HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Why do we keep doing the things we know aren’t good for our finances? Whether it’s emotional spending, avoiding a growing credit card balance, over-controlling every dollar, or saying “yes” to spending when we really mean “no”. So many of our money habits aren’t about math; they’re about emotion. This week, Jean Chatzky sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health educator Kati Morton, author of the new book Why Do I Keep Doing This?, to unpack the psychology behind the patterns that keep us stuck, especially when it comes to money. In this episode, we explore: The difference between healthy control and control that quietly sabotages us Why emotional spending happens — and how it differs from compulsive spending How financial insecurity in childhood can shape our careers, relationships, and money mindset Why the world feeling “out of control” can trigger impulsive financial decisions How women nearing retirement can navigate financial anxiety during major life transitions Practical tools to help break the cycle And if you’re ready to take control of your financial future in an intentional way, join us in InvestingFixx, our investing community designed to help you build confidence, clarity, and long-term wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does a real week of spending look like for a 55-year-old director of technology earning $212,000 a year? In this episode of A Week in Her Wallet, Jean Chatzky talks with Kortne, a Texas-based executive, marathoner, and mom of two adult daughters, who tracked every dollar she spent over seven days. Kortne grew up in a working-class family in Detroit and says she’s intentional about enjoying her money now — especially when it comes to experiences. She’s run all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, travels frequently, and invests heavily in her health. At the same time, she’s focused on retirement planning, savings, and making sure her lifestyle remains sustainable long term. 🎧 Want to be featured on A Week in Her Wallet? Apply here. 💸 Ready to grow your investing skills? Join InvestingFixx — our women-only investing club. Your first two classes are free. 📩 Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more women find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you saved and saved and saved… but now feel unsure about how to spend? On this week’s episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with entrepreneur and bestselling author Mike Michalowicz to talk about why managing money isn’t a math problem, it’s a behavior problem. Mike opens up about losing everything after selling two multi-million-dollar companies, how lifestyle inflation and ego nearly destroyed his finances, and the emotional moment with his daughter that forced him to completely rethink how money works. From there, he shares his Money Habit System, a simple but powerful framework for: Paying off high-interest credit card debt Creating “financial seasons” (Recovery, Fund, Activate, Balance) Learning how to spend confidently in retirement Managing money as a couple without conflict Using debit vs. credit strategically Breaking bad money habits with behavioral science 💼 And if part of building better money habits means finding a financial advisor who truly understands your goals, visit HerMoney.com/FindAnAdvisor to get matched for free with a vetted fiduciary through our partner, Willow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are private equity, private credit, and crypto coming to your 401(k)? And if they do, should you invest? In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with CFP® professional and Summit Place Financial founder Liz Miller to break down the new push to allow alternative investments, such as private equity, private credit, and cryptocurrency, in retirement accounts. In This Episode We Cover: What private equity and private credit actually are (in plain English) Why Wall Street is eager to bring alternative investments into 401(k)s The truth about private equity fees (including the “2 and 20” model) How much crypto is reasonable in a diversified portfolio Tax pros and cons of holding crypto in a 401(k) vs. a brokerage account Why illiquidity matters in retirement investing ✨ Want deeper investing conversations, live market breakdowns, and portfolio strategy guidance? Join the HerMoney Investing Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve read economic headlines recently and thought, “Well, that’s not comforting,” you’re not alone. Market swings and broader economic uncertainty are enough to make even confident investors second-guess their strategies.  And here’s the hard truth: Wall Street doesn’t care if you’re retiring next year. It doesn’t care if you’re five years away. And it definitely doesn’t care if you’re lying awake at night wondering if you’ve done “enough.” The good news? You can take steps to build confidence.  On a special episode of the HerMoney Podcast, sponsored by LIMRA, Jean sits down with two of the smartest voices in retirement – Jason Fichtner, Executive Director of the LIMRA Retirement Income Institute and David Blanchett, head of retirement research at Prudential, a portfolio manager at PGIM and a LIMRA Retirement Income Institute Fellow – to talk about how to step off the emotional rollercoaster of the markets and build a retirement plan that feels stable, predictable and livable.  