Jean Chatzky blog :: The Difference :: Personal finance, debt, and money advice » NBC/Today Show

Today’s Style: Jean’s Closet ‘Sixperiment’

Jean — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:18:48 +0000

Could you wear only 6 items for 30 days? This morning on Today we reviewed my Sixperiment. What can you live with? What can’t you live without? How would you accessorize? Would anyone notice? Watch the video clip below to see what I discovered.

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Today’s Money 911

Jean — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:41:42 +0000

This morning’s expert panel looked into your financial emergencies. How can a single parent save money for college? What is the process to remove negative activity from your credit report? For answers to these questions and more watch the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today’s Consumer Scam Alert

Jean — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:46:18 +0000

In this tough economy some are praying on our nations most vulnerable. Watch the video clip below to learn what scams to look out for and tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

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Bow to Wow

Jean — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:04:26 +0000

Anybody want a dog? I can vouch for Benjamin, the 3 year old snuggle muffin I carried onto the set. Seriously, Jill and Richard do an amazing job with all of these pups. I was tempted to take one home with me but wasn’t sure Teddy (the cockapoo in residence) would approve!

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Money 911: Early Retirement, IRS Debt & More on Today

Jean — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:34:03 +0000

Today’s panel looks at ways to reduce debt and plan for a lengthy retirement. What’s the best way to lower student loan payments? How do you handle a large debt to the IRS? What should you do if you are upside down on your mortgage? For answers to these questions and more watch the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Is There a Motherhood Penalty?

Jean — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:07:37 +0000

Are working women penalized for having a family? Some working mothers have reported everything from lower wages to job loss — but is it because they’re parents? This morning on TODAY, I reported with two other working women on how you can let family life integrate with work life — and still be a successful and productive employee.

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Saving Dollars at the Doctor

Jean — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:42:28 +0000

Americans, both insured and uninsured, have been cutting down on visits to the doctor. This morning on the Today Show, we talked about the impact of that decision on your health – and how you can work to make your doctor’s visits more affordable now – so you don’t pay more down the road. To learn more watch the video clip below.

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Bankruptcy to Saving on Money 911

Jean — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:37:54 +0000

This morning, Today’s experts answered your tough financial questions. How do you keep a business bankruptcy from going personal? No employer 401K, what’s the best way to save? Should you refinance your home loan? For answers to these questions and more watch the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tackling Life’s Challenges on Today’s Money 911

Jean — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:51:43 +0000

Today’s expert panel touches on what to keep in mind when co-signing for a student loan. Should you rent or buy a home after retirement? What is the best way to handle payments due for medical expenses? Plus, get some tips on green investing. To learn more, check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Sixperiment: Day One

Jean — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:52:29 +0000

Last week’s NY Times story on the six-items-or-less phenomenon, where you choose six items of clothing, then commit to wearing them (and only them) for a month caught my eye. Could I do this, I wondered? Would I like it? Hate it? Somewhere in between? I weighed the pros and cons.

Pro: I am one of those people who have trouble getting dressed in the morning. I encourage my daughter to pick hers out the night before and I should really do the same. Sometimes it takes a few tries, which is especially difficult when you’re trying to get from the suburbs to the city for an early segment. This could be a time saver.

Con: It’s summer. And although I work professionally, I also work from home. That meant picking items that could go both casual and to an office. That would be tough.

Pro: I’ve always admired how the French do more with fewer pieces. This might give me a chance to learn those skills.

Con: I’m not a great accessorizer. Maybe I could take scarf lessons from Mika Brzezinski.

Pro: Maybe wearing a uniform would make people pay more attention to what I’m saying — and less to what I’m wearing or how my hair looks.

Con: Laundry.

Pro: I like a challenge.

And so, today is Day One. On the air today, I wore the purple dress (1), and the black cardigan (2) with heels and a belt. Looked professional.
Now I’m home. I’m still wearing the purple dress (1), but it’s now 85 degrees so I’ve layered it with the white tank (3) and I put on flats. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Want to join me in the sixperiment? Share your six!