Take WSJ's Six-Week Money Challenge
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
briefing for Tuesday, September 8th. I'm J.R. Whalen for The Wall Street Journal. The pandemic has made a lot of us take a closer look at our bank accounts and household budgets and say, how can I save and spend my money more wisely?
So a lot of things have changed. Things like the tired coffee, like do you buy coffee or not debate? That just seems so out of touch right now.
So the timing is perfect for a new six-week money challenge from The Wall Street Journal's personal finance team. Coming up, our personal finance editor, Beret Lam, will tell you all about it. That's after the break.
What is The Wall Street Journal's Six-Week Money Challenge and why was it launched?
If you've been working from home this year, it's a good chance you've taken on some projects, like fixing things around the house. Well, here's a project that can fix up your bank account in six weeks flat. The Wall Street Journal has launched a six-week money challenge. It's a free once-a-week online course to help improve your knowledge of your finances. And our personal finance editor, Beret Lam, is here with details. So first of all, Beret, why launch this challenge? You know, what kind of need did you see out there?
So the pandemic has been going on since March. And since that time, we've been seeing just a lot of interest in projects. You know, people have a lot of time at home.
How has the pandemic changed household budgets and prompted this challenge?
A lot of us are working from home. Some of us are maybe not working at all and looking for ways to improve our awareness, looking for ways to... think about our money maybe in a different way. In terms of projects you've seen on social media, there's a lot of people doing sourdough starters or recipes or different kind of challenges. So we just really thought a money challenge is a good time for people to reflect and do a project that really gives them some awareness of their personal finances.
The way people manage their household budgets is a lot different these days versus just a year ago.
There are a lot of parents out there who are facing child care costs for the first time in years. Their kids are going to school part time and learning remotely. And that requires them to pay for child care that they weren't anticipating. So there's just a lot of budgeting things that are different about this time we're in.
Who is the Six-Week Money Challenge intended for and is it only for high earners?
Maybe we're spending more on masks, but we're spending less on commuting. So a lot of things have changed recently. Things like the tired coffee, like do you buy coffee or not debate? That just seems so out of touch right now. People aren't really thinking about issues like that. Other issues like do I need more space in my house or do I need to bring down my rent because my income has changed? Those are all things that so many families are thinking about right now.
Now, you don't have to be wealthy to do well in this challenge, right?
I think this is for anyone at any financial status. This isn't an investing challenge.
What does the first week’s 'exorcism of financial habits' involve?
This isn't about investing your money. For this, it's really a reflection of your financial habits. And no matter where you're at, what financial level you're at, you can really reflect on what you're doing, what you're spending, what your habits are. The first money challenge, I'll preview a little bit when you sign up for this, is an exorcism of financial habits that are no longer relevant to your goals. And we take you through step-by-step how to do that. So I really think it's for anyone. I think anyone at any income level can gain something from this.
Well, Beret, I believe that was a first. The first time we've heard the word exorcism here on Your Money Briefing.
Excellent. I am honored.
So how can somebody sign up to take the six-week challenge?
To sign up for the challenge, go to wsj.com slash moneychallenge, one word, and you'll be able to sign up for it. And once you sign up, the course starts with a welcome email. And then the next day, you'll get the first challenge. And then you'll get six weeks of challenges, either written by me or Julia Carpenter on my team. There's also a lot of personal finance reporters mixed up in there. Ann Tergesen on retirement, Laura Saunders on taxes.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:05–0:46
2
What is The Wall Street Journal's Six-Week Money Challenge and why was it launched?
0:46–1:24
3
How has the pandemic changed household budgets and prompted this challenge?
1:24–2:20
4
Who is the Six-Week Money Challenge intended for and is it only for high earners?
2:20–2:57
5
What does the first week’s 'exorcism of financial habits' involve?
2:57–4:13
6
How do listeners sign up and what is the weekly format of the course?
4:13–5:04
7
Can participants start the challenge anytime and catch up if they miss a week?
5:04–5:26
8
How can listeners share their experiences and contact the show about the challenge?
5:26–5:32
Speakers
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