In the episode, they’ll break down: Why market swings hit harder as retirement gets closer How protected income can help build a foundation for financial peace of mind Whether you should be worried about the future of Social Security Why waiting to claim Social Security can be one of your biggest wins – and strategies to make doing so easier Protected income can play a helpful role in creating more stability in retirement. If you’re curious and want to dig deeper, these two resources from LIMRA can help: Retirement planning can feel complex. This resource breaks down how fees and commissions work, so you know what to expect and what questions to ask. There’s plenty of conflicting information online about annuities. This guide walks through common misconceptions and explains the basics to help you better understand how they fit into retirement planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More American women are single than ever before, but our financial system is still built for couples. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with finance journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams to unpack the hidden financial penalties of being single (aka The Singles Tax) and what solo earners can do to protect themselves, build wealth, and plan for retirement on their own terms. We're talking about: What the “Singles Tax” really is—and where it hits hardest Why single women may need larger emergency funds and more downside protection Renting vs. buying: how to decide what’s right for you The most overlooked tax strategies for single women The biggest retirement planning mistake single women make 📚 Resources & Links: Join InvestingFixx, our judgment-free investing community designed to help you build confidence, grow your money, and make smart decisions. The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners by Renée Sylvestre-Williams The Budgette Newsletter (Renée’s newsletter for single earners) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does financial freedom really mean? Not just a healthy retirement account or a growing investment portfolio, but the ability to walk away from a situation that isn’t right. To say no. To have choices. In this episode, Jean sits down with writer and speaker Paulette Perhach, whose essay about building a “F*ck Off Fund” has resonated with women for nearly a decade. Together, they explore how financial independence evolves over a lifetime, from the early years of building an emergency cushion to the later years of protecting your retirement, your relationships, and your sense of agency. In this episode, we discuss: What a “F*ck Off Fund” really is,  and why it doesn’t have to be a huge number to change your life Why financial independence is about more than money The power of small boundaries and everyday decisions How to talk to daughters, nieces, and younger women about money  Why many women still feel financially fragile, even when they’re doing everything “right” How financial independence evolves as you approach retirement Resources Mentioned in This Episode Join InvestingFixx (HerMoney’s twice-monthly women’s investing club) Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard  The Paradox of Choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many credit cards is too many? Are premium travel cards actually worth those eye-popping annual fees? And what should you do when a card in your wallet stops pulling its weight? This week, Jean Chatzky is joined once again by money expert Vivian Tu for a listener mailbag all about credit cards, points, and smart strategies for getting real value, without paying unnecessary fees or interest. Together, they break down: How to decide if high-end travel cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are actually worth the cost The smartest way to evaluate card perks — from lounge access to travel protections — in real dollar terms When it makes sense to downgrade a credit card How to use points efficiently without spending hours comparison shopping What to say if you call your credit card company to ask for a lower interest rate How to switch cards while protecting your credit score and account history 📈 Join our InvestingFixx club, your first month is free!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She’s back, and she brought her boldest advice yet. Vivian Tu, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Your Rich BFF, joins us to talk about her new book Well Endowed and why now is the time to rethink how you spend, save, and build the future you want. Vivian and Jean get real about what it means to be truly wealthy—not just financially, but emotionally and generationally. From burnout to budgeting to luxury trap purchases, this episode is your permission slip to stop spending for the wrong reasons and start aligning your money with what actually matters. What we’re diving into: The “values detox” every spender needs How to know if that splurge is really worth your time Why premium doesn’t always mean better (hello, MVP rule) What Vivian’s learned from the vibrant, retired women in her Miami building How to design a retirement that’s anything but tired Why estate planning is non-negotiable—even