Biography

Jean Chatzky, award-winning journalist, best-selling author and motivational speaker, has created a global platform that is making significant strides to help millions of men and women battle an epidemic with a devastating impact – debt. Jean is the financial editor for NBC’s Today, a contributing editor for More, a columnist for The New York Daily News, a contributor to The Oprah Winfrey Show and a featured money coach on Oprah’s “Debt Diet” series.  She also hosts a daily show on the Oprah & Friends channel, exclusively on XM Radio.

She is the author of four books, including Pay It Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 A Day, a New York Times and Business Week best seller. Her latest book, Make Money, Not Excuses is a Wall Street Journal and New York Times Bestseller. Jean has been recognized as an exceptional journalist. She received the Clarion Award for magazine columns from the Association of Woman in Communications, her radio show received a Gracie Award from the American Women in Radio and Television, she has been nominated twice for National Magazine Awards and was named one of the country’s best magazine columnists by the Chicago Tribune.

In addition to her professional work, Jean is on the March of Dimes advisory council, lends her support and expertise to women’s services groups and is on the board of the Nora Magid Mentorship prize at the University of Pennsylvania, which helps journalism students get a head-start in the field.  She is also on the Communications Committee for University of Pennsylvania.

Jean lives with her family in Westchester, New York.

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The Difference: How Anyone Can Prosper in Even the Toughest Times

Can you really start from nothing and become truly secure financially? In this fascinating and interactive keynote, Jean Chatzky asks the questions: What’s the difference between you and Warren Buffett? Between you and your boss? Or between you and your successful neighbor? What do the financially comfortable have that you don’t? And how do you get it? Based on her most recent book that includes groundbreaking research on the self-made wealthy, Jean reveals the traits and habits of those who have moved from the lowest economic strata to the highest. Then she helps audiences take a look at where they are now and offers simple strategies for helping them get to where they want to go. In this optimistic and empowering presentation, she helps people see that they themselves have the power to determine their own financial future and find freedom in even the most difficult of economic times.

Money 911: Your Top 10 Money Emergencies Solved

As a mother of two teens, Jean Chatzky knows what parents want—kids who grow up to earn their own money and live independently (i.e., not on the family couch)! After conducting a dozen focus groups with middle-schoolers around the country for her upcoming Not Your Parents’ Money book (September 2010), she also knows what skills kids need in order to get there. In this fun and lively presentation, Chatzky shows how teaching responsibility, setting limits and living by financial example can all combine to put your kids on the path to personal financial success.

What’s a Hedge Fund, Mom? Financial Literacy and Raising Money-Smart Kids

As a mother of two teens, Jean Chatzky knows what parents want—kids who grow up to earn their own money and live independently (i.e., not on the family couch)! After conducting a dozen focus groups with middle-schoolers around the country for her upcoming Not Your Parents’ Money book (September 2010), she also knows what skills kids need in order to get there. In this fun and lively presentation, Chatzky shows how teaching responsibility, setting limits and living by financial example can all combine to put your kids on the path to personal financial success.

Testimonials

On behalf of the whole SWIFT team, we wanted to say “Thank you” to Jean for her expert moderation and hosting of yesterday’s ‘Inside Innovation’ event. And our thanks to you both for supporting us so well throughout the process – it really is appreciated. Jean managed it brilliantly, as we ‘followed the sun’ from Singapore to London, closing in New York. I appreciate how difficult it is to host such an event in person, and virtually, but she made it look effortless and really held the show together. I’ve already received positive feedback from the SWIFT team and customers watching the show across the U.S. and further afield. What a star.
– SWIFT

Booksby Jean Chatzky

Talking Money

The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness

Make Money, Not Excuses

The Difference

Pay It Down!

Money 911

Not Your Parents' Money Book

Money Rules

Operation Money

Age-Proof

Women With Money

For Meeting Planners

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