Welcome To The New HerMoney Newsletter

A Note From Jean

Dear HerMoney Friend,

You might have noticed things look a little different around here…that’s because you’re reading the first edition of the *new* HerMoney newsletter!

For several years now, HerMoney has delivered the money news you need right to your inbox through our HerMoney Newsletter and This Week In Your Wallet. In that time, we’ve listened to your feedback–what you’d like to see more of…what you’d like to see less of…and how we can best deliver our content to women (like you) who are so, so busy juggling life’s demands.

The result is this…a newsletter filled with the smart money tips and tools you love, but in a refreshed, easier to read (and more fun!) format. If you’ve subscribed to This Week In Your Wallet, you’ll see it’s now a part of our new newsletter, which will hit your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday. If you've subscribed to the HerMoney Newsletter, we hope you enjoy double the advice every week, starting today. We’ll see you back in your inbox on Thursday!

As I’ve said before, HerMoney is all about your money–how we can help you make it, save it, invest it and put it to work in a way that improves your life. In this issue and issues to come, I hope you’ll find information that helps you do just that. Happy reading!

Stat Of The Day

$6.00

That’s how much Americans spend on average for a cup of Joe at a cafe or bakery. From growing coffee beans to paying baristas, a number of factors are contributing to the price spike.

This Week In Your Wallet

The clock is ticking for Americans to take certain steps that will help them save on their taxes in 2024. As USA Today reports, some of the most lucrative moves can be made thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, "which offers beefed up tax credits to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home and for car buyers to electrify their vehicles." Check out their roundup of moves to make before the New Year, here.

"Representative… Representative… Representative." For many, repeating those words is a go-to strategy for getting to talk to a real person when seeking customer service help. It’s also on the list of "9 Secrets To Getting Great Customer Service" from Consumer Reports. Some of the other tips? Using the company’s chatbot feature, making your case publicly on social media and above all else, remaining calm.

Are you on the "mommy track?" The term, coined back in 1988 by the New York Times, refers to a career path for women who still want to work, but are willing to sacrifice promotions and pay raises to put more time into raising their children. Fast forward to today, and the Times is tackling the topic again, this time, arguing that remote work might be the new "mommy track." While mothers have certainly gained a lot from remote work (namely, improved flexibility), as Sarah Kessler reports, the shift may cause women to miss out on mentorship opportunities and face-to-face time with higher ups that could lead to advancement.

Things That Save You Money

●

Costco is the place to go for everything from toilet paper to diapers. One of the most unexpected items the retailer sells is … wait for it … caskets, starting at $1,149. Compare that price to what you’d pay by going the traditional route and you’ll save hundreds, and potentially thousands, of dollars.

●

Need to make an Amazon return? Choose the option to return your item at Kohls and you’ll get a coupon for either 20% off a purchase or $5 off a purchase of $5 or more. One HerMoney reader uses her $5 coupons to stock up on 99 cent greeting cards.

●

The holiday shopping season is officially here. One of the best ways to save is by buying gift sets, vs individual gifts. HerMoney recently rounded up some of our favorites, all under $100.

Shaping Your Authentic Self With Dr. Sara Kuburic

How many times have you met up with a friend for coffee or over dinner and been asked, "How are you doing?" We all know the response we’re supposed to give – Fine! Good! – but what if you’re really not doing okay at all? For many people who suffer from depression, Dr. Sarah Kuburic says it can be tough to share how you’re really feeling — for a whole host of reasons. Truthfully, it’s sometimes even more difficult to acknowledge it ourselves.

Kuburic, author of the new book: "It’s On Me: Accept Hard Truths, Discover Yourself, and Change Your Life" knows all about this feeling because she experienced it firsthand. This week, she joins Jean Chatzky on the HerMoney Podcast* to share her advice for getting closer to your authentic self.

"One of the most surprising aspects of the self is that it’s so easy to construct an inauthentic self almost passively…and then to wake up and realize how much harm you’ve done," says Dr. Kuburic. Sound familiar? If so, check out her tips for getting back to your authentic self, here.

The HerMoney Podcast is made possible by Edelman Financial Engines

Ask Jean

Do you have any opinions regarding putting regular monthly expenses (like utilities) on credit cards (and then paying the card balances in full each month)? I've always paid for these expenses directly from my bank account, but am thinking that there might be some benefit to getting card points/airline miles, etc. by going the card route.

What a great and timely question! I do this, for the record, and was just commenting on how long it's been since I sat down at my computer to pay a stack of bills like I used to do a couple times a month. The airline miles or other points add up much quicker when you load as many expenses as possible on your card of choice. So, yes, I would say absolutely go for this. But, you're going to want to be careful about putting those credit card bills themselves on autopay.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, reporter Imani Moise drew a direct line between the fact that the number of credit card bills paid by automatic payment doubled from 2015 to 2020 and the fact that total interest and fees on credit cards rose by almost 20% during the same time period. She cites a study by University of Illinois finance prof Jialan Wang that shows customers often pay off a smaller chunk of their balance when they autopay and as a result wind up having to bear bigger interest charges than those who pay their bills manually.

To keep yourself on the straight and narrow, when you enroll in autopay for your credit card (or cards) make sure you elect to have the full balance withdrawn (rather than make a minimum payment). And, if you're afraid you might get caught short, set up the autopay on a day you know your account will be at its flushest - like right after your paycheck lands.

Submit your questions to Jean here.

News For A New Generation With Danielle Weisberg of theSkimm

"It seemed like there was more of a risk in not doing it to our futures, and I think it felt like the safer bet was to bet on ourselves."

That’s how Danielle Weisberg describes her decision to quit her full-time newsroom job and build theSkimm from her couch alongside her then roommate, Carly Zakin. Today, that idea to make news both bite sized and informative has grown to include six popular newsletters, a podcast and theSkimm mobile app.

This week, Weisberg joins Karen Finerman on the How She Does It Podcast, proudly supported by iShares. Listen to hear how she and her co-CEO split responsibilities, what they learned about getting funded as female founders and how they’re shining light on issues important to women, like paid leave.

Listen Now

How She Does It is proudly sponsored by iShares

More For You To ♥

●

These days, food really eats up a monthly budget. If you’re looking for ways to save–without making a major lifestyle change – we’ve got you.

●

Calling all stay at home moms…HerMoney has the best financial advice from a woman who’s been there.

●

Living in the city of your dreams doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are the most surprising ways to save money.

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. AM3143680.

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.