a big reason why this show exists and it’s also why Dina Shoman founded inherQuests, a company that creates financial education products for kids. She’s on a mission to increase financial literacy for our future generations, starting with little girls. She shares what’s working, what isn’t and how we can start talking to our kids about money in a way that sticks. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on getting out of debt, getting money in foreign countries and combining finances for newlyweds. Finally, you know we love highlighting gratitude practices, especially the simple ones, like writing thank-you notes. But it turns out if you’re writing one to a hiring manager, you might want to put away the pen and paper. Why in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 140: Build Your Blueprint For Longevity & Vitality With Jillian Michaels

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  Dec 19 2018

  This week, we’re tackling the subject of aging, which, according to new research, more women are looking forward to. Excuse us? Yep, financial challenges aside, more women are excited about aging, particularly about what their lives will look like as they age. It’s rooted in the idea of, “The best is yet to come.” But the best will only come if you’re feeling your best, and that means taking care of yourself. Enter: The always-wonderful Jillian Michaels. Just days after losing her home in the California Camp Fire, Jillian spent time with us to discuss her latest book, “The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty.” We run through all six and how you can apply them today, because “Aging gracefully doesn’t have to mean giving up and accepting decay,” writes Jillian. “It means keeping yourself in fantastic health, inside and out, for a hell of a long time …” In Mailbag, we answer your questions on union memberships, rebalancing 401(k)s and prioritizing HSAs. Then, if you’re like us — and many other rewards-points junkies — the allure of getting a new credit card with a big, fat rewards bonus sends your heart fluttering: 50,000 points, 70,000, 100,000, oh my! But, what then? How to maximize them in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 139: Yes, Women Want & Need Different Financial Advice

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  Dec 12 2018

  We’ve got the O.G. B.F.F. (best financial friend) on the show this week. Shannon McLay is the founder and CEO of The Financial Gym, a financial services company that’s disrupting the industry’s approach with women (and some men) on how they overhaul their relationships with money and work towards financial success. We discuss why women want (and need) different financial advice, what’s working, what isn’t and how Shannon is successfully raising capital for her company from men who can’t relate. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on finding a job in the financial services industry, balancing wants vs. needs and understanding an annuity alongside other retirement accounts. Finally, because there’s so much going on in our world that’s blazing a light on our differences rather than our similarities, we thought it would be nice to focus on something we all want: happiness. Join us in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 138: All About 529 College Savings Plans

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  Dec 05 2018

  Earlier this year, America’s student debt hit 1.5 trillion dollars — and guess who holds most of it? Yep, us ladies. We hold nearly two-thirds of all student loan debt in the United States. To bring it closer to home, the average graduate walked off campus with around $39,400 last year, which is up six percent from 2016. It’s trending up, so what can we do for ourselves and our loved ones to lower the cost? One (big) option: 529 college savings plans. We have Abby Chao, co-founder and COO of CollegeBacker, to talk us through what they are, how they work and how you can easily get your loved ones on board. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on retirement planning for when you’re out of work, credit cards for new adults and how to go from joint accounts to yours, mine and ours. In Thrive, HerMoney reporter Kathryn shares her coverage on the increase in workplace demotions. We discuss what to do and how to handle them. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 137: Be More Human, Erica Keswin Tells Us How

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  Nov 28 2018

  If you texted, emailed, Slacked and DM’d with people more than you talked to them face-to-face today, then this week’s episode is for you. Erica Keswin, author of the new book, “Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Surefire Ways to Design a Workplace That Is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World,” is all about learning how to speak in a human voice, finding the sweet spot between tech and connect and meetings that won’t waste your time. She’s our new girl crush. And we cover it all. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on selling stock, rolling over retirement accounts and dealing with medical collections. And, in Thrive, some great news: There are more 401(k) and IRA millionaires than ever before, according to a new report from Fidelity — woo-hoo! You can be one, too. Keep listening! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 136: Finding Roommates & Funding Businesses With Elien Becque

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  Nov 21 2018

  Finding roommates and funding businesses are no easy feats. Ask Elien Becque. She’s the founder and CEO of RoomZoom, a roommate matching web app designed to take the stress, financial risk and guesswork out of finding a roommate. We’ve covered the trend of more couples cohabitating before marriage to save money, but we haven’t discussed a similar trend of more Americans — in non-romantic relationships — choosing to room together for the same reason. Elien is our new guide for how to find the perfect match. She also gets real on the highs and lows of running an early-stage company — her entrepreneurial story is both refreshing and relatable. In Mailbag, Kelly and I talk Venmo and answer your questions on retirement: saving strategies with a pension, saving strategies without a pension and whether or not it’s OK to use them for paying off the mortgage. Plus: It’s Open Enrollment time. Are you set for next year? We discuss health care in Thrive. Something easier than choosing a health care plan? Subscribing to our free weekly newsletters! Just text “HERMONEY” to 888-111 to subscribe. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus: Smart Women & Smarter Money Choices, Part Two

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  Nov 16 2018

  TGIF! To celebrate, we’re taking you back to our live show at the PRX Podcast Garage in Boston. After our interview with Harvard’s Brigitte Madrian and our Mailbag (listen to both in Episode 134), we hosted a HerMoney Happy Hour. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy 30+ minutes of women getting real about their relationships with money.

  Episode

• Ep 135: Build Your Buzz, Your Brand, And, Yes, Your Business

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  Nov 14 2018

  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a wantrepreneur (our favorite new word) or neither, the ability to market yourself is crucial. We all need to be able to create strong brands — personal and professional — and this week we get advice on how from the best. Tina Wells, CEO and founder of Buzz Marketing Group, an agency that creates marketing strategies for clients within the beauty, entertainment, fashion, financial, and lifestyle sectors, gives us a private consultation. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on using life insurance plans for college savings, trusts, and credit card balance transfers. In Thrive, Fair Isaac Corp. — the creator of FICO credit score — is introducing a new scoring system called the UltraFICO in 2019. Learn how it could impact you. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 134: Smart Women & Smarter Money Choices, Part One

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  Nov 07 2018

  HerMoney recently went on a road trip to Boston for a live show with Harvard’s Brigitte Madrian at the PRX Podcast Garage. We discuss her extensive research on 401(k)s — savings rates, leakages and the possible relationship they have with credit card debt — if you were auto-enrolled into yours, then you definitely want to tune in. We also explore the idea of sidecar plans. Have you heard of them? In our live Mailbag, we answer attendees’ questions on how to get more of our girlfriends talking about money, how to approach the current real estate market, how to ride the stock market (rollercoaster) and more. In fact, so much more, including a taste of a HerMoney Happy Hour (!), that we’re making this a two-part special. Stay tuned for more! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 133: Is An Annuity Right For You?

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  Oct 31 2018

  We (and by we, we mean the entire personal finance community) talk a lot about saving for retirement, but not enough about how to make our money last as long as we’re going to. So we’re going to change that. One possible solution for better guaranteeing income in retirement: annuities. One woman who’s making annuities sound much sexier than they are: Elaine Larsen. At speeds of over 280 mph, Elaine has made a career out of going as fast as possible for five seconds down a straight and narrow quarter-mile track as hot-rod race car driver. However, after a major wreck in 2011, she realized she wasn’t invincible and that it was time to start planning for retirement. She shares her story and how an annuity was right for her and her family. In Mailbag — after retirement is taken care of, how should you invest an extra $10,000? We offer ideas and answer your other questions on freezing credit for toddlers and buying into CDs at credit unions. Plus: Venmo is about to get more expensive. Hear why in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 132: How Small Moves Can Make Big Impacts With Scott Harrison

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  Oct 24 2018

  With giving season upon us, we started asking ourselves how we can make bigger impacts — not just at the end of the year — but perhaps year round? We all have causes we care about, but when does it make sense to take donating money, time or resources a step further? When does it make sense to start a charity or not-for-profit organization of your own? To help us answer these questions, we’re sitting down with Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization charity: water, which focuses on the global water crisis and the world’s 663 million people without clean water to drink. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on healthcare plans for people in their 50s and 60s, forgotten stocks and freezing and unfreezing your credit — which you can now do for free. No more excuses — and more details in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 131: Ch-Ch-Changes With Lisa Oz & Jill Herzig

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  Oct 17 2018

  The loss of an identity. The loss of a paycheck. Sometimes they’re one in the same. This week we’re discussing how to navigate major life changes with two of my favorite women, Lisa Oz and Jill Herzig, great friends and hosts of the new podcast, “You Turns by HowStuffWorks.” We love the name — and the concept. We sit down with both to discuss the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly when making personal and professional transitions (e.g. sending a kid off to college or losing your job). In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on earning extra income while on Social Security Disability Income SSDI, and how to (nicely) ask your credit card company for lower interest rates. (Yes, it’s possible.) In Thrive, we discuss the new and troubling research that shows many women are opting for “intentional invisibility” in the office. P.S. If you’re in Boston, come see us LIVE on 10/27: https://bit.ly/2CS1Z5o. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 130: Politics, Parents & Caregiving with Soledad O’Brien

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  Oct 10 2018

  For many of us, the tables eventually turn, the roles reverse and it becomes time to take care of the people who took care of us for so many years. Becoming caregivers for our parents is often uncomfortable, emotional and comes at a time when many of us are still revving up at work (and, yes, women are more likely to leave the workforce for this, too). Stories like this week’s guest, award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien’s, remind us that we’re not alone in this. Soledad gets candid about her caregiving experience, her evolving relationship with money and what she’s hearing from other women leading up to this year’s midterm elections. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on warming up to Venmo (as a parent), accessing your free credit reports and investing $10,000 just because. And, whether you’re a parent of a college student or a college student yourself, building your credit while in school is not just smart, but doable. We tell you how. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 129: Getting Aroused With Randi Hutter Epstein

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  Oct 03 2018

  Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, oh my! This week we’re getting hormonal with my good friend, Randi Hutter Epstein, author of the new book: “Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything” — which, by the way, includes our finances. We talk emotions (and money), birth control (and money), egg freezing (and money) and how to save, yes, money, on shopping for medical care. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on selling stocks, protecting your newborn’s identity and HELOCs. And a question for all of us: Could our friendships be holding us back at work? We discuss in Thrive. If you haven’t already, please check out the *NEW* HerMoney.com — and please subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2DNigd4 ...more

  Episode

• Ep 128: New And Different Ways To Save For Retirement — That Actually Work

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  Sep 26 2018

  The fear that you’ll run out of money in retirement is big and real and daunting. Which is why we’re always excited to hear about it when someone — somewhere — has a new idea to help us conquer the challenges of making our money last. This week’s hero: Morningstar’s Head of Behavioral Science, Dr. Stephen Wendel. He outlines how a handful of modest (and specific!) changes, when made simultaneously, can amount to much bigger nest eggs. So, calm your retirement anxieties — and geek out on the research — with us. Then, in Mailbag, we’re discussing 401(k) rollovers, the 5-year rule on Roth IRAs and having a dedicated savings account for healthcare. And in Thrive, how to budget with a cash-only diet. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 127: Sex, Power & The Little Pink Pill

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  Sep 19 2018

  This week we’re speaking with a woman who’s on a mission to make other women, “really f***ing rich.” And who doesn’t like the sound of that? Cindy Eckert, founder and CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals is leading this charge, while simultaneously supercharging our sex lives. Her company — which she sold for $1 billion and bought back for practically nothing — created Addyi, the first ever FDA-approved drug for low sexual desire in women. We talk hormones, big pharma, negotiations and how to handle sexism. Her strategy: “Kill them with competence.” It’s a must-listen. In Mailbag, we dive into credit cards, student loans and other financial trade-offs. And, in Thrive, we discuss troubling research on the big little lies we tell when women outearn their husbands. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 126: Your Survival Guide For College App Season

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  Sep 12 2018

  It’s college application season for thousands of high school seniors across the country — and the ones who love them. Whether you’re up against the deadline this year — or see it coming around the corner — it’s never too early to start strategizing. We sat down with independent university admissions counselor and founder and CEO of IvyWise, Dr. Kat Cohen, to talk not just about reigning in the cost of college, but the cost of applying itself. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on wealth strategies for singles, bankruptcy scores and credit cards for young adults. Then, in Thrive, meet HerMoney reporter Kathryn Tuggle! She shares her reporting on how — and why — pet insurance can be a smart move. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #11

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  Sep 07 2018

  We have that back-to-school spirit over here and it inspired us to do a Bonus Mailbag! Here’s what’s on the syllabus: Ideas outside of retirement for investing “for fun,” the perks of making additional mortgage payments (but also whether you should? Think ROI!), 529 alternatives, why someone might put her home in a trust and how to build an emergency fund and pay down debt at the same time. Yes, it’s both possible and encouraged. Have a great weekend!

  Episode

• Ep 125: HerMoney Diary Entry No. 1

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  Sep 05 2018

  Dear HerMoney listeners, this week we’re getting up close and personal about our spending habits with Refinery29’s work & money director, Lindsey Stanberry. She’s here to discuss her new book, “Refinery29 Money Diaries: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Your Finances… And Everyone Else’s” — inspired by the viral series she launched that gives readers inside looks into the spending habits of millennial women across the country. (Warning: They’re addicting.) In Mailbag, Kelly and I start drafting our diary entries and answer your questions on credit card loyalty, balance transfers and one listener’s difficult decision to keep health insurance. And, in Thrive, the two biggest strategies for making sure that you’ll have enough money to last you in retirement. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 124: Two Personal Finance Experts Walk Into A Booth

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  Aug 29 2018

  A few episodes back, we talked about one of our friends in the personal finance community achieving a perfect credit score. Yes, a score of 850. I like to say you’re not your credit score, but in Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary’s case, you might want to be. She’s on this week to discuss her quest for perfection (honestly, she didn’t even have to try that hard), paying for college for her kids on a journalist’s salary, spending in line with your values and how to live a debt-free life. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on how to stay calm (and sane) when you or someone you love is about to take on significant student loans. We also talk Roth IRAs and how you really can earn money working from home. And, in Thrive, the importance of taking time off. It turns out not taking a vacation can cost you more than you think. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 123: Is Your Bank A Friend Or Frenemy?

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  Aug 22 2018

  This week’s big question: Do you trust your bank? Since 2008, the answer for many Americans has been…not so much. We’re diving into all your feels around our country’s banking system with UPenn’s Lisa Servon, author of “The Unbanking of America: How the New Middle Class Survives.” We discuss her take on banks large and small and why more Americans continue to flee traditional ones for both credit unions and fintech alternatives. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on catch-up strategies for retirement savings and whether buying your first (or second) home in your 20s is a viable investment strategy. And we wrap with a little econ talk. The US economy kicked into high gear this spring, but will it last? Stay tuned…. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 122: Financial Independence Means More Choices

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  Aug 15 2018

  Were you raised to be financially independent? Or did your childhood (rocky or otherwise) motivate you to seek financial independence out? These are questions inspired by this week’s guest MSNBC LIVE anchor Stephanie Ruhle, who spent 14 years working in finance before turning to a career in television. She opens up about her upbringing, offers her most important career advice and weighs in on financial advice she thinks women like us need most. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on SEP IRAs and high-interest checking accounts. In Thrive, we cover new, and yes, still frustrating, research on gender expectations. Listen in, roll your eyes with us and try our solution. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 121: Unlock Your Confidence With Cara Alwill Leyba

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  Aug 08 2018

  We’ve talked about the wage gap and the leadership gap — and we’ll keep talking ’til they’re closed — but we haven’t focused on a gap that is arguably at the root of all the others: The confidence gap. This week we dig deep with master life coach and fellow podcaster, Cara Alwill Leyba. She’s out with her new book: “Like She Owns The Place, Give Yourself The Gift of Confidence and Ignite Your Inner Magic.” We discuss what confidence means, looks like, feels like and how you, too, can light it up. In Mailbag, we’ve got questions (and answers, natch) on what to do with a CD that’s coming due, how to pay off your mortgage faster, and where to find a fee-only financial advisor. Plus: Amazon recently acquired PillPack, an online pharmacy startup that delivers medication to consumers’ doorsteps. Could it drive down drug prices? ...more

  Episode

• Ep 120: Your Skill Set Is Your Most Important Investment

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  Aug 01 2018

  When it comes to saving, investing and all things financial independence, Stella & Dot CEO and founder Jessica Herrin walks the talk. With the idea that nine-to-five doesn’t work for everybody, Herrin set out to reinvent what flexible income — and home business opportunities — look like for the modern woman. She speaks to the importance of saving and investing, but she and I agree that your most important investment is the one you make in your skill set — especially if you’re in the gig economy. In Mailbag, the pros and cons of using your savings to learn a new skill and checking your credit report and score for free. And speaking of credit scores…our friend Michelle Singletary (also a future guest) has a perfect one. We share how she achieved the 850 mark. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 119: Danica McKellar Schools Us On Math & Money

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  Jul 25 2018

  Kevin Arnold, we get it. Just like you fell for Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years, we’ve fallen for Danica McKellar IRL. (Case in point: When she played Monopoly growing up, she’d create emergency cash cushions by hiding her money from herself.) It’s no surprise that the actress many of us grew up with is also an internationally-recognized mathematician, who has her own theorem (yes, a theorem) and is the author a number of books aimed at helping girls in particular become more confident about math. She came on to talk about her latest — “Do Not Open This Math Book” — but also the origins of math phobias and why the stereotypes about women and math still linger today. It’s a must-listen. Then, in Mailbag, we answer your questions on life insurance for children, IRAs and finding an advisor that’s right for you. In Thrive, we cover new variables that could determine your credit opportunities. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 118: “Don’t Buy Shoes, Buy Buildings” with Nely Galán

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  Jul 18 2018

  What does it take to become self-made? For Nely Galán, the first Latina President of Entertainment for a U.S. television network (Telemundo), it required strategy, sacrifice and a whole lot of self-control. She joins us this week for an inspiring conversation on immigration, building wealth (if you’re interested in investing in real estate, this show’s for you) and why overachievers (hint, hint) need to slow down in order to accomplish more on our ever-growing to-do lists. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions whether it matters if your landlord reports your rent payments to the credit bureaus, and what to do if you have a house on the market that won’t sell, but is costing you more and more every month. And, in Thrive, we discuss how student debt in the U.S. has hit $1.5 trillion (yes, “trillion” with a “t”) for the first time ever — and how to pay yours down. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 117: The Relationship Between Ambition And Money

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  Jul 11 2018

  What’s your definition of success? Did your mind go straight to career? Family? Both? This week we’re tackling this loaded question with Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace, authors of the new book: “The Ambition Decisions: What Women Know About Work, Family, and the Path to Building a Life.” We discuss all things women and ambition — the realities of work-life balance, motherhood, what “counts” as ambition, success and more. Also, see if you’re a “High-Achiever,” an “Opt-Outer” or a “Life-Flexer” and what each could mean for your career, finances, love life and overall happiness. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on the percentage of income to save and how to go about getting 401(k) dollars from past employers. Plus: Wedding season isn’t the only season that’s in our midst — hurricane season has also begun. In Thrive, we’re talking whether or not you should consider flood insurance. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #10

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  Jul 04 2018

  Happy 4th of July HerMoney fam! To celebrate, we’re answering your questions. We discuss tuition reimbursement programs and the pros and cons of using a 0% APR credit card to cover it until your employer does. We bounce ideas around for one listener on how she can use her stellar financial habits — and credit — to boost her partner’s. Plus: How to waive annual fees on credit cards (and to justify them), the value of prenups for later-in-life marriages and negotiating your promotion post-maternity leave. That last one is tricky, but we came up with a script. We hope you enjoy this episode to or from your bbq — have a safe holiday! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 116: Let’s Talk About Death

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  Jun 27 2018

  “You lose your keys — not your loved ones,” so says Laurie Burrows Grad, whose husband died a few years back and who put her feelings into a wonderful book, “The Joke’s Over, You Can Come Back Now: How This Widow Plowed Through Grief and Survived.” In a conversation filled with heart, insight and laughter, she gives us a window on widowhood, schools us on what to say — and what not to say — to our friends and family who are grieving, tells us why you should let your widowed friends pick up the tab every once in a while and gives us the 411 on what to do financially when someone dies. With more women outliving men — and women being more likely to fare worse financially as widows — this episode is important for everyone to hear. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on aggressively saving for retirement (when it means taking on more credit card debt), diversifying your retirement savings between Traditional and Roth accounts and taking loans to pay off student loans. Then, stick around to up your privacy settings in Thrive. Did you know that if you have your privacy settings on “default,” Facebook lets marketers use your name in their Facebook ads, Amazon keeps recordings of all of your conversations with Alexa and Google saves a map of everywhere you go — and that’s just scratching the surface. We tell you how to go incognito. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 115: Our Girlfriend’s Financial Guide To Divorce

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  Jun 20 2018

  You asked, we listened: This week we’re talking about divorce — an important topic for all women whether you’re single, engaged or married. That’s why we brought in one of our go-to sources, divorce expert Stacy Francis, who recently wrote a white paper about the many financial challenges women face during and after divorce — based on first-hand research with 150 women. We discuss her surprising findings (e.g. many women feel most confident in their abilities to handle money when we’re single) and offer some advice on how to deal with divorce if it happens (or you suspect it might). In Mailbag, we cover your questions on balance transfer offers, investments for women in their 70s and how to prioritize retirement savings when paying off student debt. Then stick around for a brief discussion on financial infidelity in Thrive — have you committed it? ...more

  Episode

• Ep 114: Should You Pay Someone To Run Your Online Dating Profile? (And Other Matchmaking Questions)

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  Jun 13 2018

  Don’t get us wrong, we love talking about money — but we love talking about dating and relationships, too. And the two intersect in more ways than you might expect — which is why we decided to follow our hearts and invite a matchmaker on the show. This week we’re with Meredith Golden, former psychotherapist and founder of Spoon Meet Spoon, which specializes in dating apps. We learn how matchmaking is big business in the U.S. and how dating in general can add up to big bucks for you. We talk dating in the digital age, which apps are right for you, how to present yourself online and how to save money along the way. In Mailbag, Kelly and I discuss the idea of marrying someone’s debt, annuities and how much we spend on skincare and cosmetic products. (Yikes!) Join us and share HerMoney with a friend who needs this advice. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 113: You Can Be Nice & Still Get The Corner Office

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  Jun 06 2018

  Calling all nice girls — yes, you! We’re diving into the conflicted relationship women have with being nice — especially in the workplace — with the ultimate nice girl (and our new girl crush), Fran Hauser. She’s out with her first book, “The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate.” It’s important, because it’s a fine line to walk. When you’re nice, you can be seen as weak or ineffective. When you’re assertive, you’re bitchy. It sounds like a lose-lose, but Fran says it doesn’t have to be. She’s proof that you can be nice and successful simultaneously and she’s here to teach us how. In Mailbag, Kelly and I cover your questions on Roth IRAs for teens, umbrella life insurance policies for families and why you don’t touch a 401(k) before retirement. In Thrive, we talk about price protection on credit cards. Is this benefit soon to be a perk of the past? We discuss. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 112: The No Excuses Edition

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  May 30 2018

  Is history repeating itself when it comes to your money? Neither your savings nor debts are heading in the right directions. You still don’t understand how your 401(k) is invested and you can’t seem to get yourself to tackle the other money items on your list. Well — and we mean this in the nicest way possible — maybe it’s you. That’s what human lie detector and life coach Lauren Handel Zander tells us. The author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life,” helps us figure out not just what we want out of life, but how to get there — and it all starts with getting honest with ourselves about money, careers, health, relationships and more. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on how to raise credit scores and how to ask for a pay bump when you know someone at the company is leaving. And, in Thrive, we discuss how Venmo and PayPal have new competition in the peer-to-peer payment space. There’s an app called Zelle that could either be a great way to pay back friends — or an excellent way to get scammed. Are you using it? ...more

  Episode

• Ep 111: Making An Impact With Facebook’s Jennifer Dulski

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  May 23 2018

  How do you feel about what you’re doing with your time? Is it shaping your world — or the world in general — in a way that makes you feel good? Do you feel like you’re having an impact? And, if not, how can you go about shaking that up? That’s the topic we tackle this week with Facebook’s Head of Groups and Community Jennifer Dulski. She’s out with the new book, “Purposeful: Are you a manager or a movement starter?” She helps us answer that question and shares some of the steps and leadership skills necessary for taking an idea from germ to impact. And she helps us fine tune your pitch to get others to support your purpose financially. In Mailbag, we discuss merging finances with partners and how to shop for health insurance when you have a disability. Plus, now you can ask your Amazon Alexa which credit card you should get? The bigger question though: Should you be asking her? We discuss. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 110: Jean’s OB-GYN On The Costs Of Being A Woman

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  May 16 2018

  There are many things women are better at than men, but taking care of our health isn’t necessarily one of them. A study from ZocDoc shows that when we’re sick, roughly 66% of us would rather wait it out than make a doctor’s appointment (only half of men say the same, by the way). We’re also more likely than men to put off preventative care. Sometimes we do this for financial reasons…sometimes because we just don’t want to go. That’s why it helps to have a doctor you like, one you can talk to and one you want to go out to lunch with after your appointment. And since so many of you aren’t talking with your own doctors, we thought maybe you’d like to talk to Jean’s longtime OB-GYN and friend, Dr. Rebecca Brightman. We cover costs and considerations for women’s health in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Kelly and I answer your questions on how to manage an income when a big portion of it is a bonus — and what you can do with an excellent credit score. And if you’re married and just got promoted, you may have just doubled your odds of getting divorced. We’re not kidding. We discuss the (infuriating) research in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 109: Think Like A Futurist. Your Career & Finances Will Thank You For It

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  May 09 2018

  Here’s a scary stat: In 10 years, 50% of today’s occupations will be extinct. Not a good mic-drop moment. That’s why, when it comes to our careers, it’s time to start thinking like a futurist. Executive coach Liz Bentley is here to get our heads in the game. We discuss the importance of knowing your audience, asking for feedback and how both will help you constantly evolve. We also talk about failure and why Liz thinks it’s so great: “…it means you’re going for something that’s bigger than you.” Mailbag starts out with story time. You get to hear how Jean was “the worst assistant ever” and how she met her husband, Eliot. (Kelly apologizes in advance for her various degrees of laughter.) We answer your questions on getting college grads ready for the job hunt and considering tax implications for hiring a personal assistant. And since we were on the subject of taxes, we close with news you need to know for your paychecks in 2018. Because of the new tax law, you might’ve noticed a bump in your take-home pay. Before you celebrate, listen to this Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 108: Should You Freeze Your Eggs? A Conversation About Career, Money, Life

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  May 02 2018

  “Freeze your eggs. Free your career.” That was the headline on an April 2014 cover of Bloomberg Businessweek featuring this week’s guest, Brigitte Adams. While egg-freezing had long been a proposed (and provocative) way to have it all, this put the practice under an international spotlight. But as Adams, who went on to found Eggsurance, an egg-freezing education site, tells us, things don’t always go according to plan. She gets granular on the process and educates us on the emotional, physical and financial costs. Then, in Mailbag, we transition from questions on egg freezing to questions on credit freezing (we swear we didn’t plan it this way), SEP IRAs and using your children’s 529s for yourself. Then stay tuned for a special Hayden Helps on student loan refinancing. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 107: A Candid Conversation On Death, Grief And Money With The Authors Of Modern Loss

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  Apr 25 2018

  Talking about money can be awkward. Talking about death can be awkward. Talking about them in the same conversation? Don’t even get us started. That’s why we invited Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner, authors of the website and now book, “Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome.” And that’s exactly where we start. We discuss grief, family dynamics, inheritances, wills, the importance of having good executors and what to say to people when it feels like there are no right words. Kelly and I answer your questions on HSAs, post-divorce retirement considerations and preparing college grads for managing money in the real world. We close with the importance of protecting the stay-at-home spouse — financially, of course. We tell you how. Have you tried listening to HerMoney on your Amazon Alexa yet? Get the skill enabled here, rate, review and then let us know in the Mailbag entry on JeanChatzky.com. Kelly will add you to the invite list for our *Private* HerMoney Facebook group. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 106: How To Overcome Your Fear of Investing

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  Apr 18 2018

  Does women + Investing = Fear? It might, according to some new research our guest, Libby Leffler, brings to the show this week. Libby, who was Sheryl Sandberg’s business lead during the time Lean In went from a kernel to a full-fledged movement, is now VP of Membership at SoFi. She gives us her take on how to get more involved with your investments (and why it’s so important), and shares the best advice Sandberg ever gave her. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on when to cash in a whole life insurance policy, how to rollover retirement accounts and how to pay down debt and build an emergency savings at the same time. Oh — and in case you haven’t heard — HerMoney is now a skill on Amazon Alexa! You can enable it here: https://amzn.to/2v0G7So. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 105: All The Negotiating Advice You’ve Gotten Is Wrong. Kate White Fills Us In.

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  Apr 11 2018

  We’re keeping the #EqualPayDay conversation (which is everyday for us, btw) going with Kate White, author of The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success. She’s got some new and surprising advice for the best way to negotiate for more…and it flies in the face of everything we’ve ever heard. Plus, we dish on why you need to be facile enough to reinvent and how being a good girl can hold you back — with work and money. Kelly and I answer your questions on credit repair services, Facebook scams and tax deductions with the new code in mind. And attention Amazon Alexa users! We’re a Skill now! That means when you say: “Alexa, Open HerMoney Radio,” you’ll have access to the latest episodes. Enable the skill here (https://amzn.to/2v0G7So). Even better, please rate us and leave us a review. The more reviews, the more likely Amazon will feature us in the Skills Store. Email me at Jean@JeanChatzky.com if you do and Kelly will add you to the invite list for our soon-to-launch *Private* HerMoney Facebook Group. If you like the conversation here, you’ll love the conversation there. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 104: 401(k)s, Facelifts And Other Fairy Tales With HBO’s Sheila Nevins

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  Apr 04 2018

  No offense to any of our other guests, but Sheila Nevins might be our favorite. The longtime executive producer and President of HBO Documentary Films has spent years telling other people’s stories. But in this episode she opens up about her own. We have a no-holds-barred conversation on what it was like to be a career-driven woman in the 1970s, the #MeToo movement, her relationship with money (she wants to blow a bundle at Missoni, but something’s holding her back), her feelings about aging and that aforementioned facelift. And if you want more of Sheila (like we do — in fact, we cut Thrive for a longer convo with her), you can check out her best selling humor book, You Don’t Look Your Age… and Other Fairy Tales. We didn’t cut your questions though! We close with Mailbag: How much do you need to save before you start investing? And how can couples who have different tolerances for debt compromise? Kelly and I discuss both and more. Join us! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 103: How To Do The Ultimate Shopping Ban And Save Thousands

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  Mar 28 2018

  No matter where you are in your financial life, you’ll be able to relate to Cait Flanders’ story. After paying off $30,000 of consumer debt in two years — and upping her savings game — she found herself shopping, and shopping, and shopping some more, because she never addressed why she got into debt in the first place. Her solution? A two-year shopping ban during which she discovered her spending was more emotional than anything else. In her book, The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store, she chronicles her journey and teaches us to hack our shopping habits for the better. Also, Kelly and I answer your questions on short-term and long-term investment decisions — and how to lower your credit card’s interest rate. Stick around for Thrive, because it’s spring cleaning season. We’ll talk about what you need to keep and what you need to shred as you declutter this tax season. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 102: The Jobs, Investments And Relationships You Have In Your 20s And 30s Aren’t For Practice. Here’s Why.

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  Mar 21 2018

  No matter what you’ve heard, 30 isn’t the new 20, and 40 isn’t the new 30, especially when it comes to work, relationships and your finances. It’s time to start approaching each year — and each decade — more intentionally. This week we’re diving into why this is true with the therapist every millennial (including Kelly) wishes she had on speed dial, Dr. Meg Jay, author of The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter And How to Make the Most of Them Now. Dr. Jay teaches us how to take control, reduce our anxieties and build “identity capital” (trust us, you need it). In Mailbag, we help a woman broach the conversation of having more financial say with her controlling husband. And if you’re one of the many who’ve wanted to throw rotten tomatoes at MoviePass’ customer service (or lack thereof), we’ve got you covered. We put Hayden on the case and she came back with a direct line for everyone. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 101: Find Your Million-Dollar Idea With Adam Grant

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  Mar 14 2018

  Originality is a muscle. It’s a skill. In this podcast, you’ll learn how to become an idea machine — and put your best ideas to work. That’s just one of the takeaways from our conversation with Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, Wharton’s top-rated professor, bestselling author and host of the new TED original podcast “WorkLife.” We dive into his surprising research on originals, including the fact that they are more likely to procrastinate, more likely to play it safe and just as likely to feel the same fear and doubt that the rest of us do. In Mailbag, we cover how to raise kids who want to be investors — and why you need a cohabitation agreement if you’re moving in with the LOYL. Finally, in Thrive: You may not be getting the bargains you think you are… ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #9

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  Mar 09 2018

  Happy Friday HerMoney listeners! In our final Bonus Mailbag for this week, we answer your questions on tax brackets in retirement, credit cards for business expenses, balancing student loan repayments with retirement savings and getting the whole family on board for an estate planning discussion. Thank you for celebrating our 100th episode with us! Please keep the questions coming at JeanChatzky.com.

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #8

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  Mar 08 2018

  After all of the recent data breaches, do you question whether to hand over your Social Security number (and other personal information) when signing up for financial apps and services? Us, too. In today’s Bonus Mailbag, we discuss when it’s likely safe and when it’s not. We also answer your questions on using trust money for student loans and managing finances as freelancers.

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #7

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  Mar 07 2018

  In today’s Bonus Mailbag, we cover Roth IRA conversions, high-yield online savings accounts and loans for flight school.

  Episode

• Ep 100: Happy 100th Episode! To Celebrate, We’re Meditating With Dan Harris

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  Mar 07 2018

  Happy 100th episode, HerMoney! To celebrate, we’re with Dan Harris, talking happiness, meditation and money. Dan is a longtime ABC News anchor, author of 10% Happier and Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics (which certainly speaks to me) and fellow podcaster. We tend to think happiness is dependent on external factors… but science says, “Happiness is a skill. You can train your mind just the way you can train your bicep in the gym.” Dan certainly feels that way. He started his journey to meditation after an on-air panic attack in 2004. We talk about what to do with the negative voice inside our heads — especially where our finances are concerned. He even guides us through a meditation at the end. Kelly and I answer your questions on planning for retirement as a teenager (yes, you read that right) and exploring new ways to invest your money. P.S. We hope you’re enjoying our full week of Bonus Mailbags! Send us your questions at JeanChatzky.com. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #6

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  Mar 06 2018

  In today’s Bonus Mailbag, we answer your questions on entertaining pyramid schemes, exploring retirement plans for small businesses, using savings bonds to repay student loans and buying gold as an investment.

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #5

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  Mar 05 2018

  In celebration of our 100th episode, we’re doing a full week of Bonus Mailbags! In today’s show, we answer your questions on financial planners, retirement specialists, HSAs for long-term care and when to pull your credit report in the home-buying process. Keep the questions coming at JeanChatzky.com — and please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We love hearing from you.

  Episode

• Ep 99: Why It Pays To Be A Girl’s Girl

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  Feb 28 2018

  You probably knew this already: We’re girl’s girls (or if you prefer women’s women). We love supporting, empowering and working with other women, which are just a few of the reasons we were so happy to grab time with Gianna Wurzl and Ashley Sumner, the founders of Quilt, the new female-only coworking start-up that enables women to work out of one another’s homes. We talk purpose, passion, productivity, matchmaking (you’ll have to tune in to figure out how that came up) and why working with (or alongside) other women helps you achieve your personal and professional goals. Kelly and I answer your questions on credit cards in college and the cost of assisted living communities. Oh, and there’s a new tax scam you’ll want to know about before your refund gets swiped. P.S. Next week is our 100th episode! Can you believe it!? We passed on the Instagrammable balloons and opted for a full week of Bonus Mailbags instead. Starting Monday, you can expect a mini episode in your Apple Podcast app every morning. As always, you can send us your questions here: http://bit.ly/2aZ7rkI. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 98: “That’s What She Said” Isn’t So Funny IRL

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  Feb 21 2018

  You’ve all heard the joke, right? You tack this phrase onto an otherwise innocuous comment, and you get a supposedly witty — most times dirty — joke. In the midst of the #MeToo movement, we’re not laughing — and neither is Joanne Lipman, former editor-in-chief of USA Today and author of the new book by the same title. (Subtitle: What Men Need to Know (And What Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together.) She’s got real, actionable solutions for closing the salary gap — by getting men on board. Learn how to enlighten the offenders in your life, stand up for yourself and inspire more men to do so for you. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions on budgeting for healthcare and whether Roth IRAs can double as emergency funds. And wait ’til you hear what Kelly “bought” on Craigslist. ...more

  Episode

• HerMoney Headline: Dealing With The (Dizzying) Markets? Baffled By Bitcoin? We Talk With David Bach

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  Feb 16 2018

  The markets have had us blasting Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold” on repeat, which means a HerMoney Headline is in order. In this Friday special, we bring back my friend David Bach. He’s a personal finance superstar and author of the bestseller “Smart Couples Finish Rich” (which he just released a new edition of). We answer all of your questions on how to handle volatile markets (and trying to time them). We also discuss whether to dip a toe into Bitcoin or one of the other cryptocurrencies (and what to tell your kids when they start asking about it). Email us your questions at JeanChatzky.com — and have a great weekend. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 97: How To Build A Love That Lasts, Starting With Yourself

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  Feb 14 2018

  Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Are you rolling your eyes? That’s okay. We still want you to know we love you, and we’re happy to have you as a listener. And to celebrate our love for you, we invited positive psychology experts and wife-and-husband duo Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski to discuss their new book, Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts. The Pawelskis have clued into the fact that how we behave with money can make a big difference in the success or failure of our relationships. Whether you’re single, dating, married, divorced or widowed, their wise words can help lead you in the right direction. Then, Kelly and I dive into HSAs, whether you’re ever eligible for someone else’s credit card debt and how to approach (or maybe even woo) sellers if you’re in the market to buy a home this year. Consider this our Valentine to you — we would love to hear from you in the review section and/or at the brand-new JeanChatzky.com. Check it out! XO ...more

  Episode

• Ep 96: Pattie Sellers On Creating And Leaving Your Legacy

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  Feb 07 2018

  Your elevator pitch is important, but so is the full story. This week we’re talking power, purpose and legacy with Pattie Sellers, founder of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women (MPW) franchise and SellersEaston Media. You’ll learn the importance of knowing and sharing your story for personal and professional success. You’ll hear the stories and advice from some of the world’s most powerful women. You’ll learn why we should kick away the idea of having a career ladder and how the “good girls” in us could be holding us back from making important jumps. Kelly and I answer your questions on extended warranties for new cars, repayment plans for medical bills and first-time investment moves for millennials. Then — cue the Beyoncé —we end with some fabulous news on how the number of women with seven-digit retirement account savings has doubled over the last 12 years. We’ll share how they did it and how you can do the same. Take Our Financial Shades of Gray Quiz: https://www.thebalance.com/quiz-what-are-you-hiding-from-your-partner-4158556 ...more

  Episode

• Ep 95: Make More Money In 2018 With Mika Brzezinski

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  Jan 31 2018

  The gender pay gap is infuriating, no question. But there’s talking about it, and then there’s taking action to close it — starting with knowing your value and communicating it effectively. That’s Mika Brzezinski’s mission. As co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and the force behind the “Know Your Value” movement, she shares proven how-to strategies that you can borrow and then pass along. Then, Kelly and I discuss personal loans, whether it’s a good idea to prepay mortgages and — for all those overachievers out there — opening 529s for children who haven’t even been conceived yet. Sites mentioned in the show: KnowYourValue365.com Fidelity.com/itstime SavingForCollege.com ...more

  Episode

• Ep 94: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing And Better Finances With Daniel Pink

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  Jan 24 2018

  No such thing as the perfect time? Think again. Daniel H. Pink, author of six provocative books, including his newest, “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing,” says timing is a science — not an art. Research shows we can make systematically better “when” decisions at work, at school, at home — and for our wallets. We cover short- and long-term financial decisions, including when you should get married (seriously) and how to identify your “chronotype” — the pattern of circadian rhythms that affect mood and performance — which will then tell you how to tackle your days (because productivity equals profitability). Late to the retirement savings game? Kelly and I discuss catch-up moves and when to take a severance package in Mailbag. And, if in addition to spending time with loved ones over the holidays, you spent a little too much on them (or yourself), then stick around for debt repayment strategies in Thrive. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 93: A Caregiving Special With Lee Woodruff, Sheila Lirio Marcelo and Holly Robinson Peete

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  Jan 17 2018

  HerMoney recently headed to Washington, D.C. to AARP’s Family Caregiving 2018 summit — a day focused on what’s new in family caregiving (politically, technologically, professionally, personally and, yes, financially). We had amazing conversations with bestselling author Lee Woodruff (who cared for her husband, ABC’s Bob Woodruff, after he suffered a traumatic brain injury while reporting in Iraq), Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder, chairwoman and CEO of Care.com (who founded the site as a young working mother with two young children and ailing parents) and actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete (who at 19 years old was the caregiver for her father and, two decades later, for her son with autism). There are over 40 million family caregivers in America. If you know one, please share this episode. I got a lot out of it personally, and I think you will as well. Sites mentioned in the show: AARP: https://www.aarp.org/ Fidelity Caregiving Webcast: https://fidelity.com/lovedones/ Fidelity: https://fidelity.com/frontseat Bob Woodruff Foundation: https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/ HollyRod Foundation: http://www.hollyrod.org The Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ Care.com ...more

  Episode

• Ep 92: What’s The Worst That Could Happen? We Ask Sharon Epperson

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  Jan 10 2018

  When the worst headache of her life turned into a near-death experience, CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent Sharon Epperson was forced to stop, reevaluate and reinvent almost every facet of her life —including how she manages her family and career. The best news is that she’s healthy, she’s back and she’s here to share how she navigated personally and financially. From emergency savings to having the proper insurances and estate-planning documents in place, her story will inspire you to take a closer look at your personal protection plan (or create one!). In Mailbag, Kelly and I discuss lifestyle inflation and how to control it when you receive raises or other windfalls. And then we close with more tricks and mind games for sticking to those New Year’s resolutions that might be faltering already… no judgement here! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 91: Take Charge Of Your Health, Finances And Closet In 2018 With TODAY’s J Team

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  Jan 03 2018

  Happy New Year, and welcome to the very first show of 2018! When I was thinking about who I wanted to have on this show, it took me maybe all of two minutes to decide — my NBC TODAY sisters Jill Martin and Joy Bauer. For the past few years, we’ve teamed up for segments at the start of the year to help all of you kick off your money, health and organization-related resolutions. And that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode. From skinny cocktails to fatter wallets to creating a closet that has you feeling and looking like a 10 — we’re covering it all. In our first Mailbag of the year, we discuss how to broach the subject of estate planning with a parent and how to handle your 401(k) when your company goes Roth. And then, finally, back by popular demand, we run through a handful of services for selling or donating your unwanted goods. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 90: You’re The CEO Of Your Body And Your Life. Own It With Robin Arzon.

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  Dec 27 2017

  “Know your worth and then add tax.” Our final show of 2017 is filled with empowering statements — and new life mantras — courtesy of our new girl crush Robin Arzon. Successful lawyer-turned-health-and-wellness-influencer, Arzon is the bestselling author of “Shut Up And Run,” and the Head Instructor and Vice President of Fitness Programming for Peloton. (I first met her on my bike.) As we shift gears for 2018, she gets us focused on our health and wealth so that we can make this year our best one yet. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on 401(k) rollovers, financial considerations for caregivers and how to prioritize credit card debt with building emergency savings. Thank you for another fantastic year of HerMoney. We’ll talk soon…in 2018! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 89: Do What You Love And Love What You Do With Kathryn Minshew

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  Dec 20 2017

  As we head into the home stretch of 2017, it’s time for a little honesty and introspection: Are you happy at work? Does your job excite you? Does it make you feel fulfilled? Does it make you feel like you have a purpose? We know it sounds idealistic — and no, you’re not going to love everything you do every single day — but fulfillment at work is possible. This week Kathryn Minshew, CEO & founder of TheMuse.com, tells us how in a lively, exciting conversation. Oh, and, for the record, we happen to love what we do and it’s largely because of you. Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and tell us what you’d like to hear more of in 2018. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 88: Financial Lessons From Former FDIC Chair And Powerhouse Sheila Bair

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  Dec 13 2017

  This week we’re having a conversation with Sheila Bair, who Forbes named the second most powerful woman in the world — twice. As Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from 2006 to 2011, she steered the agency through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and was the woman responsible for the successful safekeeping of $6 trillion of Americans’ savings. Her leadership earned her nicknames like — the “new sheriff of Wall Street” and the “little guy’s protector in chief.” We go back to the 2008 financial crisis, discuss whether history is repeating itself and the lessons all of us can take away from it as consumers, investors and as a society as a whole. Kelly and I answer your questions on finding a financial planner and removing a delinquency from your credit report. Then, Hayden joins us to share how she negotiated a listener’s internet bill. Services and sites mentioned: –blooom –Financial Planning Association –National Association of Personal Financial Advisors –Garrett Planning Network ...more

  Episode

• Ep 87: Doing Well While Doing Good With Katherina Rosqueta

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  Dec 06 2017

  Last week the world celebrated Giving Tuesday, the unofficial kickoff for the charitable giving season. We know that many of you will be giving back this holiday season. We also know that with over a million charities in the United States alone, figuring out where to direct your money can be an overwhelming decision. Is this cancer/hunger/social justice/fill-in-the-blank organization the right one? How will your donation line up with your values and goals — not to mention, change the world? Yes, they’re big questions. But we’ve got answers from Katherina Rosqueta, the founding executive director of the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania. Then, Kelly and I dig into the social etiquette for asking friends and family for donations — and we cover your questions on car deals, 401(k) rollovers, stock options for kids and year-end tax planning moves in a year of uncertainty.  Resources mentioned in the show: High Impact Giving Guide Charity Navigator Robinhood Stockpile GiveAshare ...more

  Episode

• Ep 86: Master Your Money Mindset With Kathleen Burns Kingsbury

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  Nov 29 2017

  If anything’s a taboo on this show, it’s not talking about money. But for nearly half of Americans, they’d rather talk about politics, religion or death before discussing anything related to personal finance. That’s why we brought in Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, wealth psychology expert and author of the new book Breaking Money Silence: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances, and Live a Richer Life. Because, as she says, in a world where money can grant self-worth, power, respect, freedom and even love, there can be prices to pay for money silence. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on building money confidence, choosing an online bank and picking the right credit-monitoring service. We also cover ways to save you money and time this holiday shopping season. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 85: Master Your Spending This Holiday Season (And For Good) With Dan Ariely

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  Nov 22 2017

  Back away from the shopping carts! Before you do any shopping this week — either in-store or online — take 35 minutes to listen to this episode. We’re with Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. He’s out with his new book, Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter. He gifts us — and our wallets — with a holiday shopping game plan and answers questions like: Why does paying for things often feel like it causes actual pain? When is a sale not really a sale? And how should we think of “free” items? In Mailbag, we discuss how to start investing in your early 20s and how to broach estate planning with your parents. (Good news: The holidays are an opportune time for this.) Then, we cover new research on money anxiety and a simple solution for feeling more at peace. The HerMoney team would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We’re certainly grateful for all of you — and extra grateful for reviews. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 84: Race, Resilience And Money With Stacey Tisdale

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  Nov 15 2017

  Back in June, we took you with us to an event called “Winning Play$: Black Women, Feminism & Empowerment.” It was hosted by the fabulous Stacey Tisdale, a fellow financial journalist, who has reported on business and finance for more than 15 years. We sat down with her and Gloria Steinem for a discussion on race, money and power. The thing is, we barely scratched the surface. And some of you wrote us — including Whitney, who you’ll meet in Mailbag — and said: “More, please.” We agreed. So we’re back with Stacey this week to pick up where we left off. We discuss feminism, race, resilience and entrepreneurship. Please let us know what you think of this conversation (you never know who we’ll invite to the studio next)! Website mentioned on the show: www.kidfund.us ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #4

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  Nov 10 2017

  We dove into our Mailbag this week — Daffy Duck-style — for another bonus episode. In this show, we answer your questions on taking on a mortgage in retirement, buying a new car, using rewards credit cards strategically and more. Plus, new app alert! There’s a new app in town, and it’s targeting your credit card debt. Please keep the questions coming. You can submit yours right here at JeanChatzky.com.

  Episode

• Ep 83: Avoid Sleep Debt With Nancy H. Rothstein

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  Nov 08 2017

  Sleep debt. It’s a real thing, and it affects two-thirds of women. When we shut off the lights and can’t shut off our brains, what should we do? This week, we sit down with Nancy H. Rothstein, The Sleep Ambassador, to get the answers. We discuss why our sleep is suffering, how to turn it around and why doing so is in our finances’ best interest as well. Speaking of which, Kelly and I answer your questions on personal loans for five-figure debt and where to keep emergency savings for the best returns. And, inspired by Congress’s almost-Rothification of 401(k)s, we look at research on traditional and Roth 401(k)s and whether the difference between the two impacts how — and how much — we save. As always, we love hearing from you. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts telling us what you think and what you want more of. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 82: Caring For Special Needs Kids With Judith Newman

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  Nov 01 2017

  Raising a child isn’t cheap. The DOA estimates it’ll cost a quarter million to raise a child born in 2015 — and that’s without college. But what if your child has special needs? One study estimates the lifetime costs of treating and caring for an individual with autism can rise to $2.4 million. That’s the boat Judith Newman is in. She’s the author of To Siri with Love: A Mother, Her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines, a collection of touching and — surprisingly often — hilarious stories about life with her teenage son, Gus, and his twin brother, Henry. Then, Kelly and I dive into taxes, investing in retirement and how to dodge bank fees with very little effort. If you have a minute, we’d love to hear what you think. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. ...more

  Episode

• HerMoney Headline: Open Enrollment 2018

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  Oct 30 2017

  Open Enrollment — the limited time period in which you can sign up for health insurance on the individual market — starts on Wednesday, November 1, and it runs through December 15. Yes, Obamacare still exists. Likewise, Medicare Open Enrollment and the Open Enrollment period for many employers is also underway. Buying health insurance has never been more complicated, and we know you’ve probably got questions. So, with the help of Nate Purpura, VP of Consumer Affairs at eHealth.com, we’ve got answers. Taking 15 minutes to listen to this special episode could be the best financial decision you’ve made in a while. Sites mentioned: https://www.healthcare.gov/ http://ehealth.com/ https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx ...more

  Episode

• Ep 81: Life, Loss And Getting Back On Track With Dr. Nancy Snyderman

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  Oct 25 2017

  In the last few years, Dr. Nancy Snyderman lost her father, left her job at NBC News, let go of her identity as a Journalist (capital J) and had to figure out who she was without all of them. She talks about going through what was essentially an existential crisis and how she learned the importance of knowing herself at her core as work identities come and go. We also discuss caretaking and how to handle a loved one’s affairs. Then we tackle your questions about credit reports. (What if there’s a spelling error? Should minors have one?) And, in Thrive, we recap estate planning must-have documents and considerations. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 80: How To Talk About Money With Celeste Headlee

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  Oct 18 2017

  Biologists say conversations are essential to our survival, yet we’re having less of them and getting worse at them. We talk about money every week in hopes of inspiring you to do the same. But we know. It’s hard. Celeste Headlee is here to help. The author of the new book “We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter” shares five ways we’re holding ourselves back from being better communicators. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on credit freezes and the FAFSA and consolidation loans. And we dive into burnout — and how to avoid it. Do us a favor? Leave us a review. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #3

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  Oct 13 2017

  In this week’s Mailbag, we discuss short sales and reverse mortgages. Then, Hayden comes in and shares how she helped a listener save over $350 on her cable bill. And if you recently experienced a customer service nightmare — or feel like a company has ripped you off — send your complaint our way at JeanChatzky.com.

  Episode

• Ep 79: Financial Independence And Kicking Ass With Emma Johnson

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  Oct 11 2017

  Being a mother is hard. Going at it alone? Even harder. There are 10 million single moms in the United States, and they’re on track to become the majority, with 57 percent of millennial mothers being unmarried. That’s why we invited Emma Johnson, author of the upcoming book The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children, to come on the show. Johnson, a single mom of two, has been kicking ass for herself — and fellow single moms — for years. We discuss her journey, operating from a place of confidence and the importance of financial independence, which lead to the question: Should all women work? Emma says yes, and we go back and forth on some provocative research, including a Harvard University study (link below) on working moms, and a Pew Research Center study (link below) on what people think is best for children. Emma and I disagreed on a few things, and that’s O.K. Her opinion is an important one, and we felt the conversation needed more air time, so look out for our Mailbag and a special Hayden Helps later this week. http://www.hbs.edu/news/articles/Pages/mcginn-working-mom.aspx 7 key findings about stay-at-home moms ...more

  Episode

• Ep 78: Money Truths And Mom Truths With Cat & Nat

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  Oct 04 2017

  Pour yourself a cocktail (a cup of coffee works, too), and put your hair in a messy bun, because this week’s show feels like a HerMoney happy hour. We’re talking with “professional oversharers” Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer — aka Cat & Nat. They head up a rapidly-exploding online community of like-minded moms, who tune in daily on YouTube and Facebook to watch them rewrite the paradigm of “the perfect mom.” They’re known for saying what you’re thinking, but do they talk about money? Now they do! We discuss how the besties-turned-business partners handle money both personally and professionally — and we do a reality check on their retirement savings. Kelly and I cover your questions on buying a home with a VA loan and finances for couples who aren’t planning on tying the knot. As always, please leave us a review and share us with your besties. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 77: Write Your Own Rules And Find Your Joy With Hoda Kotb

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  Sep 27 2017

  Like a fine wine, Hoda Kotb keeps getting better with age. This week she takes us through the pain points of her 40s — cancer, divorce and thinking children might not be in her future — and how all of them made her fearless. She also tells us how now, in her 50s, she’s in a job she pushed for, in a relationship that makes her happy and, best of all, a mother to her baby, Haley Joy, who she adopted earlier this year. She’s living her life by her own rules and sharing how you can do the same. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on how to handle your bank accounts post-Equifax breach and whether or not a company credit card can affect your credit score. And, if you’re looking to donate after the recent storms, we cover smart and safe ways to give back so that your dollars are being put to good use. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 76: Life Happens. Financial Coping Strategies With Jeanne Thompson

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  Sep 20 2017

  Starting a new job, buying a house, getting married, getting divorced, having a baby or having a baby move back home — all of these events not only shake up your life, but your finances, too. And, as it turns out, research from Fidelity shows not all events are created equal when it comes to the impacts they have on your physical and financial health. Fidelity’s senior vice president of Thought Leadership, Jeanne Thompson, takes us through the research, how it specifically applies to women and the two moves that are proven to improve your overall well-being no matter what. We answer your questions on the “marriage penalty” for taxes, interest on savings accounts and curbing impulse buys. And then we close the show with some interesting research on materialism. Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, and share this show with someone who’s going through a major life change right now. ...more

  Episode

• HerMoney Headline: What To Do About The Equifax Breach With Frank Abagnale

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  Sep 15 2017

  Long before “Catch Me If You Can” was made into a movie, Frank Abagnale was one of my go-to sources on all things identity-related. In the years since, he’s consulted with companies, governments and organizations big and small about how to keep their data (and yours) safe. I’m thrilled he was available to chat about what we need to do now that 143 million of us have had our Social Security numbers or other personal info swiped in the Equifax breach. So, don’t panic. Tune in and learn what steps to take next. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 75: Failing Well With Rachel Simmons

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  Sep 13 2017

  Think of the last time you really blew something. Was it a meeting, an interview, a test or a date? Did the setback stop you in your tracks — or did it give you the push you needed to move forward? Because, when it comes to long-term success (however you choose to define it), how you fail is more important than the failure itself. This week, author and educator Rachel Simmons gives us a private lesson on failing well (adapted from her popular course at Smith College). We also touch on the culture of mean girls and why it’s important to surround yourself with women who help you shine. In Mailbag, we tackle your questions on investing in a long-running bull market and 529s before kids. Join us! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 74: Make Your Life Better With Gretchen Rubin

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  Sep 06 2017

  As she was doing research for her last book, Gretchen Rubin started noticing that people respond to internal expectations (the ones you set for yourself) and external expectations (the ones others and society set for you) in four different ways. She also discovered that knowing which of the four you are — a Questioner, Obliger, Upholder or Rebel — is essential when it comes to breaking habits and making new ones. She’s here to tell us about it and her new book, The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too). (Play along by taking this quiz before listening: http://bit.ly/2ikY96f.) Plus: Kelly and I dish about flat-fee real estate agents and credit cards for recent grads. Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, leave us a review and tell us what we can do to make the show better. Because when it comes to your expectations of HerMoney, we’re definitely Upholders with Obliger tendencies. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 73: Launch Your Gig (Side Or Otherwise) With JJ Ramberg

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  Aug 30 2017

  C’mon, admit it. You’ve thought about starting a business, launching a side gig or taking that brilliant idea of yours and seeing if it actually has legs. You’re not alone: The number of women-owned businesses jumped by 45 percent between 2007 and 2016. And JJ Ramberg, host of Your Business on MSNBC and founder of Goodshop.com, can help you make it happen. We dissect the DNA of successful female entrepreneurs, their common characteristics and their money musts. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on pensions, free FICO scores and investment moves to make in college. Plus, we talk about how to pay taxes when your income isn’t exactly regular. As always, please share us with your family and friends — and rate us on Apple Podcasts! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 72: Five Simple Life-Changing Rules Of Investing With Alice Finn

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  Aug 23 2017

  It took a former rocket scientist to figure out that investing isn’t all that complicated after all. Alice Finn’s career has taken her from NASA to wealth management to author. In her new book, Smart Women Love Money, and in our conversation, she lays out the only five things you need to do to guarantee financial success — and why embracing your inner investor is feminism’s final frontier. Then Kelly and I dig into your questions about maximizing a post-divorce nest egg and the either/or of investing your savings or paying off debt. And we ponder this biggie: How much money is enough? Please leave us a review and share us with your loved ones! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 71: Your Big Life With Ann Shoket

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  Aug 16 2017

  What happens when you go all in? Can you have work, friends, a relationship, kids and money all on your own terms? Ann Shoket, the longtime editor of Seventeen magazine and author of The Big Life, says it’s possible. It may be messy. It may stress you out at times. It may not look like what you thought life was going to look like, but it’s there, and she tells us how to take it. Then Kelly and I answer your questions about combining finances before marriage and health savings accounts, and we dish on why estrogen is a good thing to have when investing your money. As always, please share HerMoney with the other women in your world. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 70: Money And Power With Gloria Steinem And Stacey Tisdale

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  Aug 09 2017

  HerMoney recently had the opportunity to sit down with Gloria Steinem (yes, the Gloria Steinem) and fellow personal finance journalist, Stacey Tisdale, at the Winning Play$: Black Women, Feminism, & Empowerment event. We cover financial independence, reproductive rights and how the pay gap is wider for black women. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on using a Roth IRA to repay student loans, playing catch-up on retirement savings after co-signing on a loan and choosing a debt management plan. Please give us a review, send us your questions and share us with your family and friends! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 69: Renting The Runway With Jennifer Hyman

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  Aug 02 2017

  The average woman buys 64 items of clothing every year, then wears each one just three times or less. If that makes you stop and count, then this week’s episode will be an eye-opener. Jennifer Hyman, founder and CEO of Rent The Runway, says Instagram (and the fact that many folks don’t want to be snapped in the same outfit more than once) has completely changed the way we shop for clothes. She argues it makes more sense to rent — not just for a special occasion, but for day-to-day. (Oh, and tune in to find out how 100 HerMoney listeners can get a month of Rent The Runway unlimited free.) Then, Kelly and I hash out budget-tracking apps, the latest options to refinance student loan debt and whether a Roth IRA will help you save more. Please leave us a review, and share us with your friends! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 68: Dear Debt, I’m Not That Into You With Melanie Lockert

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  Jul 26 2017

  If you were to write a kiss-off letter to that whopping student loan or credit card bill you’re carrying, what would it say? How would it feel to get all of those thoughts and emotions out into the open? Blogger Melanie Lockert, author of the book Dear Debt, knows the answers. Melanie shares how she finally made the critical mid shift from complete denial of her own $81,000 in student loan debt, to being obsessed about paying it off — and then got other people to face the financial music, too. Then, Kelly and I weave through the ins and outs of 403(b)s, the hidden allure of tag sales and the importance of saving automatically even while you are, yes, digging yourself out of debt. Plus, if some company has ripped you off, send your complaint our way: Hayden Field, our “Hayden Helps” is on the case. Maybe she can get your moolah back. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #2

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  Jul 21 2017

  So many questions, so little time, so we’re sending out another Bonus Mailbag edition of HerMoney. Kelly and I answer your questions about whether extra cash should go to home improvements or paying off debt, hiding debt in a relationship, buying rental properties and more. And…drum roll please…our colleague Hayden is a mad genius when it comes to getting money back from companies that have done you wrong. Listen to her success stories, then send her your issues for our new segment: Hayden Helps! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 67: Mindfulness 101 With Caren Osten

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  Jul 19 2017

  We’re in the heart of summer and it’s time to sloowww dowwwnn. That means shifting out of your comfort zone as a type-A person, who wears busy as a badge of honor, to dropping the ball (à la Tiffany Dufu — check her out on episode #57) and saying “no” more often. This week we break that down with my friend Caren Osten, a certified positive psychology life coach. She helps her clients find balance, resilience and positivity during transitions and challenging times, and she walks us through the steps. Then, Kelly and I cover how to get a break on your credit card fees and eliminate clutter in the kitchen. Oh, and we’ve got research on how bad perfectionism is for your health. P.S. We have another Mailbag show coming your way this Friday. Happy summer! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 66: Confidence From The Inside Out With Bobbi Brown

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  Jul 12 2017

  Keep it simple. A mantra I share with my friend and makeup maven Bobbi Brown, who literally changed the face of cosmetics when she launched Bobbi Brown Essentials over 25 years ago with her barely-there makeup message of confidence. Bobbi recently left her company to embark on her next chapter (which includes curated shops in Lord & Taylor, launching a boutique hotel and the new book “Beauty from the Inside Out”). We talk confidence, business savvy and how to use makeup to enhance your self-esteem — not cover up your insecurities. Then, Kelly and I break down the difference between index funds and ETFs, and whether your teen’s summer job impacts the FAFSA. We love hearing from you. Please share us with your friends and leave us a review. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 65: Change Behaviors For Good With Katherine Milkman

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  Jul 05 2017

  We’re at the halfway mark of 2017, making it a fine time to check in on the resolutions, or goals, you made for yourself at the start of the year. Did you just grimace? Don’t feel bad if they went by the wayside. This week we’re talking with The Wharton School’s Katy Milkman. Her research uses big data to explain why changing our behaviors can be so difficult, and — best of all — how to finally make the changes we want for good. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on how to prioritize savings with credit card debt, what to do with old 403(b) accounts and how to handle those sometimes-pricey hobbies for kids. And finally, how many items do you think you have in your home? You might be surprised to hear the average. In Thrive, we talk about how to find free money by turning some of that clutter into cash. Hope you had a great 4th! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 64: Kickstart Your Big Idea With Alex Daly

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  Jun 28 2017

  Think you have a great idea but hate the idea of asking family, friends and strangers for money? Meet The Crowdsourceress: Alex Daly. She discovered she was so good at helping other people use crowdfunding to bankroll their businesses, creative ideas and charitable campaigns that she turned it into a business. We got her to pull back the curtain on her secrets. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions about balancing family goals and a newborn — and aligning your investments with your personal values. And are you guilty of the occasional sip and click? We are too — but we got over it. So can you. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 63: The Case For Sabbaticals With David Bach

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  Jun 21 2017

  You know my pal David Bach, author of (newly updated and expanded bestseller) The Automatic Millionaire, from his years of giving great financial advice. What you don’t know is that he just came back from an 18-month sabbatical where he realigned his priorities and even learned to meditate. We hone in on the power of all three — automation, meditation and sabbaticals — and how they can lead to a richer life. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on pet insurance, discuss the case for renting versus buying and talk through what to do with your tax refund. Leave us a review, tell us what you think and send us your questions at JeanChatzky.com. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 62: The Confidence To Take Command With Angie Morgan

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  Jun 14 2017

  You think the ranks of women rising in corporate America are thin? Take a look at the Marine Corps, where fewer than 7.6 percent are women — and far fewer are in leadership roles. Angie Morgan, Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and author of “Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success,” is here to help us change that. We dig into whether you’re spending so much time helping others that you’re holding back your own growth (ummm, yes), letting go of the things you cannot control and how confidence can be an emotion that gets your head straight. Then, Kelly and I talk college savings plans and kid-preneurs. Plus, did you miss our special mailbag episode? Check it out — it’s Bonus Mailbag #1. ...more

  Episode

• Bonus Mailbag #1

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  Jun 09 2017

  The HerMoney Mailbag is overflowing and we LOVE it. But we HATE only being able to get to a few questions in each episode. So, here’s something NEW: A Mailbag Bonus. In this episode, we answer your questions on student loans, Roth IRAs, investing for the self-employed, married couples balancing contributions to 401(k) plans, how to manage your spending when you’re planning to live until 99 years old (you, go!) and more. Please let us know what you think about this concept. If you like it, we’ll do more. xox, Jean and Kelly ...more

  Episode

• Ep 61: Make More Money With The Penny Hoarder’s Kyle Taylor

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  Jun 07 2017

  This week, we’ve got a ramen-to-riches story for you. Kyle Taylor, founder and CEO of The Penny Hoarder (a booming personal finance site) had a spending addiction and could not, would not, ask his parents to bail him out one more time. So he started gigging (i.e. beer auditing, movie preview auditor). Then he started blogging about how you could do the same. And that blog has now become big business. If you’ve ever wanted to earn some extra money on the side — or write (profitably) about your passion, we’ve got the skinny. Plus, Kelly and I answer your questions on inheritance, saving for a down payment and retirement planning for the self-employed. And, finally, meet Hayden Field from the HerMoney team! Hayden explains the money-saving art of app stacking. As always, please share us with your girlfriends and leave us a review. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 60: Bad With Money? Meet Gaby Dunn

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  May 31 2017

  Politics, sex, religion or money: Which of these topics is most likely to make you uncomfortable if it came up at a dinner party? For many, the answer is money. It’s one of the reasons why we started this podcast and one of the reasons why YouTuber Gaby Dunn started hers, Bad With Money. She’s here this week to discuss her (former) bad habits, I discuss mine and then we talk strategies for bettering your personal relationship with money. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions on homeowners insurance, emergency funds and what to do with work bonuses. Plus, is patience the key to wealth and health? We’ll discuss. As always, please tell us what you think and share us with your friends. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 59: Jill And Jean On Money

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  May 24 2017

  Two personal finance nerds walk into a bar… If you think you know how this conversation goes, you’re wrong. Jill Schlesinger — who does what I do on CBS and hosts the “Better Off” podcast — and I break it all down: markets, investing, health care and why it’s all more important to get right if you’re a woman. Then, Kelly pops in, and we tackle your questions about consolidating debt and what to do with a windfall. Plus, there are changes coming to your credit score. Please take a few moments to take our survey (http://bit.ly/2oI9SPk), and leave us a question while you’re there. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 58: The Doctor Is In: Elisabeth Rosenthal On Managing Your Medical Costs

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  May 17 2017

  It only takes a one-night stay in the hospital to understand how healthcare has become a $3 trillion industry in the US. Even getting lab work done out-of-network can put this into perspective. And don’t even get us started on prescription drug costs. Help is here in the form of Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal, author of the new bestseller: An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. Then, Kelly and I talk about choosing the best credit card, financial planning for single women and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback and take our HerMoney survey (http://bit.ly/2oI9SPk). ...more

  Episode

• Ep 57: Drop The Ball(!) With Tiffany Dufu

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  May 10 2017

  Good wife, good mother, good daughter, good sister, good friend, good worker. Isn’t enough enough already? The inspiring Tiffany Dufu, author of the new memoir and manifesto, “Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less,” says yes. You really don’t need to do it all. She gracefully guides us to uncover what matters most, to let go of those unrealistic expectations and to balance your best self. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions about credit score changes and when to see a financial planner. And we encourage you to monotask! Yes, doing just one thing at a time is a healthy challenge. Thank you for your questions. Please share us with your friends (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) and leave us a review! ...more

  Episode

• Ep 56: Make Money Doing What You Love With Christy Wright

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  May 03 2017

  Are you sitting on a business idea that’s always been your dream? Turn it into a reality with this week’s guest, Christy Wright. She’s a certified business coach, Dave Ramsey Personality and author of the new book Business Boutique: A Woman’s Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves. Then, we have a very special Mailbag this week with my friend Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. He joins us to tackle your questions about investing on a dime, pulling together a down payment for a first home and high-interest savings accounts. And whether you’re a city mouse or a suburban one, we give you three pointers on whether it’s better to rent or buy. Please take our survey (http://bit.ly/2oI9SPk) and leave us a review on iTunes. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 55: Design Your Life With Bill Burnett

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  Apr 26 2017

  At Stanford University, students wait in line for rock star professor Bill Burnett’s course-turned-bestseller, Designing Your Life. You don’t have to. He’s here to share the principles of the course and his best-selling book (subtitled: How To Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life). Burnett says that if you want to live the life you want — and improve your relationships at home and at work — you have to face your problems head on, including the money ones. By the end of the interview, we were all ready to go back to school. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions about negotiating top dollar at work, investing beyond your 401(k) and — because here comes wedding season — whether you need a prenup. Please take our listener survey: http://bit.ly/2oI9SPk ...more

  Episode

• Ep 54: Stop Being A Broke Millennial With Erin Lowry

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  Apr 19 2017

  Calling all broke millennials: This week we have Erin Lowry, millennial personal finance expert, blogger and author of the upcoming book Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together. She’s here to help you set your priorities straight, confront the “B” word (ahem, budget) and tackle your debts. For a chance to get your hands on a copy of her new book, write us and tell us why you need it. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions on how to use credit card points, how to stay sane during rocky markets and where to go for financial news and advice (other than HerMoney, of course). And finally, we have important news on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Keep those questions coming, and please leave us a review. ...more

  Episode

• Ep 53: Financial Aid 101 — And Your Questions Answered

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  Apr 12 2017

  Congratulations! After a year spent applying to colleges, your brilliant offspring has landed. Unfortunately, so has the tuition bill. Don’t panic — we’ve brought in financial aid expert Kelly Peeler to help you parse those maddeningly complex financial aid offers (and tell you how to negotiate for more). Then, Kelly and I turn to your questions on investing when starting your first adult job, medical school debt, target date funds, buying your first home and more. Thanks for the great questions. Please keep ’em coming! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 52: Finding Your Financial Badass With Jen Sincero

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  Apr 05 2017

  The ultimate badass, success coach and motivational cattle prod Jen Sincero shares the secret sauce that allowed her to triple her income in three months, morphing from a broke 40-year-old living in a garage to making seven figures. With tips from her new book, You Are a Badass at Making Money, she advises: Get very clear on what lights you up, stop making excuses and much more. Then, Kelly and I tackle your questions about student loan defaults, employer pensions and public vs. private school. Plus, interest rates are going up — we tell you how to handle it. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 51: Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even If You’re Not)

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  Mar 29 2017

  Direct deposit, Apple Pay, Venmo — money moves so quickly and transparently that it’s hard for kids to understand the value of a dollar when we rarely touch one. To the rescue: Financial literacy expert and best-selling author Beth Kobliner with her new book, Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even If You’re Not). We talk about the financial facts of life — and what’s appropriate to know when — beginning at age 3 and going up to college. Then, Kelly and I dive into when the right time is to take Social Security, when to start a college savings plan for a newborn and how to get the family back on track after a devastating job loss. Finally, even if you think you’re protecting your information, you may be sharing it via auto-fill. We’ll help you stop. Thanks for listening to HerMoney and for sending us your questions. You can use this link (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) to share the show with your friends so they can come along for the HerMoney ride. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 50: The $50,000 Mistake. How Not Knowing Her Value Cost One TV Host Big-Time

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  Mar 22 2017

  Betty Liu, Bloomberg anchor and founder of Radiate, Inc., has interviewed some of the top CEOs in the world, but saying yes to an initial job offer literally cost her $50,000. She’s here to teach us how to learn from her mistake (one she never made again, by the way), and to help us build our emotional intelligence (EQ) to become more effective leaders at work — and at home. Then, Kelly and I talk about when to keep a credit card open “just in case,” financial preparation for having a baby and how best to start a college fund. Plus — finally — some good news on credit scores. Please keep those questions coming, write us a review and let us know how our show has made a difference in your financial life and you’ll be in the running to receive one of our “50 for 50” book giveaways, including my new, New York Times bestseller AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out Of Money Or Breaking A Hip. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 49: Retire Inspired With Chris Hogan

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  Mar 15 2017

  If you’ve got questions about retirement, this episode’s got answers. Chris Hogan — a booming (think Barry White) and trusted voice on retirement — says retirement isn’t an age, it’s a financial number. He explains what that means and tells us how to calculate and achieve it. It can be as simple as saving $10 a day. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on how and when to close store credit cards, how to become a financial planner or coach and the best money gifts for children. And if you’re guilty of sticking your head in the financial quicksand, we’ve got some tips to help open your eyes. Finally, we’ve got anew shareable link (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) to help you spread the word about HerMoney. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 48: I Am My Own Worst Enemy

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  Mar 08 2017

  Say it with me: The thing standing in the way of me being a success with money is, yes, me. Capital M. Capital E. Self-sabotage can be one of the most damaging behaviors in our lives. It can hold us back with our relationships, our careers, and when it comes to our money, it can be particularly destructive. Fortunately, the Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is on hand to help us get self-sabotage to stand down. She says giving up isn’t failure if it moves us forward — and sometimes knowing when to cut our losses is the best and most mature choice. Plus, Kelly and I tackle your questions about unused gift cards, how long you need to keep the paperwork when you sell your home and when you do — and do not — need permanent life insurance. Share us with your friends. We’ve got a big book giveaway coming up for our 50th episode and if you’ll tweet, post on Facebook or otherwise share (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) info of how we’ve helped you, we may just send one your way. Among them: AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out Of Money Or Breaking A Hip. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 47: AgeProof! Living Longer Without Running Out Of Money Or Breaking A Hip

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  Mar 01 2017

  No matter how long you think you’re going to live, chances are you’re going to live longer. Especially if you’re a woman. And since your health and financial life are critically intertwined, I joined forces with Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic to literally write the book — out just this week — to help you AgeProof your life. Kelly and I also tackle your questions about health spending accounts, how to dig out of a personal family debt crisis, how to get ready to buy a home and, yes, when you can enjoy spending some of that hard-earned retirement money. We hope you’ll start AgeProofing today. We’re giving away copies of the new book along with reads from some of our great guests as we lead up to our 50th episode. Please spread the word (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) and let us know how HerMoney has changed your financial life! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 46: All You Need To Know About Sex And Money, But Were Afraid To Ask!

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  Feb 22 2017

  Money and sex. They’re the two things couples fight about most and talk about least, so we’re turning up the heat with love and relationships expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz. You know Pepper from Married At First Sight, and she says there are ways to keep your relationship on track even when your finances are in flux. Plus, if you’ve ever hidden a credit card or a purchase from your loved one, you need to hear our segment on financial infidelity. And Kelly and I tackle how to play credit card roulette and what roles kids should play in paying for college. As we count down to our 50th episode, we’re prepping a giveaway of 50 books from our guests. Share the show (http://apple.co/1Sb1OCo) and email (jean@jeanchatzky.com) to tell us how HerMoney has helped your financial life and you’ll be in the running to win one. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 45: No More Excuses

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  Feb 15 2017

  Investing isn’t hard, but we know taking the first step can be. Did you know women are actually better investors than men, yet they tend to make more excuses for not starting? This week we’re cutting the excuses with Kathleen Murphy, the President of Personal Investing at Fidelity Investments. Murphy breaks down how and why to start investing in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond. We answer your questions about gift cards, how long to save paperwork for taxes and whether millennials need life insurance. And finally, we discuss how continuing to work in retirement can benefit your health. As always, we love hearing from you. Keep your questions and reviews coming, especially as we near our 50th episode. Let us know how HerMoney has changed your financial life, and you could receive a book from one of our fabulous guests! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 44: Moneyball, The Dating Edition

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  Feb 08 2017

  Just in time for Valentine’s Day… If you, your adult kids or your friends are single and looking, it may be time to run the numbers. “Date-onomics” author Jon Birger says the real problem is, quite literally, supply and demand. The “man deficit” is a real thing, but there are ways to increase your odds and we’ve got ’em. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions about getting the right financial planning advice for you and whether you can pay your mortgage with a points-earning credit card (hmmm). So crack open a bottle of red, grab your nearest and dearest and give our V-day episode a listen. And if you really love us? Share us with a friend. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 43: How To Fund Your Startup Idea

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  Feb 01 2017

  Do you feel like your business idea is an impossible dream? It doesn’t have to be. This week, we sit down with Kathryn Finney, founder and managing director of digitalundivided, a social enterprise that supports women of color entrepreneurs. As one of the most respected voices in startups, innovation and tech, Finney shares her clear-cut advice for how to start and grow a burgeoning business. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions on how to calculate your risk tolerance when saving to buy a home or for retirement — and, freelancers, we discuss how to create a retirement savings plan of your own. And finally, don’t cringe, but it’s tax time. We have information you need to know for the 2017 filing season, why you should file ASAP and tips to help you do it. As always, we want to hear what you think. Please send us your questions and topics you want to learn more about — and share us with the women you love! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 42: The Future Of Work

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  Jan 25 2017

  Is your job “have laptop, will travel”? Or more “Home Alone”? Or are you still part of the 9-to-6 (and counting) workforce and are looking for solutions to give you more of a life? Jennifer Berrent, Chief Culture Officer at WeWork — the communal office space company that’s quickly spreading across the globe — takes us through how she creates a culture and work space that reflects the needs of the new and dynamic workforce in it …and how you can do the same in yours. Plus, Kelly and I answer your financial questions about balancing paying off credit cards and/or funding an emergency cushion. And I’ve got tips for having your resume at the ready for the job you really want to land. As always, we not only welcome, but want your feedback. So please share HerMoney with your colleagues and friends. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 41: Life Happens! You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

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  Jan 18 2017

  I believe people seek financial advice when something major happens in their lives: a marriage, a divorce, a new baby, a new job, a job loss or a death in the family. That’s why Kelly and I decided to dedicate another episode of HerMoney to your most pressing questions. In this second Mailbag special, we cover teaching kids about money, saving for college, life insurance, online wills, splitting the dishes in divorce, HSAs, tax deductions for home offices and more. As always, we love hearing what’s on your mind. Keep your questions coming, along with topics you’d like to hear more about on HerMoney. Please share us with your friends, ask them to subscribe and leave us a review. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 40: Is Work-Life Balance Possible? Get Rid Of The Guilt, For Good

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  Jan 11 2017

  Work-life wellness expert Samantha Ettus says the answer to that question is yes (although perhaps not on the same day) and that you can eliminate guilt as part of the process. Our conversation was music to my ears — you’ve heard me complain about guilt before — but Sam’s strategies for releasing your inner badass made me feel significantly better. I think they’ll do the same for you. Plus, she’s offering some free copies of her new book, “The Pie Life,” for our listeners. Tune in for details. Then, Kelly and I delve into how much allowance to give your kids and how much you need to start investing. Plus, who doesn’t want to earn more money in 2017? In our Thrive segment: tips for getting that raise. Please share the wealth! Forward this link (http://ow.ly/3Miq307EfmJ) to a friend who needs it. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 39: New Year, New (Richer) You

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  Jan 04 2017

  We were looking for a little kick in the financial butt to get us off to a smashing start in 2017 — so we invited Tiffany Aliche (rhymes with ceviche), “The Budgetnista,” to make a house call. Tiffany, the Energizer Bunny of personal finance, is famous for saving $40,000 in two years on a $35,000 salary (yes, you read that right). She used that money to buy a house and secure her own financial future, and now she’s helping others do the same. Plus, Kelly and I answer your questions (who pays for a wedding these days, and how you regroup if your spouse has been hiding debt), and we talk about our favorite apps for keeping your financial goals in check. Tune in. Ask your BFF to do the same. Discuss. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 38: Your New Year’s Resolution: Granted

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  Dec 28 2016

  A perennial on the list of the top New Year’s Resolutions: “Spend less, save more.” That’s always an important goal, but next year — with 2016 winding down and interest rates inching up — it’s more important than it has been in a while to your bottom line. Liz Weston, who literally wrote the book on how to get your credit score into tip-top shape, is here to help us do just that — plus how to hire a financial planner (now that she’s become one) and how to maximize your Social Security. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions about negotiating a tax payment plan with the IRS. Happy 2017: Make your resolution to share HerMoney with a friend who needs it! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 37: The She-Wolves Of Wall Street

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  Dec 21 2016

  It’s science: Women are better investors than men. This week we tell you why and share secrets for investing success, courtesy of one of my go-to sources on all things behavioral finance and investment management, Dr. Daniel Crosby, psychologist and bestselling author, who is out with his new book: “The Laws of Wealth: Psychology and the Secret to Investing Success.” We also answer your questions on HSAs and credit counseling services. Then, we offer year-end tax tips that can save you time, money and set you up to get the biggest refund possible for 2016! As always, thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please leave us a review and share the show with all of the important women in your life. We’ll talk soon. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 36: Get Present Over Perfect With Shauna Niequist

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  Dec 14 2016

  Are you feeling frantic this holiday season? How about on a daily basis? If you feel like you spend wayyyyy too much time trying to be perfect at everything you do, only to disappoint the ones you love — and yourself — at every turn, this show is our holiday gift to you. “Present Over Perfect” author Shauna Niequist sat down with me, and the resulting conversation was good for my — and I hope your — soul. Kelly and I chatted about where to put money when saving for a home and figuring out the best insurance for you and your family. And then we discuss the cost of taking a break from work in this week’s Thrive. Please spread some HerMoney cheer by sharing this episode with your friend who needs it most. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 35: Millennial Money 101

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  Dec 07 2016

  There’s no disputing that millennials have had it rough — taking it all in as their parents stressed through the recession and graduating college in a lousy job market with a mountain of student loan debt. But that was yesterday. Today, just like the rest of us, millennials need to get their financial acts in gear. Financial expert Stefanie O’Connell has lived it (including a stint living on $225 a week), and now she’s sharing the wealth of her wisdom with the rest of her generation — and, of course, with us. Plus, we answer your questions about how to add a second credit card to your wallet (hint: carefully) and what to make of the Roth 401(k). And did you know your DVRs, baby monitors, streaming sticks and other devices could make you vulnerable to being hacked? We tell you how to protect yourself. Note: Please share this show with all your favorite millennials and the women who love them! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 34: How To Pay For College Without Going Broke

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  Nov 30 2016

  The earlier release of the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) this year has brought on a lot of confusion and stress. We’re here to help. This week’s guest, Kelly Peeler, CEO and founder of NextGenVest (a company that hooks incoming students up with money mentors) breaks down the process of applying for aid, choosing a college and even the question of whether you can “negotiate” (colleges hate that word) for more money from a school you really want to attend. (Plus, she’s got a special code for HerMoney listeners to get three months of NextGenVest for free!) We suggest the best credit cards out there for college students and how to pinpoint your passion when you’re just not sure what it is. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 33: When Is A Sale Not Really A Sale? And Other Truths You Need This Shopping Season

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  Nov 23 2016

  Before you start shopping this holiday season, this episode is full of tips and tricks you need. We talk to consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow about the phenomenon called “bargain brain” (if your pulse gets racing at a sale, you have it), the allure (and danger) of the outlet mall and how 50% off may actually be the real price. Plus, data from Foursquare on the best times for you to shop for pretty much everything on your list. Then, Kelly and I talk about how to safely close credit cards you’re not using and weigh investing vs. paying off student debt with your extra cash. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 32: How A Shark Got Her Fins

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  Nov 16 2016

  You may know that Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and ABC “Shark Tank” investor, parlayed a $1,000 loan from a friend into a $5 billion empire. But how about the fact that in order to triumph, she — like so many of us — needed to declare war on the negative voice inside her head. This week, she tells us how to push forward to succeed, even when you’re at your most afraid. Then, Kelly and I answer your questions about supplementing your income during maternity leave and where to put extra money once you meet your 401(k) cap. And in our Thrive segment: Saving on prescription drugs. We love having you in the conversation. Please send us your questions, leave us a review and share us with your friends! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 31: Get Paid More (For Doing What You Love)

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  Nov 09 2016

  Are you happy with your job? Or do you feel like you’re wasting time in the wrong career — but don’t know what your next move would be anyway? Career coach (and podcaster) Maggie Mistal has tactical advice for how you can switch it up while simultaneously increasing your take-home pay. And if you’re looking to get back into the workforce? We’ve got re-entry advice from Cheryl Casone, author of “The Comeback.” Plus: Advice for rolling over your retirement plan and how to buy a house if you’ve only got so-so credit. We want you to be a part of the conversation here at HerMoney, so please keep the questions coming and if you have friends who aren’t listening yet — spread the word. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 30: The Power Of Positivity

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  Nov 02 2016

  Would you believe me if I told you that you could jet around the world in six-figure style for only $300? We’ll teach you how your credit card points and airline miles can make it possible for you. But first, we embrace the power of positivity with Daryn Kagan, former CNN anchor and author of the new book “Hope Possible.” Kagan opens up about her journey from losing her job and being single, to a new career and happily married to Trent Swanson — this week’s Thrive guest. Swanson, a frequent flyer mile hobbyist, has amassed over 9 million airline miles to date. He tells us how. And in this week’s Mailbag segment, I give my take on long-term care insurance and how to check your credit score. Please keep the questions coming! We want you to be part of the conversation. Subscribe, share us with your friends and let us know what you think. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 29: Work Because You Want To, Not Because You Have To

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  Oct 26 2016

  Work because you want to, not because you have to. How good does that sound? Radio host, columnist and my friend Clark Howard knows more about how to save money than anyone I know. He shares everyday hacks that can turn into big payoffs. And if you have some credit card debt you’d like to zap away, Lauren Greutman, author of the new book “The Recovering Spender,” shares how she broke her spending addiction, dug out of $40,000 worth of credit card debt and saved her sanity. Plus, Kelly and I dive into where to put your retirement contributions. Who would you like to hear on HerMoney? Please drop me a note (jean@jeanchatzky.com) and let me know! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 28: Call Your Girlfriends!

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  Oct 19 2016

  What’s it like to be in business with your best friend? Ann Friedman, co-host of the hot podcast for besties everywhere, Call Your Girlfriend, joins us for some no-holds-barred conversation on this week’s episode of HerMoney. We also discuss how best to negotiate your salary when you’re doing it all of the time? And is the sip-and-click (aka shopping with a little buzz) really all that bad? Then, Kelly and I dish on the best ways to save for retirement without a 401(k) and what to do with that extra money once you finally pay off your credit card debt. P.S. Call your girlfriend and have her take a listen. Then take a few minutes and talk it through. Wine, optional. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 27: Oh, Grow Up!

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  Oct 12 2016

  Do you make your financial decisions based on fear? Stress? Guilt? Impulse? Or some all-too-random combination of the above? We dive into a better way to go about it with best-selling author (and birthday girl) Suzy Welch, including tips on how to stand up and face your financial fears. Then we sit down with Bobbi Rebell, author of the new book “How to Be a Financial Grownup.” (If you want a copy, listen to the episode then tweet us your answer. We’ve got a bunch to give away.) And please, share HerMoney with your friends! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 26: LIVE From FinCon, Where Money Nerds Unite

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  Oct 05 2016

  HerMoney recently took a road trip to San Diego, California, to record a LIVE episode from FinCon, the world’s largest financial content expo, where journalists, bloggers, financial services companies and up-and-comers in fintech all come together to nerd out about money. We took over the mainstage to record a special episode featuring money bloggers Sarah Li Cain of High Fiving Dollars and Chelsea Fagan of The Financial Diet. Both get candid about their once rocky relationships with money — one involving a selfish boyfriend and the other an arrest — and how they turned them around. We kept the financial confessions rolling into a special take on Mailbag. Kelly scoured the crowd to get other money bloggers’ financial confessions and offered a gasp-worthy one of her own…let’s just say I’m buying her a Keurig for Christmas. We hope you’re enjoying HerMoney. We always want you to be part of the conversation. Please share us with your family and friends, ask them to subscribe and let us know what you think. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 25: House Beautiful Or Money Pit?

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  Sep 28 2016

  Whether you’re obsessed with HGTV (I am) or devour the real estate listings as they were People Magazine (I do), you know that your house is not just where you lay your head — it’s a pricey line item on your budget. Particularly when things need fixing. That’s why I invited Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, to drop by. She fills us in on how not to get ripped off on home repairs, as well as how she grew her firm from a company of two into a juggernaut with 1,800 employees and 10 million verified reviews. Plus, Kelly and I answer your financial questions: Should a couple get married in retirement for financial reasons and should you invest in your traditional or Roth 401(k) at work? And in this week’s Thrive segment, PwC real estate maven Mitch Roschelle joins me to talk about buying — and selling — smart. Then, get ready for next week’s special episode that we recorded LIVE from the stage at FinCon. And, as always, please share with your friends and let us know what you think in the reviews. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 24: Time Is Money. Productivity Expert Laura Vanderkam Teaches Us How To Get More Of Both

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  Sep 21 2016

  168 hours. That’s how many each of us have in a single week. So how come it seems that some women seem to get it all done, no sweat, while others struggle to pack it all in? The brilliant Laura Vanderkam has some solutions — including how you can be the boss of your schedule (and your technology) rather than the other way around. After talking to her, I’m feeling better already and I think you will, too. Plus, Kelly and I answer your questions about apps to track your spending and creating a savings plan when you’re on a freelance income. P.S. Laura Vanderkam was a guest suggested by one of our listeners. Please let me know who you’d like to hear from! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 23: Share The Wealth

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  Sep 14 2016

  Would you tell a friend what you get paid? Would you do it if you knew it would help her get paid fairly? Meredith Rollins, editor in chief of Redbook magazine has done it — and she says we all should follow suit. The stats don’t lie. It’s been years and despite a lot of headlines and head scratching, we haven’t made much progress closing the wage gap. Could this sort of transparency help? Rollins thinks so and after talking to her, I agree. (Please let me know what you think!) Then, Kelly joins me to answer your questions about all those incentive credit cards and refinancing student loans. Plus, why you’ve got to get a move on with this year’s FAFSA. Join me! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 22: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

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  Sep 07 2016

  Student loans, credit card debt, retirement, oh my! Your questions have been rolling in over Twitter, Facebook and email. And so this week we decided to devote the entire episode to answering them. How to finance graduate school? What’s the fastest and cheapest way to pay off $30,000 of credit card debt? Annuities in retirement — yea or nay? Please keep the questions coming — and share the episode with anyone you think would benefit from the answers.

  Episode

• Episode 21: Health, Wealth And Self

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  Aug 31 2016

  If you want the next half of your life to be just as good as the first, then you’ve got to get a grip on these three things, says Jo Ann Jenkins, the new CEO of AARP (and the one in their ads telling us all that we “don’t know AARP”). We talk about how to reimagine the life you’re living now to put yourself on a healthier, wealthier and more self-satisfied track. We also hear about Jenkins’ path to helm this mega-organization as, often, one of the few African American women in the room. Then, attention impulse shoppers! “Behavior Gap” author and certified financial planner, Carl Richards, explains why he believes you should wait 72 hours before buying pretty much anything (I’m down with 24 hours. We discuss.) And Kelly joins me to answer the financial questions you’ve sent us. Stay tuned next week for a whole HerMoney Q&A Show focused in large part on student (and other) debt. Why? Because you keep asking. And we hear you. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 20: High Risk, High Reward! theSkimm Founders Share Their Story And Goal Of Empowering Millennial Women

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  Aug 24 2016

  Confession: Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg started theSkimm — the daily email newsletter you, I, and 3.5 million other readers start their morning with — by floating it on their credit cards. It wasn’t until this year that they dug their way out. And that’s only one of the things we learned when the HerMoney team sat down with theSkimm founders. Tune in to find out how they got their mojo and stick around for the outtake to find out why we were in the “Munch” conference room. Hint: It’s not about lunch. (This episode is one to share with all of your friends who want to start their own businesses!) Plus, Kelly joins me to answer your financial questions about when you may need a financial planner and how to transfer balances on your credit cards without it costing a mint. And, on this week’s Thrive, we cover the sometimes sticky situation of whether to loan money to family or friends. If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, encourage your friends to do likewise and leave us a review. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 19: Randi Zuckerberg On Using Tech To Simplify Your Life — Financial And Otherwise

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  Aug 17 2016

  As my listeners know, I’m good with money. Tech? Not so much. But after interviewing technology and social media expert Randi Zuckerberg, I feel much better. And I think you will, too. She helps untangle our wired lives, showing ways to use tech to hack your daily tasks and even bring the family closer together. We also discuss our lives online and off. Just how much screen time is good for your kids — and for you, too? Then, Kelly joins me to answer questions about starting a business and how to find the best interest rates on your savings. And we wrap things up with “Smart Mom, Rich Mom” author Kimberly Palmer, who offers tips for raising money-smart kids. If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, encourage your friends to do likewise and leave us a review. (Thanks!) ...more

  Episode

• Episode 18: What’s A Want Versus A Need? Sarah Newcomb Answers The Loaded Question

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  Aug 10 2016

  A bubble bath, a nice scotch and some slow jazz? Which are wants? Which are needs? I thought I knew until I sat down with behavioral economist Sarah Newcomb for this week’s episode of HerMoney. Newcomb, the author of a new book called “Loaded,” figured she could solve all of her own money problems getting tactical and practical — she even studied personal financial planning in business school. Yet, she still struggled with her money. Eventually a course on money psychology set her straight. “I learned I was afraid of money, and I hated it!” She’s come a long way since then and her candid advice made me think about my money — including a new way to frame the want/need dividing line — in ways I’ve never done so before. (And that’s saying a lot.) Then, Kelly joins me to talk about how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may be the best, tax-free savings option you’re not taking advantage of. And in our Thrive segment, strategies for embracing — and getting through — your money conflicts. We love hearing from you at HerMoney and hope you’ve noticed we’re listening to your guest and topic suggestions. Keep them coming! Then, please share the word (and write us a review)! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 17: Brené Brown Makes Sense Of Why Money Makes Us Feel So Vulnerable — And How To Deal

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  Aug 03 2016

  To paraphrase Sara Bareilles: We want to see you be brave managing your money. And who better to inspire us to get there than best-selling author and preeminent TED talker Dr. Brené Brown? It’s an obstacle she’s tackled in her own life, as she admits, “I don’t understand everything that I feel like I’m supposed to understand, [and] not understanding puts me at risk.” Sound familiar? Brené helps us understand these feelings of vulnerability and the fact that they don’t make us weak. She takes us on a deep dive into some of the other basic human emotions — like guilt and shame — and how they’re entangled in our money mindsets. It’s one of my favorite conversations. Then, Kelly joins me to answer your financial questions about how best to convert your savings into a monthly income and push your reluctant spouse to get a will. We hope you’re enjoying HerMoney. Please share us with your family and friends, subscribe and leave us a review. We always want you to be part of the conversation! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 16: Live Longer, Live Younger! Your Best Age Is Now With Dr. Robi Ludwig

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  Jul 27 2016

  No more midlife crises! Tired of all the negative talk surrounding the word “midlife”? So was my friend and psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig — so much so, she wrote a book about it: “Your Best Age Is Now.” That’s why we’re re-framing the conversation on this week’s episode of HerMoney. Research shows women in their 40s, 50s and 60s are living longer and younger. In fact, despite the myths, midlife is the most creative time for us, because we know ourselves better than our younger selves. So, if you’re regretting not doing what you always wanted to do, get over it and do it now! Robi tells us how. And since work and feeling accomplished play two important roles in a woman’s transition into midlife, she also shares some great advice for dealing with work crises, too. Speaking of regrets, we also talk about the financial ones and how to use them to your advantage to create new opportunities to fuel your future. Kelly joins me to answer your financial questions. This week we simplify that complicated emergency cushion formula and talk over something I needed to do myself: start from scratch after divorce. And, as we all swelter as temps rise (hello #HeatDome), we ask Kerry Cooper, CEO of Choose Energy for savings tips so that your wallet doesn’t feel the heat this summer. (We’ve got your wallet covered for winter, too.) As always, we hope you’re enjoying HerMoney. Please subscribe, share us with your friends and leave us a review. We always want YOU to be a part of the conversation! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 15: How To Put $500 A Month Back In Your Pocket And Jump-Start Your Savings Plan!

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  Jul 20 2016

  All those tips come courtesy of PureWow editor Jillian Quint. If you’re not familiar with PureWow, it’s a newsletter written like a note from your smartest girlfriend, who is always ahead of what’s trending when it comes to lifestyle, parenting and, yes, money. With Jillian, we take on sticky situations like splitting the check at a group dinner and talking with your parents about their retirement plans. And play along with us as we get down and dirty about when to save and when to splurge. Organic milk? Chicken? Car seats? Kelly joins me to answer your questions about IRAs, and — since so many of you have asked how to choose a financial planner — we decided to invite Liz Davidson of Financial Finesse to give us some expert advice. We hope you are enjoying HerMoney. Please share with one friend you think will like it, leave us a review and let us know what you think! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 14: It’s All About Me! How To Take Credit — Without Being Called A B****. Plus Actress Ali Sweeney On ID Theft!

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  Jul 13 2016

  Practice with me: “Yes, thank you. I’m very proud of that FILL IN THE BLANK accomplishment.” I know it’s hard for women to go from a “we” world to a “me” world. We’re all about the team. Less about ourselves. The problem is when we do this we don’t rise through the ranks, make more money and simply get credit for all the good work we’ve done. Just how can women learn to be more assertive at work and at home without being called bitchy? Dr. Ben Sorensen, a charismatic leadership trainer and executive coach, knows how. I recently met him at a conference and wanted to share him with all of you. Ben and I teach you the right words to say to communicate more effectively –– without the backlash. Of course Kelly joins me to answer your financial questions, and in a very special Thrive segment this week, Alison Sweeney, you know her from “The Biggest Loser” and “Days of our Lives,” shares her distressing story of identify theft and how her fans saved her from more financial peril. Identify theft is all too common, so we tell you what to do to prevent it. We hope you are enjoying HerMoney. Please share it with your family, friends and colleagues. Subscribe and leave us a review –– we want to hear what YOU want to talk about. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 13: Jane Bryant Quinn On How To Make Your Money Last As Long As You DO!

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  Jul 06 2016

  I am so proud to call Jane Bryant Quinn a friend as well as a mentor. You know her as a female pioneer and personal finance advocate, trusted by millions as a columnist for Newsweek, a reporter for CBS News and a prolific author, but to me, she is an inspiration. Jane showed me –– and so many others –– there was a space in the world for women to talk in a smart, intelligent and understandable way about money. So this week we dig in and get granular about the biggest financial fear going: Outliving your money. Jane explains simple strategies that’ll get you there, and why “right-sizing” your life now –– not later –– can be key. She also shares what it was like to be one of the first female journalists in a very male world. As always, Kelly joins us to answer your financial questions about closing credit cards and saving after you’re 65. And, for this week’s Thrive segment, we’re literally talking about, talking about money. Yes, it’s scary, but we’ll help you through it. How to demystify that money convo with your spouse or family is one of our goals here at HerMoney. We hope you’re enjoying HerMoney. Please share us with your friends, subscribe and send us your money questions. We want you to be part of the conversation! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 12: You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, Just Good Enough With Rene Syler

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  Jun 29 2016

  “I lost my job, I lost my breasts, I lost my hair and I found myself.” That’s Rene Syler, former anchor for CBS News’ The Early Show, on HerMoney explaining what happened in a tumultuous two years of her life. In this week’s episode, Rene candidly shares with us her transition from network news to entrepreneur, author and host of her new web series “The Good Enough Mother.” Rene is one of those women who makes me feel better about my parenting skills –– and honestly, myself — on a daily basis. We talk about why it’s powerful to own our truth rather than sugarcoat it. “I got fired, fired, fired, fired,” she says. We also dish on why women like us care so much about our hair. As always, Kelly joins me to answer your financial questions, this week seeking advice about small businesses and how grandparents can teach kids to save when their parents don’t. And, in our Thrive segment, what to do when your millennial can’t afford to leave home. We hope you’re enjoying HerMoney. Please share it with your friends, subscribe and leave a review to tell us what you think. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 11: When A Spender And A Saver Say ‘I Do,’ How Do They Manage The Money? A Candid Chat With Author Jennifer Weiner

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  Jun 22 2016

  Candid. If I had to pick one word to describe Jennifer Weiner, author of “Good in Bed,” “In Her Shoes” and so many other great reads, I’d pick that one. Though, smart, funny and fearless also come to mind. I knew I wanted her on the podcast the minute I read her frank essay about the fact that she and her new husband are polar opposites financially. (Though I confess, I am also an avid follower of her savvy Bachelorette Twitter feed, which I read while I watch). Anyway, I was thrilled to meet Jennifer in Philadelphia for this week’s episode of HerMoney. We had a fun and very frank conversation about negotiating money, particularly in a second marriage, how she worries about raising two young daughters to respect money and why she waited to have a million dollars in the bank before she had her kids. We also share our “women in the workplace” experiences, and how, sadly, women bullies seem to have no age limit. Of course Kelly is with me to answer your financial questions about how to cultivate a network and safe online money management. And, we tackle the topic of credit card debt head in this week’s Thrive segment. Please join us today, subscribe and share with your BFF’s (Jennifer wrote that book, too) and let us know what you think! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 10: Will The 50-Year-Old You Be Mad At The 25-Year-Old You? Talking Time-Tested Money Principles With Dave Ramsey

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  Jun 15 2016

  Dave Ramsey asks, “Will The 50-Year-Old You Be Mad At The 25-Year-Old You?” This week I traveled to Nashville to sit down with financial powerhouse Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze. We talk about how the baby steps to take control of our own financial lives haven’t changed in the 25 years Dave and I have been doing this – and how they have. In particular, we dive into the impact social media is having on our spending and saving (not always for the good) and how you can raise financially savvy kids like Rachel, who, by the way, has a new book coming out soon called, “Love Your Life, Not Theirs.” We’ll answer your financial questions with Kelly (a “friend” of hers is in a new relationship and needs advice, ahem) and in this week’s Thrive segment, more about teaching millennials how to start investing in themselves and their futures. P.S. I hope you enjoy HerMoney. Please subscribe and share us with your BFF’s. I want to know what you think! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 9: How I Found $1,000 And Learned About Grit From Ad Aces Linda Kaplan Thaler And Robin Koval

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  Jun 08 2016

  Grit – and a grand! In this episode of HerMoney, I fill you in on how I found over $1,000 in missing money (my own, embarrassingly) and how you can do the same. And, I get the down and dirty on GRIT and how the power of “Guts, Resilience, Initiative and Tenacity” can take you from ordinary to extraordinary. Advertising aces Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, authors of a great new book on the subject, share how two girls from the Bronx with no special advantages, rose through the male-dominated, cutthroat world of advertising to run their own booming ad firm. They posit (and research corroborates) that the real secrets to success come through perseverance and determination more so than intellect or inside connections. Plus: Do you have your best ideas in the shower? Many people do and there’s science behind why. We’ll share. And when Kelly and I answer your financial questions, we tell you why stay-at-home moms absolutely need their own personal credit cards and how to find a legitimate charity. And when we “Thrive,” we’ll discuss how to you know whether a new job offer is good enough to jump for. P.S. I hope you enjoy HerMoney. Please subscribe and share us with your BFFs. I want to know what you think! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 8: Your Money, Your Kids. The Opposite Of Spoiled With Ron Lieber

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  May 31 2016

  Tell your children how much money you make! That’s what Ron Lieber, NYT best-selling author, personal finance columnist and father says to do if you want to raise kids who are grounded, giving and yes, smart, about money. Ron caused quite a flurry when he challenged that generational taboo, and this week on HerMoney, we talk with Ron about money basics for parents and kids, starting with the tooth fairy through cell phones to college tuition. Get paid for chores? No! Have a say in how the family gives to charity? Yes! We also talk about why expectations for girls are still different than those for boys and how to change that. Then, Kelly and I will answer your financial questions about how best to start your kids investing and creating savings habits for life, and what to do (as debt nears an all time high!) if you have too many high interest credit cards. P.S. Stands for “Please Share.” If you like what you hear, please 1) share us on your Facebook and in every other possible way 2) leave us a review and 3) subscribe. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 7: Slim Body, Fat Wallet: America’s Toughest Trainer, Jillian Michaels, On Habits That Breed Success In Both

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  May 23 2016

  We all know Jillian Michaels is an expert at getting people motivated to change their lives, but she struggles with a work/home balance just like the rest of us. Jill admits money is an uncomfortable topic for her, but she sees psychological parallels in building strong fitness and financial habits. As she heads toward the altar with her partner of many years, we get personal with advice about setting up a financial life that works – and she asks my advice about how to teach her 5 and 3-year-old to value their allowance. I also answer your financial questions about helping new college grads get off on the right financial foot and how women may be better at multitasking than men, but it might actually stall our careers. P.S. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, share and leave us a review. Thanks!! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 6: Giada De Laurentiis On Building A Brand – And Being Heard And Respected In A Male-Dominated Industry

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  May 15 2016

  This week on HerMoney: Building your brand, honing your credit and Giada De Laurentiis. The Food Network star and restaurateur talks candidly about rising to the top in the male-dominated food world and how hard it’s been to be both heard and respected. She candidly talks about her life after a tough divorce and how she’s raising her 8-year-old daughter to know and respect the value of money. And since we are all essentially “brands” these days, she shares advice about how she honed hers and how you can and should do the same. In Q&A with Kelly, we dive into why it’s so hugely important for women to have strong credit in our own names (and how to build it if you don’t have it). And we’ve got tips for how prepping for your 2016 taxes (really!) now can save you big later. P.S. If you like what you hear, please 1) share us with your BFFs 2) leave us a review and 3) subscribe. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 5: Joanna Coles, Editor-In-Chief Of Cosmopolitan Magazine On Sex, Money And Power

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  May 08 2016

  Sex. Money. Power. Joanna Coles, the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, is very much in tune with the voice of her magazine. She is comfortable talking about anything. And this week nothing is off the table. She speaks candidly with me about how money can be the greatest stress in a relationship, why women need to reasonably know their worth in negotiations and how earning more makes women feel empowered. We also discuss sexuality in the workplace and how social media is impacting our culture for better and worse. We’ll answer your financial questions about credit limits, how best to pay for continuing education and if your recent graduate should hire a financial advisor. And in our Thrive segment. I share the advice I’m giving my own son who is about to graduate from college, on how to build a strong credit history and live on a budget. His, not mine! After you listen, please leave us a review on iTunes! And please share this podcast with any woman (or man) in your life, who you think might like it. Thanks! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 4: All-Star Investor Karen Finerman On The Costly Money Mistakes Many Women Are Making – And How Multitasking Is A Huge Waste Of Time

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  May 01 2016

  They call her “The Chairwoman” on CNBC’s Fast Money, but hedge fund manager Karen Finerman also manages life at home including two sets of twins. Learning to balance work and life, Karen has come to a number of surprising conclusions – including her belief that working from home is “the worst.” She tells us why. Driven to make a lot of money since she was a teen, Karen talks bluntly about why women must be financially independent, and how many women get in the way of their own success. She also fills us in on how being risk-averse is a double-edged sword. We also answer your financial questions about saving for college, paying off your mortgage and crafting a will. And, in this week’s Thrive segment, we explain how to safely make mobile payments. Plus: We have five of Karen’s best-selling book, Finerman’s Rules: Secrets I’d Only Tell My Daughters About Business and Life, to give away. Tweet us your favorite tip from #HerMoneyPodcast @JeanChatzky. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 3: Eyes Wide Shut! Arianna Huffington Teaches Us How To Sleep Our Way To Success

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  Apr 24 2016

  Arianna Huffington, one of the most influential women in the world, was falling apart at work because she was – literally – exhausted. This week she shares her inspirational wake-up call with us. Her new book, The Sleep Revolution, is based on science-based secrets that can help us all sleep our way to success. Arianna says lack of sleep costs the U.S. economy $63 billion a year and takes a huge toll on us as individuals hitting us in our financial, physical and emotional lives. No surprise, it’s more of a problem for women! On this week’s episode of HerMoney, we teach you how to take back the night. Of course, we all sleep more soundly when we are not worried about money, our family, our jobs or our relationships. But, Arianna says, we need to think of that problem in reverse. Being well rested is the key to regaining control. So, we’ll tell you how. We also answer your financial questions and Arianna offers us her best advice for women to Thrive. So, don’t brag about how little sleep you get. Take a few minutes for yourself, join us and tune in to HerMoney now. ...more

  Episode

• Episode 2: Co-Creators Of Criminal, Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer, On Turning A Passion Into A Business

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  Apr 17 2016

  It’s Criminal! I’m hooked on the hit podcast “Criminal”, so I am thrilled to have the show host and producers Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer join me for this week’s episode of HerMoney. P and L proudly tell us how they had the courage to take a huge risk many women fear, using their own money to pursue their passion and start their own business. We talk about their struggle to juggle two jobs, recording at night after their day jobs in a closet full of clothes to save money (and because – surprise – the acoustics are great) and how it feels now that they are a huge success. We share advice about how they should visit their money, yes, visit their money, now that they have some, and why you should too. We answer your financial questions, and in our Thrive segment, we tell you what to do when you make less than your male colleague for doing the same job! ...more

  Episode

• Episode 1: Gretchen Rubin On Money And Happiness

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  Apr 07 2016

  More money won’t always make you more happy, but how you use and manage your money can. This week, Jean chats with happiness guru and best-selling author, Gretchen Rubin, and they explore how you may effectively build better habits for both. Hear about Gretchen’s Happiness Manifesto, the importance of knowing yourself before creating or changing habits and learn why you should make your bed every day. We answer your financial questions, and in our Thrive segment, you’ll learn why spending money on others is as good for you as beta blockers (really!). Join us by subscribing to HerMoney today. ...more

  Episode

• Welcome

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  Mar 22 2016

  Anyone who tells you women don’t need financial advice specifically for them is wrong. Women, whether they’re the caretakers, the breadwinners, or both, face a unique set of financial challenges. That’s where HerMoney comes in. In her frank, often funny, but always compassionate way, Jean Chatzky takes every audience of women through the steps they need to take today to live comfortably (and worry-free) tomorrow, offering the latest research, expert tips and personal advice.

  Episode