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: Introduction 04:55: Cognitive Biases and Their Impact 07:44: Cognitive Biases in Financial Decision-Making 13:22: Money Manifestations and Magical Thinking 21:27: Spending on Self-Healing and New Age Practice 26:32: Shine Theory and Female Competition Takeaways: 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

It’s no secret that women’s wealth is growing (hello, Great Wealth Transfer) and that we’re investing in the stock market in larger numbers than ever before. A 2023 study by Fidelity found that 60 percent of women are invested in the stock market, up from just 44 percent in 2018. Michele Cagan, author of Stock Market 101, wants to see that number get even higher.  Cagan has spent her career as a CPA and financial mentor working with clients to demystify investing because she knows that getting started can be intimidating, anxiety-inducing, and confusing. She joins us to bust the top 10 myths she hears from people when they get started investing. In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who’s feeling unhappy in her corporate job and is wondering if her family is financially stable enough for her to be able to transition back to freelancing.  Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 04:05: The Top 10 Myths and Facts About Investing 24:05 - Transition to Mailbag 29:52 - Jean's Advice on Job Satisfaction vs. Financial Stability Takeaways: Women's wealth is growing, and they are investing in the stock market in larger numbers than ever before. Investing knowledge is crucial for women across generations to start and stay invested. Women tend to be more risk-averse and consider their financial choices in a broader context, making them better investors. Investing with goals in mind is essential, and socially responsible investing can align with personal values while still generating returns. Understanding financial analysis and doing thorough research is important before making investment decisions. 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

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: Introduction 00:06:44: Jennifer's Belief in Work as Salvation 00:11:17: The Problem with Overworking 00:19:16: Finding New Balance and Living Your Values 00:24:11: Recognizing Workaholism and Ambition Issues 00:26:55: Mailbag Takeaways: 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 Together 00:14:49: Current Childcare Crisis and Its Implications 00:19:11: Gender Wage Gap and Household Labor Dynamics 00:26:51: Practical Steps for Individual Women to Improve Their Situations 00:29:57: Importance of Collective Action 00:30:34: Transition to Mailbag Segment Takeaways:  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: Introduction 00:02:58: The Concept of "New Happy" vs. "Old Happy" 00:07:11: The Role of Money in Happiness 00:12:08: Social Media's Impact on Happiness 00:19:39: Tactical Solutions for Creating a Happier Life 00:23:11: Finding a Job that Aligns with Your Gifts 00:25:44: Daily Shifts to Increase Happiness 00:27:30: 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 and 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: Introduction 00:02:52: Details of Student Loan Debt 00:05:18: Interest Rates and Consolidation Options 00:07:52: Home Equity and Savings 00:13:38: Financial Planning and Parental Support 00:16:08: Next Steps 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

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 to This 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 Rule 03:19 Different Perspectives on Budgeting 08:48 Adjusting Budgeting Categories for High-Cost Areas 12:10 Cash Stuffing and the Fun Side of Budgeting 20:04 Considerations for Buying an Electric Car 24:53 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 Recovery 00:09:41 - Therapy and Financial Healing 00:10:34 - Strategies for Managing Money and Avoiding Impulse Spending 00:16:14 - Couponing and Meal Planning 00:21:00 - Career Transition to Media and PR 00:29:12 - Mailbag Takeaways: 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

In this special Mother’s Day Mailbag edition, Jean talks to mother-daughter duo Molli and Chris about Molli’s recent divorce. Jean addresses questions on how to make sure Molli’s ex-husband's finances are no longer tied to hers, and we tackle how best to combine Molli’s multiple retirement accounts.  Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Takeaways: Closing a joint bank account and starting fresh is the best option after a divorce. Having an ex-spouse's name on a credit card does not impact the primary cardholder's credit, but it can be removed by contacting the credit card company. Rent payments can be reported to credit bureaus through services, which can help build credit for individuals with thin credit files. Consolidating multiple retirement accounts into one brokerage account can make it easier to manage and monitor investments. Converting traditional retirement accounts to Roth accounts can be beneficial for long-term growth, but it's important to consider the tax implications. Maintaining a good credit score and making solid financial decisions are key to navigating post-divorce financial challenges. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:03 Closing Joint Bank Accounts and Removing Ex-Spouse from Credit Cards 05:04 Building Credit with Rent Payments 09:03 Consolidating Retirement Accounts for Better Management 12:52 Considering Roth Conversion for Long-Term Growth 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

