Jean Chatzky blog :: The Difference :: Personal finance, debt, and money advice » Family & Friends

New Year, New You: Overcoming setbacks

Jean — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:17:19 +0000

As part of Kathie Lee and Hoda’s “New Year, New You” series, we took a look at a woman who was able to turn a debilitating illness into a fantastic business opportunity. Starting a business isn’t always easy — you have to make sure it’s more than just a viable hobby — but this woman and her family were really practical about it. To hear their story and our discussion afterwards, check out the video clip below.

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Money 911: Gifting stocks for young grandchildren

Jean — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:58:16 +0000

Yesterday morning on Today‘s Money 911, we received a question from a grandmother looking to give the gift of stocks to her young grandchild. This is a great idea, because it can teach children about the importance of investing early in their life. To see the tips we gave her — plus how to know if you’re saving enough for retirement — check out the video clip below.

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Money 911: Lending money to in-laws

Jean — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:47:56 +0000

This morning on Today‘s Money 911, we heard from a woman whose mother-in-law asks her for $50 each month, and has been doing so for about a year now. Should the daughter-in-law continue to say yes? To see what we told her — plus why this might be a good opportunity to have a family finance conversation — check out the video clip below.

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MariaShriver.com: Money lessons from the “Greatest Generation”

Jean — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:39:13 +0000

Grandparents are often sources of great wisdom; as such, we treasure their advice for years and years. In honor of National Grandparents’ Day — which was the first Sunday after Labor Day — I asked some notable figures to share the best money tips they received from their grandparents. To see these tips, check out my new blog post on mariashriver.com!

Money 911: Paying for college and elderly parents

Jean — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:24:57 +0000

More and more Americans are a part of what is known as the “sandwich generation” — adults who are responsible for raising children and caring for elderly parents. According to research from the Pew Center, one out of every eight Americans ages 40 to 60 are in this category. As we discussed on Money 911 this morning, paying for your children’s college and your parents’ assisted living can be quite a financial strain. For tips on how to better deal with that situation — plus some advice on selling versus renting — check out the video clip below.

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Today’s Parenting: The Cost of Raising a Child

Jean — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:31:15 +0000

According to a new report from babycenter.com, the average cost of raising a child — not including college — is a whopping quarter of a million dollars! Two out of three moms say that this number (and the concern about being able to afford a family) will affect the number of kids they decide to have. This morning on Today, I discussed these findings as well as some tips you can use to ease this financial burden. To hear these tips, check out the video below.

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Money 911: Saving when surprised by twins

Jean — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:57:57 +0000

This morning on Today‘s Money 911, I spoke to a woman who planned for two children but was surprised by twins in her second pregnancy! To see the savings tips I gave her — as well as some tips on refinancing a car and loan consolidation — check out the video clip below.

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Today’s Money: Important Documents

Jean — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:21:30 +0000

Do you know what documents you should have on file in case of emergency? This morning on the Today show, I gave a rundown of the most important documents to keep safe (hint, the list includes more than just a will). To hear these tips, check out the video below.

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Kick-Start Your Life Today: A Financial Makeover

Jean — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:16:31 +0000

This morning on Today I sat down with a mother of three who is looking to shape up her finances and stop living from paycheck to paycheck. To see the tips I gave her, check out the video clip below.

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

American Express OPEN Forum: Vacation

Jean — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:46:12 +0000

In my latest American Express OPEN Forum article, I offer some tips for taking a stress free vacation.