HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Are nuptials in your future? Whether you're a bride, a bridesmaid or a guest, things look different this year. Many brides are hosting “minimonies" with smaller crowds, getting married in private homes, and spending less on everything, including dresses. Enter Grace Lee and Monica Ashauer, co-founders of Birdy Grey, bridesmaid attire company, known for its $99 dresses. (Yes, they're all $99!) They talk about what's new in weddings for 2021, and how to cut costs. In Mailbag, we hear from a bride unsure whether to spring for a father-daughter dance, a mom unsure if her contribution to her son's wedding is a sufficient present, and an investor debating a new property. In Thrive, how to teach your kids about money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s so much to unpack with IRAs — individual retirement accounts — that we did a dedicated Mailbag episode to tackle your most pressing questions. Jean joins expert Ed Slott, CPA and author of The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb to answer listener questions on SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, IRA rollovers, IRA contributions, IRAs vs. 401(k)s and so much more. (If you have a question for Jean to tackle on an upcoming episode, please drop us a line here!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re tackling all things IRAs — individual retirement accounts — because there is SO much there: traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, IRA conversions, SEP IRAs, spousal IRAs, backdoor contributions and more. Jean sits down with Ed Slott, CPA and author of "The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb" to take a deep dive into all things IRAs, and what they can do for you and your financial future. Our mailbag for this show is a special episode of its own, Bonus Mailbag #26: The Ultimate Guide To IRAs. (We just had too much to say for one episode!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our families are a big reason why so many women stepped out of the workforce during COVID. But after putting others first for over a year now, it's time to get back on track with a real financial check-up. Sangeeta Moorjani, Executive Leader for Workplace Investing at Fidelity, breaks down the main building blocks to a solid financial plan and tells us how to get started. In Mailbag, saving for children and how pensions factor into retirement planning. In Thrive, rebuilding savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The majority of women — 77% — say they see money in terms of what it can do for their families. And while family = life, your money is the tool that’s going to get you where YOU want to go. Chelsea Brennan, founder of Smart Money Mamas, talks about the new investing rules for 2021 and beyond. We also talk career breaks + budgeting for life events. In Mailbag, we tackle paying for college and best practices with old retirement accounts. And in Thrive, why 1 In 3 women of color are planning on leaving their jobs by next year. Sign up for our special weeklong Motherhood & Money series here. This free program starts May 3 and offers moms the support + solutions they need now to get back on track with their finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 85% of women are stressed about their finances, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista, tells us all how to “get good” with our money, how to take control of our finances, and get a handle on exactly where we’re headed. Tiffany takes us step-by-step through some important ways we can attain financial security + peace of mind. In Mailbag, we talk about investing vs. paying down credit card debt, how a woman living overseas can invest for the future, and how much to pay in cash vs. taking out a loan when buying a car. In Thrive, kids and money in a post-COVID world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

70% of us are planning to redecorate our homes this year. Are you one of them? Tiffany Brooks, host of HGTV’s “Smart Home” and “Rock The Block" shares some of her favorite design touches and walks us room-by-room through a home. She shares the most impactful changes we can make, particularly if we’re on a budget. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on the best vehicles for retirement investing, how to set up a secure account for a minor, and how best to invest stimulus money for your children. In Thrive, Jean tackles how to forgive yourself for financial mistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should we be doing now to earn more? To not only know our worth but be paid our worth? Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, tells us how women can get recognized and rewarded at work and get paid what we deserve. We talk about networking during COVID, and networking internally once we’re hired, in a remote work environment. In Mailbag, we talk career transitions and pay cuts, and protecting our retirement earnings from a tax hit. In Thrive, spring cleaning your finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gender confidence gap is real. So, what can we do? Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of the book, “Living The Confidence Code” are here to empower the next generation of young women to make a difference in the world. The pair discuss the importance of role models who are real, and the pivotal cultural moment we’re in now for women’s leadership and representation. We talk about some of the best ways we can all give ourselves (and the women around us) a boost. In Mailbag, how to prevent identity theft, and how to manage a successful retirement when your partner has less saved than you do. In Thrive, how to escape your work-from-home productivity slump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you rethinking what you want out of your working life, or looking for a new job? Almost half of us make a major career change at some point, but where do we start? Lindsey Pollak, author of, “Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work” walks us through how to recalculate our careers with new networking techniques, rockstar applications, social media and more. Which of your skills are translatable? Reinvention is easier than you may think. In Mailbag and in Thrive, we talk about retirement strategies and securing our futures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the future is definitely still female, the truth is, we lost far more women than men from the workforce this past year with COVID, many of them women over 50. How can older women reclaim their workplace power and confidence, and go boldly into this next stage of their careers? Bonnie Marcus, former CEO and author of the new book “Not Done Yet!” tells us how. She breaks down the most common ageist assumptions in the workplace, the “myth of meritocracy,” and how to check our own self-limiting beliefs. In Mailbag, questions on student loans, emergency funds, and IRAs. In Thrive, your $1,400 that’s coming, and all your new stimulus FAQ, answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the down economy and record unemployment, thousands of companies ARE hiring. If you lost your job or if you know that it’s time for a change, this show is for you. Dorianne St Fleur, founder and CEO of Your Career Girl, a career development agency for women of color, walks us through the best strategies for landing a new job and getting promoted, even in an uncertain remote work world. In Mailbag, we tackle listener questions on financial literacy for children and buying a vacation property in Mexico. In Thrive, how to get a promotion — yes, in the middle of a pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you distracted? Stressed? Unable to focus or sleep without thoughts racing? Us, too. Thankfully, neurologist and integrative medicine specialist Dr. Romie Mushtaq is here to help us cure our “busy brain,” minimize stress, and prevent burnout. She walks us through a mini meditation and offers concrete steps for finding calm. In Mailbag, we advise a recent college grad on where to put her savings, and we dive into mortgage refinancing and charitable giving. In Thrive, Jean breaks down five ways to improve your credit score and secure the home of your dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These days, it’s easy to spend $300,000 on four years of education. But what’s really “worth it”? How much should you be spending and where should you be negotiating? Ron Lieber, author of The Price You Pay For College breaks it all down for us. He tells us why college really costs so much, how to navigate the complexities of the financial aid system, and breaks down the best savings strategies. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on paying for college, establishing Roth IRAs for college students, and how to prioritize student loans vs. saving for retirement. In Thrive, the 5 financial moves you need to make now to get your high school senior ready for college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we answer the two questions that Jean gets asked most often: When do I need a financial advisor, and how do I find one? Pam Krueger, founder and CEO of Wealthramp and host of Money Track, breaks it all down for us. We talk types of advisors, what a “fiduciary” does, and the steps to take if you’re ready to work with someone. In Mailbag, advice for a listener who came into a sizable inheritance but has no other savings, and questions on whole life insurance, retirement catch-up contributions and rolling over an IRA vs. starting a new one. In Thrive, how to stop money fights in their tracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you swiping right on potential new partners? A majority of women say their dating lives aren’t going well, but apps are more popular than ever. What’s going on? Author Jon Birger says modern dating is in crisis, but he has a solution. In his new book Make Your Move: The New Science of Dating and Why Women Are in Charge, he tells us how we can take charge of our dating lives. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on using Medicaid when our savings run out, and hiring a bill negotiator. In Thrive, the money conversations to have with your partner every year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the thoughtful, long-haul investor, the news this past week has been frustrating and confusing. What happened with GameStop? What is a “short sale” and how did the whole thing get started on Reddit? Karen Finerman, President of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, breaks it all down for us, and talks about what it means to invest with confidence. In Mailbag, we talk about saving in a HYSA vs. saving in the stock market, and whether to maximize a retirement account or put money somewhere else. In Thrive, 2021’s ultimate debt pay-off plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From selling greeting cards at a local gift shop to $1 billion in lifetime sales — that’s the incredible path of artist Mary Engelbreit, who tells us how we can turn our art and creations into a valuable income stream. We talk about selling your products on Etsy vs. exhibiting in galleries, promoting yourself, and the journey from artist to entrepreneur. In Mailbag, what to do with our investment dividends, taking a pension vs. cashing it out, and being prepared for a layoff in the face of job uncertainty. In Thrive, combating our nerves to earn better investment returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking to make a change with a new job, career growth or a raise? Then listen to everything Rachel Rodgers, CEO of Hello Seven, has to tell us this week! Rachel dishes on how to ask for more money, and what makes her say “yes” when one of her employees asks for a raise. She talks about how we can find roles that don’t just provide us with a paycheck, but also profit sharing, equity, commission and more. In Mailbag, we talk about switching 401(k) contributions from a ROTH to a traditional account, and financially assisting our aging parents. In Thrive, the email phrases that make you sound unprofessional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where are you spending? Where are you saving? Are you making truly meaningful decisions about your money? Are you making progress towards your bigger goals? Where do you want to be in 12 months? What about 12 years? Peter Polson, CEO of Tiller Money, walks us through budgeting basics, budgeting technologies, and a step-by-step guide to getting started. In Mailbag, we talk about donating to those who need it most, buying a new home for a nervous buyer who overcame homelessness, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. In Thrive, 2021’s new rules of job offer negotiation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the time comes for us to support an elderly family member, finances are a big piece of the puzzle. But what does this mean for you, as a potential caregiver? You’ve got to start having discussions around money, retirement assets, and wills now — as in, today. We sit down with Cameron Huddleston, author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk” for a step-by-step guide to the conversations we need to have. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on home sales, financially supporting our parents, and how best to invest and allocate non-retirement funds. In Thrive, we tackle winter’s productivity slump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These last few months have turned our working lives upside down. Jean dives in to tackle your most pressing career-related challenges. We talk about making the transition from a high paying field into childhood education, how to save for retirement after a layoff, and how to prep your resume when you’ve been working for yourself for over a decade. We also hear from a listener who took on debt while she was out of work for three years and is unsure how to move forward, and we check in with a recent grad on how to rock her first savings decisions. If you ever have a question you'd like Jean to answer, write us at [email protected]. Happy New Year!! ENTER TO WIN! Take our annual podcast survey, and be entered to win free HerMoney swag, $100 Amazon gift cards, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabby Bernstein tells us how we can successfully move into 2021 with open minds, open hearts, and a healthy dose of optimism. As a lifestyle guru, a fixture on Oprah’s Supersoul Sunday, and #1 New York Times bestseller, Gabby has spent the last 15 years teaching meditation and changing lives. She offers her best tips for getting rid of our fears, de-stressing, and starting our New Year off in a positive place. In Mailbag, we tackle investing in real estate, how 1099 workers can save for retirement, and childcare from family members. In Thrive, four ways to create enjoyment from our money in the New Year. ENTER TO WIN! Take our annual podcast survey, and be entered to win free HerMoney swag, $100 Amazon gift cards, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Mailbag-only episode, Jean dives into questions about life insurance (and how much of it we really need) and Dependent Care FSAs. Jean also advises a listener who's considering setting up a will or living trust, and counsels another woman who is curious about the “5 year lookback” that we’ve all heard about for Medicaid. Lastly, Jean advises a woman who's considering getting a will even though she's only 24. If you have a question you'd like Jean to answer, write us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest, Jennifer Risher, has invited the world to talk about money and what it means to have too much of it, with her memoir, "We Need To Talk: A Memoir About Wealth.” Jennifer shares some of her personal experiences having awkward money conversations, and walks us through five steps to take when diving into discussions with friends and family. (Hint: Listen first. Then ask questions.) Jennifer also shares her best advice for people looking to give back to those in need. In Mailbag, we tackle IRAs, life insurance, refinancing, and tax implications with home buying. In Thrive, buying fractional shares of stocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A crazy year is coming to a close, and we’re looking to channel holiday spirit in any way we can, despite not being able to gather with friends and family. Emmy-nominated host and culture expert on Netflix’s hit series ‘Queer Eye,’ Karamo, is here to help us find nuggets of cheer and optimism this year, even when we’re stuck in our bubbles at home. The pair talk about giving back this year, the best gifts we can give, and how to take care