Money touches everything in our lives. And for women, who have long been documented to earn less than men, save less than men, and invest less than men, the stereotype is often that we’re doing money “wrong.”  But it’s getting old. We know that statistically, women are better investors than men are, we fare better during times of recession, and we’re often more thoughtful about our budgets. Yet the stereotypes persist: the “girl math” trend of recent years tried to insinuate that we’re messy and unreliable with numbers, and countless female characters in pop culture (those in Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girls, to name a few) just can’t seem to get their finances together, no matter how hard they try.  We say enough is enough. And we aren’t the only ones. Jo Piazza feels the same way — which is exactly why she flipped the script for the main character in her new novel The Sicilian Inheritance. Listen in to hear her story.  In Mailbag, we hear from a listener whose 18-year-old son is looking for the best ways to start to build credit, and we hear from a woman who is about to have her first baby and is being pressured by friends to make big (and expensive!) life changes.  Chapters:  00:00:00: Introduction  00:06:32: Portrayal of women in finance and media 00:10:03: Strategies for managing work and family life 00:21:22: Managing the impact of social media 00:25:40: Transition to mailbag segment 00:26:01: Financial advice for young adults and credit cards 00:30:20: Lifestyle changes after having a baby Takeaways:  Women are often portrayed as messy and unreliable in finance and media, perpetuating stereotypes that can be damaging and untrue. The influencer culture on social media can create an expectation gap between real life and the curated images and lifestyles portrayed online. Financial influencers should be approached with caution, as not all advice and recommendations may be reliable or suitable for individual situations. There is a need for better regulation and transparency in the influencer industry to protect consumers and ensure ethical practices. 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 special Mailbag edition, Jean and Kathryn Tuggle, HerMoney CCO, are on the mic answering questions from our listeners. First, we hear from a recently retired listener who has all of her money in Certificate of Deposits (CDs) and is wondering what to do next. We also hear from someone who is looking for resources that can help teach her three kids about money.  Join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Takeaways: A financial advisor can help you understand your current investments and make your money last in retirement  Work with a fee-only financial advisor who is not paid by commissions for selling specific investments Teaching kids about money involves teaching them about investing and managing the money they have. Setting up a system like an electronic allowance can help kids learn how to budget and make choices with their limited resources. Kids should learn the value of money, how to budget, and how to save Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:50 The Benefits of Daily Money Managers 06:52 Financial Advisor Recommendations  09:17 Teaching Kids About Personal Finances 12:08 Opportunities for Kids to Earn and Manage Money 13:21 Teaching Kids About Credit and Investing 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

