HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Jean sits down with Megan Schleck, co-founder and CEO of COIN, a conscious investing platform that allows us to put our money into companies making an impact in the areas we care most about. The pair discuss creating an avenue for everyday investors to have a place where their voice can be heard (for as little as $50!), and mission-based investing. In Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk about how age is more than just a number, and encouraging women in the C-suite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, author of the book, Investing in Financial Research: A Decision-Making System for Better Results, helps us break down the decision-making process and help us gain the confidence we need when faced with life’s big “what to dos.” She shares her method for decision-making, dives into the concept of risk, and explains how we can feel more empowered when navigating the emotional aspects of big decisions. In mailbag, helping a parent save for retirement when they’re new to the country, what to do when a child doesn’t qualify for a federal student grant or loan because of 'the parents’ savings, and getting out of debt after divorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you invest in crypto and blockchain? If you buy crypto, how do you use your money? Kiana Danial, author of Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies, and CEO of InvestDiva, answers all our questions, and discusses her journey into investing in cryptocurrency. She shares her thoughts on exactly when we're all going to be able to use cryptocurrency in a "real" way, just as we would with any other purchasing app. Hint: The future isn't so very far away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When many people hear the word "wealth," they think about dollars and cents, but it's so much more than that, says Veronica Dagher, host of “The Secrets Of Wealthy Women” podcast. Veronica shares most important career and financial advice she's gotten from female CEOs and other women leaders. In mailbag, Jean tackles a questions from a listeners on funding home improvements, how to ask for a raise at your annual review, and whether or not to buy a home for your mother-in-law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is ESG investing on your radar? That stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it’s huge for people who want to invest in companies they can feel good about. Nicole Connolly, Head of ESG investing and Portfolio Manager for the Women’s Leadership Fund at Fidelity Investments, breaks down how we can all put our money where our mouth is when it comes to supporting companies that are doing the right thing. Nicole also talks about the Women’s Leadership Fund at Fidelity, a fund that invests in companies that support future female leaders. In mailbag, Jean breaks down tax laws for folks with side hustles, and talks about how we can all strike a balance between investing using your head and your heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Krazy Coupon Lady Joanie Demer on what style of couponing may work best for you, and how 10 minutes of effort each week could save you $50. She discusses some of the mistakes she's made and the differences in the type of discounts offered by loyalty programs, in-store promotions and coupon stacking. In Mailbag, negotiating vacation days and a flexible schedule as part of your total compensation package, how to successfully consolidate retirement accounts, and whether or not there's a benchmark spending timeline for retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, 85% of millennials are planning to take career breaks, but returning to the workforce after time away can be much more challenging than landing that first job. Addie Swartz, CEO of ReacHIRE, a company that partners with Fortune 500 companies to create re-entry opportunities for women of all ages, at all stages of their careers, talks about the resources women need to get back to work, including free online courses, resume updates, and networking. In Mailbag, the best bank and investment account security protocols, ways to eliminate credit card debt, and why remote workers are happier and more productive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When's the last time you asked for a raise? Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, a career development organization that helps women negotiate for pay and power at work, dishes on power, value, the wage gap, and why women have to ask for more money. She walks us through the negotiating process and tells us why you should always walk through the door with three numbers in mind. In Mailbag, home building and some of the best ways to increase your retirement savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, most of us are taking better care of our health. We’re more active, get more Vitamin D, and stress a little less. As for our finances, sometimes these feel-good vibes — including summer vacations — cause us to amp up our spending. If your wallet is starting to sweat (like ours), then Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of The 30-Day Money Cleanse, is here to whip our finances back into shape. In Mailbag, is it smarter to pay additional money toward the principal on a home mortgage or to invest that money in an index fund? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know those people on Instagram who are always traveling to fabulous places, making you wonder how they afford it, and why you aren’t doing the same thing? This week we’re getting all of the answers — and travel savings secrets — from Rachel Rudwall, an Emmy-nominated on-camera host and producer, who has traveled to all seven continents, lived in three countries and journeyed through nearly 70 nations — all on a limited budget. She’s got millions of airline miles and she knows how to use them. In Mailbag, pensions and other retirement savings strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What has held you back in your career, or with your money? Maybe you were scared — of what would happen, of failure, of the reaction of the people you know and love. Although getting over fear may be a goal, there's another way: You could do it scared. So says our guest Ruth Soukup, author of “Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, and Create a Life You Love.” She walks us through how and why it works. In Mailbag, where to build your savings to buy your first home and why we have many credit scores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneur coach Ali Brown on how to stand out online and position yourself as a ‘category of one.’ How to understand tall poppy syndrome, avoid excellence burnout and master the 80/20 rule with your time. Then, in Mailbag, how to create a budget in retirement, when young adults should get their first credit cards and how one woman can approach the guilt associated with financial success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re trying to save more money, but can’t find the spare change, or maybe you’re trying to stop snacking at 4pm, but reach for the cookie like clockwork. The latter was exactly what was happening to Charles Duhigg, and he was so eager to break his own bad habits, he went on to become an expert in changing our behavior with his bestsellers, “The Power of Habit” and “Smarter Faster Better.” We explore the psychology behind habit formation and discuss solutions for long-term behavior modifications. In Mailbag, we go over how to choose a Roth IRA, a financial planner and how to start investing with your kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Do you want kids?” Like it or not, it’s a question you’ve probably been asked (many times). No matter what your answer is, having a baby costs about $11,000, and that’s without complications. Run into fertility issues, and solutions can run into the thousands. Enter FemTech: Companies and products that are looking to tackle fertility, like Ava, a wearable fertility tracker.Ava’s co-founder and president, Lea von Bidder, discusses all things fertility, including the emotional and financial costs. In Mailbag, incorporating tax diversification into retirement planning, fixing errors on our credit reports and understanding our credit scores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's your most limited resource? Money? It might feel that way, but the real answer is time. You can earn more money. You can't get more hours or minutes or seconds...or years. The latter — particularly as it relates to compound interest, giving your money time to grow — is just one of the things we dive into with Grant Sabatier, a leader of the "Financial Independence, Retire Early" (FIRE) movement, and author of “Financial Freedom.” In Mailbag, does going to a more expensive college mean more success? Plus: How to tackle crippling credit card debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're reading the list of Fortune 500 CEOs and board members, or a roster of members of Congress, the lack of women in numbers is hugely apparent. It provided the impetus for Laura to start her “She Said / She Said” podcast and this week we're digging into how to bridge the gap — for ourselves and for society as a whole. In Mailbag, fraud alerts vs. credit freezes, and how to say, “no, thank you,” to buying into all of your friends’ side hustles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Lowry on her book, “Broke Millennial Takes On Investing: A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up Your Money.” She did the legwork on everything from opening accounts (what kind?), figuring out what to put in them (stocks, bonds, funds?), how to invest when you want to make an impact in the world and more. In Mailbag: How to handle a rental property that’s underwater, and financial tradeoffs (invest or pay down the mortgage?). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking with Mika Brzezinski, co-host of Morning Joe and founder of Know Your Value, and Daniela Pierre-Bravo, her Morning Joe producer. The two discuss their book, “EARN IT! Know Your Value and Grow Your Career, in Your 20s and Beyond,” inspired by Daniela's journey from DACA recipient/DREAMer, struggling to pay her way through college, to NYC success. It involves Greyhound busses, resume fibs, and great advice for positioning yourself to rise in any career. In Mailbag: Can you put a price on happiness and Roth 401(k)s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions on the documentation needed for purchasing a home and the decision to tap into an IRA before retirement. Also, how to find the right financial planner, how to approach paying off six-figure student debt and when to pull money from your savings for your investments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you anticipate other’s needs before your own? Does your brain house the master to-do list for your entire family? You're a queen of emotional labor — the unpaid and unnoticed work that many women do to keep their loved ones happy. Gemma Hartley, author of "Women Aren’t Nags; We’re Just Fed Up," tells us all how we can cut back, and stand up for ourselves. In Mailbag, how to invest in Roth IRAs, prioritize saving versus investing, plus the dos and don’ts for downsizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esther Wojcicki, a leading American educator and mother who raised three superstar daughters, offers advice for raising successful people. Her daughters? Susan, the CEO of YouTube, Janet, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California-San Francisco and Anne, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe. In Mailbag, where you can get the biggest returns on your savings and negotiating credit card interest rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money is a leading cause of stress in relationships, and, consequently, a leading cause of divorce. But not for the McNeely’s. Talaat and Tai McNeely, the couple behind His and Her Money, paid down one partner’s $30,000 credit card debt—and a $330,000 mortgage—together. They tell us how, and, get this: They never fight about money. Yes, we asked for all the secrets. In Mailbag, one listener questions whether achieving a perfect credit score of 850 is actually possible. It is. (It’s not easy, but it is.) We go over how to boost your score, how to build credit for new college grads and how to work through decision fatigue when it comes to your finances. Plus: Venmo recently changed its user agreement to indicate that it may “engage in collection and other efforts” to recover lost monies. Will you be receiving a Venmo from them? We know, very meta. Find out in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Life isn’t about winning. Life is about a journey. Life is about finding your happiness with whatever that genius is that you have." So says Amy Errett, founder and CEO of Madison Reed, the beauty brand that’s challenging industry titans in the hair color space. She walks us through her career highlights and lowlights (ba-dum-bum!), including an unexpected firing that changed her entire perspective on work, family, happiness...and life. Plus, as a VC, she shares her take on the elements that create a successful business. In Mailbag, we discuss what you can do with your 401(k) if you’re leaving your job—and budgeting for charitable giving with donor advised funds. In Thrive, if we’ve learned anything in the past month, it’s that there’s a right way and a wrong way to get your kid into college. But just because you aren’t out there bribing coaches doesn’t mean you might not be making a few mistakes of your own. We discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that one in two LGBTQ adults associate money with anxiety, which is significantly more than straight, cisgender people who do? That was just one of our important takeaways from the 2019 LGBTQ Money Matters Survey, which was driven by this week's guests, Tobin Low and Kathy Tu, hosts of the Nancy podcast and special series, Queer Money Matters. We discuss their findings, their stories and solutions for the increased costs the LGBTQ community often face when it comes to careers, parenthood, marriage, healthcare and more. In Mailbag, we discuss a hierarchy of how to use your tax return money with debt, emergency savings, retirement savings and family planning all in mind. Plus: Tax filing exemptions for expats. In Thrive, we’re talking about the “Failure to Launch” effect. In other words, what to do when parents are financially supporting their adult children for much longer than they thought they’d be...we discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember our recent listener survey? (Thank you to everyone who weighed in!) One major finding: You want more Mailbag. Message received. In this bonus show, we discuss: the tax differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, the best places to save and grow money for short-term goals, the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, the considerations for one listener who might get a home equity loan to help her daughter pay down debt and why freezing your credit is still a must. Have a question for the show? Email them to us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of the female founders we’ve featured on the show, either personal problems or macro pain points served as inspiration for their companies. For Heidi Zak, ThirdLove, was no different. Nearly seven years ago, the co-founder and co-CEO set out to change the dismal relationship she, and—as it turns out—millions of other women (including the HerMoney team) have with their bras. “Every woman has a bra story,” she says, and this week we hear hers, discuss ours, and learn the best practices for buying, maintaining and even donating bras. (If you’re like us, you're doing it wrong!) Plus: Heidi gets honest about her experience in building and scaling a company that’s unapologetically for women. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on consolidating 401(k)s, picking a retirement plan when your company doesn’t offer one and using company stock for making a down payment on a first home. We end the show with some important news on finding love in the digital age: “Romance scams” are costing people more money than any other form of fraud, according to the FTC. Looking to donate your bras? Here are two options: -https://isupportthegirls.org/ -https://brarecyclingagency.com/ And if you know of any others, please email us at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re at HerMoney headquarters this week, because when Carl Richards flies nearly 9,000 miles from New Zealand to New York City, has time to record and your studio is temporarily unavailable, you make it work. Carl is a CFP, an author, The Sketch Guy for The New York Times and the creator of a new workshop geared towards helping couples talk about money called “Talking About Money”—and that’s exactly what we do this week. Carl teaches us why talking about money with our partners and spouses can be tricky and how we can become better communicators. We lose the shame, we lose the blame and we learn to take “time outs.” It’s a must-listen. In Mailbag, we discuss closing credit cards without lowering your credit score, and why you might want to consider investing in a Roth IRA over a Traditional IRA after contributing the max to your employer’s plan. And, inspired by our conversation with Carl, in Thrive, we talk about first impressions and why your nonverbal expressions matter when making connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building off of last week’s “Women With Money” episode that focused on how and why more of us should be investing in addition to our retirement accounts, we’re with investing expert Manisha Thakor. She’s VP of financial wellbeing at Brighton Jones and host of the "true WELLth podcast." We discuss the psychology of investing, the difference between active versus passive investing styles and best practices for working with financial advisors. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on closing credit cards without hurting your credit, whether it's a smart move to help a boyfriend's family with student loan debt and the complications that can ensue come tax time. Plus: Our Thrive segment is courtesy of one of our amazing listeners, Pam, who emailed us a few weeks back after Episode 149, in which we talked about the new rules of resume writing. Her advice will help your resume get seen! P.S. Jean’s new book, “Women With Money,” hits stands this week! Order yours today at WomenWithMoneyBook.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tables are turning for women and money—and the roles are reversing in this week’s episode. To celebrate the upcoming launch of Jean’s new book, “Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve,” Kelly interviews Jean for the very first time. Women have more money and more power than ever before and there’s more coming our way. We talk about the important ways in which we can use our money and our power to make life better for us, for the people we love and for the world. Above all, learn more about Jean—and why this book is more personal for her than any other book she’s written before. We close the show by answering your questions (of course) on paying off mortgages in the FIRE movement, FAFSA considerations for students who take breaks between school, the pros of tax-deductible IRAs and more. Women With Money is available for preorder now on WomenWithMoneyBook.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to saving more money, you’re tired of hearing to pack your lunch and make your own coffee, right? We get it. Because we’re tired of it, too. Trouble is, many of us do spend the majority of our disposable income on food. We literally eat our money. If we could get ourselves to cook even a little bit more, we could seriously save. Which is why we were so thrilled to hear cookbook author and New York Times food columnist, Melissa Clark, tell us she cooks, because she's lazy. Seriously. She argues that it's a lot less work than eating out. And she has a point. Which you'll see as she takes us through cost-effective recipes, some common excuses for not cooking and which ingredients and kitchen supplies you can cut corners on. (If it sounds like we're geeking out, it's because we are. Just a little bit.) In Mailbag, we answer your questions on renovating a house, paying off five-figure credit card debt and setting up 529s for nieces and nephews. Plus: Did you know over 90% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to check you out? We discuss what to have on your profile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to being happy at work, guess which factor matters the most? The nature of our work? No. The money? Nope. OK, it's the people we work with. And, if you’re lucky, you have a work wife. This week we’re with Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur, work wives and founders of the popular fashion and design website, Of a Kind. They’re out with the new book, inspired by their relationship, “Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses.” We discuss why these relationships are valuable (in more ways than one), how to take a friendship to the next level (i.e., starting a business together) and how to talk money with your besties, in general. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on the concept of gender-neutral investing and where to invest and save for the short-term. And since we’re on the subject of relationships, would you break up with someone because of their credit card debt? Interesting research in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re sitting down with Emmy award-winning journalist and producer, Laura Ling. (Yes, the Laura Ling who was was arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days after reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women.) She’s now the host of the Everyday Bravery podcast, which documents people overcoming hardships. We discuss how to build your resiliency muscle, the power of mentorship and her personal caregiving story (a reminder that if you’re taking care of kids and your parents simultaneously, a) you’re not alone and b) you’re nothing short of amazing!). In Mailbag, we answer your questions on negotiating benefits packages and investing in real estate. Plus: Another friendly reminder to just say NO to store credit cards. Why in Thrive. The HerMoney Listener Survey: http://hermoney.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How about Xer? Boomer? Having a multigenerational team at work can be a wonderful thing. The diversity of ages brings different experiences, different lenses—all of which can strengthen your company’s culture and increase your chances of success. But communication across the generations? That can be trying. Enter our guest, executive coach Lisa Lord. After today’s session — i.e. episode — you’ll have a new framework for figuring out what you want out of your job, how to interact effectively with all of your colleagues and even how to score a promotion you’re not qualified for (yet). In Mailbag, we answer your questions on where to save or invest money for a first home and financial considerations for first-time parents. Stick around for Thrive to hear the new rules of résumés. Have you taken our listener survey yet: http://hermoney.com/survey? To improve the show, we’re conducting a survey to learn more about you, what you think and what you want more (or less) of moving forward. It should take five minutes of your time. As a thank you—upon completion—we’ll enter you into our giveaway of $100 Amazon gift cards and signed copies of Jean’s new book, "Women With Money." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, we decided to romance you with an entire show dedicated to your taxes. We shouldn’t have, right? But we did and we should, because this will be the first filing season that taxpayers see the full effects of the tax reform that was passed in 2017. And given that this was one of the biggest overhauls of the tax code in over 30 years, there will be tons of changes. Will they affect you? Let’s find out. Our date and tax expert this week is Maggie Klokkenga, senior advisor at Clayton Financial Group. Maggie is both a CPA and CFP®, and, best of all, she’s a longtime HerMoney community member, which is how we met. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on backdoor Roth IRAs, 529 savings plans, tax software and filing jointly. Plus: If you’re one of the many people who didn’t adjust their tax withholding last year—or you can’t remember the last time you did—then it’s time to do that. We tell you how. As always, thank you for listening. To improve the show, we’re conducting a survey to learn more about you, what you think and what you want more (or less) of moving forward. The survey should take five minutes of your time. As a thank you—upon completion—we’ll enter you into our giveaway of $100 Amazon gift cards and signed copies of Jean’s new book, "Women With Money." Please share your opinion here: http://hermoney.com/survey Resources mentioned in the show: IRS Withholding Calculator: https://bit.ly/2aLxK0A NerdWallet Withholding Calculator: https://bit.ly/2X0zcCk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Becoming a millionaire is not a private country club—it’s a result of many many years of hard work.” This week we’re back with retirement expert and Ramsey Personality, Chris Hogan, who’s out with his new book, “Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth—and How You Can Too.” Chris and the Ramsey research team surveyed over 10,000 U.S. millionaires to discover how they reached seven-figure status. Not surprisingly, it starts with getting in the right headspace. Oh, and Andy Puddicombe, consider Chris your competition. (If you listened to Episode 49, then you know what we’re talking about!) In Mailbag, we answer your questions on being more hands-on with your retirement investments, budgeting for childcare and retirement planning with a pension. Then, should you share your salary with your colleague—your male colleagues? We discuss in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building on last week’s episode on the FIRE movement, this week we sit down with Jamila Souffrant, creator of the blog and podcast, Journey To Launch, in which she chronicles her and her family’s experience towards financial independence. “For most people who hear about FIRE movement it seems overwhelming,” says Jamila. “I like to modify it and say it [financial independence] can mean anything you want it to mean. In my case, it meant I wanted to retire from my corporate job to do work I love.” Jamila is candid on how she and her husband increased their savings rate, modified their investments and managed their accounts together to make this happen. In fact, we all might want to take a lesson in financial togetherness (and respect) from this couple. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on maxing out 401(k)s without compromising your short-term goals, protecting your finances when buying property with a future spouse and funding HSAs. And Jamila’s story has us wondering: Do you feel engaged in what you're doing at work? If not, we discuss new research that can help in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only you can prevent running out of money in retirement. OK, we’ll cool it with the fire and Smokey The Bear puns. This savings crisis is one we’ve covered before, but this week we’re discussing what thousands of people are calling the solution: The FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Movement. Our two experts, Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett, co-hosts of the ChooseFi podcast, explain what it is, its “simple math” and why it’s so popular: “You know, I think all of us kind of understand the golden years are the years that you're allowed to do everything that you've really wanted,” says Jonathan. “Now society has given you the permission to go do that...I don't just want my golden years right—I want my best years.” Then, in Mailbag, we answer your questions on how college students can start investing and building credit when they have none. Plus, there’s another gap—not in our favor—we can add to the list: the stress gap. Sigh, and talk solutions with us in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Double lives. Deception. Shame. Nope, it’s not an episode of “Dirty John” (though it could be)—it’s this week’s podcast. Abby Ellin, an award-winning journalist and author of the new book: “Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married,” is in the studio and does she have a story to tell! She also equips us with advice for how to be smarter even when we’re confronted with some of the most-skilled liars. Then, in Mailbag, we discuss how you can ask for more financial responsibility at home without implying you don’t trust your partner—and we answer your questions on long-term care policies for singles (plus other insurances singles should strongly consider) and the 4% retirement rule. In Thrive, staying on the theme of couples and money: Who do you think should pick up the check on a date? We discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the second week of 2019 — and with our New Year’s resolutions fresh in our minds — we thought it’d be an opportune time to talk about abundance. Or rather, the art of abundance with Leisa Peterson. Leisa is a wealth coach, business strategist, podcaster and author, who is known for her ability to quickly identify the exact issues that are holding us back from achieving our goals. She’s helped thousands of people (including us) develop practical skills for attracting greater wealth, freedom and peace of mind. In Mailbag, we cover your questions on refinancing student debt, aligning your budget with your ethics and exploring career opportunities in the financial services industry. Finally, have you heard of the FIRE movement? We’ve mentioned it on the show before and we have a podcast dedicated to it coming up soon. In the meantime, a FIRE 101 in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year HerMoney! Goodbye 2018 and goodbye investing confidence gap. After decades of focusing on why women weren’t investing, the broader conversation is shifting to why — and how — women are growing their wealth. We’re kicking off another fantastic year of important conversations with HerMoney’s champion from day one, Kathy Murphy. She’s the president of personal investing at Fidelity, which is out with new research on women and investing. A finding we’re thrilled to hear: Over 70% of women say it’s time to demand more from their money and that they’re going to take action in the next six months. Let’s join them! Kathy tells us how. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on Social Security, opening up a Roth IRA and buying a house in the current market. Plus: We know women are more likely to take career breaks for childcare — and now we have an idea of how much it can cost them. We discuss in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too many of us can relate to the fact that personal finance wasn’t something we were taught growing up. It’s a big reason why this show exists and it’s also why Dina Shoman founded inherQuests, a company that creates financial education products for kids. She’s on a mission to increase financial literacy for our future generations, starting with little girls. She shares what’s working, what isn’t and how we can start talking to our kids about money in a way that sticks. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on getting out of debt, getting money in foreign countries and combining finances for newlyweds. Finally, you know we love highlighting gratitude practices, especially the simple ones, like writing thank-you notes. But it turns out if you’re writing one to a hiring manager, you might want to put away the pen and paper. Why in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re tackling the subject of aging, which, according to new research, more women are looking forward to. Excuse us? Yep, financial challenges aside, more women are excited about aging, particularly about what their lives will look like as they age. It’s rooted in the idea of, “The best is yet to come.” But the best will only come if you’re feeling your best, and that means taking care of yourself. Enter: The always-wonderful Jillian Michaels. Just days after losing her home in the California Camp Fire, Jillian spent time with us to discuss her latest book, “The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty.” We run through all six and how you can apply them today, because “Aging gracefully doesn’t have to mean giving up and accepting decay,” writes Jillian. “It means keeping yourself in fantastic health, inside and out, for a hell of a long time …” In Mailbag, we answer your questions on union memberships, rebalancing 401(k)s and prioritizing HSAs. Then, if you’re like us — and many other rewards-points junkies — the allure of getting a new credit card with a big, fat rewards bonus sends your heart fluttering: 50,000 points, 70,000, 100,000, oh my! But, what then? How to maximize them in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got the O.G. B.F.F. (best financial friend) on the show this week. Shannon McLay is the founder and CEO of The Financial Gym, a financial services company that’s disrupting the industry’s approach with women (and some men) on how they overhaul their relationships with money and work towards financial success. We discuss why women want (and need) different financial advice, what's working, what isn't and how Shannon is successfully raising capital for her company from men who can't relate. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on finding a job in the financial services industry, balancing wants vs. needs and understanding an annuity alongside other retirement accounts. Finally, because there’s so much going on in our world that’s blazing a light on our differences rather than our similarities, we thought it would be nice to focus on something we all want: happiness. Join us in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this year, America's student debt hit 1.5 trillion dollars — and guess who holds most of it? Yep, us ladies. We hold nearly two-thirds of all student loan debt in the United States. To bring it closer to home, the average graduate walked off campus with around $39,400 last year, which is up six percent from 2016. It's trending up, so what can we do for ourselves and our loved ones to lower the cost? One (big) option: 529 college savings plans. We have Abby Chao, co-founder and COO of CollegeBacker, to talk us through what they are, how they work and how you can easily get your loved ones on board. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on retirement planning for when you're out of work, credit cards for new adults and how to go from joint accounts to yours, mine and ours. In Thrive, HerMoney reporter Kathryn shares her coverage on the increase in workplace demotions. We discuss what to do and how to handle them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you texted, emailed, Slacked and DM'd with people more than you talked to them face-to-face today, then this week's episode is for you. Erica Keswin, author of the new book, "Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Surefire Ways to Design a Workplace That Is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World," is all about learning how to speak in a human voice, finding the sweet spot between tech and connect and meetings that won't waste your time. She's our new girl crush. And we cover it all. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on selling stock, rolling over retirement accounts and dealing with medical collections. And, in Thrive, some great news: There are more 401(k) and IRA millionaires than ever before, according to a new report from Fidelity — woo-hoo! You can be one, too. Keep listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding roommates and funding businesses are no easy feats. Ask Elien Becque. She's the founder and CEO of RoomZoom, a roommate matching web app designed to take the stress, financial risk and guesswork out of finding a roommate. We’ve covered the trend of more couples cohabitating before marriage to save money, but we haven’t discussed a similar trend of more Americans — in non-romantic relationships — choosing to room together for the same reason. Elien is our new guide for how to find the perfect match. She also gets real on the highs and lows of running an early-stage company — her entrepreneurial story is both refreshing and relatable. In Mailbag, Kelly and I talk Venmo and answer your questions on retirement: saving strategies with a pension, saving strategies without a pension and whether or not it's OK to use them for paying off the mortgage. Plus: It's Open Enrollment time. Are you set for next year? We discuss health care in Thrive. Something easier than choosing a health care plan? Subscribing to our free weekly newsletters! Just text "HERMONEY" to 888-111 to subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TGIF! To celebrate, we're taking you back to our live show at the PRX Podcast Garage in Boston. After our interview with Harvard’s Brigitte Madrian and our Mailbag (listen to both in Episode 134), we hosted a HerMoney Happy Hour. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy 30+ minutes of women getting real about their relationships with money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a wantrepreneur (our favorite new word) or neither, the ability to market yourself is crucial. We all need to be able to create strong brands — personal and professional — and this week we get advice on how from the best. Tina Wells, CEO and founder of Buzz Marketing Group, an agency that creates marketing strategies for clients within the beauty, entertainment, fashion, financial, and lifestyle sectors, gives us a private consultation. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on using life insurance plans for college savings, trusts, and credit card balance transfers. In Thrive, Fair Isaac Corp. — the creator of FICO credit score — is introducing a new scoring system called the UltraFICO in 2019. Learn how it could impact you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HerMoney recently went on a road trip to Boston for a live show with Harvard’s Brigitte Madrian at the PRX Podcast Garage. We discuss her extensive research on 401(k)s — savings rates, leakages and the possible relationship they have with credit card debt — if you were auto-enrolled into yours, then you definitely want to tune in. We also explore the idea of sidecar plans. Have you heard of them? In our live Mailbag, we answer attendees' questions on how to get more of our girlfriends talking about money, how to approach the current real estate market, how to ride the stock market (rollercoaster) and more. In fact, so much more, including a taste of a HerMoney Happy Hour (!), that we're making this a two-part special. Stay tuned for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We (and by we, we mean the entire personal finance community) talk a lot about saving for retirement, but not enough about how to make our money last as long as we're going to. So we're going to change that. One possible solution for better guaranteeing income in retirement: annuities. One woman who's making annuities sound much sexier than they are: Elaine Larsen. At speeds of over 280 mph, Elaine has made a career out of going as fast as possible for five seconds down a straight and narrow quarter-mile track as hot-rod race car driver. However, after a major wreck in 2011, she realized she wasn’t invincible and that it was time to start planning for retirement. She shares her story and how an annuity was right for her and her family. In Mailbag — after retirement is taken care of, how should you invest an extra $10,000? We offer ideas and answer your other questions on freezing credit for toddlers and buying into CDs at credit unions. Plus: Venmo is about to get more expensive. Hear why in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices