🙋🏻‍♀️ Before You Accept A New Job, Ask These 7 Questions

Stat Of The Day

$877

That’s how much the average woman spends on beauty and wellness every year according to a recent survey. Men, on the other hand, shell out just $592. The biggest spending categories for women? Skincare, hair products, and salon services, which are getting pricer (ugh). Scroll on to find out why.

Before You Take A New Job, Ask These 7 Questions

If you’re interviewing for a new position, you know how easy it is to spend hours prepping for all the potential questions hiring managers could ask in an interview. Don’t forget though, it’s just as important to do some asking of your own to find out if a new opportunity lines up with your professional goals and happiness. To make sure your next role is the right fit, there are 7 questions experts say you should ask about a new job before you sign on the dotted line and accept.

One of them? "What’s the typical career path for this position?" As Jen DeWall, a Certified Life and Career Coach tells HerMoney, those who are #goalgetters (let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, you probably are!), should ask about opportunities for advancement. "If you're eager to climb the corporate ladder and develop your resume, and an employer indicates there aren’t career advancement opportunities, the position may be a dead end for you and your career goals."

If you’re thinking about taking on a new role, check out the other 6 questions to ask before you make the leap, here.

This Week In Your Wallet

On Wednesday, Federal Reserve officials held interest rates steady, but signaled they still expect to cut borrowing costs three times by the end of 2024. When will they act? That’s anybody’s guess (though most analysts expect to see the first rate cut in June)…but it’s never too early to plan for how the decrease will impact your finances. For example, as The New York Times reports, credit card interest rates are linked closely with the Fed’s decisions, which explains why we’ve seen them spike in recent years. While the increases happened quickly, don’t expect them to drop right away once the Fed does take action. "The urgency to pay down high-cost credit card or other debt is not diminished," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com tells The New York Times. "Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they’re going to take the stairs coming down." For more on how future rate cuts are expected to impact consumers, click here.

If your stylist hands you the blow dryer next time you’re at the salon, don’t be surprised…it’s probably part of a business model makeover. "Hair stylists are giving themselves a salary bump — one they say is long overdue. Some are doing this by adopting hourly pricing: charging at least $100 an hour for cuts, color, bleach and balayage. Others are billing more for basic services, and redefining once-included perks (blow dry, toner) as costly add-ons," writes Tricia Romao for The Washington Post. Stylists say while the price of everything else has gone up, their rates haven’t…and all the while requests from clients have gotten more complex (turns out "root tap" and "root melt" don’t have anything to do with trees). Not everyone is having it though. One woman The Post talked to said she can’t keep up with the $460 trips to the salon. "After yesterday, I was like, I’m calling Madison Reed,’" the at-home color service," Robie Leonardi tells The Post. "For the cost, she said, ‘I’d rather buy a Gucci purse.’"

Bust out the Swiffer, open your windows, and light that floral candle (we’re partial to these). Spring is *officially* here. As you embark on the journey that is spring cleaning your home, please (pretty please) don’t forget about giving your financial house a good once over. USA TODAY has rounded up a list of 12 of the best ways to spring clean your finances. One of them? Make your 2025 vacation plans now. Experts say doing so can save you money, give you better choices when it comes to flights and hotels and offer psychological benefits, too. "Studies have shown the anticipation of a vacation is half the psychic value you get out of it," Jeff Farrar, a Certified Financial Planner tells USA TODAY. "So, enjoy this summer’s family vacation, but put next year’s on the calendar, as well."

Things That Save You Money

ICYMI, the prices of two Easter staples–chocolate and eggs–are up. For tips on how to save on Easter goodies, we went to our trusted experts…the ladies of the private HerMoney Facebook group, of course. Here’s what they had to say:

●

"Use the same basket each year," says Suzanne. "Fill with thoughtful surprises that are age-appropriate and simple. Not so much sugar. We made "certificates" for outings and one year launched a scavenger hunt."

●

"We filled Easter eggs with encouraging, inspirational quotes from women, some historical and some current," says Louise.

●

"Throughout the year, I buy items when I see a good deal and save them for later in the year," says HerMoney team member Sarah. "For example, I snagged this Lilly Pulitzer bunny last year during their "Sunshine Sale" for $15. It's no longer available on the Lilly website and the lowest price I can find it for on resale platforms is around $50 (with some listings at over $100!)."

●

"When my kids were young, their baskets centered around a theme," says Michele. "Maybe sandbox toys, chalk, bubbles etc…things I was gonna have to buy for the upcoming spring anyway. I threw in some sweets as well, but not too much!"

●

"I’ve made a conscious effort to buy things that are useful for Easter baskets. Things like new swimsuits, flip flops, cover-ups, and gift cards to places I know they will use," shares Leslie. "I buy tons of Target cards in $25 increments when they have their 10% off sale in December and use them for myself/gifts all year long."

Retire On Your Own Terms With Anne Lester

Anne Lester, former head of retirement solutions for J.P. Morgan Asset Management Solution Group, wants everyone to know that planning for retirement doesn’t have to be scary — it can be empowering, and yes, even fun.

Despite her job title, as Lester tells Jean Chatzky on the HerMoney Podcast*, she’s never been good at saving — and actually, didn’t save for retirement until her second son was born. "I was 37 and I’d signed up for the 401(k) plan, but I hadn’t actually paid any attention to it. I remember thinking, ‘Well, okay, I’ve got two kids. I really have to get serious about this adult stuff,’ but trying to figure out what to do was so stressful," Lester says.

In Lester’s new book: "Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want," she talks about how she was finally able to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and eventually, retire early on her terms. She also breaks down how much we really need to save to retire comfortably if we’re 20 or 30 years away from our retirement date.

While there are many ways to calculate this, Lester says there’s one rule of thumb she goes by. Listen in to find out what it is, and hear her advice on where to start if you’re behind on saving for your own retirement.

Listen Now

The HerMoney Podcast is made possible by Edelman Financial Engines.

Ask Jean

Today's question comes from Amy. She writes: The Chief Human Resource Officer from my last job is now the Chief Human Resource Officer at the company where I'm applying for a job. My current company is laying off people. What's the best way to approach the CHRO to say I've applied for this job? Not sure how to word the e-mail. Thanks in advance.

I think candor is best — and assuming the old/new CHRO knows you and your work, this could be an advantage to you in switching jobs. Also, in my experience moving between companies, former employees are still often incredibly plugged in. It’s quite possible, likely even, that this person is well aware of the layoffs happening at your current company, so your application won’t come as much of a surprise. I’d say:

"Dear CHRO,

I hope you’re well and enjoying your move to Company XYZ. I’m reaching out because I’d like to follow suit.

The position of marketing coordinator (or whatever) that I came across on your website (or wherever you saw it) seems right in line with my strengths and skill set. In particular, I believe my experiences at CURRENT COMPANY doing X and Y would be an asset to NEW COMPANY as you look to BUILD OUT THIS ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS (or something else that is similarly additive to the bottom line.)

I would welcome the opportunity to reconnect and talk to you about this position — or others at NEW COMPANY for which you think I might be suited.

Thanks very much,

Amy"

You get the jist — keep it brief but pointed with the job description. If you have the CHRO’s personal email send it there instead of applying through the computerized search. If you don’t, send it in through the regular channels and drop the CHRO a message on LinkedIn saying hello and noting that you applied. We all know that many — if not most — jobs are actually gotten through connections. You have a great one. Use it for all it’s worth!

Submit your questions to Jean here.

More For You To ♥

🎶 Making Music (And Profits) With Jody Gerson. How She Does It is proudly supported by iShares.**

✌ What does it mean to find financial "peace," and what does it actually take to get there? We break down how you can find less stress and more peace of mind with your money.

💰 Want to start investing, but don’t know where to begin? Join InvestingFixx, HerMoney’s investing club for women, where you can grow your wealth alongside an empowering community of like-minded goal-getters. Start paving your path to financial success today–the first 30 days are FREE!

SHARE WITH A FRIEND

Advertise With Us

We maintain a strict editorial policy and a judgment-free zone for our community. We strive to remain transparent in everything we do. Website posts and newsletters may contain advertisements, links and mentions of products from our partners. Learn more about how we make money.

*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. T2823971.

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.

**This is a sponsored post

BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates (together "BlackRock"). The information provided in this communication is solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as advice or an investment recommendation. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of BlackRock. BlackRock is not affiliated with HerMoney.