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| 🌴 Calling All Floridians! 🌴 |
Headed for retirement – or already living it? We want you!
HerMoney CEO Jean Chatzky will be moderating a consumer panel in Orlando on May 5, and we’re looking for soon-to-be and current retirees to join the conversation. Think real talk about planning for retirement, living it and everything in between.
If you’re in Florida and interested in sharing your story, drop us a line here – we’d love to hear from you! |
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| Things That Make You Money |
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Don’t Sleep On This:
January’s Best HYSAs |
If your cash is still sitting in a traditional savings account, you’re probably leaving real money on the table. Right now, the best high-yield savings accounts are paying around 4.00% APY – a huge upgrade from the near-zero rates many traditional savings accounts still offer.
Even better? Some of today’s top accounts come with no monthly fees, easy online access and even cash bonuses for new customers. If opening (or switching to) a new high-yield savings account is on your 2026 to-do list, here are a few standout options for January. |
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| This Week In Your Wallet |
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It’s giving Golden Girls. The latest money-saving move among older Americans is getting a roommate. New numbers show that the share of homeowners 65+ taking on a roommate has more than doubled since 2019 – the fastest-growing cohort. "Renting is an easy way to bring in some income," Matt Hutchinson, a spokesman for SpareRoom, a roommate matching site, tells The New York Times. "To earn the kind of money you could get by renting a spare room out — by taking on a second job or working in retirement — you’d have to work a lot of hours."
The IRS officially opens the 2026 tax filing season on January 26 – but some filers can get a head start. If you qualify for the IRS Free File program, you can do so now, at no cost. Free File is available to individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less.
💸 Not ready to tackle this year’s return just yet? If you’re still dealing with a tax bill from last year, you’re not alone – and there may be help. A reputable tax relief program can walk you through your options. We’ve rounded up a few worth knowing about. |
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| Ask Jean |
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| Q: |
Today’s question comes from Alli. She writes: I’ve always had professional help with filing my tax return – but it’s costly. How do I determine whether I can file on my own? |
| A: |
DIY or hire a pro? You’re not alone in wondering. 37% of Americans rely on professional tax preparers to file their returns, and the remainder tackle things themselves. The deciding factor is how complicated your money life is.
As a rule of thumb, it’s generally worth using a pro if you:
• Own a business
• Have income from multiple employers
• Own rental property
Big life changes matter too. If you got married (or divorced), had a baby, moved, switched jobs, graduated, or received an inheritance recently, a pro can help make sure nothing slips through the cracks. If next year is quieter – and you feel confident – you can always DIY.
That said, if your situation is largely vanilla, filing on your own can be a money-saver and, in some cases, totally free. If you meet certain income guidelines – or are older, have a disability, are a member of the military/veteran, or have limited English proficiency – you may qualify for one of the IRS’s free filing programs. |
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| Submit your questions to Jean here. |
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| Amanda Holden Wants You To Be A Rich Old Lady |
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Here’s a major win: 71% of women now own investments in the stock market, up nearly 20% from 2023.
But there’s still a disconnect. Only 35% of women identify as investors, compared to 52% of men. That hesitation can hold us back from trusting our financial decisions and growing our wealth.
Investing expert Amanda Holden wants to close the gap. She joined the HerMoney Podcast to talk about her new book, "How to be a Rich Old Lady." It’s part investing guide, part wake-up call for anyone insecure about their long-term financial independence.
As Holden explains, becoming a "rich old lady" (essentially, an "avatar for financial independence") doesn’t happen overnight. Starting early and being consistent are key.
"In this country, and especially with the erosion of the social safety net, we get to retire when we have enough money to retire," says Holden. "It’s a big job to be able to walk away and not have an income for 20 years. That is a rallying cry to try to get started as soon as you can and bake it into every year that you’re able." |
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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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