HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Alyce about how to pay for home renovations for her special needs daughter and whether it's reasonable to adjust her retirement savings. She and her husband have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and are concerned about the high interest rate. They also discuss whether they should consider a TSP loan or reduce retirement contributions to pay off the HELOC. Have a question for us? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com.Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe!Takeaways: Consider using a TSP loan or reducing retirement contributions to pay off high-interest debt. Consult with a financial advisor who specializes in special needs planning. Set up a special needs trust and consider other estate planning options for a child with disabilities. Take advantage of employer-matching contributions for retirement savings. Evaluate the performance and usefulness of random investment accounts and consider selling them for immediate needs. Chapters:00:00: Introduction01:44: Alyce's Family and Home Renovation Needs07:28: Comparing Mortgage and HELOC Rates11:04: Retirement Savings Overview18:38: Considering a TSP Loan21:48: Selling Stock and Brokerage Account23:33: Final AdviceThe 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

When we talk about the question of whether women can have it “all,” successful careers, thriving marriages, and families, the messy truth is often, no, at least not all at the same time. Alli Webb, founder of Drybar found that out the hard way when her business blew up seemingly overnight. She shares what fame, attention, and obsession with building a brand cost her and how she found herself again in the wake of the fallout.In Mailbag, a listener asks if using roadside assistance too many times in a year can cause an increase in her car insurance. Another listener has a question about whether or not she should stay in her marital home post-divorce or sell it and build up her savings for retirement.  Chapters:0:00: Introduction03:13 Drybar: From Mobile Business to Brick-and-Mortar08:14 The Rapid Growth of Drybar and the Cost of Success21:55 Success and How It Impacted Alli’s Relationships27:19 Deciding to Let Go of Drybar31:26 Finding Validation from Within31:32: Transition to Mailbag34:58: Listener Question: Auto Insurance and Roadside Assistance37:29: Listener Question: Mortgage vs. Savings Post-DivorceTakeaways: Figuring out your greatest passions can lead to a successful business idea. Scaling a business quickly can be both exciting and overwhelming. Finding balance between work and personal life is crucial for happiness and well-being, especially as an entrepreneur. Excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment are key to building a loyal customer base.  Success in business can sometimes lead to problems in personal relationships, and it's important to recognize and address these issues. Learning to look inward and understand oneself is crucial for personal growth. Having a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can provide support, guidance, and solutions to common challenges. Going through difficult times can lead to self-discovery and personal growth, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. 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

We’re told to use money affirmations like “I am rich” and “I am always discovering new sources of income” to increase our abundance. We’re even told that we can manifest our way to a completely new life using the power of positive feelings and good vibes. But do money manifestations really work? Amanda Montell had the same question. In her new book, The Age of Magical OverThinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, she digs into our obsession with manifestations, nostalgia, confirmation bias, and what it all has to do with our modern existence. (Hint: It’s a lot more than you might think.)Chapters:00:00: Introduction04:55: Cognitive Biases and Their Impact07:44: Cognitive Biases in Financial Decision-Making13:22: Money Manifestations and Magical Thinking21:27: Spending on Self-Healing and New Age Practice26:32: Shine Theory and Female CompetitionTakeaways: Cognitive biases are mental magic tricks that we play on ourselves to make sense of the world, but they can clash with the information age and lead to irrationality. Positive thinking and optimism have benefits, but applying absolutist ideology or capitalism to ideas of manifestation can be harmful. Women are more likely to spend money on self-healing practices due to marketing and societal conditioning, but balancing optimism and skepticism is crucial. Overconfidence is a bias that affects both men and women, manifesting in different contexts. Shine theory, the idea that another person's success does not diminish your own can help combat jealousy and foster connections. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting, and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney 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

Financial mentor Michele Cagan debunks top 10 investing myths for women, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and goals. Tips on transitioning from corporate to freelancing while ensuring financial stability. Insights on diversified investing, setting goals, and overcoming intimidation in investing.

Ambition…let’s talk about it. We’ve been told it’s not a dirty word, that it’s ok (actually more than ok) for women to be ambitious. We’ve been told we should strive for C-suite positions, the corner office, and to continue reaching for higher and higher paying roles. For Jennifer Romolini, these messages were working, yet reaching the top did not fulfill her in the way that she thought it would. In her new book Ambition Monster, she chronicles how being overly ambitious and reaching the top made her so burnt out that she ended up literally losing her voice and her job. Listen in to hear about why being forced to rebuild was the best thing that ever happened to her. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who’s weighing the pros and cons of paying off a credit card every fourteen days to build credit. We also hear from a couple who is wondering the next best step after maxing out a high-yield savings account while saving up for a house. Chapters:00:00:00: Introduction00:06:44: Jennifer's Belief in Work as Salvation00:11:17: The Problem with Overworking00:19:16: Finding New Balance and Living Your Values00:24:11: Recognizing Workaholism and Ambition Issues00:26:55: MailbagTakeaways: The definition of ambition may be outdated and prioritize men, leading to challenges for women in the workplace. Workaholism and burnout can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Finding balance and fulfillment in work and life requires setting boundaries, making tough decisions, and prioritizing self-care. The pursuit of a meaningful life involves redefining success, living by one's values, and seeking internal gratification. Recognizing the signs of work addiction and imbalance is crucial for personal well-being and growth. Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe!We love hearing from you! Send us your questions at mailbag@hermoney.com.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

Here’s one thing we know — America runs on women – our paid work, our caregiving work, and our invisible work keeps the country going — and it’s taking its toll. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America survey, women say they’re feeling stressed, misunderstood, and alone. The survey also found that women were more likely to say they “strongly agree” that no one understands how stressed we are and we were less likely to report that we can get over our stressors quickly. Jessica Calarco is a sociologist who’s dedicated her life’s work to understanding how America got this way, despite being consistently ranked one of the wealthiest countries in the world. In her new book Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net, she explains how our “DIY society” came to be and strategies for women to collectively come together to support each other in a country where caregiving falls mostly on our shoulders. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who is looking for advice on how to handle her emotions in the workplace. We also hear from someone who’s in the running for a position with a pension and wants to know what the pros and cons are should she accept the job. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe!Chapters:00:00:00: Introduction 00:06:52: The Role of Women in Holding Society Together00:14:49: Current Childcare Crisis and Its Implications00:19:11: Gender Wage Gap and Household Labor Dynamics00:26:51: Practical Steps for Individual Women to Improve Their Situations00:29:57: Importance of Collective Action00:30:34: Transition to Mailbag SegmentTakeaways:  Women in America have become the safety net for families and communities, taking on the roles of caregivers and filling low-wage jobs. The US is a DIY society where individuals are expected to solve their own problems rather than rely on the government or employers for support. The lack of affordable childcare and the shift in employer benefits have put tremendous pressure on families, particularly women. Marriage is not the key to financial success and can often trap women in difficult or dangerous relationships. Solutions include advocating for affordable childcare, paid family leave, and other policies that support caregiving, as well as challenging mythical thinking and promoting collective action. 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

According to the 2024 World Happiness Survey, we’re pretty unhappy as a country this year. And although there are plenty of external reasons for us to be unhappy — sky-high costs at the grocery store, mortgage rates hovering around 7%, and credit card debt soaring – we’re all about controlling what we can control and that includes prioritizing our well-being over all else (no summertime sadness here). Stephanie Harrison, author of: “New Happy: Getting Happiness Right In a World That’s Got It Wrong,” feels that way too, so much so that she spent 10 years diving into the world of happiness research. Listen in to hear why the “Old Happy” is making us all miserable and why she believes the “New Happy” should be the framework we’re building our lives around instead. Chapters:00:00:00: Introduction00:02:58: The Concept of "New Happy" vs. "Old Happy"00:07:11: The Role of Money in Happiness00:12:08: Social Media's Impact on Happiness00:19:39: Tactical Solutions for Creating a Happier Life00:23:11: Finding a Job that Aligns with Your Gifts00:25:44: Daily Shifts to Increase Happiness00:27:30: Mailbag Segment Takeaways:  The Old Happy tells us we need to achieve more, be perfect, and be hyper-independent. These expectations are unrealistic and make us miserable. The New Happy involves discovering who you are and using your gifts to help others. This leads to personal growth, fulfillment, and creating happiness for others. Money is necessary to fulfill our needs and create experiences of well-being, but the pursuit of more and more money does not lead to proportionate increases in happiness. To find intrinsic goals that make you happier, consider safety, community, relationships, passions and interests, and personal growth. Daily shifts to make yourself and others happier include looking for opportunities to help, recognizing the support you receive, and paying attention to people who are doing good in the world. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting, and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney 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

In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Patti and Patrick about the substantial student loan debt they’ve incurred on behalf of their daughter. They explore various ways to pay it down, including using a home equity line of credit or tapping into retirement funds. Jean gives detailed guidance on the best approach to consolidate the debt. The episode also touches on the broader financial responsibilities parents face, and the importance of open communication with children about the realities of debt. Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe!Takeaways: When dealing with multiple student loans, consider consolidating them to secure a lower interest rate.  Before tapping into retirement funds or other long-term savings to pay down student loans, consider the tax implications and potential penalties.  Home equity lines of credit can be a viable alternative for paying down student loans, but compare interest rates and terms. Chapters:00:00:00: Introduction00:02:52: Details of Student Loan Debt00:05:18: Interest Rates and Consolidation Options00:07:52: Home Equity and Savings00:13:38: Financial Planning and Parental Support00:16:08: Next StepsThe 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

Is your budget working? The 50/30/20 budgeting rule — one of the most popular budgeting methods that has been around for 20 years — was created by Elizabeth Warren (yes, that Elizabeth Warren) and has largely been seen as the “gold standard” of budgeting ever since. But does it work for today’s economy? There’s also reverse budgeting, which we use in our Finance Fixx program, and has helped our participants save an average of $1,500. The point is, we have options, and our goal with our money should always be to find the one that works best for us — especially when our budget isn’t working the way we need it toThis week, we’re talking about 60/20/20 budgeting with Sean Pyles, host of the Smart Money podcast. He shares why he thinks this budget is a better framework to follow, and how we can all make budgeting just a little more fun. In Mailbag, we hear from someone who’s in the market for a car and is wondering if now may be the best time to buy an EV. We also hear from a listener who is looking for strategies to consolidate her credit card debt to lower her APR.Chapters:00:00 The 50-30-20 Budgeting Rule03:19 Different Perspectives on Budgeting08:48 Adjusting Budgeting Categories for High-Cost Areas12:10 Cash Stuffing and the Fun Side of Budgeting20:04 Considerations for Buying an Electric Car24:53 Managing High-Interest Credit Card Debt Takeaways:  Budgeting is not one-size-fits-all and should be tailored to individual circumstances and preferences. Tracking spending can help identify areas where expenses can be reduced or optimized. Consider alternative budgeting methods, such as budgeting backwards or using the spending and savings bucket method. In high-cost areas, it may be necessary to adjust budgeting percentages to accommodate higher expenses. When dealing with high-interest credit card debt, explore options like negotiating lower interest rates or considering a balance transfer or debt consolidation. When buying an electric car, consider factors such as charging infrastructure and range anxiety. Explore not-for-profit credit counseling agencies for assistance with managing credit card debt. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney 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

In 2010, Lauren Cobello (formerly Lauren Guetman) created an entire brand as “the coupon lady” after she shared her story of how she got her family out of $40,000 in debt by couponing and budgeting. By 2016, she was posting multiple times a day, wrote a few books about couponing and budgeting, and was filming family finance videos with her kids and her husband as main fixtures in her online universe. But here’s the thing about creating a brand and a community around your personal story — sometimes that story falls apart. By 2017, Lauren and her husband split, leaving her to navigate life as a single mom of four….and back in debt again. For a while, she continued to post to keep her brand alive but felt completely inauthentic doing it. Listen in to hear how she reinvented her career — and the personal finance hacks she still utilizes to keep her monthly budget in check.Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:26 - Lauren's Personal Debt Experience and Recovery00:09:41 - Therapy and Financial Healing00:10:34 - Strategies for Managing Money and Avoiding Impulse Spending00:16:14 - Couponing and Meal Planning00:21:00 - Career Transition to Media and PR00:29:12 - MailbagTakeaways: Get real with yourself and take control of your finances by focusing on what can be controlled. Meal planning and freezer cooking can save money on groceries. Building a brand using books and media can be a powerful strategy for business growth. More money news when you need it! Get the latest and greatest updates on all things investing, budgeting, and making money. Subscribe to the HerMoney 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