of ourselves during stressful times. In Mailbag, we talk about that 15% figure for retirement contributions, the dangers of being over-insured, and home renovations for an Airbnb. In Thrive, our top financial New Year’s Resolutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re probably familiar with the “OK, Boomer” meme… But it’s not just a sarcastic dismissal — it’s a recognition that millennials are in crisis, says this week’s guest Jill Filipovic, author of "OK, Boomer, Let's Talk: How My Generation Got Left Behind.” Jill highlights some of the policy changes and economic structures that have held millennials back, and walks us through concrete suggestions to improve our lives. In Mailbag, we tackle listener questions on loaning money to family, what to do if you’re considering a career in finance, and how to move forward with FMLA if you’re a contract employee who is expecting a baby. In Thrive, a mind trick that can help you save more money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although by now we’ve all found our new ‘COVID routines,’ we’ve also found our COVID ruts, with more drudgery and ‘adulting.’ Katina Mountanos, mindset coach and author of ‘On Adulting’ breaks down how we can all embrace our responsibilities without letting go of the joy in our lives. She offers formulas for getting off the hamster wheel of work-gym-sleep, and she shares some of her favorite ‘perspective shifts’ to make it through stressful times. In Mailbag, we talk about reinvesting after losing money in the stock market, saving for retirement in an HSA, and how to save for retirement after being laid off. In Thrive, job interview follow-up etiquette during COVID times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home sales are up, and you have real estate questions! We’re diving into all of them. First, we hear from a listener who is unsure whether or not to sell her condo, even though she’s losing money every month. We also tackle a question from a listener who was outbid on a home, but then the sellers came back to her and offered her the chance to buy the house. Another listener writes in with a question on doing IVF vs. building an addition onto her home, and one woman is seeking guidance on the different methods of financing large home projects. Lastly, we hear from a listener who just refinanced in 2018, and is wondering if she should refinance again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many women leave the workforce to care for someone they love. But how do we do it while compensating for our lost savings opportunity? Even a one year career break can mean $160,000 less by retirement. Kathy Murphy, President of Personal Investing at Fidelity Investments, offers real solutions for weighing the pros and cons of a career break, and shares concrete steps we can take to reduce the financial impact. In Mailbag, saving in an emergency fund, second act careers, and helping a parent save for retirement. In Thrive, getting reimbursed for work-from-home expenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love saving money, but how much is too much? Bill Perkins, author of ‘Die With Zero’ argues that the more time and money we can invest in our experiences during our lifetime, the richer our lives will be. Bill makes the case that we should all be spending more of our time and money exploring the world, savoring our relationships, and pursuing our dreams. In Mailbag, we take questions from a listener who is worried that all she does is “work and save,” a woman who wants to diversify her investments, and a listener who is curious how filing taxes with her partner may impact his public service loan forgiveness. In Thrive, every financial document to gather in the event of an evacuation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask any woman on the street today, and she’ll probably tell you she’s shouldering more worry, more responsibility, more of the invisible “mental load” than ever before. And. We. Are. Exhausted. But what’s to be done? Eve Rodsky, author of “Fair Play” walks us through the steps we can take to level the playing field in our homes, and change the dynamic of women shouldering the brunt of childrearing and domestic responsibilities. In Mailbag, Jean advises a woman looking for a lower management fee for her retirement account, and guides a mom on 529 investing. Lastly, in Thrive, Jean dishes on how to control financial clutter in four simple steps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As appealing as an investment in real estate sounds, many of us don’t want to be landlords, which is why we’re talking about investing passively in real estate, via real estate syndications. Annie Dickerson and Julie Lam, co-founders of Goodegg Investments, walk us through exactly what real estate syndications are and how they work, the minimums needed to invest, and the typical returns expected. In Mailbag, we advise a woman considering a career as a financial coach, a single woman considering a hybrid life insurance policy, and a Seattle listener who is looking to purchase a floating house (just like in Sleepless in Seattle!) In Thrive, Jean breaks down which option is better — buying or leasing a car. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes are on next Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Election Day. This year, women are expected to turn out in record numbers to have our voices heard. Why? Frankly, we’re worried. About coronavirus, paying for healthcare, the future of Social Security, our careers and our place in the economy, and whether or not we’ll be able to afford to retire. Nancy LeaMond, EVP at AARP discusses exactly how women voters will influence the election this year. In Mailbag, we talk about saving for a niece’s future, scaling back on retirement contributions to save more for a home, and how to invest large sums of money. In Thrive, a rundown on all the ways you can support female small business owners as we head into the holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to become an angel investor? Someone who provides funding for small startups or entrepreneurs? Brianna McDonald, President of Global Investment Network Keiretsu Forum, gives us a crash course in what an angel investor really does, and breaks down the different pathways to becoming one. We talk about finding successful rates of return, doing your research, and hidden “gotchas.” In Mailbag, saving for the down payment on a child’s home, rebuilding a credit score, and what to do when a card loses its 0% introductory rate. Lastly, in Thrive, where to find the best deals at Costco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does anyone have just one job anymore? This week, we’re diving into what it looks like to realize a dream while still working full-time. We’re learning from Jessica Goodman, an editor at Cosmopolitan who just wrote the book, ‘They Wish They Were Us.” Jessica talks about how she found the time to write, how she juggled deadlines, and made tough choices between work obligations and social experiences. In Mailbag, we discuss where women can thrive with a career in finance, ways to save on personal income taxes, and target date funds. In Thrive, what to do if you just gave a scammer your personal information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about the young women in your life, what comes to mind? What do you want most for them to realize and achieve, and how do you want to help them get there? We sit down with Illana Raia, founder of Être, a mentorship platform for middle school girls, to discuss how girls can raise their hands instead of lowering their standards. We talk about female leaders, diversity in boardrooms, and how to bridge the “confidence gap” that plagues women of all ages. In Mailbag, we talk Roth IRA conversions, maxing out a 403b, and financing a new car. In Thrive, we explore how to reign in our online shopping habit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you connect with the people in your life who make it rich — with the friends who you love most? We sit down with Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, hosts of the “Call Your Girlfriend” podcast, and co-authors of the book, “Big Friendship.” We talk about what it means to be a good friend, how to sustain friendships, and why society under-values friendships. In Mailbag, we talk about supporting aging parents in their retirement, leaving a stressful job and starting a family, and we clarify retirement target multipliers. In Thrive, how to talk to your boss about making working from home a permanent arrangement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long has it been since you applied to college? These days it seems every school wants something different, but the process doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, say this week’s guests, Eric J. Furda and Jacques Steinberg, authors of “The College Conversation.” The pair offer up a step-by-step guide to having some tough conversations, assessing the schools best suited to your child’s interests, getting financial aid, and making the final decision on a school. In Mailbag, we tackle alternatives to college savings accounts, the best financial books for women, and securing a financial planner. In Thrive, how to capitalize on the gold rush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are some of the ugly truths that keep women of color from having a seat at the table in corporate America? Minda Harts, author of “The Memo: What Women Of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table,” joins us to discuss. Minda weighs in on microaggressions, what corporate America is doing wrong (and right) when it comes to advancing women of color, and what all women can do to secure a seat at the table in a remote work world. In Mailbag, we discuss long term care policies, how to recover $2,000 from a former financial advisor, and where to invest and give back at the same time. In Thrive, the four financial gaps that impact women when it comes to Social Security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial success doesn’t come overnight, but it can come if we learn to retrain our brains to achieve our most important money goals. We chat with Barbara Huson, author of “Rewire For Wealth,” about how we can step into the driver’s seat of our money and our careers. Barbara discusses the differences between men and women in how we approach our financial lives, and how we can move past our fears. In Mailbag, we talk about saving for retirement, putting kids through college, and claiming your ex-husband’s Social Security benefits. In Thrive, Jean weighs in on the most essential skills you’re building while working from home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When’s the last time you got a bargain? This week, we’re talking about negotiating BIG purchases, like houses and cars, with Tonya Rapley, founder and CEO of MyFabFinance.com. Tonya worked as a car salesperson, and just purchased her first home along with her first company. We talk negotiation skills, dealer discounts, no-haggle lots, and the best times of the month (and