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| FinanceFixx Returns In February |
FinanceFixx is back – with our first class of 2026 – and if retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time for a financial tune-up.
Kicking off February 24, this six-week program, inspired by Jean Chatzky’s Money Makeover methodology (as seen on Oprah, the Today Show and PBS’ Opportunity Knocks), is designed specifically for those approaching retirement who want to make sure their money goes the distance.
Alongside a small group of like-minded women, you’ll work with a dedicated coach who understands the unique challenges of pre-retirees. Together, you’ll fine-tune your spending, squash debt (if you have it) and build a realistic budget that ensures you’re retirement-ready.
And the payoff is real. Past participants have uncovered $1,500 in savings and many say the biggest bonus is the confidence they gained heading into retirement.
Seats are limited and this class will fill quickly – so if you’re ready to head into your next chapter feeling prepared, now is the time to grab your spot.
👉 SIGN UP FOR OUR FEBRUARY FINANCEFIXX 👈
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| This Week In Your Wallet |
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The deadline for President Trump’s proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap has come and gone – and rates haven’t moved. So what happened? Earlier this month, Trump called for a 10% one-year cap, effective January 20, the anniversary of his inauguration. But the industry didn’t comply, and the proposal (which Trump continued to push for this week at the World Economic Forum) has faced major pushback, notably from Republicans, members of his own administration and – unsurprisingly – credit card companies. "It seems like they’re not only ignoring it, but they’re being told to ignore it by the most senior economic policy makers in the Trump administration," Mike Pierce, executive director of Protect Borrowers, a consumer debt nonprofit, tells USA Today.
💸 If you were counting on a rate cap, the good news is there are practical ways to gain control of your credit card debt – whether it’s through smarter payoff strategies or reputable debt-relief options that can help you get back on track.
50+ and planning to supercharge your 401(k) with a catch up contribution? There’s a new wrinkle to know about. A new law means higher earners can no longer stash those extra dollars in a traditional 401(k). Instead, catch-up contributions must be made to a Roth 401(k). "That means they will lose the upfront tax breaks for these extra contributions that traditional 401(k) accounts offer—a benefit that is valuable to many in their peak earning years," reports The Wall Street Journal. One more thing – some employers will automatically route your catch-up contributions to the Roth, but others will require you to opt in.
If you’re planning a spring break getaway, timing matters – especially when it comes to hotel reservations. But just how far in advance is too far to make a reservation? "There’s a saying in travel advisor circles which is ‘reserve early, book late,'" says travel expert Samantha Brown. "This means there’s no harm in reserving a room in advance as soon as you know you’ll be going somewhere, especially one that meets your budget and has all the bells and whistles you want in a hotel." That said, check the cancellation policy and keep an eye on the rate. If it dips, cancel and rebook, or call the hotel and ask if they will honor the new price.
🧳 One more easy win – use this browser extension that earns rewards while you shop online. Then, cash in those rewards for gift cards at sites like Hotels.com, Marriott and VRBO. |
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| Join Me For The Money, Mindset & Mastery Summit |
Jean here, and I wanted to share something special with you.
My friend (and bestselling author), Mike Michalowicz, is launching a brand-new book, "The Money Habit," inspired by his bestseller, "Profit First."
To celebrate, he’s hosting a FREE, 12-hour live virtual summit on January 27, 2026, from 8 AM – 8 PM ET.
It’s called Money, Mindset & Mastery, and the lineup is seriously impressive. It features 50+ authors, thought leaders, and experts who will share practical strategies and tools to improve your financial life.
Drop in for a session, or stay all day. I’ll be there at 1:00 PM, sharing my best personal finance tips for retirees and pre-retirees – and I’d love for you to join me. Save your spot here. |
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| Things That Make You Money |
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| Ask Jean |
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| Q: |
How can I convince my elderly relative (and myself) that an online high-yield savings account (HYSA) is safe? |
| A: |
If you’re worried whether the money you put in a HYSA is safe, don’t be. As long as your bank is Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured – or your credit union is backed by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) – you can rest assured your money is secure.
These regulators provide up to $250,000 of coverage per depositor, per institution and per ownership category (or account type). So for example, if you have a HYSA in your name only as well as a joint account with a partner, your total coverage just for you would be $500,000 ($250,000 for each account). Your partner would also be covered up to $250,000 for their co-ownership of the joint account.
Ready to put your cash to work? We’ve rounded up a few standout HYSAs for January, featuring strong rates and some pretty impressive signup bonuses. |
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| Submit your questions to Jean here. |
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| 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. |
| *This is a sponsored post |
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