HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Today, Jean Chatzky is joined by Karen Finerman, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, a CNBC Fast Money panelist, and co-founder of our InvestingFixx Club. Together, they reflect on the standout moments of 2024, take a deep dive into the forces shaping the markets in 2025, and offer insights into the year ahead. Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable advice, thoughtful analysis, and inspiration to help you navigate the markets with confidence in 2025. Learn more about InvestingFixx, our women’s investing club where you can vote on stocks, build a model portfolio, and grow your financial knowledge. Take the next step in your financial journey with FinanceFixx, our money makeover program. Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s somehow the middle of January — which means if you’ve made your resolutions and you’re still sticking to them, congratulations are in order! You’ve made it past Quitters Day or the day when most people abandon their resolutions (it falls on the second Friday in January). But if you have fallen off of your financial resolutions, this is your sign to pick them back up. Because of his year, it’s time to get serious about building some financial stability, financial resiliency, and cultivate a healthier relationship with money. Matt Lundquist, a Columbia University-trained psychotherapist and founder of Tribeca Therapy digs into the root of our money issues and walks us through the steps we can take to improve our relationships with money once and for all. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Improving financial habits in the New Year 06:00 Common barriers to good financial behavior 18:00 Why people overspend and use money to address emotional voids 28:00 When to seek financial therapy 33:00 Mailbag Question 1: What’s the best way to invest in Bitcoin with a small amount of money? 40:00 Mailbag Question 2: How do I best support my parents in paying back my student loans? TAKEAWAYS: Many financial behaviors, such as avoiding credit card statements or overspending, are tied to deeper psychological patterns rather than a lack of financial knowledge. Tackling small financial disagreements early as a couple can help build a framework for handling larger financial challenges later. Finding the right therapist involves looking for someone experienced in discussing money-related emotions or asking targeted questions about their experience with this topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to finally hire a financial advisor this year but unsure of where to start? We hear you. That’s why we’re bringing back this special mailbag episode with Pam Krueger, founder and CEO of WealthRamp, to tackle all your burning questions about financial advisors. From finding a fiduciary you can trust to navigating minimum asset requirements, we’ve got you covered. CHAPTERS: 02:00 Key questions to ask a financial advisor 07:00 Advisors and tax professionals: building a team 14:00 How often should you meet with your financial advisor? 22:00 Advisors who specialize in FIRE Additional Resources: Check out WealthRamp to get matched with a vetted fiduciary advisor. Explore the XY Planning Network for advisors who work with younger clients. Learn about the Association of African American Financial Advisors here. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re diving headfirst into a question that has sparked both inspiration and existential angst for centuries: Finding your purpose. It’s a daunting idea, isn’t it? Purpose can feel abstract, elusive, and ever-shifting — something we’re constantly chasing but rarely confident we’ve fully grasped. Dr. Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy has answers — and thankfully they’re not as complicated as you might think. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The evolving nature of purpose 04:00 The difference between meaning and purpose 07:00 Little p and Big P Purpose 22:00 Finding purpose using the magic of subtraction 33:00 Mailbag Question 1: Retirement benchmarks vs. life priorities 41:00 Mailbag Question 2: Rebalancing portfolios near retirement TAKEAWAYS: Purpose is created through meaningful actions. Rather than chasing lofty, big-picture goals, you should engage in daily activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Leverage all available tools—time, energy, community, and passions—to build a life filled with meaning. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing back our episode with Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of the renowned toy company Melissa & Doug, to discuss the critical importance of mental health. Melissa opens up about her decades-long battle with anxiety, depression, and existential despair, sharing how she learned to channel her struggles into light and creativity. We explore why so many women feel isolated, the power of self-acceptance, and how to build authentic relationships. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This holiday season has been….stressful. And if it feels like you’re feeling more holiday stress this year than your male partner, you probably are. A 2023 poll from Yahoo News and YouGov found that 43% of women said their level of stress and anxiety increases during the holidays (compared to 32% of men). Resiliency and stress expert Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe shares her top tips for entering the New Year with less stress. Because when we’re less stressed we have more space to manage our needs (including our financial needs), and we can start planning for the future. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why the holidays are so stressful 06:31 Redefining resiliency 9:01 The five pillars of resilience 20:31 A prescription for stress recovery 33:46 Mailbag Question 1: What is a safe harbor account? 36:01 Mailbag Question 2: I’m 60 years old. Should I convert my traditional IRA into a Roth IRA? TAKEAWAYS: Resilience is often misunderstood. It’s not just about being born with it but building it through lived experiences and relationships. Stress itself isn’t the enemy. It’s the overexposure to stress (distress) that harms us. Research suggests that swearing (when not directed at others) can improve pain tolerance. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know we’re spending over 11% of our disposable income on food—the highest amount since 1991? It’s time to take control of our grocery bills and find joy in the kitchen. That’s why we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes with New York Times food columnist Melissa Clark, author of Dinner in One, and over 40 other cookbooks. Melissa shares her genius tips for cutting down on time and effort in the kitchen while maximizing flavor. From one-pan wonders to her philosophy of simplifying recipes (and minimizing cleanup), she makes cooking accessible—even for those who think they’re too “lazy” to cook. Plus, Melissa talks about her must-have pantry staples, freezer essentials, and why she no longer keeps potatoes on hand. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to take control of your money and set yourself up for an even better 2025. How to do it? We’ve got nine actionable steps from HerMoney CEO Jean Chatzky. From rebalancing your investment portfolio after a booming stock market year, to making sure your cash is earning its keep in high-yield savings accounts, we share how to optimize your money. Takeaways: Gains in tech stocks may have caused your asset allocation to shift, increasing risk. Rebalancing protects you if the market dips. Shop for high-yield savings accounts, CDs, or annuities with rates around 4-5% before rates drop further. Offset capital gains by selling underperforming investments. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a record-breaking year for holiday travel with AAA reporting that almost 120 million people will travel 50 miles or more to spend this holiday season with the people they love. If you’re one of those people traveling to spend to holidays with your parents or your partner's parents, may we suggest doing a little Swedish death cleaning while you’re there? No, it’s not as morbid as it sounds (and, if done right, it shouldn’t put a damper on your holiday spirit). Psychologist and Swedish death cleaning expert, Katarina Blom shares why Swedish death cleaning is a life-affirming experience and practical tips for getting started. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Holiday decluttering 06:00 Swedish death cleaning defined 9:00 How to start Swedish death cleaning 18:00 Setting a purpose for your home 30:01 Mailbag Question 1: I have multiple properties, which one should I pay off before I retire? 37:01 Mailbag Question 2: What are the implications of closing a credit card that my parents opened before I was 18? TAKEAWAYS: Swedish death cleaning is life-affirming and helps create space for what truly matters. Acknowledging our mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. Consumerism often serves as an avoidance strategy for dealing with pain. Having open conversations about death can help relieve anxiety about the future. Finding purpose in your home is essential for a peaceful living environment. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are the perfect time to show gratitude to the people who make our lives easier, from housekeepers and hairstylists to restaurant servers and babysitters. But figuring out how much to tip — and how to fit it into our budgets — can feel overwhelming, especially with inflation making everything more expensive than it used to be. We’re bringing back this episode with Barbara Sloan, founder of Tipped Finance and author of Tipped: The Life-Changing Guide to Financial Freedom for Service Industry Professionals to discuss holiday tipping etiquette, budgeting strategies, and why tipping should feel good, not guilt-driven. Chapters: 00:00 Showing gratitude during the holidays 09:00 Common tipping questions and answers 16:00 The ethics of tipping 20:00 Financial advice for service workers Takeaways: Many tipping norms, such as $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping, haven’t changed in decades. Tipping should feel good and be reserved for personalized services where workers directly enhance the experience. If finances are tight, reduce the number of luxury services you use rather than tipping less. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us spend decades saving for retirement. But what happens when it’s time to spend those hard-earned dollars…how do you make them last? On the most recent episode of Your Money Map, our weekly show with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, we talk about all things decumulation with the pros — Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning for Morningstar, and David Blanchett, Research Fellow with the Alliance for Lifetime Income Institute. If you like this episode and want more, check out all of our Your Money Map episodes at protectedincome.org/your-money-map/ or tune in live every Wednesday at 12 PM ET on Facebook or LinkedIn. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Retirement worries 05:00 Why spending down our money in retirement can be so stressful 16:00 Redefining retirement as financial independence 25:00 Spending for maximum happiness TAKEAWAYS: Start by identifying your essential expenses and aligning them with guaranteed income like Social Security or annuities to cover the basics. Lifelong savers often struggle to spend their hard-earned money. To overcome this mindset, consider using strategies like “spending pots” for travel or hobbies, which allow you to enjoy your savings guilt-free. Adding guaranteed income (like annuities) to your retirement plan can provide peace of mind and allow you to spend more freely, knowing your essential needs are covered. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The charitable giving landscape in 2024 is a tricky one. Because the truth is, Americans have become less generous in the last few years. Vox has gone so far as to say we’re in the middle of a “generosity crisis,” and fewer than half of us now give to charity on an annual basis. So, how can we make sure our favorite nonprofits continue to thrive? And how can we know what type of donations and philanthropic efforts will have the most impact? Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association shares her top tips for smart charitable giving in 2024. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Charitable Giving Landscape in 2024 04:30 Women’s Heart Health 16:30 The Power of Small Donations and Volunteering 31:00 Mailbag Question 1: I have multiple HSAs, should I consolidate them now? 35:00 Mailbag Question 2: I have a variable annuity, how do I evaluate if it’s the best place to keep my money? TAKEAWAYS: Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are accounts that allow charitable contributions to grow tax-free, amplifying their impact over time. Automating your monthly giving offers nonprofits much-needed financial stability. Giving appreciated securities can save donors from paying capital gains tax while offering nonprofits the full value of the assets.  Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring throwback episode, we sit down with Kyle Taylor, founder of The Penny Hoarder, a personal finance blog turned multi-million-dollar media company. Kyle shares his journey from being $50,000 in debt to building a business he eventually sold for $100 million. We discuss how to identify and monetize side hustles, maintain financial accountability, and avoid burnout while growing a business. You may even come away ready to launch a business of your own! Takeaways: Creative side gigs can help you earn extra cash, including working as a beer auditor or a movie preview evaluator. "Financial Sunday" is a weekly check-in with your budget to help you stay on track and manage spending. Creating a financially transparent household can help your children understand that good financial habits require consistent effort. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are almost at the end of 2024, and many of us are looking to the New Year as a chance for a much-needed fresh start. Now is a great time to reflect on the past 12 months and set some big goals — financial and otherwise! — for the year to come. And if you’re looking for advice on how to get a new job, you aren’t alone. Erin McGoff, better known as “Advice with Erin” on TikTok shares her playbook on how to get a job in 2025. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Reflecting on 2024 and Setting Goals for 2025 07:00 How to Discuss Salary and Benefits in Job Interviews 16:00 Why Networking Trumps Resumes 20:00 When It’s Ok To Tell White Lies In Interviews 35:00 Mailbag Question 1: Should I Pay Off My Zero-Interest Credit Card With a HAMP Loan? 38:00 Mailbag Question 2: I need to liquidate $15,000 from one of my mutual fund accounts, which one should I choose? TAKEAWAYS: Functional resumes focusing on skills rather than chronological experience can be effective, particularly for midlife career changes. Use AI as a support tool, not a substitute, and edit outputs to maintain authenticity. If salary limits are fixed, leverage non-salary benefits, like PTO or flexible schedules, and ask about these areas during negotiations. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are bringing you a mailbag question about retirement benchmarks, you know the ones: You want to aim to have one times your salary by age 30, three times by age 40, six times by age 50, eight times by age 60, and 10 times by the time you retire. These benchmarks are fabulous, but they're also not personal. Listener Tiffany joins us to ask how pensions, retiring early, and Social Security factor into these benchmarks. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

We’re so excited to reshare this episode with Leanne Brown, New York Times bestselling cookbook author of Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day ahead of Thanksgiving. We get into how it's possible to eat healthy while saving money and her favorite pantry and freezer winter recipes from everything toasts to hearty stews. Chapters: 00:00 Leanne Brown’s journey 06:19 “Good Enough” cooking 14:16 Favorite recipes and pantry essentials 20:01 Navigating rising grocery store prices Takeaways: Simplify meals by using fewer ingredients per recipe, such as canned tomatoes, beans, pasta, and hearty greens. Use leftovers creatively, such as repurposing them into “stuff on toast” or hearty salads. Reframe cooking as a personal and flexible activity rather than a chore. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom at investingfixx.com. Have a question for us? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices