MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger

Saving for College

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last Wednesday was May 29, which is also known as "529 Day," aimed at raising awareness about 529 college savings plans. I joined CBS Mornings to expl...

Can We Afford a Vacation Home?

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are thinking about buying a second home but I am not sure we have enough money saved. Can we pull it off? Have a money question? Email us here Sub...

Our Retirement Concerns

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My wife (66) and I (68) are in our final two or so years of work and we're concerned that we'll be okay in retirement. What do you think? Have a money...

Unexpected Potential Early Retirement

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My position was eliminated last year and I took a severance package in lieu of relocating and I need to adjust my retirement plans. Have a money quest...

Best Way to Financially Help Parents

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the best way to financially help out the parents without hurting our financial future? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jil...

I Want to Stop Saving but Hubby Says No

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Right now we're saving about $2,500 each month, but I want to cut back on that so we can build a pool, can we do it? Have a money question? Email us ...

Planning for Higher Costs in Retirement

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in a unique position where I know my costs in retirement will be significantly higher. How do I adequately plan for this type of retirement challe...

What to Do with Liquid Savings

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I was recently going through our finances and realized that we may be too cash heavy. Should we reallocate? Have a money question? Email us here Sub...

How Much Longer Do We Need to Work?

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now that I'm in my 50s, I'm starting to wonder how much longer my wife and I have to work? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill o...

Always Worried About Money

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm only 34, yet I'm constantly worried about my finances. How can I find the right balance? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill ...

Planning Around Health Issues

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Given that I'm in my 30s and can't get insurance coverage due to my health condition, how should I be planning for retirement? Have a money question? ...

On Track for Retirement in Our 30s?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My wife and I are in our late thirties and we've got some money saved up in different accounts for retirement but want to make sure we're allocating o...

Can We Be House Poor?

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The house we're looking to buy will cost around $1.2 million. Is there any downside to paying for the whole thing in cash? Have a money question? Emai...

Prepping for Early Retirement

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My wife and I are public employees, a firefighter and a federal worker, and we think retirement is on the horizon. Are we on track? Have a money ques...

What’s Your Retirement Number?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Americans estimate they’ll need $1.46 million saved to retire comfortably, according to a new study. That’s a 53% increase from what people though...

Dirty Dozen Tax Scams

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the tax filing deadline approaches, watch out for the IRS list of the so-called “dirty dozen" which are tax scams the IRS commonly sees. I joined...

Last-Minute Tax Tips

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Americans have until April 15 to file their taxes or file an extension. If you live in Maine or Massachusetts, you have until April 17. I joined CBS M...

How Bad Is Our Situation?

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With $70k in credit card debt, should I take out a HELOC and pay off the debt in one shot? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on...

Helping Child With Down Payment

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If I'm going to give my daughter a down payment for her house, what's the best way to do it? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill...

Retirement or Brokerage

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With some extra cash flow each month, should I increase my 401(k) contributions or open up a brokerage account? Have a money question? Email us here ...

Financial Spring Cleaning

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the arrival of spring, it's the perfect time to declutter your finances and address pressing financial matters. I joined CBS Mornings to discuss....

Is Mom Okay for Retirement?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My mom has significant anxiety about money, but I'm trying my best to convince her that she's okay. Am I right? Have a money question? Email us here ...

Early 401(k) Withdrawals

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent report by Vanguard reveals a record number of Americans took early withdrawals from their 401(k) retirement savings in 2022 and 2023, signali...

Take Farm Money Now or Later?

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should I take rental profits from farm income now, or wait about ten years for it to grow even more? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe t...

Should I Continue Renting?

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My rent is currently $1,800 a month and I am able to save $3,000 each month. Should I keep renting or look to buy? Have a money question? Email us he...

Spooked by Retirement Milestones

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I keep hearing about retirement milestones and I'm spooked because I don't see myself reaching any of them. Have a money question? Email us here Subs...

Recently Retired, Do We Have Enough?

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're recently retired and trying to figure out if we have enough saved to make it work. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on M...

Managing Dozens of Funds

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Between my mother and myself we must have dozens of funds within our various accounts. How can we streamline things? Have a money question? Email us ...

Real Estate Conundrum

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we look to do a retirement reset, we're having a hard time making a major real estate decision. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to...

Saving for Maternity

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’d like to have enough money for me to take three months off when our baby is born on top of the three months maternity leave I will be entitled t...

Is the Insurance Worth It?

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I recently started a new job and have the option of taking some insurance coverage with me from the old employer. Should I take it? Have a money quest...

Considering a Reset at Age 52

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am a high school teacher in my 29th year and I will turn 52 this year. I read The Great Money Reset and I think I may be ready to try a new career. ...

Juggling Multiple Properties

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My wife and I both owned properties prior to getting together and have purchased another summer home that is now being gut-rehabbed. Should we keep al...

Investing a Big Chunk of Money

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are going to sell our home soon and will be left with a large chunk of money after paying off the mortgage. How can we best use the proceeds to fun...

Missing the Mark Millennial

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At 32 years old, it feels like I am very short on having enough saved to be able to retire. Not just to retire comfortably but to retire at all. Have ...

What to Do with Payout?

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I recently got a payout from a company I was a part of and now find myself wondering what to do with the money. Have a money question? Email us here ...

Superfund 529s From Brokerage?

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m wondering if I should move money from my brokerage account to superfund our children’s 529 plans? Have a money question? Email us here Subscr...

Roth Conversion Questions

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I map out my long-term retirement game plan, I'm facing some questions regarding possible Roth conversions. Have a money question? Email us here S...

Can Hubby Retire at 55?

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My husband will soon be 55 and wants to retire from corporate America and get another lower stress/fun job. Can he do it? Have a money question? Email...

Financial Check Up Going Into Divorce

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm a 37 year old separated dad of two currently going through a divorce and would like to get a check up to see if I'm still on track for retirement...

Obsessed with Financial Optimization

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever since I left my financial advisor in early 2023, I’ve become a bit obsessive with optimizing our financial situation. It’s obvious we’re in...

Reset After a Sudden Loss

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My husband of 34 years passed away about a year and a half ago. I am successfully on my feet working as a professional, maintaining our home and figur...

Irish Pension, Should We Use It?

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We recently found out that my husband got a great job with a large tech company in Dublin, so we're trying to figure out if we should participate in t...

First Financial Checkup at 40

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I prepare to turn 40, I feel like it's a good time for my first real financial checkup. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill o...

Making Sure We're on Track

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're in our 30s and want to know if we're on the right financial path as well as what we should be doing with some extra cash flow. Have a money ques...

Getting on Track After Divorce

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My divorce is now finalized and I'm left not knowing how to get my investments in order for retirement. Have a money question? Email us here Subscrib...

Trapped by Amazing Interest Rate

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We recently had to move for work and have been renting our old home. We’d like to purchase a new home where we now live, but giving up the interest...

Reduce 401(k) for Real Estate Investing?

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should I reduce my 401(k) contributions to save up for an investment property? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on Money LIVE ...

Should We Move to Arizona?

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm a federal employee and was recently offered a job in Arizona. Should we make the move from Washington state? Have a money question? Email us her...

In Our 40s, on Track to Retire at 60?

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am 43, my wife is 44, and we would like to know if we are on track to retire at 60. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on Mone...

Are We on Track to Retire?

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With a big federal pension on the horizon, I'm curious if we're on track to reach our retirement goals? Have a money question? Email us here Subscri...

Asset Allocation for Various Accounts

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I would like some insight on our asset allocation for our 401(k)s and brokerage accounts given our specific and unique situation. Have a money questio...

Check-In for a Money Reset at 35

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last few years, I went from being a condo owner to an apartment renter in a different part of the country. All because my soul was calling me...

Cash or Loan for New Car?

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm thinking about buying a car, and my dad has suggested that even if I can pay cash for the car, getting a loan would help build my credit sco...

Life Insurance for Son

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there any reason why we should keep a whole life insurance policy for my son? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on Money LI...

Happy Thanksgiving!

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gobble, gobble! Happy Thanksgiving from Jill and Mark. Talk to you next week! Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on Money LIVE ...

Financially Unequal Partnership

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am in a five year unmarried relationship and my partner makes quite a bit more money than I do, so I want to make sure I am making financial choices...

Rollover and Investing Help

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I recently started a new position and I'm trying to figure out what to do with my old 401(a), Roth 403(b) and defined benefit accounts. Have a money q...

Reset or Regret?

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm thinking of a making a move that is probably not financially astute. Is it a ridiculous idea? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to ...

How to Consolidate Funds

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With over 20 funds in one account, how do I go about consolidating them into just a few? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on M...

Financial Path for Newlyweds

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My husband and I recently got married and we want to make sure we're on the right path as we start our financial journey together. Have a money questi...

What's the Priority, College or Retirement?

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have recently received an inheritance and are considering using it to pay for college expenses instead of our original plan of putting it towards r...

Pre-Tax or Roth Contributions?

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My husband and I are trying to decide if we should be making our retirement contributions on a pre-tax basis or should we be using the Roth option? Ha...

Retirement Milestones

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should I be paying attention to the financial milestones that the "experts" say you should be hitting at every age? Have a money question? Email us h...

Financial Checkup Approaching 40

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As I approach 40, I have recently changed jobs and want to know if I should solely contribute to Roth for both our IRAs and my TSP? Have a money quest...

Financing a Renovation Project

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With our first child on the way, we're trying to figure out a way to finance a pretty big renovation project. Have a money question? Email us here S...

Should I Pay Off the Car?

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My car loan is driving me nuts, can I go ahead and pay it off or should I focus on retirement savings? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe...

Helping Mom Navigate the Finances

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My dad recently passed away and I need some guidance as I help my mom navigate the finances. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill...

Brokerage or Retirement Account?

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are at the point now where we are either going to push forward and put the pedal to the metal on our brokerage account, or max out our 403(b)s. Wha...

Should We Sell Our Rental Homes?

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have three rental homes and I'm wondering if we should sell them and invest in the market? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jil...

Roth or Traditional 401(k)?

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am currently contributing most of my 401(k) elections as Roth. My financial advisor told me to stop doing this and make all my contributions pre-tax...

Are Teacher Pensions Enough?

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My husband and I are both full-time public school teachers and we are hoping to someday retire on our pensions. But will they be enough? Have a money ...

Real Estate Fever

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With a mix of real estate, employee stock and inheritance issues on the table, I was hoping to get a review of our financial situation. Have a money...

What to Do With Extra $300k?

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have an extra 30k per year for the next ten years. A friend thinks a whole life insurance policy is a good idea for this money. Is she right? Have ...

Whole Life Policy as Investment Vehicle

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Three years ago I was advised to start a whole life insurance policy as an investment vehicle, as a way to take out a tax-free loan against the policy...

Should I Use a Deferred Comp Plan?

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I have an opportunity to save in a non-qualified deferred comp plan through my new company and I am trying to decide if it's worth it.   Have a money...

Estate Planning Strategies

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After my father died, and having to settle his estate, it has me considering some options in terms of end of life planning. Have a money question? Em...

Extra Cash Flow on the Horizon

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With our toddler about to age out of daycare, what should we do with the extra cash flow we'll soon have? Have a money question? Email us here Subsc...

In Our 30s, What's the Priority?

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now that we're in our 30s, we're realizing that we need to focus on our retirement savings, but with a child and other expenses on the horizon, we're ...

Should We Sell and Rent?

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Given the current real estate market, and the fact that our house has appreciated significantly, I'm wondering if we should sell and become renters? H...

I Feel Like I'm a Hot Mess

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a series of emotionally driven financial decisions, I feel like I need help getting back on track. Have a money question? Email us here Subscr...

Can I Get My Doctorate?

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm seriously thinking about going back to school and getting my superintendent credential and doctorate. Good idea or bad? Have a money question? Ema...

How to Allocate Bonus Money

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I recently received a chunk of money via a bonus and I want to know if we should continue to invest in Vanguard or pay off some of the mortgage on our...

Mid-Life Crisis Planning

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As I approach my 37th birthday, I really want to get a better understanding of where my wife and I are on our financial journey.  Have a money questi...

Should I Start a 529 for a Future Roth?

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the new rules on being able to roll $35k of a 529 into a Roth IRA after its been open at least 15 years, I was wondering if it might be a good st...

Can We Make a Large Move?

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My husband just got a new job, and we are thinking of moving to NYC in a few months, but I recently bought a condo in Denver. What should we do?  Hav...

How to Buy a Small Business

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm considering buying into a small business, and while I am familiar with real estate loans, I'm not very familiar with SBA loans. Have a money quest...

Can We Afford to Buy a Home?

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this fast paced housing market, should we consider changing our approach to be more competitive or be patient and keep looking? Have a money questi...

When Are Pros Needed?

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the pursuit of financial independence on our minds, when should we consider transitioning from going it alone to working with pros? Have a money ...

Should I Cash Out My Retirement?

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in my 40s and wondering if I should cash out my retirement savings for a real estate transaction? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe ...

Should I Rent Forever?

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My rent is pretty cheap, and I'm a happy renter, but I feel like I should be saving towards a home. Prices where I live are insane, so should I even b...

On Track at 35?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in my mid 30s and wanted to know what I should do with a surplus of cash considering that I have some life changes on the horizon. Have a money q...

Should We Even Be Saving for Retirement?

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Considering that my wife and I will both have pensions, should we even be contributing to our workplace retirement plans?  Have a money question? Ema...

Can We Live a Little Bit More?

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can we start living a little bit more and perhaps spend some money on fun stuff? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill on Money LI...

How to Allocate Extra Cash Flow

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Between a new house, funding college and retirement, we're just not sure what the priority should be. Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe...

Help Me Get Unstuck

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With a lot of uncommon variables in the equation, I'm in search of some proper financial planning to address our unique situation. Have a money quest...

How to Invest Extra Money

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With some extra cash flow in the equation, I'm wondering what's the best way to allocate it? Have a money question? Email us here Subscribe to Jill...

Prioritizing Our Goals

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a recent wedding, we've already begun the process of combining our finances and we are now looking at our next set of goals and would love your ...

I Quit My Job, Do I Have to Go Back?

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last year I resigned from teaching after 21 years. If I teach for nine more years I get my full pension, but I am just not sure I can do it. Have a mo...

Planning for Future Flexibility

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the hope of at least slowing down at 55, are we doing what we should be doing in our 30s to make that a reality? Have a money question? Email us...