Today we're bringing you an extra special mailbag with friend of the show and Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar, Christine Benz. If you listened to our “New Rules for Retirement” episode, then you know all about Christine and why she thinks women need a new playbook for retirement. We are going to tackle a few of the follow-up questions that came from our viewers on YouTube, go check out our channel if you haven’t already!Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:00 Mailbag Question 1: I have 425k saved and want to retire early, what am I missing? 08:00 Mailbag Question 2: I have 700k saved, how much can I safely start to withdraw without running out of money?12:00 Mailbag Question 3: I’d like to begin converting money from my 401k to my Roth before I retire, is that possible?17:00 Mailbag Question 4: I’m 62 and after a series of setbacks I’m basically starting over financially. How do I get started saving for retirement this late in the game? Have a personal finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com.Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationLearn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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

Admit it: You’re overworked. We spend more time working in America than any other developed country. And maybe you think we’re working extra hours because we’re doing work that feels necessary and engaging and fulfilling — but no. We just don’t care about our jobs as much as we used to. So, is there a way to ensure we’re doing productive work that we actually enjoy? Brigid Schulte, author of Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life, spent 10 years researching our discontent with work. She eventually found countries, companies, and people who are all doing it better. Here’s what they're doing right, and how to change your situation, ASAP. Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Work Culture Overview05:00 The Shift in Work Expectations10:00 The History of Work in the US17:00 Iceland’s Short Work Hour Movement 24:00 Practical Tips to Reduce Overwork in Your Own Life35:00 Mailbag Question 1: How to manage stock received as part of a divorce38:00 Mailbag Question 2: ​​Should I pay down debt or max out my retirement savings?Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationLearn more about our Finance Fixx program here. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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 was the last time you made a new friend? A real friend, not an online one, a friend that you can actually grab brunch with, or go for a walk with. Our guest today, Adam Smiley Pozwolsky, millennial workplace expert and author of Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide To Connection says the average American hasn't made a new friend in the last five years, and that 75 percent of us are not satisfied with the friendships we do have.So our challenge for you today after you listen is to go out there and make plans with a new friend or make a plan with somebody that you've been meaning to get back together with for a while and then report back. Drop us a note at mailbag@hermoney.com if you followed through on plans with someone after listening to this episode! Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationLearn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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 know that our connections to our families, our friends, and our communities are SO important — so important that when we don’t maintain them, our health and our overall well-being can suffer. Maintaining our connections in real life is essential, and perhaps nobody knows that better than our guest Danielle Bayard Jackson, known as “The Friendship Expert” on TikTok. Listen in to hear how societal changes, cultural obstacles, and personal expectations have changed the way we maintain our most important relationships.  And then, Allison Gilbert, co-author of “The Joy of Connections” with the late Dr. Ruth, talks about how we can forge deeper connections and show the people we love that we care about them — without going broke in the process. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationChapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 Danielle Bayard Jackson and The Finances of Friendship06:00 Challenges of Modern Friendships17:00 The Friendship F.I.L.E.S. Framework25:00 Transition to Allison Gilbert and The Joy of Connections36:00 Forming New Connections and “Being the Turtle”43:00 What Authentic Connections Really Do For UsThank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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 two mailbag questions with our incredible listeners. First, we'll be talking to Beth. She is calling in from upstate New York. Beth is in her early 60s and her company's made the decision to terminate employee pensions, which has left her with some options: Should she take the lump sum? Should she roll it over? We'll dive into some timely advice for her.Then we'll be talking to Sarah. She is wondering how best to start a side hustle as she transitions out of her long-time career as a healthcare executive. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationChapters:1:00 Mailbag Question 1: My pension is being terminated, help!5:00 Retirement Annuity Option8:00 Lump Sum Option 18:00 Mailbag Question 2: How do I get paid for freelance writing?27:00 Starting A Blog or SubstackHave a personal-finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com.Take the MoneyType quiz here and listen to our MoneyType episode for a deep dive here. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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

Money is SO personal, and no matter how prepared you think you are to meet your money goals, there are many factors that can throw a wrench into your carefully designed plans. There’s perhaps no greater hurdle to overcome than being part of a community that is historically diminished in conversations about money. Ellyce Fulmore, a queer ADHD money coach and neurodivergent content creator, joins us to talk about the social and personal identities that make you who you are — and how they shape the way we manage our money. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationChapters:00:00 Introduction03:13 Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence in Money Management22:37 The Five Account System30:11 Visual Reminders and Progress Trackers35:11 Creating a Mental Health Sinking Fund39:48 Navigating Money Conversations in Relationships40:00 Transition to Mailbag41:00 Mailbag Question 1: How do I close a credit card without harming my credit?49:00 Mailbag Question 2: Should I change my retirement money goals if I’m part of an underrepresented community? Take the MoneyType quiz here and listen to our MoneyType episode for a deep dive here. Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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 finally happened…the Fed lowered interest rates, by a greater-than-expected half a percentage point when they met on Wednesday. This was the first time rates were cut in more than four years, and it’s expected that the Fed may continue cutting the rate at its two remaining meetings before the end of this year. We’ve heard from many of you who have been waiting to drive off the lot in a new — or new-to-you — car until rates fell. That’s why this week, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular car-buying episodes, all about buying, selling, and the surprising places where you can and can’t negotiate at the dealer. We’re joined by Scotty Reiss, founder and CEO of A Girls Guide to Cars, a website that’s empowering women to be smarter, happier car owners by arming them with car information. Don’t forget to drop me a note at mailbag@hermoney.com if you used one of Scotty’s tips when you negotiated at the dealer! Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationThank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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

A few months ago, AARP released a survey that found that one in five Americans over 50 reported having no retirement savings, and over half don’t think they'll have enough money to keep them going in retirement. While many of us used to have pension plans to keep us afloat in retirement, now the vast majority of us rely heavily on Social Security and 401(k)’s. Our system and our life expectancy are just different now…which means we need to plan differently. (And yes, this means we need to actually make a plan.) Christine Benz, author of How To Retire: 20 Lessons For A Happy, Successful, And Wealthy Retirement, shares her top strategies for planning the retirement of your dreams. Join our free budgeting webinar on October 15th at 7 PM ET! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GXkmVlwFRVGfi39jim9xZQ#/registrationChapters:00:00 The Retirement Crisis02:00 Planning for Longer Lives04:01 The Shift in Retirement System06:50 Challenges of Retirement10:01 Cognitive Decline and Long-Term Care13:46 The Bucket Approach to Retirement22:14 How To Calculate Retirement Needs26:24 The Impact of Taxes on Retirement29:04 Non-Financial Aspects of RetirementFor the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com.Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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

CDs (Certificates of Deposit) often get dismissed as "your parent's savings plan"—safe but, let's be honest, a little boring. But in today's high-interest-rate environment, they're making a strong comeback as a smart choice for short- and medium-term savings. With inflation cooling and the Fed expected to cut rates soon, these great rates won’t last forever.Joining us today is banking veteran and CEO of CD Valet, John Blizzard, to break down what CDs are, who should consider them, and whether now is the perfect time to invest.Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:14 How To Find the Best CD Rates05:21 Retail CDs vs. Broker CDs09:12 Locking in High CD Rates in a Decreasing Interest Rate Environment11:24 CDs: A Savings Option for Savvy Savers, Retirees, and Event Savers13:26 Shopping Around and Being Aware of CD Rollover Options16:24 Considering Digital Capabilities When Opening a CDHave 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! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com.Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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 double-feature Mailbag, Jean talks to Kathryn and Audrey. Kathryn is a little over a decade from retirement and recently started a new job. In her new role, she'll be eligible to receive a pension when she retires. She's wondering if, in addition, an annuity makes sense for her. Our next call is from Audrey who’s working on rebuilding her credit after not being employed for a little while. She’s wondering if now is the right time to close the credit cards she opened up that have monthly fees. Chapters:1:00 Mailbag Question 1: Do I need an annuity?5:00 Investing and Planning for Retirement 9:00 Planning for Future Expenses 14:00 Mailbag Question 2: Is now the right time to close credit cards with monthly fees?19:00 Building up an Emergency Fund21:00 Goals for Financial Independence Have a personal-finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com.For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Interested in learning more about investing alongside hundreds of other women? Join us every other Monday night on Zoom and learn more at investingfixx.com.Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here.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.Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. 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