day!) to pull the trigger on a new ride. In Mailbag, we talk about target date funds, buying a home after living small, and whether it’s possible to hit a $1M savings goal. In Thrive, what to do if your company is reopening, but you’re just not comfortable going back into the office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many of us are struggling right now, and we're tackling listener questions on job loss. We hear from a listener who is unsure which source of income to tap if her job search takes longer than she'd like. We also hear from a woman who is debating a balance transfer and a 401(k) loan in order to manage her credit card debt situation. We also guide a couple debating taking money from their 401(k)s in order to pay off their house, and we advise a woman who is worried about being able to retire as planned. If you've suffered a job loss, the whole HerMoney team is rooting for you. Got a question for us? Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ree Drummond, best known as “The Pioneer Woman,” is one of the most loved chefs in America, and this week she sits down with us to talk about her favorite recipes, cooking for any budget, kitchen mishaps, her most-used gadgets, and how she stays organized. In Mailbag, saving for retirement in an IRA, market volatility, and the best places to save money. In Thrive, our biggest money regrets and how to avoid them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve entered into a new era of workplace communication, one in which we must offer empathy and transparency, and convey urgency and excitement, all without handshakes, lunches, or happy hours. Behavioral scientist Lindsay Kohler breaks down how to keep your productivity up, improve your communication skills, set boundaries, and challenge your own biases while working remotely. In Mailbag, we tackle refinancing a child’s student loan, a backdoor Roth conversion, IRA contributions, and whether $10,000 is best put towards paying off loans or investing in the stock market. Lastly, in Thrive, how Neflix can improve your credit score. (No, really!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When invested the right way, your money can impact change while also earning big returns. We break down what it means to put your money where your mouth is, with Fidelity Investments’ Eliza Badeau and Nicole Connolly. Bigger ESG funds are up 10% year over year, far outperforming the DOW and the S&P 500. Eliza and Nicole dive into how we can get involved today. Eliza breaks down how Fidelity is addressing the inequalities that different underrepresented communities face, and how the social changes that we’re going through as a nation are impacting the investing landscape, particularly for Millennial investors. In Mailbag, we tackle questions on investing vs. paying down a mortgage, transferring a 529 plan to a different state, doing a ROTH IRA conversion, and getting a prenup. In Thrive, how to do a mid-year financial check-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What role does luck play in life? How does luck relate to fate, and how does all of this tie back into what we can and can’t control? We’re discussing it all this week with Maria Konnikova, author of “The Biggest Bluff.” She talks about what good investors have in common, and the truth behind the “illusion of control.” We discuss emotions, and why they’re so critical to our decision-making process, and we get a crash course on how to bluff — and how to know when we’re being bluffed. In Mailbag, we talk aging parents, target date funds, and caring for a significant other financially. In Thrive, should you take a gap year if your college is closed this fall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into all your questions on investing in an IRA vs. a money market fund, what to do with your stocks during times of market volatility, and whether you can open a 529 for a child who hasn’t yet been born. We also tackle a question on planning for the financial needs of an autistic older brother, and a question on balancing retirement contributions amidst mortgage refinancing and HELOCs. Got a question for us? Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When’s the last time you took a trip somewhere other than your local grocery store? And what are we supposed to do with all those credit card miles and points we’ve been accruing? We discuss with The Points Guy himself, Brian Kelly. He tells us how to get the safest flight possible for the best price, how to decide if you need a new kind of credit card, and what to do with our points right now. In Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk through credit freezes for 5-year-olds, how to allocate retirement investments, and UTMA/UGMA accounts for kids. In Thrive, car insurance companies offering refunds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women of color are behind white women in almost every financial and career measurement. Today, we take a look at action steps that white women can take to be allies and advocates, and begin to truly make an impact. Administrative Judge Karen Ortiz and CEO of communications firm CJC Insights, Chanel Cathey, join us to talk about what it’s like to be the only woman of color in the room, and the biases and stereotypes that we all need to watch out for in our daily lives. In Mailbag, we talk about financially supporting our parents and paying down credit card debt with personal loans. In Thrive, the essential items that every woman should build into her budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices