Financial Feminist 272. What to Do If You’re 35+ and Feel Financially Behind with Jean Chatzky
Jan 27, 2026
Jean Chatzky, longtime financial journalist and founder of HerMoney, shares her restart at 40 after divorce and job loss. She discusses why midlife needs different money thinking. Short, practical topics: moving cash into the market, auditing expenses, using HSAs as investing tools, setting caregiving boundaries, and simple steps to course-correct without panic.
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Starting Over At 40
- Jean Chatzky started over at 40 after divorce, job loss, and her father's death in the same year.
- She rebuilt savings, bought a house, paid it off, and methodically rebuilt her portfolio.
Ask Questions And Build A Trusted Team
- Ask every question you need during financial transitions and insist on clear answers from professionals.
- Hire a good lawyer, therapist, and accountant who work as a team and explain things in plain language.
Avoid Holding Too Much Cash
- Move money out of excess cash and into investments because cash rarely outpaces inflation and taxes.
- If your money isn't working in the market, take steps to invest appropriately for long-term growth.