MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger
Episodes
Just Had a Baby and Received a Windfall
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With a new baby and a sizable inheritance in the mix, we're wondering how we should be prioritizing our savings and investment goals? Have a money ...
Life Insurance as an Investment Vehicle
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I know from listening to enough of your episodes that you're not fans of life insurance policies as an investment vehicle. Can you discuss the scenari...
Italy or Bust
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're hoping to call it quits in about five years and start spending a large chunk of time in Italy. Are we on track to make this happen? Have a mone...
Early Retirement Planning
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am 48 and my wife is 46 and we're thinking about retirement when our kids are out of the house in six years. Can we do it? Have a money question? E...
Too Early for Next Endeavor?
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am 43 years old and I'm wondering if it's too early to do a career change which would likely result in a significant pay drop? Have a money questio...
Where Do We Start?
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're finally at a place where we feel we can begin making more secure and significant financial progress, so the question is, where do we begin? Have...
Roth or Traditional 457?
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should I contribute to a Roth or Traditional 457? I'm able to max out the annual amount in either and I'm currently splitting it 50/50 between the two...
Are We Behind on Retirement?
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm in my late 30s and have been a saver since I opened my first bank account in elementary school. However, due to a series of unfortunate events, I ...
Can I Retire in Ten Years at 55?
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m planning on having the option to retire in ten years. Whether I call it quits or not will depend on how I feel at the time, but I like the idea ...
Seeking Better Work-Life Balance
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm thinking of transitioning to a new job with more manageable hours, but such a move will likely come with a pay cut. Can we afford to do it? Have a...
Are We Really on Track?
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I think we’re doing pretty okay financially, but I would love some perspective on whether we are we really on track, or if I am deluding myself. Hav...
How to Pay for Home Improvements?
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to paying for some home improvements, I'm trying to decide whether to use a HELOC or sell the investments in my brokerage account. What ...
Are We Saving Too Much in Our 401(k)?
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With a lot of retirement money already saved in pre-tax accounts, at what point should we consider using the Roth options available to us? Have a mone...
Can I Do a Reset at 44?
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm 100% debt-free and have been working my butt off since I was 19 with a plan to retire in the next 10 years at age 44. Am I crazy? Have a money que...
Do We Need an HSA?
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it worth electing a high-deductible health plan to take advantage of HSA investing, or will the upfront medical expenses with a higher deductible n...
Feeling Anxious Over Our Finances
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With increasing pressures on our finances, including inflation, I'm starting to feel a bit anxious about our retirement plans. Are we on track? Have a...
Prepping for a Job Transition
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past couple of years we’ve prioritized retirement by maxing out our 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and family HSA. With a job transition on the horizo...
Are We Saving in the Right Places?
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I feel like we're in good financial shape but I'm also wondering if we're directing our investments in the best way possible? Have a money question? E...
Do We Need an Advisor?
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With a lot of changes in our financial lives, I'm wondering if we need the help of an advisor? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill on...
Stay Retired at 44 or Go Back to Work?
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At 40 I left the Border Patrol out of loneliness. With some solid triple net rental income coming in every month, I'm trying to decide if I should go ...
Use No-Match 403(b)?
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The call started off with a 403(b) related question but quickly turned into a conversation about real estate and financial priorities. Have a money q...
Allocating Extra Cash Flow
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With some extra cash flow on a regular basis, should I be increasing my 401(k) contributions or investing elsewhere? Have a money question? Email us, ...
Finally Paying Attention to My Finances
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm finally paying attention to my finances and would like to know if I'm on track to reach my goals? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] ...
New to Finances, Are We on Track?
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Given that we only started focusing on our finances in the last couple of years, are we doing what we should be doing? Have a money question? Email u...
Planning With VA Disability
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Given my situation with VA disability, I wanted to know whether or not I am on the right track to retire by 55? Have a money question? Email us, ask j...
Managing Finances for Our Small Business
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My wife and I have a small business filming weddings in the summer and we expect it to grow in the coming years, so we're wondering what's the best w...
Can I Afford a Horse in Retirement?
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I was really down in 2021 and 2022 because of the pandemic. On a whim I took a horseback riding lesson and fell in love with it. It has made every asp...
Can I Move to Paris?
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last year I went to Paris for my 30th birthday, and I absolutely fell in love with it, and now I want to move there! Can I make this dream a reality...
Major Financial Moves
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With some major financial moves on the horizon, I want to make sure we're still on the best financial track. Have a money question? Email us, ask jil...
Medical Costs During Retirement
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Given that my wife has type 1 diabetes, and the cost of insulin continues to rise, how should we factor in the cost of healthcare into our retirement ...
Mid-Life Money Crisis
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During the pandemic I had a bit of a mid-life crisis and I left corporate America, and I now do my side hustle full-time, though I'm wondering if we'v...
Is a Rollover Always the Best Option?
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With an old 401(k) account still with the old employer, is a rollover IRA always the best option? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill ...
Is My Plan Nuts?
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're only in our 30s, so I'm wondering if the plan I have in mind regarding our retirement strategy is completely nuts? Have a money question? Email ...
Budgeting and Retirement Planning
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With my husband working in a new field, and the cash flow feeling pretty good, we're trying to figure out a new budget and how much to save for retire...
Nervous About Tech Layoffs
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My husband works for one of the tech giants that recently announced layoffs. My husband's job was not impacted, but given that more layoffs may be c...
Sole Wage Earner and Panicking Part Two
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am almost 46 and given that I am the sole provider for our family, I'm starting to freak out when I think about our financial future. Are we on trac...
Sole Wage Earner and Panicking Part One
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am almost 46 and given that I am the sole provider for our family, I'm starting to freak out when I think about our financial future. Are we on trac...
How to Pay for Home Remodel?
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's the best way to finance a much needed home remodeling project? Should we use some of our assets or take out a loan? Have a money question? Emai...
We're on Track, What Do We Do Next?
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Even though we more or less know we are on track for retirement and financial independence, we're still wondering what else we should be thinking ab...
Finding a Work-Life Balance
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I joined CBS Mornings Saturday to discuss the key issue of finding a work-life balance, the central theme of my new book, "The Great Money Reset: Chan...
After-Tax Contributions vs Brokerage Account
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When meeting with my advisor through my company’s retirement plan, I learned that I have a separate after-tax option. Should I be using it? Have a ...
Saving for a House and Retirement
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're in our early 20s and want to buy a house in a few years, so how do we juggle between saving for a down payment and saving for retirement? Have ...
College Student Investment Questions
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a college student in my early 20s, and getting ready to start grad school, how should I be investing some money that I have accumulated? Have a mo...
Handling Newly Found Cash Flow
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With a new job that's paying me $50k more than I was making, how should I be allocating the newly found cash flow? Have a money question? Email us, a...
Need Help Allocating Cash
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's been on my goal list to make a big move by the time I turn 30, and this summer feels like the perfect time (for many reasons) to finally take a r...
I Need a Financial Tune Up
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we start a new year, what financial goals should we be setting for ourselves? Should we toss more money into the 529 plans? Or open a taxable broke...
Where Should I Invest My Extra Income?
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With some extra income from a part-time job, where's the best place to be investing that money? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill on...
How to Set Ourselves Up in the Future?
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After finally settling into some more consistent jobs, what should we be doing now to set ourselves up for the future? Have a money question? Email u...
Evaluating Bonus Options
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a member of the military, I'm facing a couple different bonus options. Which one should I choose? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] j...
How to Handle Increased Cash Flow?
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With new jobs and much higher incomes, we find ourselves with a lot of extra cash flow. What should we be doing with it? Have a money question? Email...
New Jobs and Raises, Are We on Track?
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After new jobs and raises, we feel like now is the right time for a financial checkup. Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill on money do...
In Our 30s and Planning for Future Flexibility
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're in our 30s and trying to figure out if we're on track to eventually have the financial independence we're craving. Have a money question? Email...
Am I on Track at 24?
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm 24 years old and already trying to get a sense of how secure my financial future is looking. Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill ...
Gold Coins Buried in the Back Yard
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I am helping my 78 year old mother-in-law get her finances organized, and part of the equation is gold, namely 250 coins that were once buried in the ...
Budgeting for Baby Expenses
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I recently joined CBS Mornings to talk about how to budget for raising a child, as well as the benefits you need to consider as a parent, like life in...
Optimizing Retirement Savings
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the goal of being financially independent in about ten years, I'm looking to maximize my retirement savings and optimize deductible business expe...
What To Do With Excess Monthly Savings?
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With $3,400 in excess monthly cash flow, what should we be doing with the funds? Saving for retirement? Pay off debt? Have a money question? Email us,...
Planning for a House Upgrade
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With a bigger home in our future, I'm wondering if it's better to have a larger down payment or should we look to maximize our debt payoff? Have a mon...
Anxious Stay-At-Home Mom
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Because I'm a stay-at-home parent, I'm concerned that our retirement numbers aren't on track. Are we okay as a single income family? Have a money ques...
Financial Plan Help
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After racking up some debt, I'm working on wiping the slate clean and starting fresh. How should I be prioritizing the debt? Have a money question? E...
Good Time for a Roth Conversion?
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After relocating last year from CA to FL, I was used to higher taxes and it seems we have over contributed this year, possibly making it a good time f...
Are We Behind on Retirement?
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Because we were focused on paying off debt for many years, I now feel like we're behind on our retirement savings. Are we okay? Have a money questio...
Do I Need Disability Insurance?
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My husband and I are both W-2 employees, yet I'm being pitched a disability insurance policy. Do I need it? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill...
Am I Doing the Right Things With My Money?
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I've been following pretty much the same financial plan since I started working eight years ago, and I'm not sure whether the decisions that I've put ...
Are We on Track at 41?
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My husband and I are both 41, but we were never interested in our finances or investing until recently. Are we on track? Have a money question? Emai...
Retirement Plan Options
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thankfully my husband has a new job, but unfortunately there's no workplace retirement plan for him to use. What's our alternative? Have a money quest...
Finally Making Money, Am I on the Right Track?
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After working in government for many years, I recently took a new job that doubled my salary. With the extra cash flow, I want to make sure I'm on the...
Separation Anxiety From My Money
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have a lot of money sitting in cash, and even though I know I should be doing something with it, I have a hard time with the thought of putting it a...
Setting Myself Up for Success
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even though I'm only 26, I'm very committed to setting myself up for financial success, and considering I just started a new job, I want to make sure ...
Is My Asset Allocation Okay?
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the markets bouncing around, I'm starting to wonder how my asset allocation looks for my age and if I'm taking too much risk in equities? Have a ...
Saving When There’s Also a Pension
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Given that I'm a teacher, I would like some input on how much I should save for retirement since I'm contributing to a pension as well. Have a money q...
Am I Behind on My Retirement Contributions?
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At this point, I have more in liquid assets than retirement assets, and I need some guidance as to how I can make things more balanced. Have a money...
Planning With High RSU Compensation
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Similar to other tech employees, nearly half my salary is in the form of company stock, which leaves me unsure of how to integrate the RSU income into...
What Can I Expect From My Future Retirement Portfolio?
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I don't make a ton of money and I don't foresee any changes to my work or income in the coming years, so I'm curious what my portfolio and income will...
Nervous at 41, What to Do Going Forward?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I felt like I was on a good track earlier this year but between the bear market, starting to feel my age and seeing my folks aging and some changes wi...
Am I Going to Fail?
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm a 37 year old single mom and I can't help but worry about my financial picture. Can you please calm my nerves? Have a money question? Email us, as...
401(k) Contributions After a Promotion
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I just received a promotion at work, and now I'm wondering if I should reconsider my Roth 401(k) contributions? Have a money question? Email us, ask j...
Finally Making a Living Wage
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that I'm earning a lot more money and finally making a living wage, how much should I be trying to save? Have a money question? Email us, ask jil...
Unraveling Some Mistakes and Making New Choices
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last few years my husband and I have shifted our mindset from just saving to actually planning our savings and retirement goals. After recogn...
Should I Buy a Rental Property?
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Given that my financial situation has bettered over the last two years, is it the right time to consider buying a rental property. Have a money questi...
On Track at 39?
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At 39 years old, am I doing everything I should be to make sure I'm on track to achieve my financial goals? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill...
Too Much Risk for My Plan?
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm 46 and would love to call it quits in my early 60s, am I taking too much risk to make that happen? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at]...
Planning Through a Divorce
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As I navigate my way through a pretty amicable divorce, I want to make sure I have all my financial ducks in a row. Have a money question? Email us, ...
Are We Saving Too Much?
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can you help settle a financial dispute? My husband thinks we're saving too much, I don't think so. Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] ji...
Pre-Tax or Roth 401(k)?
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Because I live in a high tax state, most of my retirement assets are pre-tax, is it time to consider using the Roth option? Have a money question? Ema...
Should I Pay Off My Student Loan?
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My student loan is a private loan, and with interest rates on the rise, I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and pay if off or keep making the mont...
Being a Steward of My Money
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
31 years old and it's my first time experiencing a turbulent market, and now I want to make sure I'm taking the proper steps to set myself up for a so...
Old Pension Options
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What should I do with an old pension? Take a lump sum now or keep it as is until retirement, which is still decades away? Have a money question? Email...
In Our 30s, Do We Need an Annuity?
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Considering we're in our 30s, is there any reason why we should be considering an annuity? Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill on mon...
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With $3k each month in surplus cash flow, should we be dumping it all into our employee stock purchase plans? Have a money question? Email us, ask jil...
Should I Keep My CDs or Open a Brokerage Account?
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With $20,000 tied up in CDs earning next to nothing, is there something better I should be doing with the money, even if it means blowing out of the C...
Asset Allocation Concerns
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I left my financial advisor several months ago and have a variety of retirement accounts and I'm not sure if I should consolidate and if my mix of ass...
In My 20s and Looking for a Financial Checkup
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even though I'm only in my 20s, I feel like I'm in need of a financial checkup, especially regarding a gifted mutual fund account. Have a money que...
Help Me Help Mom
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My mother is on the verge of full retirement, and over the last year, I've been trying to help her consolidate several accounts into Vanguard. Are we ...
Don’t Know How Much and Where to Invest
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With a large raise on the horizon, and a huge pension at retirement, I'm not quite sure how much and where we should be investing. Have a money ques...
Financial Planning with Restless Energy
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thankfully, I feel like we're doing okay when it comes to our finances, the curveball is that my mother-in-law, who's only 58, lives with us and is al...
Too Much in Traditional 401(k) at Age 36?
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our mid 30s, I'm starting to wonder if we have too much money in our traditional 401(k)s? Is it time to start using the Roth option? Have a money ...
What to Do With Extra Cash Flow?
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After paying off medical school loans, we're looking at a bunch of extra cash flow. What should we do with it? Have a money question? Email us, ask j...
In Our Late 30s, Are We on Track?
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're in our late 30s and would love to know if we're on track to achieve our financial goals, including retirement and funding college for our child....
How to Handle a Large Inheritance
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to a large inheritance, we want to make sure we're on the right track going forward. Have a money question? Email us, ask jill [at] jill on mo...