HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

We are right on the eve of what is going to be a truly pivotal election. And this year, more than many others, it seems there's a unique urgency in the air. At least part of that is because each candidate has pledged to make changes to critical facets of American life — including to our personal finances. Catherine Rampell, nationally syndicated opinion columnist at the Washington Post, joins us to dissect the issues and how the 2024 election can impact the broader financial system (and our personal economies). CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Voter Awareness and Candidate Platforms 02:59 Inflation: Candidates' Influence and Economic Policies 09:05 Price Gouging and Its Implications 12:03 Student Loan Proposals and Their Impact 14:54 Social Security: Candidates' Stances and Future Challenges 18:08 Tax Policies and Their Economic Implications 21:01 Stock Market Trends and Candidate Influence TAKEAWAYS: Inflation remains a top concern for American voters but Presidents have limited control over inflation and price levels. The Federal Reserve's independence is vital for economic stability. Student loan proposals vary significantly between candidates. Social Security faces financial challenges regardless of the elected candidate. Tax policies proposed by candidates could have long-term economic implications. Stock market performance is influenced by various factors beyond presidential control. Learn 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. 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

Every week on the HerMoney podcast, we talk about how to get control of your money, and in most cases, that means getting in control of your spending and knowing exactly where your money is going. Having this knowledge is so important because the truth is that many of us may be sabotaging ourselves financially. Sarah Newcomb, applied behavioral scientist at Edward Jones, and the author of Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind, joins us to talk about why we financially self-sabotage and how to stop. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 06:00 What is Financial Self Sabotage 17:00 Setting Long-Term Financial Goals 28:00 Impulse Spending and Emotional Triggers 38:00 Mailbag Question 1: Should I stretch my budget to purchase my dream home? 43:00 Mailbag Question 2: I’m in a lot of credit card debt, will credit card companies negotiate it with me? TAKEAWAYS: Financial self-sabotage can manifest in many unconscious ways. Women often prioritize caregiving at the expense of their financial goals. It's essential to balance short-term desires with long-term financial health. Emotional health is deeply intertwined with financial education and success. Learn 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. 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

If you listened to our episode with Sabrina Corlette, founder of the Center for Health Insurance Reforms, you are already armed with the information that you need to make a decision about which healthcare plan you want to choose when open enrollment rolls around.But no matter which one you choose, it's also inevitable that at some point you are very likely to receive a medical bill that you didn't expect. That's where negotiation comes in. Our guest today, Braden Pan, founder and CEO of Resolve, a company that negotiates your medical bills on your behalf. He's joining us to talk about how you can do this yourself, how to negotiate your medical bills down, when to settle and pay up, and when to get your insurance company to step in and cover more. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 10:00 Tips For Negotiating Medical Bills 16:00 How To Be Your Own Advocate 25:00 What To Do If You Can’t Pay the Bill Takeaways: - Before negotiating, gather as much information as possible about your medical bills. - Persistence is crucial when negotiating medical bills. - Make allies, not enemies. It may take multiple attempts to reach an agreement. - Many hospitals offer financial aid programs and will be flexible with you. Learn 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. 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 that time of the year again: yes, it’s spooky season, but it’s also time for open enrollment. This year, it’s absolutely essential that we do a thorough review of all our health insurance options, and make sure we’re choosing the best plan for us — without paying a penny more than necessary. Sabrina Corlette, research professor, founder, and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) at Georgetown University shares the mistakes she wants you to avoid when choosing a healthcare plan this year. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 What’s New For 2025 Open Enrollment 10:00 Evaluating Plan Options 22:00 Shopping Around For Healthcare 24:00 HSAs vs FSAs 29:00 Mailbag Question 1: Can I open an HSA outside of my employer? 33:00 Mailbag Question 2: I’m coming up against hefty healthcare costs, how do I pay for them without draining my emergency fund? Learn 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. 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 a mailbag with listener Amy. She’s in her early 40s and she is wondering if she should hit the brakes when it comes to saving for retirement because of the other things on her plate. She's working on paying down credit card debt and she wants to be able to afford to move into a nicer home. So, what's the order of operations here? We’ll dive into some timely advice for her. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Priorities 02:57 Understanding Current Financial Situation 06:00 Exploring Debt Management Strategies 09:07 Retirement Contributions and Future Planning 12:12 Real Estate Considerations and Options 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. Learn 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. 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

Every year during hurricane season, we see that many of you have questions about how to lower the cost of homeowner’s insurance. And we get it — it’s so difficult to know exactly which policies are right for your specific property. Ben Keys, the Rowan Family Foundation Professor of Real Estate and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, shares how to know how much coverage we really need, and walks us through the steps to take to get a better deal on our policies. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Homeowners Insurance in a Changing Climate 05:58 Understanding the Rising Costs of Homeowners Insurance 11:52 Assessing Your Insurance Needs and Coverage 17:59 What to Do When Your Insurer Drops You 24:00 Practical Tips for Lowering Your Insurance Premiums Learn 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

We know that aging is a privilege, but there is still so much negativity wrapped up with aging — particularly for women who are still thriving in their careers. There’s perhaps no greater blow than to be made to feel we’re “past our prime” just when we finally hit a point in life where we have more clarity and more to offer the world than ever. Tamsen Fadal, "The Midlife Mentor" on Instagram, joins us to talk about what she’s letting go of now that she’s in her 50s, and the misconceptions we all need to push back on about midlife. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:00 Changing Careers After 50 09:00 Menopause Support At Work 14:00 Debunking Myths About Productivity in Midlife 22:00 Tamen Fadal’s Fashion and Personal Style 25:00 Mailbag: I’m a recent widow, should I sell my historic home to free up cash for traveling? Learn 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

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 Introduction 03:00 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#/registration Learn 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 Overwork: 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 Overview 05:00 The Shift in Work Expectations 10:00 The History of Work in the US 17:00 Iceland’s Short Work Hour Movement 24:00 Practical Tips to Reduce Overwork in Your Own Life 35:00 Mailbag Question 1: How to manage stock received as part of a divorce 38:00 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#/registration Learn 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! 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

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! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Danielle Bayard Jackson and The Finances of Friendship 06:00 Challenges of Modern Friendships 17:00 The Friendship F.I.L.E.S. Framework 25:00 Transition to Allison Gilbert and The Joy of Connections 36:00 Forming New Connections and “Being the Turtle” 43:00 What Authentic Connections Really Do For Us 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

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. Chapters: 1:00 Mailbag Question 1: My pension is being terminated, help! 5:00 Retirement Annuity Option 8:00 Lump Sum Option 18:00 Mailbag Question 2: How do I get paid for freelance writing? 27:00 Starting A Blog or Substack 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. 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. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence in Money Management 22:37 The Five Account System 30:11 Visual Reminders and Progress Trackers 35:11 Creating a Mental Health Sinking Fund 39:48 Navigating Money Conversations in Relationships 40:00 Transition to Mailbag 41:00 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. 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

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. Chapters: 00:00 The Retirement Crisis 02:00 Planning for Longer Lives 04:01 The Shift in Retirement System 06:50 Challenges of Retirement 10:01 Cognitive Decline and Long-Term Care 13:46 The Bucket Approach to Retirement 22:14 How To Calculate Retirement Needs 26:24 The Impact of Taxes on Retirement 29:04 Non-Financial Aspects of Retirement Takeaways: Many Americans over the age of 50 have no retirement savings, and the retirement crisis is a result of the shift from pension plans to individual savings. Longevity is a significant factor in retirement planning, as people are living longer and need to ensure their savings last. Social security and 401(k) plans play a crucial role in retirement income, but many people are not taking full advantage of these resources. Planning for cognitive decline and long-term care is essential, as it can have a significant impact on financial and caregiving responsibilities. The bucket approach to retirement portfolios, which includes a cash bucket for emergencies, can provide peace of mind and help manage risk. Retirement is not just about money; it also involves relationships, purpose, and personal fulfillment. 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! 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 Introduction 03:14 How To Find the Best CD Rates 05:21 Retail CDs vs. Broker CDs 09:12 Locking in High CD Rates in a Decreasing Interest Rate Environment 11:24 CDs: A Savings Option for Savvy Savers, Retirees, and Event Savers 13:26 Shopping Around and Being Aware of CD Rollover Options 16:24 Considering Digital Capabilities When Opening a CD Takeaways CDs are a long-standing investment option that offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. Finding the best CD rates can be challenging as many community banks and credit unions are not searchable on popular rate comparison websites. With interest rates expected to decrease, now is a good time to lock in high CD rates. Savvy savers, retirees, and event savers are the primary audience for CDs. Shopping around for the best rates and being aware of CD rollover options are crucial. 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! 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/earninvest 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 Fund 21:00 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. 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

From lip butter to Botox, people today are shelling out a lot of money on beauty products and procedures. According to The Aesthetic Society, people in the U.S. spent $11.8 billion on aesthetic procedures in 2022. When it comes to beauty products, one report from Lending Tree shows the average American spends $1,754 annually, with younger generations budgeting even more for beauty (thanks, TikTok). But do we really need to spend big bucks on beauty products and procedures to look our best? Val Monroe, the former longtime beauty director at O Magazine and writer behind the popular Substack How Not To F*ck Up Your Face, says it’s time to get back to basics. She joins us to talk about her simple skincare routine and whether you really need that new product you’re eyeing. Takeaways: Having a simple, effective, and inexpensive beauty routine is key. Surgical procedures should be approached with careful consideration. It’s important to ask who you’re doing this for and learn how to practice radical self-acceptance. Use the five W's (who, what, when, where, why) to make informed beauty purchases. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and the Shift in Beauty Conversations 03:21 The Importance of a Simple Beauty Routine 17:04 Exploring the Use of Botox and Fillers 27:24 Embracing Self-Acceptance 31:12 Making Informed Beauty Purchases Using the Five W's 32:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 34:00 Mailbag Question 1: How much skincare do I really need? 38:00 Mailbag Question 2: What is the correct order for skincare products? 40:00 Mailbag Question 3: How long does it take to see results? 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! 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. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/earninvest and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show. Use promo code HERMONEY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at incogni.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

Did you spend too much this Labor Day weekend? Yeah...us too. Marketers are smart and they're only getting smarter. These days, there is so much targeted marketing based on what we like on Instagram, what we're watching on TikTok, or even (more creepy) the conversations we’re having with friends. Sometimes it can be really difficult not to just click buy when the recommendations are SO spot on. So, how do we resist? And how do we know when it's really the best time to buy the mattress, or the TV, or the couch, or whatever is featured in that back-to-school special? Mindy Weinstein, marketing and psychology expert, and author of: “The Power of Scarcity, Leveraging Urgency and Demand to Influence Customer Decisions,” says it's all about figuring out if you actually need that thing or if you're a target of what she calls scarcity marketing. Takeaways: Scarcity is a powerful marketing tool that taps into our primal instincts and influences our decision-making process. Scarcity triggers a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), leading to impulsive purchases. There are four types of scarcity: demand-related scarcity, supply-related scarcity, limited edition scarcity, and time-related scarcity. Scarcity can be used by individuals to improve their personal and professional lives. Understanding the tactics of scarcity marketing can help make smarter financial decisions. Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Scarcity 03:19 The Science Behind Scarcity in Our Brains 09:11 Four Types of Scarcity 23:31 The Influence of Scarcity in the Economy 25:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 26:00 Mailbag Question 1: What are the pros and cons of maintaining a long-term care policy? 32:00 Mailbag Question 2: Should I leave my full-time job and take on multiple part-time jobs? 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! 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. 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

Close your eyes for a second and step back to the 1940s. Specifically, New York City in the 1940s. You’re walking down the crowded street with a certain pep in your step because guess what? You’re headed to your favorite department store, Lord & Taylor. Department stores were not only the places where women shopped but also the places where women had power — power they did not have elsewhere at the time. Julie Satow joins us to talk about her new book: “When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion,” and how women working in department stores in the early 1900s carved new paths for what it means to be a woman at work today. Takeaways: Department stores were not only places where women shopped, but also where they had power and influence. Women who worked in department stores had the opportunity to have successful careers and financial independence. The women highlighted in the book faced challenges and made sacrifices in order to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Chapters: 00:00 Department Stores in the early 1900s 6:00 How Department Stores Empowered Women 14:17 Challenges Working Women Faced 23:36 Inspiration for Women Today 30:00 Transition to Mailbag Segment 32:00 Mailbag Question 1: Where do I put the money my kids made this summer? 37:00 Mailbag Question 2: Will closing my business credit card hurt my credit? 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! 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. 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