💋 Why Financial Stability Is So Sexy

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, we’ll let you in on a secret. Financial stability looks good on you AND your potential partner. Why does it matter in relationships? When you aren’t fretting about whether you can fill your gas tank or put food on your table, you have the mental and financial capacity for some much-needed freedom. This means you don’t have to depend on anyone but yourself to meet your financial needs — so you don’t have to settle for just any partner. Can that be sexy? You better believe it.

How Economists Got The New Jobs Report so Wrong

The January jobs report released on Feb. 3 – with massive gains across a variety of sectors – threw many economists for a loop. They expected fewer than 200,000 new positions to be created. Instead, more than a half million jobs were added. So, exactly how did forecasters get predictions for the report so wrong? The answers actually hold a lot of important lessons for us as investors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite takeaways.

How Couples Can Fight Fairly About Money

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Americans are set to spend nearly $26 billion this year, according to the National Retail Foundation. In the spirit of all that cash being spent in the name of love, this week we’re bringing you a special episode of the HerMoney Podcast* all about money and relationships. Specifically, we’re talking about how and why couples argue about money — because 44% of couples do. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why we called on couples therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw to give us her insight on how couples can talk through conflicts and achieve their financial milestones together. She breaks down the two basic types of conflicts that couples encounter — solvable and perpetual issues — and how to make it through them all. It’s an episode full of love that you don’t want to miss!

10 Ideas For Low-Cost Valentine’s Day Dates

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular date nights of the year, which is why it can also be so expensive. Between flowers, candy, and a gift — and then a pricey meal at a fancy restaurant, stressing over your budget could get in the way of what’s important — that you’re with someone you love (or at least really, really like). So, why not cut all those high-priced bits out? Make the night about you and your partner and your special bond. Check out these 10 ideas for planning a special and romantic date at home. You’ll be glad you did!

Super Savers Spill The Tea on Stashing Cash

Have you heard the term “super-savers”? They’re essentially modern-day financial unicorns who move a LOT of money to their retirement accounts every year. These are the people who annually defer 90% or more of the IRS maximum to their retirement accounts or save 15% or more of their salary for retirement. While tucking nearly $20,000 a year away isn’t a realistic goal for everyone where they are in life now, there are things you can do immediately to move in that direction. When you’re motivated to save more for retirement, that’s a big step forward. Learn what it takes to become a super saver and be well on your way to a secure future and a comfortable retirement. You got this!

The 4% rule has long been considered a “golden rule” for retirees: In the simplest sense, if you withdraw 4% of your investments in the first year of retirement and continue withdrawals each year (adjusting for inflation), you’ll have enough money to last you at least 30 years. But the problem is, how does this change during periods of high inflation, volatile markets, or recessions? And, while we’re at it, in today’s evolving economy and longer lifespans, is it even smart to follow traditional retirement rules of thumb? In yesterday’s Your Money Map, Jean sits down with David Blanchett and Margarita Perry to discuss how to plan your withdrawals so your savings can last a lifetime.

More For You To ❤️

Sports on the brain. Rihanna’s concert Sunday’s Super Bowl has us brushing up on our stats. Our go-to? Our friends at The GIST, a free, female-founded newsletter that delivers a fresh and fun perspective on sports’ biggest headlines, are helping us get game-day ready.
Crafted without compromise. Janet 'Nettie' Harbinson managed The Macallan from 1918 to 1938. She was guided by her belief in doing the next right thing and during her tenure, she unconsciously made history. Here’s her story.**

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The HerMoney Team

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*The HerMoney podcast is proudly sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. Unlock your wealth potential with our sophisticated wealth planning. Continue your journey at EdelmanFinancialEngines.com. Sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines – Modern wealth planning. All advisory services offered through Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. (FEA), a federally registered investment advisor. Results are not guaranteed. AM2211988.

**This is a sponsored post. Crafted without compromise. Please savor The Macallan responsibly.

HerMoney is not a client, agent, representative or affiliate of EFE. Edelman Financial Engines (“EFE”) is a sponsor of the "HerMoney with Jean Chatzky Podcast,” created by HerMoney Media. Inc. (“HerMoney”) and provides cash compensation to HerMoney Media. HerMoney receives a sponsorship fee from Edelman Financial Engines depending on the number of podcast downloads, as measured by the end of the calendar year. The sponsorship fee is paid on a quarterly basis each year. In turn, HerMoney also provides promotional deliverables regarding EFE on the HerMoney podcast, newsletter, and social media channels. Due to this sponsorship arrangement, HerMoney has an incentive to endorse EFE and its services.