Jean Chatzky is one of the most recognizable voices in personal finance. For decades, she has helped millions of Americans understand money through her books, television appearances, and her own media company. But beyond her advice, many wonder: what’s Jean’s financial story? Here is a look at Jean Chatzy’s net worth and how she’s gotten where she is today.
Early Life
Jean Chatzky was born on November 7, 1964, in Michigan. She grew up in Wisconsin, Indiana, and West Virginia before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English. Her father was a college professor, and her mother a librarian—roots that shaped her love of learning and communication.
Jean was first married to Peter Chatzky, with whom she had two children: Jacob (born 1995) and Julia (born 1998). After their divorce, she wrote candidly about navigating finances after 50. In 2009, she married Eliot Kaplan, editorial director at Hearst Corporation, and the two remain happily married.
Professional Life
Jean Chatzky is best known as the longtime financial editor of NBC’s Today Show, where she has guided viewers through everything from budgeting tips to retirement planning. She has also appeared on Oprah and served as AARP’s Personal Finance Ambassador, roles that cemented her reputation as a trusted financial educator.
Outside of her television work, Jean runs HerMoney Media, a company dedicated to helping women take control of their financial lives. Through HerMoney, she produces:
- A popular blog with daily insights
- The HerMoney podcast, featuring interviews and practical advice
- Online courses and community resources
HerMoney has grown into a multimedia brand, with sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, and syndication deals contributing to her income.
Books and Publications
Chatzky is also a prolific author, with more than a dozen books to her name. Highlights include:
- Women With Money (2019)
- AgeProof (2017, New York Times Bestseller)
- Operation Money (2014)
- Money Rules (2012)
- Pay It Down (2006)
- You Don’t Have to Be Rich (2003)
Her books have sold tens of thousands of copies, with AgeProof alone achieving bestseller status. Authors typically earn between $0.75–$1.25 per book sold, meaning her publishing career has generated millions in royalties over time.
She has also written for major outlets, including Parents, Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Smart Money, and Forbes. In 2015, she partnered with Time Inc. to launch Your $, a magazine teaching financial literacy to children.
Jean Chatzky Net Worth
Jean Chatzky’s net worth has grown steadily thanks to her diversified career. While estimates vary, sources say that her net worth could be as high as $14 million today.
Key Income Streams:
- Television & Media: Salary from NBC’s Today Show and appearances on major programs
- HerMoney Media: Blog, podcast sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, and online courses
- Book Sales: Royalties from 12+ published books, including a New York Times bestseller
- Speaking Engagements: Frequent keynote speaker at finance conferences, commanding significant fees
Jean Chatzky’s career shows how combining journalism, entrepreneurship, and authorship can build both influence and wealth. Whether through her books, her HerMoney platform, or her television presence, she continues to inspire women and families to take charge of their financial futures.
If you haven’t tuned into her HerMoney podcast, it’s a great place to hear her latest insights. Have you listened in yet?
