HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Ep 529: Lessons from a Legend: What Jonathan Clements Taught Us About Money and Life

HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Show Notes

There are people who change the way you think about money. And then there are people who change the way you think about life, and do it through the lens of money. Jonathan Clements was one of those people.

The beloved personal finance columnist and Wall Street Journal veteran passed away in September 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and one final book: Money and Me: How to Make Your Finances Work Harder for You and Your Family. This week, Jean sits down with Jason Zweig, Jonathan's dear friend and fellow Wall Street Journal columnist, to honor that legacy and dig into the lessons Jonathan left behind for all of us.

They cover:

The investing philosophy he championed for nearly 40 years, and why it's still the best advice out there

The three dimensions of money and happiness: freedom from worry, spending on experiences, and using money to create meaning

Why the shift from saving to spending in retirement is one of the hardest psychological transitions we face, and how to make it easier

Jonathan's take on how much money to leave your kids

Why spending small is actually the smartest spending strategy of all

And if today's conversation got you thinking about your own relationship with money, Jean's new book, The Forever Paycheck, is the perfect next read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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