HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

With giving season upon us, we started asking ourselves how we can make bigger impacts — not just at the end of the year — but perhaps year round? We all have causes we care about, but when does it make sense to take donating money, time or resources a step further? When does it make sense to start a charity or not-for-profit organization of your own? To help us answer these questions, we’re sitting down with Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization charity: water, which focuses on the global water crisis and the world’s 663 million people without clean water to drink. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on healthcare plans for people in their 50s and 60s, forgotten stocks and freezing and unfreezing your credit — which you can now do for free. No more excuses — and more details in Thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The loss of an identity. The loss of a paycheck. Sometimes they're one in the same. This week we're discussing how to navigate major life changes with two of my favorite women, Lisa Oz and Jill Herzig, great friends and hosts of the new podcast, "You Turns by HowStuffWorks." We love the name — and the concept. We sit down with both to discuss the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly when making personal and professional transitions (e.g. sending a kid off to college or losing your job). In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on earning extra income while on Social Security Disability Income SSDI, and how to (nicely) ask your credit card company for lower interest rates. (Yes, it's possible.) In Thrive, we discuss the new and troubling research that shows many women are opting for “intentional invisibility” in the office. P.S. If you're in Boston, come see us LIVE on 10/27: https://bit.ly/2CS1Z5o. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of us, the tables eventually turn, the roles reverse and it becomes time to take care of the people who took care of us for so many years. Becoming caregivers for our parents is often uncomfortable, emotional and comes at a time when many of us are still revving up at work (and, yes, women are more likely to leave the workforce for this, too). Stories like this week's guest, award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien's, remind us that we're not alone in this. Soledad gets candid about her caregiving experience, her evolving relationship with money and what she's hearing from other women leading up to this year's midterm elections. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on warming up to Venmo (as a parent), accessing your free credit reports and investing $10,000 just because. And, whether you're a parent of a college student or a college student yourself, building your credit while in school is not just smart, but doable. We tell you how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, oh my! This week we're getting hormonal with my good friend, Randi Hutter Epstein, author of the new book: "Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything" — which, by the way, includes our finances. We talk emotions (and money), birth control (and money), egg freezing (and money) and how to save, yes, money, on shopping for medical care. In Mailbag, Kelly and I answer your questions on selling stocks, protecting your newborn's identity and HELOCs. And a question for all of us: Could our friendships be holding us back at work? We discuss in Thrive. If you haven't already, please check out the *NEW* HerMoney.com — and please subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2DNigd4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fear that you'll run out of money in retirement is big and real and daunting. Which is why we're always excited to hear about it when someone — somewhere — has a new idea to help us conquer the challenges of making our money last. This week's hero: Morningstar's Head of Behavioral Science, Dr. Stephen Wendel. He outlines how a handful of modest (and specific!) changes, when made simultaneously, can amount to much bigger nest eggs. So, calm your retirement anxieties — and geek out on the research — with us. Then, in Mailbag, we’re discussing 401(k) rollovers, the 5-year rule on Roth IRAs and having a dedicated savings account for healthcare. And in Thrive, how to budget with a cash-only diet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re speaking with a woman who’s on a mission to make other women, "really f***ing rich." And who doesn't like the sound of that? Cindy Eckert, founder and CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals is leading this charge, while simultaneously supercharging our sex lives. Her company — which she sold for $1 billion and bought back for practically nothing — created Addyi, the first ever FDA-approved drug for low sexual desire in women. We talk hormones, big pharma, negotiations and how to handle sexism. Her strategy: "Kill them with competence." It's a must-listen. In Mailbag, we dive into credit cards, student loans and other financial trade-offs. And, in Thrive, we discuss troubling research on the big little lies we tell when women outearn their husbands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s college application season for thousands of high school seniors across the country — and the ones who love them. Whether you're up against the deadline this year — or see it coming around the corner — it's never too early to start strategizing. We sat down with independent university admissions counselor and founder and CEO of IvyWise, Dr. Kat Cohen, to talk not just about reigning in the cost of college, but the cost of applying itself. In Mailbag, we answer your questions on wealth strategies for singles, bankruptcy scores and credit cards for young adults. Then, in Thrive, meet HerMoney reporter Kathryn Tuggle! She shares her reporting on how — and why — pet insurance can be a smart move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions on retirement for investing options, the perks of making additional mortgage payments, 529 alternatives, why someone might put her home in a trust, and how to build an emergency fund and pay down debt at the same time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're getting up close and personal about our spending habits with Lindsey Stanberry, author of the book "Refinery29 Money Diaries: Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Your Finances... And Everyone Else's." She offers an inside look into the spending habits of women across the country. In Mailbag, credit card loyalty, balance transfers and health insurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary discusses her quest for the perfect credit score. (Yes, she has an 850!) She dishes on spending in line with your values and how to live a debt-free life. In Mailbag, taking on significant student loans, Roth IRAs and earning money working from home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you trust your bank? We're diving into all our feels around our country's banking system with UPenn's Lisa Servon, author of "The Unbanking of America: How the New Middle Class Survives." We discuss large and small banks, credit unions and online banking alternatives. In Mailbag, catch-up strategies for retirement savings and real estate as an investment strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Were you raised to be financially independent? MSNBC LIVE anchor Stephanie Ruhle dishes on her upbringing, her career transition, and the financial advice women need most. In Mailbag, SEP IRAs and high-interest checking accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we dig deep into the confidence gap with life coach Cara Alwill Leyba. We discuss her book, "Like She Owns The Place, Give Yourself The Gift of Confidence and Ignite Your Inner Magic," what confidence looks like, feels like and how you can get more of it. In Mailbag, what to do with a CD that's coming due, how to pay off your mortgage faster, and where to find a fee-only financial advisor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stella & Dot CEO and founder Jessica Herrin talks financial independence, home business opportunities, and saving and investing. In Mailbag, the pros and cons of using your savings to learn a new skill and checking your credit report and score for free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just like you fell for Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years, we’ve fallen for Danica McKellar IRL. Not only is she a brilliant actress, she’s also an internationally-recognized mathematician and the author of a number of books aimed at helping girls become more confident with math. We talk math phobias and why the stereotypes about women and math still linger today. In Mailbag, questions on life insurance for children, IRAs and finding an advisor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nely Galán, the first Latina President of Entertainment for a U.S. television network (Telemundo), talks strategy, sacrifice and self-control. She joins us for an inspiring conversation on immigration, building wealth, real estate, overachievers, and our ever-growing to-do lists. In Mailbag, getting your rent reflected on your credit report, and selling a home in a down market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's your definition of success? Career? Family? Both? We're tackling the question with Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace, authors of the new book: "The Ambition Decisions." We discuss work-life balance, motherhood, happiness and more. In Mailbag, how much to save, and getting 401(k) dollars from past employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All your questions on tuition reimbursement programs, the pros and cons of using a 0% APR credit card, how your stellar financial habits can boost your partner’s, plus waiving annual fees on credit cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Laurie Burrows Grad's husband died, she put her feelings into a wonderful book, "The Joke’s Over, You Can Come Back Now: How This Widow Plowed Through Grief and Survived." She gives us a window on widowhood, and schools us on what to say to friends and family who are grieving. In Mailbag, aggressively saving for retirement diversifying your retirement savings between Traditional and Roth accounts, and taking loans to pay off student loans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking divorce — an important topic for all women whether you’re single, engaged or married. Divorce expert Stacy Francis discusses why many women feel most confident with managing money when we're single, and offers some advice on how to deal with divorce if it happens. In Mailbag, balance transfer offers, investments for women in their 70s and how to prioritize retirement savings when paying off student debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money, dating and relationships. This week we're with Meredith Golden, former psychotherapist and founder of Spoon Meet Spoon. We learn how matchmaking is big business in the U.S., and talk dating in the digital age, including which apps are right for you. In Mailbag, we talk marrying debt, annuities and how much we spend on skincare and cosmetics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fran Hauser, author of "The Myth of the Nice Girl," is here to talk about the conflicted relationship women all have with being nice. When you're nice, you can be seen as weak or ineffective. When you're assertive, you're bitchy. It sounds like a lose-lose, but Fran says it doesn’t have to be. In Mailbag, Roth IRAs for teens, umbrella life insurance policies for families and why you don't touch a 401(k) before retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life coach Lauren Handel Zander, author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life,” helps us figure out not just what we want out of life, but how to get there — and it all starts with getting honest with ourselves about money, careers, health, relationships and more. In Mailbag, we tackle credit scores and how to ask for a pay bump when you know someone at the company is leaving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you feel about what you're doing with your time? Do you feel like you're having an impact? That's the topic we tackle this week with Facebook's Head of Groups and Community Jennifer Dulski. Her book, "Purposeful" offers the leadership skills necessary for taking an idea from infancy to impact. In Mailbag, we discuss merging finances with partners and how to shop for health insurance when you have a disability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many things women are better at than men, but taking care of our health isn’t necessarily one of them. We sit down with Jean's longtime OB-GYN and friend, Dr. Rebecca Brightman, to cover costs and considerations for women's health in every decade. In Mailbag, how to manage an income when a big portion of it is a bonus — and what you can do with an excellent credit score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Executive coach Liz Bentley is here to help us think about the future of our careers, and how to ask for feedback that will help us constantly evolve. In Mailbag, how college grads can prep for the job hunt, and tax implications for hiring a personal assistant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Freeze your eggs. Free your career." That was the headline on an April 2014 cover of Businessweek featuring this week's guest, Brigitte Adams. Adams went on to found Eggsurance, an egg-freezing education site, and she gets granular on the process. In Mailbag, we talk credit freezing, SEP IRAs and student loan refinancing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about money and death can be awkward. That’s why we're chatting with Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner, authors of, "Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome." We discuss grief, family dynamics, inheritances, wills, the importance of having good executors and what to say to people when it feels like there are no right words. In Mailbag, HSAs, post-divorce retirement considerations and prepping college grads for managing money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does women + Investing = Fear? It might, according to research from our guest, Libby Leffler, VP of Membership at SoFi. She gives us her take on how to get more involved with your investments. In Mailbag, whole life insurance policies, how to rollover retirement accounts and how to pay down debt and build emergency savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate White, author of The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success, offers her advice on negotiating and how being a "good girl" can hold you back. In Mailbag, credit repair services, Facebook scams and tax deductions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila Nevins, longtime President of HBO Documentary Films has spent years telling other people's stories. But in this episode she opens up about her own. We have a no-holds-barred conversation on what it was like to be a career-driven woman in the 1970s, the #MeToo movement, her relationship with money, and her feelings about aging. In Mailbag, saving before you start investing, and couples compromising on debt tolerances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After paying off $30,000 of debt in two years, Cait Flanders found herself spending too much because she never addressed why she got into debt in the first place. She went on a two-year shopping hiatus and discovered her spending was more emotional than anything else. In her book, "The Year of Less" she chronicles her journey and teaches us to hack our shopping habits for the better. In Mailbag, short-term and long-term investment decisions and lowering your credit card's interest rate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to start approaching each year and decade of our lives more intentionally. We're chatting with therapist Dr. Meg Jay, author of "The Defining Decade" about how to take control, reduce our anxieties and build identity capital. In Mailbag, how to gain more financial power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, Wharton's top-rated professor and bestselling author offers up his surprising research on originality, including the fact that people who are "idea machines" are more likely to procrastinate, more likely to play it safe and just as likely to feel the same fear and doubt that the rest of us do. In Mailbag, we cover how to raise kids who want to be investors, and why you need a cohabitation agreement if you're moving in with the LOYL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Bonus Mailbag, questions on tax brackets in retirement, credit cards for business expenses, balancing student loan repayments with retirement savings and getting the whole family on board for an estate planning discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it's likely safe to hand over your social security number, and when it's not. Also, questions on using trust money for student loans and managing finances as freelancers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s Bonus Mailbag, we cover Roth IRA conversions, high-yield online savings accounts and loans for flight school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier and Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics, joins us to talk happiness, meditation and money. He shares how you can train your mind just the way you can train your biceps in the gym. We talk about what to do with the negative voice inside our heads, and he guides us through a meditation at the end. In Mailbag, planning for retirement early and exploring new ways to invest your money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s Bonus Mailbag, we answer your questions on entertaining pyramid schemes, exploring retirement plans for small businesses, using savings bonds to repay student loans and buying gold as an investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mailbag-only episode on financial planners, retirement specialists, HSAs for long-term care and when to pull your credit report in the home-buying process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A chat with Gianna Wurzl and Ashley Sumner, founders of Quilt, the new female-only coworking start-up that enables women to work out of one another’s homes. We talk purpose, passion, productivity, matchmaking and why working with other women helps you achieve your personal and professional goals. In Mailbag, credit cards in college, tax scams, and the cost of assisted living. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've all heard the joke, right? Well, we're not laughing, and neither is Joanne Lipman, author of the new book by the same title. (Subtitle: What Men Need to Know (And What Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together.) She's got actionable solutions for closing the salary gap, and tips for how to stand up for yourself and inspire more men to do so for you. In Mailbag, budgeting for healthcare and whether Roth IRAs can double as emergency funds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bach, author of the bestseller "Smart Couples Finish Rich" answers all of your questions on how to handle volatile markets (and trying to time them). We also discuss whether to dip a toe into Bitcoin or one of the other cryptocurrencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, psychology experts and wife-and-husband duo Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski discuss their new book, Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts. The Pawelskis have clued into the fact that how we behave with money can make a big difference in the success or failure of our relationships. Whether you're single, dating, married, divorced or widowed, their wise words can help lead you in the right direction. In Mailbag, HSAs, credit card debt, and how to sell your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking power, purpose and legacy with Pattie Sellers, founder of Fortune Magazine's Most Powerful Women (MPW) franchise and SellersEaston Media. You'll learn the importance of knowing and sharing your story for personal and professional success, and how the "good girls" in us could be holding us back from making important jumps. In Mailbag, extended warranties for new cars, repayment plans for medical bills and first-time investment moves for millennials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closing the gender pay gap is Mika Brzezinski’s mission. As co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and the force behind the “Know Your Value” movement, she shares proven how-to strategies for all women, in every industry. In Mailbag, personal loans, prepaying mortgages and 529s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel H. Pink, author of “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing," says timing is a science — not an art. He shares how we can make systematically better decisions at work, at school, at home — and for our wallets. In Mailbag, retirement catch-up moves and when to take a severance package. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At AARP's Family Caregiving summit we had some amazing conversations with bestselling author Lee Woodruff (who cared for her husband, ABC's Bob Woodruff, after he suffered a traumatic brain injury while reporting in Iraq), Sheila Lirio Marcelo, CEO of Care.com (who founded the site as a young working mother with two young children and ailing parents) and actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete (who at 19 years old was the caregiver for her father and, two decades later, for her son with autism). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the worst headache of her life turned into a near-death experience, CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent Sharon Epperson was forced to stop and reevaluate how she manages her family and career. She’s healthy now, and here to share how she managed, with everything from emergency savings to estate-planning. In Mailbag, lifestyle inflation and how to control it when you receive raises or other windfalls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Martin and Joy Bauer are my NBC TODAY sisters, and for the past few years, we’ve teamed up for segments to help you with your money, health and organization-related resolutions. And that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode. In Mailbag, estate planning with a parent and how to handle your 401(k) when your company goes Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices