Ep 530: How to Think Like a Millionaire When the Economy Feels Out of Control

A staggering 67% of Americans now fear running out of money more than death—a figure that has risen sharply in just one year. In this episode of HerMoney, host Jean Chatzky dives into the psychological and practical realities of financial anxiety with Keri Joy Grimes, founder of Work Money and author of The Joy of Money. Grimes reframes the conversation not around scarcity, but around agency: she argues that the American dream is still possible, not through luck, but through deliberate choices, self-compassion, and systems that protect against life’s unpredictable moments. Drawing from her own journey as a single mom who built a 9-million-member nonprofit, she introduces the 'Life Happens Fund'—a buffer of three to nine months of expenses in high-yield savings to regain control in crises. She also challenges the myth of stock-picking superiority, advocating instead for index funds and fiduciary advisors, while celebrating women’s natural advantage in investing: a 40 basis point edge due to thoughtful, consistent behavior. The episode culminates in a powerful behavioral science tool: a three-step self-compassion practice to break the cycle of shame after financial mistakes. Ultimately, Grimes teaches that being 'good with money' isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, self-belief, and building a life you can actually enjoy. The key to financial resilience, Grimes insists, isn’t just saving more—it’s thinking differently.