HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we meet Megan, a 47-year-old office manager living on Long Island with her husband. Together they earn around $200,000, but keep most of their spending separate — and it works. Megan hasn’t paid a cent in credit card interest in over two decades and recently spent just $400 in a week, all while training for her fifth marathon. Tune in as she shares: Why she keeps her money separate from her spouse, and how they make it work The real costs of marathon training How she budgeted for a trip to Barcelona without touching savings Her unique take on tipping, impulse buying, and personal finance independence 🎯 Ready to understand your own money style? Take our MoneyType™ quiz 💡 Want to build better habits? Join our InvestingFixx club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the HerMoney Podcast, we're bringing you something special — an exclusive preview of one of our brand-new Patreon-only AMA episodes. In this series, Jean sits down one-on-one with real listeners to talk through their biggest financial questions in real time. In this episode, you’ll meet Donna, a 68-year-old listener who is rebuilding her financial life from scratch after the end of a 30-year marriage, years out of the workforce, and time spent navigating disability. Now she’s back at work full-time — earning nearly double what she made before — and she’s trying to figure out how to use this new income to build the retirement she wants. Jean and Donna talk through: What it feels like to step back into the workforce at 68 How to choose between Roth and traditional contributions How to invest when you feel “behind” on retirement What to do when advisors tell you your portfolio is “too small.” And how to finally create a plan after years of trying You’ll hear the first half of their conversation here. To listen to the full episode — plus all of our new bonus content — join us on Patreon. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/cw/HerMoneyPodcast  As a Patreon member, you’ll get: 1–2 exclusive bonus episodes every month AMA call-in mailbags with Jean A lively private chat with the HerMoney community Ad-free listening across the entire feed Early access to submit your money questions Access to a special live event we’re hosting in the new year If you love having more HerMoney in your week, we’d love to have you join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, college was considered the ultimate launching pad—your ticket to a good job, a stable life, and financial freedom. But today, that path feels a whole lot blurrier. In this episode, Jean sits down with leading financial expert Ric Edelman, whose new book The Truth About College pulls back the curtain on what higher education really delivers—and where it falls short. Together, they dive into: When college still makes financial sense—and when it really doesn’t How families can make smarter decisions together  Why trade schools, gap years, and community college deserve a second look The emotional toll of student debt (and what parents often miss) How adults can tap into lifelong learning without breaking the bank More from HerMoney: 💸 Want to join our investing club or try our coaching program? [https://hermoney.com/fixx/] 📰 Get our free weekly newsletter: [https://hermoney.com/subscribe/] ✨If this episode helped you see things in a new way, leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

When you're suddenly put in charge of an aging parent’s finances, the emotional toll is heavy, and the financial fallout can be even heavier. In this episode, Jean Chatzky is joined by certified financial planner and MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Together, they unpack Beth’s personal journey of managing her mother’s finances through illness, surgery, and estate settlement. Even with decades of experience writing about money, Beth found herself caught off-guard by just how complicated — and expensive — caregiving can be without the right documents and conversations in place. What You’ll Learn: The most overlooked (and affordable) legal documents everyone needs The difference between joint accounts, POA, and transfer-on-death How to prep for financial caregiving before a medical emergency The unexpected costs of not planning ahead — and how to avoid them How to be “the person who gets called” in a crisis — and what to ask in advance 💡 P.S. Need help getting your own financial life in order before you take on someone else’s? Check out our FinanceFixx program, our signature coaching experience that helps you get organized, take control of your spending, and build a plan that actually works.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we head to Atlanta to follow Kristen, a 40-something clinical researcher who earns about $150K a year and travels nearly full-time for work. She walks us through a week of thoughtful spending, including a $1,300 mortgage payment, $500 toward her HELOC, a $150 yard sale win (promptly spent on music festival tickets), and the small joys that keep her grounded when she’s on the road so much. 💬 In this episode: Why she bought a home on her own at 30 How she’s navigating a HELOC payoff The hidden costs of business travel (and the perks) Her favorite splurges and values-based spending What she’s learned from tracking her money for one week Want to better understand your financial mindset? Take our MoneyType quiz to learn how your personality influences your spending. And if you’re ready to get serious about your budget, check out our FinanceFixx program — real coaching, real results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of work is changing fast. AI is reshaping how we do our jobs, learn new skills, and even how we write our resumes and cover letters. But the most trusted source of career advice isn’t AI. It’s people. In this week’s episode, Jean sits down with LinkedIn Career Expert Catherine Fisher to talk about why networking is still the ultimate career superpower. Catherine shares why it’s less about jobs disappearing and more about tasks evolving, what skills are becoming even more valuable now, and how women can use their networks to stay confident, connected, and ahead of the curve. We’ll cover: How to approach AI with curiosity and use it to your advantage Simple ways to keep your professional relationships alive (even when you’re busy) How to make networking feel authentic instead of awkward or transactional The top three profile changes to help you stand out on LinkedIn today 👉 Join the HerMoney Investing Club 📰 Subscribe to the free HerMoney Newsletter: https://hermoney.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on HerMoney’s special series A Week In Her Wallet, we meet Kaitlyn from Madison, Wisconsin. She’s a full-time state program manager with a side hustle, a toddler, three cats, and a dog — so life is full, to say the least. Kaitlyn and her husband bring in just under $200K per year and manage their money through shared accounts and regular “budget nights.” As Kaitlyn tracks her spending for a week, she shares her candid voice notes about side gig deposits, why she swears by a monthly cleaning service, and how her love for thrift stores led to a once-in-a-lifetime vinyl record player find. Her week is about much more than transactions; it’s a journey of intentional joy, family memories, and budgeting for what really matters. 💡 Listen in to hear: Why she happily spends $150 a month on house cleaning How she and her husband use “funding pots” to budget for travel, gifts, and daycare The thrift store jackpot that brought her to happy tears Why they’re winding down their bartending side hustles A powerful mindset shift around spending money on experiences over things How they navigate toddler expenses on a budget — and with intention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jean sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin, bestselling author of Too Big to Fail and the brand-new 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—And How It Shattered a Nation. Andrew shares why the patterns of 1929 are repeating themselves, from the rise of new technology and market euphoria to record consumer debt and risky new financial products entering retirement accounts. Jean and Andrew break down what’s happening in the markets, what’s fueling the AI-driven investing mania, and what you should be doing now to protect your financial future. Plus, don’t miss our Insurance Mailbag! Jean and Kathryn tackle your real-life insurance questions, whether you’re downsizing your home, passing down family valuables, or just making sure your coverage fits your next chapter. You’ll learn: Why history says optimism can be dangerous (but useful) How today’s “buy now, pay later” mindset mirrors 1929’s credit explosion What risks may be hiding in your 401(k) Whether crypto and private equity belong in retirement portfolios And how to build a portfolio that can actually weather a crash Empty nest resources from our partners at Nationwide. 👉 Join the HerMoney Investing Club 📰 Subscribe to the free HerMoney Newsletter: https://hermoney.com/subscribe  💬 Got feedback? We love hearing from you. Leave us a review and tell us what you want more of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With healthcare premiums expected to spike and enhanced ACA subsidies set to expire, millions of Americans may be facing a serious coverage crunch. In this timely episode of Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky is joined by retirement experts Marcia Mantell and Jae Oh to break down what’s really happening with the ACA, Medicare, and employer-sponsored insurance, and how you can protect your wallet. We dig into: How the government shutdown could impact Affordable Care Act subsidies The true cost of healthcare in 2026 Why open enrollment this year will be more complex than ever How to budget for Medicare premiums and unexpected expenses Strategies for using guaranteed income (like Social Security or annuities) to cover rising healthcare costs Tips to avoid scams, navigate robocalls, and make smart insurance choices The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible plans 🔗 For more resources and tools from the Alliance for Lifetime Income, visit ProtectedIncome.org 📬 Sign up for their newsletter: protectedincome.org/subscribe 💬 Like what you hear? Leave us a 5-star review and share the episode with a friend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re giving you a first look inside our brand-new Patreon-exclusive Mailbag series — and this one’s powerful. A listener, a single mom of a toddler, just received a cancer diagnosis. She reached out with urgent questions about how to manage her finances during treatment: Are cancer insurance payouts taxable? Should she prioritize paying off IRS debt or building savings? How can she prepare for unpaid leave while focusing on recovery? Jean and Kathryn dig into it all,  from the tax treatment of cancer insurance to how to protect your money when life takes an unexpected turn. This episode is a preview of what’s waiting for you when you subscribe to our new HerMoney Patreon, where you’ll find: ✨ Deep-dive mailbags with Jean and Kathryn 📞 Call-in AMA mailbags with real listeners 🎧 Ad-free listening 🌙 “After Hours with HerMoney” — more daring, personal money conversations 👉 Join us at patreon.com/hermoney to unlock the full episodes and help shape the future of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens to everything you've worked so hard for — your home, your savings, your family memories — after you're gone? If your answer is “I’m not sure,” the time to start planning is now. In this empowering episode, Jean sits down with Heather Winston, Certified Financial PlannerTM professional of Principal Advised Services, LLC and Assistant Vice President at Principal Financial Group®, to talk all things estate planning; what it can really mean, why it matters, and how to get started, no matter your income level or family structure. Together, they unpack: Four key documents every adult should have (and when to update them) Why estate planning is a form of kindness to the people you love How to make tough conversations with aging parents, or your own kids, a little easier The often-overlooked importance of your digital estate How to leave a legacy of values, not just valuables Want help organizing your financial life or finding an estate planning attorney? Subscribe to the HerMoney newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe for resources, checklists, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a meeting with a financial advisor or unsure if you’re even asking the right questions, this episode is for you. Jean sits down with Pam Krueger, investor advocate and founder of Wealthramp, to walk through actual word-for-word scripts that you can use when meeting with an advisor for the first time, reassessing a current relationship, or navigating retirement planning. Together, Jean and Pam role-play a variety of real-life money conversations: from figuring out if an advisor is a good fit, to asking about fees, to deciding whether you’re better off managing your own money. You’ll learn how to confidently evaluate the value your advisor brings, how to compare professionals during the interview process, and how to stress-test your financial plan for retirement. You’ll Learn: What to say (and ask!) in your very first advisor meeting How to know if it’s time to break up with your advisor The real value a good advisor should bring to your life The crucial questions to ask if retirement is on the horizon How to compare multiple advisors — without the overwhelm 👉 Visit HerMoney.com/FindAnAdvisor to connect with a vetted, fee-only fiduciary advisor through Wealthramp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re more financially informed than ever, thanks to FinTok, money podcasts, and yes, even chatbots. But when it comes to having real conversations about money with the people closest to us? We still freeze. This week, Jean sits down with Carl Richards — New York Times “Sketch Guy” columnist, CFP®, and author of the new book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through 101 Simple Sketches — to talk about why personal finance is more emotional than we think, and how to start the conversations we’ve been avoiding. In this episode, we cover: Why budgeting tools don’t fix emotional money problems How to align your spending with your values (without guilt) Why we underestimate our future financial needs Carl’s take on market volatility, retirement, and behavior-based investing Why your calendar and checkbook reveal your true priorities And how to talk about money with your partner, kids, or even yourself Resources: ✏️ Follow Carl on Instagram: @behaviorgap 🎨 Explore Carl’s sketches: behaviorgap.com 🧠 Join the HerMoney Patreon for exclusive bonus content: HerMoney Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer, 47, lives in Maryland, with her partner of 12 years. She’s the Vice President of Communications for a consulting firm. Her partner is a teacher and voice actor, and together they make about $300,000 a year. In this week’s A Week In Her Wallet, Jennifer tracks seven days of spending that include thoughtful gift-giving, a haircut she happily budgets for, a hefty mortgage payment on her beach home, and a few well-earned indulgences. 💬 In this episode: How Jennifer manages separate finances in a long-term relationship Why she’s accelerating payments on her second home The emotional payoff of responsible splurging What she’s learned about aligning money with happiness If more financial confidence sounds good to you, then you might want to try… ⁠4-Week Coaching Program⁠: Identify and understand your spending, build a strategic plan, and take control of your money. ⁠6-Week Pre-Retirement Program⁠: We’ll help you prepare financially and emotionally for this exciting milestone. 📈⁠InvestingFixx⁠: Learn, connect, and start investing—your first month is completely free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been laid off, or are you worried you might be? This week, Jean is joined by Laura Brown (former Editor-in-Chief of InStyle) and Kristina O’Neill (former Editor-in-Chief of WSJ. Magazine), authors of the bold and unfiltered new book, All the Cool Girls Get Fired: How to Let Go of Being Let Go and Come Back on Top. Both women hit the top of their industries… and then got let go. Now, they’re helping other women, especially Gen Xers and those over 40, navigate layoffs, ageism, financial uncertainty, and the terrifying-but-liberating process of starting over. In this episode, we talk about: Why getting fired has nothing to do with your worth, and everything to do with changing industries How to handle that first day post-layoff (what not to sign, how to negotiate your severance) Smart money moves to make immediately, whether or not you have an emergency fund Tips for negotiating with credit card companies, cutting spending fast, and finding bridge income Choosing your next path: freelancing vs. going back to corporate Why women in midlife should challenge the shame and secrecy around job loss And the launch of their new community: The Cool Girl Network Resources: 💼 All the Cool Girls Get Fired — Buy the book 📲 Follow @allthecoolgirlsgetfired on Instagram and TikTok 🧠 Join our private HerMoney Facebook group: HerMoney Private Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special HerMoney Mailbag episode, Jean Chatzky is joined by Morgan Housel, bestselling author of The Psychology of Money and The Art of Spending Money, to answer real questions from the HerMoney community.  From investing a lump sum at midlife to managing fear around paying off debt, Jean and Morgan dive into the emotions and strategy behind smart money moves. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Should I use my savings to pay off credit cards or keep the cash for peace of mind? How to invest a $60,000 lump sum after divorce What to do with “extra” money once you’ve maxed out retirement accounts Why your risk tolerance matters more than market trends How your money personality can shape your decisions, for better or worse 🔗 Resources mentioned: 📚 Order The Art of Spending Money 📘 Read The Psychology of Money — a HerMoney community favorite 🗣️ Join the HerMoney Facebook group for more listener Q&As 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

Morgan Housel, bestselling author of The Psychology of Money, is back with a brand-new book: The Art of Spending Money. In this episode, he sits down with Jean Chatzky to talk about what truly makes us feel fulfilled when we spend, and why we often get it wrong. Together, Jean and Morgan unpack the emotions that drive our financial behavior, from fear and guilt to FOMO and dopamine addiction. You’ll learn why saving money can become a harmful identity, how to redefine success beyond your bank account, and why the best moments in life usually aren’t the ones you buy. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why spending is an art, not a science How “happiness = reality minus expectations” can change your financial life What to do if you feel guilty about spending after saving for years How to break the cycle of spending for status or attention The simplest formula for a rich life: independence + purpose 📘Order Morgan’s new book, The Art of Spending Money 📚Get The Psychology of Money, a HerMoney community favorite 🗣️Join our Facebook group for more conversations with the HerMoney community If more financial confidence sounds good to you, then you might want to try… ⁠4-Week Coaching Program⁠: Identify and understand your spending, build a strategic plan, and take control of your money. ⁠6-Week Pre-Retirement Program⁠: We’ll help you prepare financially and emotionally for this exciting milestone. 📈⁠InvestingFixx⁠: Learn, connect, and start investing—your first month is completely free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices