Introducing "Better Off" Podcast

Today, Betterment CEO Jon Stein announced the launch of the “Better Off” podcast, which I am honored to be hosting. You will have to wait until January 5th for the first official show, but here's a quick introduction -- you can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, TuneIn.

The goal of “Better Off” is to tackle sometimes uncomfortable—and even controversial—money and investing issues, without the financial jargon.

In a bit of a role reversal, Jon interviewed me about the podcast. I will posting the show notes here on LinkedIn, every Thursday, so keep an eye out! And now, here's the Jon and Jill show...

Jon Stein: Tell me about your relationship with money. What inspired you to take interest in personal finance?

Jill Schlesinger: My father was an options trader on the American Stock Exchange, which meant that money was discussed quite a bit in our house and, therefore, was completely demystified for us. I followed his footsteps and became an options trader on the Commodity Exchange, Inc. but ultimately found that trading was a bit of an empty experience for me. I stumbled on the world of financial planning and was enamored with the idea of interacting with real people—listening to them and then providing solutions to their problems. While I liked the problem solving and risk assessment disciplines that I had learned as a trader, the idea of using them in connection with helping real people made it all feel right. As soon as I connected the dots, I enrolled in the Certified Financial Planning program in order to earn the CFP designation.

Jon: You’ve had me as a guest on your own personal radio show before. Why did now seem like the right time to partner with Betterment on a brand new podcast?

Jill: You were on the show just over a year ago and when we were done, I remember thinking that it may have taken two decades, but I finally found a company that was totally aligned with the way I think about investing and personal finance. Within 15 minutes of completing the interview, I called you to discuss how we could create something together. To your credit, your first reaction was, “I love it—let’s figure this out!”

Jon: There are a lot of podcasts about money out there. What’s unique or special about this one?

Jill: The curious circumstances of my career have provided me with a unique view: I am trader, turned investment advisor/financial planner, turned journalist, so in many ways, I am an insider who has crossed over and can parse through the jargon to help our listeners navigate their financial journeys. I am also a huge believer in the idea that whether you’re a seasoned long-term investor or someone just starting the journey of managing the complex issues that can arise in your life, money can be emotional. I recognize that fact, which helps me get to the root of complicated problems in a more humane, less antiseptic way.

Jon: Usually you’re the one asking the questions, like, “What’s the best money decision you’ve ever made?” Now it’s my turn – what’s the best money decision you’ve ever made?

Jill: To leave a potentially more lucrative career in investment management, to pursue a passion of communicating complex ideas to everyone. Thankfully, I had saved enough money to take that leap into a second career that is exciting, creative, and allows me to learn something new every day.

Jon: What are you most excited to cover over the course of the series?

Jill: I can get excited by a great guest, an intriguing listener question, or by news stories that impact all of us in different ways. I am looking forward to hearing feedback from listeners and to take the show in whatever direction excites them.

Jon: Who is your dream guest?

Jill: Hands down: Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen…she is a fellow alumna of Brown, as is Betterment’s President and Co-Founder, Eli Broverman, so maybe if we play that angle, she’ll agree to come on the show!

Jon: Why is this podcast important—why does it matter?

Jill: There are very wonky podcasts about money, there are interesting storytelling money podcasts out there, there are those aimed at the ultra high net worth people, and others that help out those who are in debt. “Better Off” occupies a unique space: a money podcast aimed at demystifying financial topics for those who are already on track and want to become “Better Off” in lots of different ways—in their financial lives, in their careers and, most importantly, as well-rounded human beings.

Listen to a preview and subscribe to “Better Off” here.