Eleven years ago, Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” hit the shelves and frankly, blew up the world. Her feminist manifesto encouraged women to stop holding themselves back from working to reach positions of power and instead “lean on” other women’s experiences to help them. Now, many women are pushing back on the “lean in” approach that placed so much responsibility on individual women rather than the societal and economic structures around them. They’re also questioning if they really want to have it all in the first place.  In her new book: “Fair Shake: Women And The Fight To Build A Just Economy,” Naomi Cahn and her coauthors explore why our “winner takes all” economy is the root cause of women’s continued economic inequality rather than our individual actions. She also talks solutions, starting with making deeper connections in our communities and reaching out to them for support when we need it.  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:12 - Interview with Naomi Khan 00:07:51 - Winner Take All Economy 00:10:18 - Intersection of Feminist Theory and Workplace Progress 00:14:43 - The Triple Bind Women Face in the Workplace 00:17:47 - Strategies for Women to Navigate Career Challenges 00:28:08 - Solutions to Combat the Winner-Take-All Economy 00:33:17 - Mailbag Segment Begins Takeaways:  The gender wage gap remains a persistent issue, with women earning an average of 82% of what men earn. The winner-take-all economy, characterized by income inequality and a focus on individual financial success, holds women back in the workplace. Feminist theory is essential in addressing gender equity and dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality. Systemic changes, such as increasing transparency, strengthening laws, and investing in individuals and communities, are necessary to build a just economy. 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 special Mailbag edition, we hear from a listener whose daughter is getting her first summer job. She’s wondering if it’s best to put the money in a high-interest savings account, or a Roth IRA. We also hear from someone who subscribes to the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and is so focused on saving that she’s not able to keep money in an emergency account for true emergencies.  In our news of the week, some steps you can take if you’ve been waiting weeks (or months) for your tax refund and why eating out may be your biggest budget-killer.  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 opening a Roth IRA for a teenager with earned income to take advantage of potential higher growth. A homegrown 401k can be a way to provide access to money for immediate needs while still saving for the future. Separate your money into different accounts with barriers to prevent easy access. Set up a separate account for vacations to pre-fund trips and avoid using credit cards. Loosen your grip on your financial goals and allow yourself to enjoy life today. Chapters: 00:00:00 - News of the Week 00:03:08 - Benefits of Opening a Roth IRA for Your Kid 00:11:08 - Advice on Managing a High-Yield Savings Account 00:11:45 - FIRE Movement and Emergency Funds 00:18:12 - Setting Up Separate Savings Accounts for Different Goals 00:21:04 - Balancing Financial Independence with Living for Today 00:25:07 - Final Thoughts 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

Lately, have you been more intentional about the time you spend working? What about putting more effort into finding financial freedom? These are two hot-button topics with Millennials these days, particularly with regard to the time we spend working — specifically, the four-day workweek.  About a month ago, Bernie Sanders proposed legislation that could make this the new reality for all of us. But Holly Trantham and her company, The Financial Diet, were ahead of the curve when they implemented a four-day workweek three years ago. Trantham joins us to talk about why they’ve never looked back, and how we can all realize a definition of financial freedom that works for us.  In Mailbag, we hear from a listener who can’t seem to get past the first round of job interviews, and we dig into the finances of egg freezing. In our news of the week, we discuss why the Fed is flip-flopping on cutting interest rates this year, what the heck the Bitcoin “halving” means, and why starting a business may lead (counterintuitively) to less stress.  Takeaways: Implementing a four-day workweek can lead to happier workers, lower turnover, and greater efficiency. Financial success should be measured by factors like financial stability, security, and the ability to live the life you want, rather than traditional markers like homeownership. The happiness threshold, or the idea that once you make a certain amount of money, your happiness plateaus is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Focusing on your future self and setting financial goals can provide motivation and a sense of security. Community and relationships play a significant role in personal finance and can contribute to overall happiness and well-being. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Financial News Update 05:05 The Four-Day Work Week 08:09 Redefining Financial Success 27:58 Focusing on Your Future Self 35:25 The Importance of Community in Personal Finance 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

A recent essay in the Wall Street Journal made the case that women are both happier overall but sadder in our daily lives than men as we juggle the competing priorities on our never-ending to-do lists from managing our jobs, to our kids' schedules, to keeping up with cooking and housework.  Betsey Stevenson, an Economist and Professor at the University of Michigan, has conducted groundbreaking research in this field. She joins us to talk about why women’s happiness has been on the decline since the 1970s – despite what feels like so many great strides for women’s equality since then. While we have her, we’re also going to do a mini-economic check-in now that we’re 4 months (can you believe it?!) into 2024. Takeaways: Women's happiness has been declining despite progress in women's equality. Women constantly make trade-offs and face challenges in balancing multiple responsibilities. Income is correlated with life satisfaction but not necessarily day-to-day happiness. Women should prioritize mental health and well-being to improve life satisfaction. Men also face their own crisis in a changing economy. The economy is experiencing unexpected trends, such as low unemployment and higher inflation. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and News Update 00:04:39 - Interview with Betsy Stevenson Begins 00:09:22 - Discussion on Women's Happiness and Economics 00:13:31 - Exploring Day-to-Day Happiness vs. Life Satisfaction 00:19:37 - Income, Well-being, and Gender Roles 00:27:32 - Economic Trends and the Role of Men and Women 00:34:48 - Current Economic Conditions and Future Outlook Follow Betsey Stevenson: https://twitter.com/betseystevenson 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

