Couples that do save have stronger, more stable, less stressful unions. In other words, you don't want to be fighting about saving; you just want to be saving, period. Jean Chatzky couplefightperiod Change image and share on social
When you're setting up a budget, a general rule is to start with your fixed expenses - your housing and insurance payments, and car payment, if you own one. Jean Chatzky budgetcarexpense Change image and share on social
The older you are when you buy an annuity, the shorter your life expectancy will be - so the greater a monthly paycheck the same sum of money will buy you. When interest rates are higher, the size of the paycheck for the same sum of money will rise also. Jean Chatzky annuitybuyexpectancy share on social
Your retirement comes before your children's tuition. That's because there's no financial aid for retirement, and there's still a good deal available for college. Jean Chatzky aidchildcollege Change image and share on social
If you're just starting out in the workforce, the very best thing you can do for yourself is to get started in your workplace retirement plan. Contribute enough to grab any matching dollars your employer is offering (a.k.a. the last free money on earth). Jean Chatzky contributedollarearth share on social
One way to make sure you don't lose assets in the future is to streamline your accounts. Consider using one bank for all your banking needs and one brokerage firm for all your investments. Jean Chatzky accountassetbank Change image and share on social
Use visual cues to prompt yourself to put away more. A photograph of the beach house where you and your husband can envision spending your retirement will remind you to bump up the contribution to your 401(k); a snapshot of your child in a college sweatshirt can encourage you to put more into a 529 college savings plan. Jean Chatzky beachbumpchild share on social
Use an accountant the first time you file your taxes after becoming a freelancer. It will be worth it. Jean Chatzky accountantfilefreelancer Change image and share on social
Our culture highlights the desire to always have more, even when we should be grateful for what we have. Jean Chatzky culturedesiregrateful Change image and share on social
Weak passwords are a crook's best friend. Make yours long and complex, and change them often - not just on your bank account but on your email and social media, too. Jean Chatzky accountbankchange Change image and share on social