Jean Chatzky

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Jean's Blog

Nightly News with Brian Williams: Saving for retirement

On Friday, January 6, I went on Nightly News with Brian Williams to talk about saving for retirement. We discussed why you need to check your monthly 401(k) statements, as well as how to downsize to save even more. To see our discussion, check out the video clip below.

 

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Newsweek: The art of “carbitrage”

Do you have a car that’s nearing the end of its lease? If so, you could have a gold mine sitting in your driveway. The demand for low-mileage cars that have been well cared for is higher than ever. In my latest Newsweek story, I tell you how to take advantage of this demand. 

New Year, New You: Going back to school

This morning on Today‘s “New Year, New You” series, we heard from a woman who, at the age of 49, realized she needed to go back to school to get a higher-paying job in the wake of her husband’s layoff. Going back to school may seem daunting, but she did it, and now is in a job she loves. To hear her story, plus our discussion about how to go back to school after a certain age, check out the video clip below.

 

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New Year, New You: Finding a job you love

On today’s segment of “New Year, New You” with Kathie Lee and Hoda, we heard from a woman who left her career as a political consultant and started a bakery business she loves. To see how she did it, check out the video clip below.

 

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New Year, New You: Overcoming setbacks

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: Recovering from a job loss

This morning on Money 911, we heard from a woman who lost her job seven months ago and has borrowed from her children’s college accounts to get through the rough time. When she gets a new job, should she immediately replenish those accounts, or should she build an emergency savings and 401(k)? To see what we told her, plus tips on how to fund home-improvement projects, check out the video clip below:

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Today’s Money: Reasons to be optimistic about the market

After years of doom and gloom, research reports and analysts are indicating an attitude of cautious optimism towards the stock market. As I told Ann Curry this morning, earnings are looking good and the S&P 500 is looking fairly inexpensive. To see the other positive market indicators — plus how the 2012 presidential election might have an effect — check out the video clip below.

 

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New Year, New You: Finding job satisfaction

Surveys show that only about 45% of us are happy with our jobs. Considering we spend as much as one-third of our life working, this is not good. However, as I told Kathie Lee and Hoda on the Today show this morning, there are ways to boost your job satisfaction. To see the tips we discussed — and why “fake it till you make it” might actually be a good motto — check out the video clip below.

 

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Money 911: Gifting stocks for young grandchildren

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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Today’s Money: More last-minute shopping tips

Procrastinators, take note: in these last remaining days before Christmas, retailers are putting forth some last minute deals. It’s a great time to buy jewelry and other high-priced items (like cars). For more holiday shopping tips, check out the video clip below.

 

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Not YOUR Parents' Money Book

I believe knowing how to manage our money is one of the most important life skills for adults - and even more important to pass on to our kids.

Money 911

A reference guide for money issues that has been carefully indexed so you can flip to the section you need and absorb the information.

Pay It Down

In this updated edition, I give you up-to-date strategies to help you get out of debt within three years.