Navigating money issues with your family is hard. Navigating money issues with your family is even harder when you’re a first-generation American. First-generation children of immigrants face unique cultural and emotional barriers and often find themselves at the intersection of building a financial life for themselves and supporting their parents financially.  Gigi Gonzalez found herself facing this dilemma when she got serious about her finances and realized the information she was reading didn’t align with her lived experience or her values. So, she started posting about it on TikTok. Eventually, she quit her job in finance to become a full-time content creator. She offers her best advice on what to do when your personal finance goals clash with your family's money expectations.  In Mailbag, we talk about the best investment options for a young kid, and a listener who doesn’t have much saved for retirement is wondering if she should take out a loan to pay her mortgage. In our news of the week, we cover the new magic number for retirement, the best time to sell your house this year, and what to do if you still owe the IRS money. Takeaways: TikTok can be a powerful platform for spreading financial literacy and building a personal brand. First-generation Americans face unique challenges in wealth building due to cultural expectations and a lack of financial education. Setting money boundaries with family can be challenging but necessary for financial well-being. It is important to find a balance between paying off debt and investing. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Financial News Update 00:06:07 - Gigi's Financial Education Journey 00:09:04 - Transition from Finance Job to Content Creator 00:11:43 - Challenges as a First-Generation American 00:15:24 - Setting Financial Boundaries with Family 00:23:55 - Improving Financial Habits in Marriage 00:26:01 - Investing While in Debt 00:27:49 - Mailbag Segment 00:29:59 - Listener Question on Investing for Child's Future 00:33:54 - Listener Question on Managing Finances Pre-Retirement 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

Navigating money issues with your family is hard. Navigating money issues with your family is even harder when you’re a first-generation American. First-generation children of immigrants face unique cultural and emotional barriers and often find themselves at the intersection of building a financial life for themselves and supporting their parents financially.  Gigi Gonzalez found herself facing this dilemma when she got serious about her finances and realized the information she was reading didn’t align with her lived experience or her values. So, she started posting about it on TikTok. Eventually, she quit her job in finance to become a full-time content creator. She offers her best advice on what to do when your personal finance goals clash with your family's money expectations.  In Mailbag, we talk about the best investment options for a young kid, and a listener who doesn’t have much saved for retirement is wondering if she should take out a loan to pay her mortgage. In our news of the week, we cover the new magic number for retirement, the best time to sell your house this year, and what to do if you still owe the IRS money. Takeaways: TikTok can be a powerful platform for spreading financial literacy and building a personal brand. First-generation Americans face unique challenges in wealth building due to cultural expectations and a lack of financial education. Setting money boundaries with family can be challenging but necessary for financial well-being. It is important to find a balance between paying off debt and investing. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Financial News Update 00:06:07 - Gigi's Financial Education Journey 00:09:04 - Transition from Finance Job to Content Creator 00:11:43 - Challenges as a First-Generation American 00:15:24 - Setting Financial Boundaries with Family 00:23:55 - Improving Financial Habits in Marriage 00:26:01 - Investing While in Debt 00:27:49 - Mailbag Segment 00:29:59 - Listener Question on Investing for Child's Future 00:33:54 - Listener Question on Managing Finances Pre-Retirement Buy Cultura and Cash: https://www.thefirstgenmentor.com/my-book 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

Navigating money issues with your family is hard. Navigating money issues with your family is even harder when you’re a first-generation American. First-generation children of immigrants face unique cultural and emotional barriers and often find themselves at the intersection of building a financial life for themselves and supporting their parents financially.  Gigi Gonzalez found herself at the intersection of this dilemma when she got serious about her finances and realized the information she was reading didn’t align with her lived experience or her values, so she started posting about it on TikTok. Listen in to hear why she quit her job in finance to become a full-time content creator and her advice on what to do when your personal finance goals clash with your family's money expectations.  In Mailbag, we talk about the best investment options for a young kid and a listener who doesn’t have much saved for retirement and is wondering if she can take out a loan every so often to pay for her mortgage. In our news of the week, the new magic number for retirement, the best time to sell your house this year, and what to do if you still owe the IRS money. Takeaways: TikTok can be a powerful platform for spreading financial literacy and building a personal brand. First-generation Americans face unique challenges in wealth building due to cultural expectations and a lack of financial education. Setting money boundaries with family can be challenging but necessary for financial well-being. It is important to find a balance between paying off debt and investing. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Financial News Update 00:06:07 - Gigi's Financial Education Journey 00:09:04 - Transition from Finance Job to Content Creator 00:11:43 - Challenges as a First-Generation American 00:15:24 - Setting Financial Boundaries with Family 00:23:55 - Improving Financial Habits in Marriage 00:26:01 - Investing While in Debt 00:27:49 - Mailbag Segment 00:29:59 - Listener Question on Investing for Child's Future 00:33:54 - Listener Question on Managing Finances Pre-Retirement 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

Think, for a second, about all of the things you do before you head to the gym or go out for a run. Do you wear special running shoes? How do you tie them? Do you give yourself a pep talk on days when you’re just not feeling it? Is there a certain playlist you always listen to?  Dr. Mike Norton, author of: “The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness The Surprising Power of Everyday Actions,” says while working out at a certain time of day may be a habit, all of these little things we do to get ready are rituals, and paying more attention to them can transform our lives (financially or otherwise). Takeaways: The connection between rituals and financial habits. The difference between a ritual and a habit, with rituals adding emotion and meaning to actions. How to avoid taking ritualistic behavior too far. Insights on how rituals can help high performers manage stress. How to introduce rituals into the workplace without seeming forced or silly. Chapters: 00:00:00: Introduction and News Segment 00:05:43: Interview with Michael Norton Begins 00:07:38: Connection Between Financial Habits and Rituals 00:10:16: The Emotional Aspect of Rituals vs. Habits 00:12:13: Defining Rituals and Their Impact 00:13:45: When Rituals Become Excessive 00:18:06: Rituals of High Performers 00:19:54: Using Rituals to Prepare for Stressful Situations 00:22:41: Workplace Rituals and Meaningful Work 00:25:24: Where to Take the Ritual Quiz and Find More Information 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

Money touches everything in our lives — including our health. And women know there’s one topic that has long been ignored in American society, to the detriment of millions of women: menopause.  It’s a big deal. By 2030, 1 billion women worldwide will have entered (or will be about to enter) menopause and on average, medical costs for menopausal women ages 45 to 54 are 47% higher than they are for women of the same age who don’t exhibit menopause symptoms. Dr. Lisa Mosconi discusses her new book: “The Menopause Brain,” and explains how the transition impacts our brains and our lives.  In Mailbag, HerMoney Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Tuggle is back to answer some down-to-the-wire tax time questions: A listener asks how she should prioritize paying the IRS vs. a credit card bill, and we hear from someone who’s having trouble getting a W2 for her daughter’s summer job. In our news of the week, why we still feel so bad about the economy and how stars mentioning a brand can move the needle on Wall Street.  Takeaways: Menopause is a neuroendocrine transition state that impacts the brain as much as it does the ovaries. Neurological symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes and memory lapses, are a result of the brain's response to hormonal changes. Finding the right healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about menopause is crucial for receiving appropriate care. Workplaces should implement changes to support women going through menopause, such as flexible schedules and a culture of understanding and inclusiveness. Menopause can be a time of personal growth and new beginnings, and women should prioritize self-care and mental well-being during this stage of life. Chapters: 00:00:00: Introduction and News of the Week 00:06:24: What is Menopause, Really? 00:08:25: Neurological Symptoms of Menopause 00:13:50: The Reshaping and Rewiring of the Brain During Menopause 00:18:36: Life Contentment and Menopause 00:20:22: Financial Costs of Menopause 00:25:57: Navigating Menopause in the Workplace 00:28:36: Second Adulthood and "Menno-Start" 00:31:31: Mailbag Segment Begins 00:35:15: Discussion on Tax Debt vs. Credit Card Debt 00:39:12: Filing Taxes Without a W-2 and Roth IRA Concerns 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