Financial Feminist 272. What to Do If You’re 35+ and Feel Financially Behind with Jean Chatzky
Jan 27, 2026
Jean Chatzky, longtime financial journalist and founder of HerMoney, shares her restart at 40 after divorce and job loss. She discusses why midlife needs different money thinking. Short, practical topics: moving cash into the market, auditing expenses, using HSAs as investing tools, setting caregiving boundaries, and simple steps to course-correct without panic.
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Retirement Is A Long Phase
- Retirement is long and retirement income can continue to grow after you stop working.
- You may still earn or work for fulfillment, so retirement planning should account for decades of spending.
Follow A Practical Savings Hierarchy
- Audit your expenses, plug leaks, grab your 401k match, and pay high-interest debt next.
- Then max retirement accounts, use HSAs/529s, and invest extra money in taxable brokerage accounts.
Set Boundaries Around Parental Care
- Talk with your parents early about their finances and plan for potential caregiving costs.
- Divide responsibilities and contributions with siblings to avoid the burden falling on one child.