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

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

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

As we head into a new year and set goals for our health, wealth, and happiness, there’s one powerful factor that’s often overlooked: social connection. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with Ken Stern, longevity expert and author of the new book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, to explore how the loneliness epidemic is quietly threatening both our health and our finances, and what we can do about it. Whether you're nearing retirement, navigating your second act, or just looking to improve your healthspan (not just lifespan!), this conversation is packed with practical tips on: How to build meaningful relationships without overspending Why third places (not home or work) are essential to healthy aging What other countries are doing right when it comes to retirement and lifelong learning How women, in particular, can fight isolation and plan for long, vibrant lives 📚 Resources: Get Ken Stern’s new book: Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives Listen to Ken’s podcast: Century Lives by the Stanford Center on Longevity Join the HerMoney Community for more conversations like this 💬 Like what you hear? Please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts: it helps more women find the show and join the conversation about living richer, bolder, more connected lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you stick to a budget in retirement without feeling restricted, anxious, or deprived, especially when the cost of living keeps rising? This week on Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky is joined by Tiffany Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista, to talk about what budgeting and financial security really look like in retirement today, and why the old rules don’t always apply anymore. Why budgeting alone isn’t always enough, and what does help How to think about spending in retirement without feeling deprived The case for lowering overhead before you stop working Paying off a mortgage vs. keeping a low-interest loan Hidden programs and benefits that activate later in life Tiffany’s top three tips for anyone approaching retirement 🎧 More resources on building retirement income you can’t outlive: Visit protectedincome.org   📬 Sign up for the newsletter at protectedincome.org/subscribe In this episode, we cover:📘 Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Car buying can be one of the biggest — and most stressful — financial decisions we make. And too often, the auto industry feels like it was built to leave women out of the conversation. That ends today. In this episode, Jean Chatzky sits down with Chaya M. Milchtein, automotive educator, author of Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership, and all-around badass when it comes to helping women and LGBTQ+ folks feel confident in car buying, maintenance, and ownership. We also dive into: Why EVs aren't for everyone, and what to know before you commit How to figure out the true cost of car ownership The #1 negotiating mistake people make (and how to avoid it) How women can reclaim power in auto spaces that weren’t built for us What to do if you're buying a car for your kid, and peace of mind is your top priority 📚 Get Chaya’s book: Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re welcoming back someone who feels like part of the HerMoney podcast family: happiness expert and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin.  Gretchen is back with Jean to tackle some of the trickiest, most taboo, and surprisingly relatable money dilemmas our listeners have shared, including: What to do when your bank suddenly shuts down your account with no explanation How to confidently ask your employer to sponsor you in a pageant (without sounding cringe) And how to professionally advocate for yourself when a colleague with less experience is making $20K more 🎧 Got a money question of your own? Write to us at mailbag@hermoney.com 📲 And be sure to check out Since You Asked wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When bestselling author and podcast host Jen Hatmaker’s 26-year marriage imploded, she realized something shocking: even though she was the breadwinner, she had no idea how much money she made… or how to access it. In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Jen sits down with Jean Chatzky to discuss her financial “wake-up” — how she went from completely disconnected to financially independent after divorce. Together, they unpack how faith, purity culture, and traditional gender roles shaped her relationship with money, and how she ultimately took back control. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why she went to an attorney, not a therapist, after finding out about her husband’s affair The cultural and religious beliefs that kept her from managing her money Jen’s 90-day crash course to financial independence (and the exact checklist she followed) How friendships and solo travel helped her heal emotionally and financially Her evolving relationship with spirituality after stepping away from church Jen’s advice for women who feel they’re “late” to their own financial lives Resources & Links: Jen Hatmaker’s memoir: AWAKE Jen’s podcast: For The Love Follow Jen on Instagram More financial tips and support: HerMoney.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more stories of reinvention, resilience, and taking control of your financial future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we meet Megan, a 47-year-old office manager living on Long Island with her husband. Together they earn around $200,000, but keep most of their spending separate — and it works. Megan hasn’t paid a cent in credit card interest in over two decades and recently spent just $400 in a week, all while training for her fifth marathon. Tune in as she shares: Why she keeps her money separate from her spouse, and how they make it work The real costs of marathon training How she budgeted for a trip to Barcelona without touching savings Her unique take on tipping, impulse buying, and personal finance independence 🎯 Ready to understand your own money style? Take our MoneyType™ quiz 💡 Want to build better habits? Join our InvestingFixx club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the HerMoney Podcast, we're bringing you something special — an exclusive preview of one of our brand-new Patreon-only AMA episodes. In this series, Jean sits down one-on-one with real listeners to talk through their biggest financial questions in real time. In this episode, you’ll meet Donna, a 68-year-old listener who is rebuilding her financial life from scratch after the end of a 30-year marriage, years out of the workforce, and time spent navigating disability. Now she’s back at work full-time — earning nearly double what she made before — and she’s trying to figure out how to use this new income to build the retirement she wants. Jean and Donna talk through: What it feels like to step back into the workforce at 68 How to choose between Roth and traditional contributions How to invest when you feel “behind” on retirement What to do when advisors tell you your portfolio is “too small.” And how to finally create a plan after years of trying You’ll hear the first half of their conversation here. To listen to the full episode — plus all of our new bonus content — join us on Patreon. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/cw/HerMoneyPodcast  As a Patreon member, you’ll get: 1–2 exclusive bonus episodes every month AMA call-in mailbags with Jean A lively private chat with the HerMoney community Ad-free listening across the entire feed Early access to submit your money questions Access to a special live event we’re hosting in the new year If you love having more HerMoney in your week, we’d love to have you join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, college was considered the ultimate launching pad—your ticket to a good job, a stable life, and financial freedom. But today, that path feels a whole lot blurrier. In this episode, Jean sits down with leading financial expert Ric Edelman, whose new book The Truth About College pulls back the curtain on what higher education really delivers—and where it falls short. Together, they dive into: When college still makes financial sense—and when it really doesn’t How families can make smarter decisions together  Why trade schools, gap years, and community college deserve a second look The emotional toll of student debt (and what parents often miss) How adults can tap into lifelong learning without breaking the bank More from HerMoney: 💸 Want to join our investing club or try our coaching program? [https://hermoney.com/fixx/] 📰 Get our free weekly newsletter: [https://hermoney.com/subscribe/] ✨If this episode helped you see things in a new way, leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky sits down with entrepreneur and author Julie Wainwright, founder of The RealReal, to talk about failure, reinvention, and why it’s never too late to bet on yourself. She shares candid stories from her new book, Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion Dollar Business that Rocked the Fashion Industry, and the hard-won lessons she learned about leadership, raising capital as a woman over 50, and taking calculated risks — including the moment she emptied her 401(k) to fund her vision. Topics We Cover: How Julie rebuilt her career after Pets.com The surprising advantages of launching a business later in life Facing ageism and gender bias in venture capital Why she bet her retirement savings on herself The messy truths behind entrepreneurship Advice for women starting over at any age 👉 Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about retirement income at ProtectedIncome.org 🔗 Sign up for free retirement advice & news delivered straight to your inbox: protectedincome.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking about ditching the 9-to-5? Already navigating the ups and downs of freelance work? This episode is your financial playbook for thriving as your own boss. Jean Chatzky sits down with money coach and longtime freelancer Emily Guy Birken to unpack everything from budgeting on irregular income to choosing the right retirement accounts. Emily shares her personal percentage-based money system, explains why separate bank accounts are non-negotiable, and reveals the must-have clauses for every freelance contract. Whether you're freelancing full-time or hustling on the side, these tips will help you get paid, save smart, and sleep better. In This Episode: How to build a baseline budget as a freelancer A smart, percentage-based system for managing income The pros and cons of solo 401(k)s vs. SEP IRAs How to structure your business Why contracts are your best friend in freelance work How to stay emotionally grounded in unpredictable times Resources & Links: 📚 Emily’s book: Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management 🔗 More financial tips for freelancers at HerMoney.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Mailbag, Jean is joined by financial planner and author of My Mother's Money, Beth Pinsker, to answer your real-life questions about caregiving, estate planning, and financial decision-making for aging parents. Whether you’re currently managing someone else’s money or prepping your own, this episode is packed with compassionate, practical advice to help you protect your finances and your peace of mind. Mailbag Questions: 1:05: “Should we loan money to a parent for home repairs?”  7:15 “Who pays the medical bills after someone dies?”  13:05: “How do I put my RMDs to work in the market?”  Have a question for us? Write to us (or send us a voice note!) at mailbag@hermoney.com.  While you’re at it, join the HerMoney community! For the latest episode drops and financial news-you-can-use, subscribe to our newsletter at Hermoney.com/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're suddenly put in charge of an aging parent’s finances, the emotional toll is heavy, and the financial fallout can be even heavier. In this episode, Jean Chatzky is joined by certified financial planner and MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Together, they unpack Beth’s personal journey of managing her mother’s finances through illness, surgery, and estate settlement. Even with decades of experience writing about money, Beth found herself caught off-guard by just how complicated — and expensive — caregiving can be without the right documents and conversations in place. What You’ll Learn: The most overlooked (and affordable) legal documents everyone needs The difference between joint accounts, POA, and transfer-on-death How to prep for financial caregiving before a medical emergency The unexpected costs of not planning ahead — and how to avoid them How to be “the person who gets called” in a crisis — and what to ask in advance 💡 P.S. Need help getting your own financial life in order before you take on someone else’s? Check out our FinanceFixx program, our signature coaching experience that helps you get organized, take control of your spending, and build a plan that actually works.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on A Week In Her Wallet, we head to Atlanta to follow Kristen, a 40-something clinical researcher who earns about $150K a year and travels nearly full-time for work. She walks us through a week of thoughtful spending, including a $1,300 mortgage payment, $500 toward her HELOC, a $150 yard sale win (promptly spent on music festival tickets), and the small joys that keep her grounded when she’s on the road so much. 💬 In this episode: Why she bought a home on her own at 30 How she’s navigating a HELOC payoff The hidden costs of business travel (and the perks) Her favorite splurges and values-based spending What she’s learned from tracking her money for one week Want to better understand your financial mindset? Take our MoneyType quiz to learn how your personality influences your spending. And if you’re ready to get serious about your budget, check out our FinanceFixx program — real coaching, real results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of work is changing fast. AI is reshaping how we do our jobs, learn new skills, and even how we write our resumes and cover letters. But the most trusted source of career advice isn’t AI. It’s people. In this week’s episode, Jean sits down with LinkedIn Career Expert Catherine Fisher to talk about why networking is still the ultimate career superpower. Catherine shares why it’s less about jobs disappearing and more about tasks evolving, what skills are becoming even more valuable now, and how women can use their networks to stay confident, connected, and ahead of the curve. We’ll cover: How to approach AI with curiosity and use it to your advantage Simple ways to keep your professional relationships alive (even when you’re busy) How to make networking feel authentic instead of awkward or transactional The top three profile changes to help you stand out on LinkedIn today 👉 Join the HerMoney Investing Club 📰 Subscribe to the free HerMoney Newsletter: https://hermoney.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on HerMoney’s special series A Week In Her Wallet, we meet Kaitlyn from Madison, Wisconsin. She’s a full-time state program manager with a side hustle, a toddler, three cats, and a dog — so life is full, to say the least. Kaitlyn and her husband bring in just under $200K per year and manage their money through shared accounts and regular “budget nights.” As Kaitlyn tracks her spending for a week, she shares her candid voice notes about side gig deposits, why she swears by a monthly cleaning service, and how her love for thrift stores led to a once-in-a-lifetime vinyl record player find. Her week is about much more than transactions; it’s a journey of intentional joy, family memories, and budgeting for what really matters. 💡 Listen in to hear: Why she happily spends $150 a month on house cleaning How she and her husband use “funding pots” to budget for travel, gifts, and daycare The thrift store jackpot that brought her to happy tears Why they’re winding down their bartending side hustles A powerful mindset shift around spending money on experiences over things How they navigate toddler expenses on a budget — and with intention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jean sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin, bestselling author of Too Big to Fail and the brand-new 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—And How It Shattered a Nation. Andrew shares why the patterns of 1929 are repeating themselves, from the rise of new technology and market euphoria to record consumer debt and risky new financial products entering retirement accounts. Jean and Andrew break down what’s happening in the markets, what’s fueling the AI-driven investing mania, and what you should be doing now to protect your financial future. Plus, don’t miss our Insurance Mailbag! Jean and Kathryn tackle your real-life insurance questions, whether you’re downsizing your home, passing down family valuables, or just making sure your coverage fits your next chapter. You’ll learn: Why history says optimism can be dangerous (but useful) How today’s “buy now, pay later” mindset mirrors 1929’s credit explosion What risks may be hiding in your 401(k) Whether crypto and private equity belong in retirement portfolios And how to build a portfolio that can actually weather a crash Empty nest resources from our partners at Nationwide. 👉 Join the HerMoney Investing Club 📰 Subscribe to the free HerMoney Newsletter: https://hermoney.com/subscribe  💬 Got feedback? We love hearing from you. Leave us a review and tell us what you want more of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With healthcare premiums expected to spike and enhanced ACA subsidies set to expire, millions of Americans may be facing a serious coverage crunch. In this timely episode of Your Money Map, Jean Chatzky is joined by retirement experts Marcia Mantell and Jae Oh to break down what’s really happening with the ACA, Medicare, and employer-sponsored insurance, and how you can protect your wallet. We dig into: How the government shutdown could impact Affordable Care Act subsidies The true cost of healthcare in 2026 Why open enrollment this year will be more complex than ever How to budget for Medicare premiums and unexpected expenses Strategies for using guaranteed income (like Social Security or annuities) to cover rising healthcare costs Tips to avoid scams, navigate robocalls, and make smart insurance choices The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible plans 🔗 For more resources and tools from the Alliance for Lifetime Income, visit ProtectedIncome.org 📬 Sign up for their newsletter: protectedincome.org/subscribe 💬 Like what you hear? Leave us a 5-star review and share the episode with a friend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices