In this Mailbag, Jean talks to Cecilia, a 58-year-old listener, about asset allocation and portfolio management as she approaches retirement. She has a defined benefit pension and government benefits, but also wants to draw down on her portfolio for the first few years of retirement. They explore the need to adjust asset allocation, the role of fixed income in your portfolio, and the importance of building a cash cushion for the initial years of retirement. Have a question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean? 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 adjusting asset allocation as you approach retirement, taking into account fixed income sources such as pensions. Build a cash cushion to cover the initial years of retirement, reducing the need to sell investments at a loss during market downturns. Consult with a financial advisor to create a comprehensive retirement plan, including strategies for cash flow management and mortgage payoff. Evaluate the benefits of individual bonds versus bond funds, considering the potential volatility of bond funds and the security of principal with individual bonds. Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:11 Asset Allocation and Retirement Planning5:13 Cash Cushion for the Initial Years of Retirement8:02 Consulting with a Financial Advisor11:00 Mortgage Payoff Strategies in Retirement12:57 Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds15:00 ConclusionThe 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 think about our financial fears, one tops the list: Running out of money before we run out of time. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, half of all US households are at risk of not having enough income to maintain their standards of living in retirement.The bottom line is that Americans have a problem and we know it. The good news is that we have the ability to fix this problem in our own individual lives, with tools we already have access to today. They’re called annuities, and more people are interested in, and buying annuities, than in years past.  Minji Ro, Chief Strategy Officer at Gainbridge, and Jason Fichtner, Chief Economist at the Bipartisan Policy Center join us to talk about what annuities are, why economists like them, and the advantages of considering them as part of your retirement portfolio.Chapters:0:00 Intro4:04 Defining Annuities: What They Are 12:06 The Shift in Retirement Income Strategies Over Time14:01 The Three Major Types of Annuities: Fixed annuities, Fixed Indexed Annuities, and Variable Annuities21:23 Transitioning Mindset: From Saving and Accumulating To Spending And Securing Protected Income 24:28 Annuities and Managing Longevity Risks As Women30:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment33:23 Retirement For Highly Compensated Employees41:34 When To Get A Second Opinion From A Financial PlannerTakeaways: Annuities can provide a guaranteed stream of income during retirement. There are three main types of annuities: fixed, fixed index, and variable. Economists like annuities because they offload risk and provide income protection. There is a behavioral barrier to annuitization, but changing the framing and understanding the benefits can help overcome it. Women, who earn less and live longer, should consider annuities to manage longevity risk. 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.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.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

For years, we’ve been told that we need a college degree to get anywhere in life and that a college education is the most important thing for our careers. But lately, young people have been asking themselves: do you really need a college degree anymore? Hannah Maruyama, one of those would-be college students, decided not to take that path. Now she’s making $100,000 a year working in AI and teaching other young people how to discover their passions without a degree. Her experience led her to found Degree Free, a community that helps people find good jobs without a college degree. She shares the steps to take to decide if a college degree is the right path for you.Chapters: 0:00 The Rising Cost of College and Alternative Paths9:42 Applying for Jobs Without Meeting Qualifications15:16 Deciding If College Is the Right Path24:36 Career Paths Without College27:43 Finding Apprenticeship Programs33:30 Learning High-Value SkillsTakeaways: The cost of college has become astronomical, leading many to consider alternative pathways to success. There are various pathways to a successful career, including getting a job, on-the-job training, earning a license or certification, building a business, and learning a skill. It is important to consider financial needs and personal interests when choosing a career path. Critical thinking skills are valuable and can be developed outside of a college setting. Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the necessity of college and explore alternative options. 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

We are just past the halfway point of 2024, and things aren’t feeling great economy-wise, despite the US economy reaching “superstar status,” according to a recent article in the Atlantic. Kyla Scanlon coined the term “vibecession” to explain this feeling. In her new book, “In This Economy? How Money & Markets Really Work,” she breaks down why what’s really going on in our economy feels at odds with what we’re experiencing in our day-to-day lives.  Chapters:0:00 Intro4:08 The Disconnect Between Economic Data and Consumer Sentiment9:10 Personal Economic Experiences13:37 American Personal Savings Rate21:26 Economic Impact of Upcoming Presidential Election27:00 Mailbag Segment31:25 Evaluating Credit Card Benefits34:14 Managing Savings for Major GoalsTakeaways: Despite the US economy's strong performance, many Americans have a negative perception of the economy — that’s what we call the “vibecession,” influenced by alarmist media headlines and the vague language used by the Federal Reserve. Buying a house is challenging due to high mortgage rates and elevated home prices, with the housing market facing long-standing issues that will take time to resolve. The stock market's all-time high does not necessarily reflect the financial well-being of consumers, as it is driven by a few companies and does not capture the experiences of all Americans. Financial education and savings incentives are crucial to address the low savings rate among Americans and promote a healthier personal economy. The upcoming presidential election could have significant economic implications, with different policy approaches potentially impacting tariffs, student loan debt relief, and other areas. Adopting an adventure mindset and promoting innovation can help address economic challenges and lead to solutions to the housing crisis, rising healthcare costs, and climate change. 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!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

Have you ever stopped for a second and thought about all of the things you do at work in a week? There are some tasks most of us need to do to be successful at our jobs. But do you also find yourself doing other tasks like administrative work, planning and setting up for parties, or training new employees? And have these responsibilities started to take over your work days?  If so, you’re not alone. These types of tasks are called “non-promotable tasks” and women volunteer for them far more often than men. Dorie Clark’s new book, The Long Game: How To Be A Long-Term Thinker In A Short-Term World delves into how the little tasks we do day to day at work may be harming our long-term career strategy.Chapters:00:00: Introduction02:57: Busyness as an Anesthetic07:42: Defining Long-Term and Short-Term Thinking14:56: The Importance of Saying No18:32: Optimizing for Interesting25:56: Career Waves and Making Smart Choices28:51: ConclusionTakeaways: Non-promotable tasks, such as administrative work and planning office parties, can take up valuable time and prevent you from focusing on tasks that align with your long-term career goals. It is important to recognize and address overworking as a coping mechanism. Long-term thinking involves considering the big picture and making choices that optimize for interesting and meaningful work. Saying no can be challenging, but it is important to set boundaries and prioritize tasks that align with personal and professional goals. Asking important questions, such as the total cost and physical/emotional impact of a task, can help evaluate requests and make informed decisions. Navigating different phases of a career involves transitioning between learning, sharing, connecting, and reaping phases, and being willing to disrupt oneself to avoid stagnation. 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!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 Institute for Women’s Policy Research, while white women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by a white man, Black women earn just 64 cents. Dasha Kennedy says that for Black women specifically, there are a myriad of reasons for that. Dasha Kennedy is the founder of the Broke Black Girl, where she shares her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and specific advice for Black women. Dasha is also a Financial Wellness Board member with National Debt Relief. This Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, she joins us to talk about how she’s pushing back against the gender wage gap and her favorite ways to save money in 2024.Have a question for us? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com.Chapters:00:00: Introduction07:45: Creating Broke Black Girl11:06: Spending Intentionally16:22: Pay Yourself First vs. Prioritize Savings17:57: Collecting Experiences Over Things19:52: Debt Strategies22:22: Renting vs. Buying27:07: Mailbag Segment29:01: Understanding Mutual Fund Fees36:25: Credit Score VariabilityTakeaways: The gender pay gap is a persistent issue, and Black women face an even larger gap compared to white women. Black women need specially tailored financial advice due to their unique experiences as the intersection of race and gender. Strategies for overcoming debt include spending intentionally, setting spending limits, and prioritizing savings. Collecting experiences can be more fulfilling than collecting material possessions. Taking small steps and breaking down financial goals into manageable increments can lead to long-term progress. 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

The promise and the peril of AI in the workplace seem to be all anyone can talk about these days and the biggest question on all of our minds is — will AI take my job? According to Fortune 500 Human Resource Officers, the answer is yes, AI could be coming for your job. Gallup found that seventy-two percent of Fortune 500 leaders foresee AI replacing jobs in their organization in the next three years. So how do we get ahead of this?Our guest today, Hilke Schellman, author of The Algorithm: How AI Decides Who Gets Hired, Monitored, Promoted, and Fired, and Why We Need to Fight Back Now shares her ideas. In Mailbag, we read a listener response to a previous mailbag on the pros and cons of pensions in Europe. We also hear from someone who’s wondering if it would be better to take money out of a long-term care insurance policy and invest it in the stock market. Chapters:00:00: Introduction05:30: Understanding AI09:22: Challenges for New Graduates15:06: Making Your Resume Machine Readable24:54: Preparing for AI-Based Interviews28:48: Using AI Tools to Your Advantage29:21: Transition to Mailbag Segment33:46: Listener Advice on European Pensions38:20: Long-Term Care InsuranceTakeaways: AI is predicted to replace jobs, with women's jobs being more affected. AI tools are used in job interviews and can analyze facial expressions, speech patterns, and keywords to assess candidates. Job seekers can improve their chances by making their resumes machine-readable, using tools like JobScan, and reaching out to recruiters directly. Employees should be aware that their online activities and communications at work can be monitored by AI tools. Dabbling with AI tools and staying up to date with AI technology can make individuals more employable. Have a question for us? We'd love to hear from you! Write in or send us a voicenote 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!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 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