in your 30s Resources & Links: 💰 Order Well Endowed by Vivian Tu 🧠 Join the HerMoney InvestingFixx Club 📝 Subscribe to Vivian's Substack: enRICHed with Your Rich BFF 🎧 Listen to Vivian’s podcast: Networth and Chill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of A Week In Her Wallet, we head to New Jersey to follow Prisca, a 35-year-old nurse and part-time money coach who tracks every dollar with intention. From $8 therapy copays to $25 dance classes that light up her world, Prisca shows us how structure and joy can coexist in personal finance. Prisca’s week is packed with practical tips, emotional insights, and small moments that reveal big truths. Whether it’s her mantra of "aiming for calm" or her strategy to save before she spends, this is a blueprint for budgeting with purpose. Resources: Join our investing club! Your first month is completely free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do two financial pros with over 60 years of combined experience really wish they knew about money 30 years ago? In this very special crossover episode of HerMoney and The David Bach Show, Jean Chatzky sits down with longtime friend and bestselling author David Bach to share candid stories, big career lessons, and one bold new idea that could change retirement in America. Together, Jean and David trade their top financial insights, biggest regrets, and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating money, health, aging, and family in 2026. Resources: David’s Flat Tax Proposal The Automatic Millionaire (20th Anniversary Edition) HerMoney’s InvestingFixx Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re cutting through the chaos and zeroing in on what matters most to your financial life: your investments, your home, and your next money moves. Jean sits down with Dr. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, to unpack how global uncertainty, rising mortgage rates, and Trump-era policies are reshaping our economy. From the stock market rollercoaster to the housing “lock-in” crisis, Mark offers practical, down-to-earth advice for navigating it all. You’ll learn: Why Mark says, “Don’t even look at the market” (and what to do instead) What the mortgage “doom loop” means for Millennials, Gen Z, and retirees How long it could take to restore housing affordability in America Why homeownership is still a powerful wealth-building tool The truth about 50-year mortgages, portable loans, and whether they can help How to think smartly about helping your kids now vs. leaving a legacy later 💡 Further reading and listening: The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act “Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins The Inside Economics Podcast – hosted by Mark Zandi Join our InvestingFixx Club today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When people think about preparing for retirement, they usually think about saving. But the real challenge? Making sure your money lasts as long as you do. Morningstar’s Christine Benz joins us for a conversation about the smartest ways to prepare for retirement and make sure your money goes the distance.  This episode is part of our new, monthly retirement-focused series, brought to you by LIMRA. With practical tips and real-world conversations, these episodes will give you the tools to help you feel more confident about what comes next. In this episode, Jean and Christine break down: Why there’s no one-size-fits-all retirement plan How to shift from a saving to a spending mindset in retirement The biggest retirement blind spots – and why they’re more challenging for women The steps you can take today to feel less overwhelmed about retirement planning 🛣️ ARE YOU ON TRACK? If you’re ready to start putting together a retirement plan that works for you, download LIMRA’s free Retirement Income Planning Starter Guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve got questions, we’ve got Amanda Holden. In this special Mailbag episode of HerMoney, Jean is joined once again by investing expert and How to Be a Rich Old Lady author Amanda Holden to tackle your biggest investing dilemmas. We’re talking: What to actually do after opening a Roth IRA Whether crypto deserves a spot in your portfolio What to do with a $500,000 401(k) after a layoff Whether target-date funds are worth the cost And why diversification is non-negotiable ✨ Want to get smarter with your money in 2026? Join our women-only investing club, InvestingFixx, where expert stock pickers pitch ideas—and you help build the portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we kick off 2026, it’s time to talk about the future—and the woman you want to become. Whether she’s rocking silver bangles on the beach or sipping coffee in her cabin, your Rich Old Lady deserves a life of financial freedom. And today’s guest is here to help you build it. Amanda Holden is the founder of Invested Development and the author of How to Be a Rich Old Lady: Your Guide to Easy Investing, Building Wealth, and Creating the Wild, Beautiful Life You Want. After a career in investment management (yes, she was once a finance bro), Amanda walked away from Wall Street to help over 25,000 women learn to invest, without shame, jargon, or feeling overwhelmed.  In this episode, Jean and Amanda break down: Why the financial system feels so exclusive—and how to take your seat at the table How to build “the Gap” (your most powerful financial tool) Amanda’s hilarious (and helpful) dating metaphor for asset allocation Whether it’s too late to catch up on retirement (spoiler: it’s not) The surprising risks of today’s AI-driven stock market boom 💼 Want more support with your investing journey? Join our women-only investing club, InvestingFixx, today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is fair always equal when it comes to family and money? On this week’s HerMoney Mailbag, Jean Chatzky is joined by Quentin Fottrell, Managing Editor of Advice at MarketWatch and the voice behind The Moneyist column, to tackle the most emotionally charged financial questions from our listeners and his inbox. They dive into: 💸 Whether a promised $250K inheritance should include interest 🏡 How to avoid probate and protect your family home using a Lady Bird Deed 🧺 A listener whose parents are giving each son a $500K laundromat (but don’t want to give their spouses anything) Whether you're planning your estate, helping aging parents, or wondering how to protect family assets, this episode is packed with practical tips, legal insights, and thoughtful perspectives. Want more smart money advice from Jean? Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions to mailbag@hermoney.com. Resources Mentioned: 🔗 The Moneyist at MarketWatch 🔗 HerMoney Facebook Group 🔗 Join the InvestingFixx Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The markets are still riding high, but if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that not everything that glitters is gold. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with legendary investor and InvestingFixx co-founder Karen Finerman to unpack the wild ride of 2025: the highs, the flops, the lessons learned, and the big bets she’s making in 2026. We also talk about what makes a winning portfolio, how our InvestingFixx club beat the market, and how you can start building confidence with your own investments, one smart move at a time. In this episode: What Karen’s biggest winner of 2025 says about the market’s resilience Her biggest regret and what she’d do differently Whether the AI hype is starting to look like 1999 How to use the volatility index to make better decisions Why banks might be the most overlooked opportunity of 2026 What our InvestingFixx community got right and how they keep winning Looking for more? Join our InvestingFixx club Listen to How She Does It with Karen Finerman Karen Finerman’s viral end-of-year thread on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you invest in yourself when life throws you off course? In this special HerMoney Mailbag episode, Jean Chatzky and Maha Abouelenein, author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, answer your real-life questions about navigating layoffs, career pivots, and side hustles. We answer your questions on: What to do immediately after a layoff to protect your career momentum How to transition to a less stressful career after parental leave Smart ways to supplement your income from home  How to build your personal brand and start getting noticed on LinkedIn Why your network is your greatest asset and how to start using it  We love your questions! Send them to us at mailbag@hermoney.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to invest in yourself in 2026 and beyond? In this empowering episode, Jean sits down with Maha Abouelenein, global communications strategist and author of the bestselling book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, to talk about how women can build confidence, create value, and stop waiting for permission to grow. Maha shares the pivotal story of how she rebuilt her life after a major career pivot, going from secretary to business partner in just four years, and how we can all tap into the mindset of self-reliance to create real opportunity, no matter where we’re starting from. We discuss: What it really means to invest in yourself—personally, professionally, and financially Why your reputation is currency, and how to build a personal brand that opens doors How to develop the five key traits of self-reliant people: initiative, adaptability, decision-making, leadership, and growth mindset Maha’s mantra “Stay low, keep moving”—and how it can help you block the noise and stay focused Why hustle culture is out, and value culture is in How to use small daily actions to build lasting change 🎧 Don’t miss our bonus Mailbag episode this Friday, where Maha returns to answer your real-life questions on personal branding and career transitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re following Beth, a 52-year-old federal attorney from Kentucky who earns $230K a year and is raising a blended family, a 14-year-old son, two grown stepsons, and two adorable grandkids. Beth walks us through a week of intentional spending, including: Snagging $10K worth of high-end furniture on Facebook Marketplace for just $750 Treating herself to monthly DryBar blowouts Managing skyrocketing teen food bills And staying mindful through a hybrid work schedule and variable family expenses We’re looking for more real women to share their spending diaries. 👉 Fill out this quick form to get started Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices