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#330 Your Independence Day Finance Questions

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We're keeping this blurb here for a while as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

July 1 Download Hour One Here

It's Fourth of July weekend, which means we're taking a little time off and enjoying some R&R.  So instead of running a new show this weekend we thought we'd bring you some of the best calls from the first half of 2017.  After all, the Jill on Money show really is all about the listeners.  And as the Senior CFP Board Ambassador, providing you with financial advice and pointing you in the right direction is what I truly enjoy the most.

We started the first hour with Matt in Pennsylvania.  He and his wife are in their late 30s with four kids, maxing out their retirement, but they still have student loan debt yet are also thinking about 529 plans, so not quite sure what to do next.

After Matt we chatted with Harold from Boston who's looking to upgrade into a bigger house but also wants to keep his current place as a rental.  Good idea or bad?

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

July 1 Download Hour Two Here

We kicked off hour two with Ralph from Iowa who may end up winning the 2017 Father of the Year award, because he wants to pay off some of his daughter's student loan debt.  But there's a right way and a wrong way to carry out such a noble deed, and that's what we discussed with Ralph.  

Next up was William in sunny San Diego.  Already retired, William and his wife are in awesome shape. Despite having plenty of assets, William is concerned about his allocation and wanted to run his scenario by us.

Happy Independence Day and Happy Birthday, America!

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#329 Marcus by Goldman Sachs

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We're keeping this blurb here for a while as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 24 Download Hour One Here

In hour one, we started with Steve from Minnesota who is about to become a millionaire!!!  Steve and his wife already have $750k saved in various accounts...and now, thanks to his ESOP plan, Steve will soon receive an additional $860k! To take advantage of this life changing event, Steve wanted to check in with us to make sure he's on the right track and not making any missteps along the way.

After Steve we chatted with Paul from Nebraska whose wife is about to inherit $200k.  And just like Steve, Paul isn't sure what they should do with it, hence his call to the show.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 24 Download Hour Two Here

In hour two we were joined in studio by Harit Talwar and Dustin Cohn from Marcus by Goldman Sachs, two of the names behind the bank's newest offering. Named after Marcus Goldman, one of the firm’s founders, Marcus by Goldman Sachs relies on the strength and heritage of a 147-year-old financial institution to provide credit-worthy consumers with a transparent and simple approach to consolidate their high-interest credit card debt.

We field questions all the time from people with debt who are struggling to keep their heads above water.  This could be a good option if you find yourself in a similar situation.  Depending on your credit score, you could potentially refinance your debt with Marcus, at a rate as low as 6.99%.  That sure beats the double-digit rates you're likely paying to your credit card company.

Some of the other benefits include:

  • No fees.
  • Fixed rates throughout the term of the loan.
  • Choice of monthly payment date and payment options, designed to fit your budget.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#328 Bernie Madoff and The Wizard of Lies with Diana Henriques

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We're keeping this blurb here for a while as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 17 Download Hour One Here

In hour one, we took calls from Ray in Georgia, James in Connecticut and Susan in Minnesota.  Ray, a financial advisor, wanted my thoughts on annuities, James wants to know if he should keep, or ditch, his whole life policy and Susan has some doubts about her withdrawal strategy.  A little bit of something for everyone.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 17 Download Hour Two Here

In hour two we focused on Bernie Madoff, perhaps the most notorious name in the history of Wall Street

By now we all know the story. Madoff conducted a Ponzi scheme that is considered to be the largest in U.S. history. Over the course of decades, Madoff stole billions of dollars from his clients and finally, amid the financial crisis of 2008, the crime came to a screeching halt.

How on earth was he able to pull it off for so long, when there were plenty of warning signs and whistleblowers who tried to alert regulators that something was amiss?

One of the journalists covering the scandal was Diana Henriques, then a staff reporter at The New York Times, who specialized in investigative reporting on white-collar crime, market regulation and corporate governance. Diana used her countless hours of work as the lead reporter on the story as a catalyst to write the bestselleing book, The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust.

Diana had incredible access, including the first interview with an imprisoned Madoff. I was fortunate enough to interview her in 2011, just as the book was becoming a bestseller. I remember thinking at the time that the tale of Bernie Madoff was not just a financial story, but a Shakespearean tragedy.

Robert De Niro was so drawn to the character of Bernie Madoff as Henriques depicted him, that he bought the film rights to “The Wizard of Lies.” Six years later, HBO films released the movie version of “The Wizard of Lies” - it debuted in May.

If you’ve yet to see “The Wizard of Lies,” go watch it. DVR it, stream it, whatever the method, just watch it. It’s incredibly well done and stars Robert De Niro as Bernie Madoff and Michelle Pfeiffer as Ruth Madoff.

Diana is an amazing storyteller, from her dogged pursuit of the Madoff prison interview to her describing the phone call she got from Robert De Niro saying he wanted to play Madoff...just an incredible story.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#327 Credit Scores and Identity Theft with John Ulzheimer

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We're keeping this blurb here for a while as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 10 Download Hour One Here

In hour one, Freddy from Houston made Jill on Money show history: for the first time, a fellow CFP called me, the Senior CFP Board Ambassador, for advice! Freddy is a great saver, so great that his wife thinks he may be going overboard, robbing them of a little fun during their pre-retirement years.  Do I side with Freddy or his wife? You'll have to listen for the answer! But one thing is for sure, no matter how much you think you know or how qualified you are, it never hurts to get a second opinion.  Often times a third party will see things that you don't.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 10 Download Hour Two Here

In hour two we brought back our old pal and credit score guru John Ulzheimer.  The credit score world is a rapidly changing one, and a big change is coming in July with NCAP, the National Consumer Assistance Plan, an initiative launched by the three big consumer credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The goal of NCAP is to make credit reports more accurate and make it easier for consumers to correct errors on their reports. Bottom line: NCAP will mean that millions of people will see their credit scores improve. John also described how Vantage Score's new use of trended data could change the credit score business in the years to come.

John also helped demystify the scary topic of hacking.  We've all been there...we've all had our credit card compromised at some point.  If and when that happens, what steps should you take and what should you do to prevent it from happening again? Will checking your credit report on a regular basis help?

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#326 Insight and Self-Awareness with Tasha Eurich

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We're keeping this blurb here for a while as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 3 Download Hour One Here

We started the show with Cindy in Delaware.  Let me just say that we've been doing this show for nearly seven years.  We've taken a lot of the calls over the years and these types of calls are among the most gratifying.  Cindy is a recent widow, and like so many others, her spouse handled the finances. When he passed away, Cindy was lost, overwhelmed and had no idea what to do.  When we talked to her, you could actually hear the fear and raw emotion in her voice.  By the time we finished the call, what you heard was a huge sigh of relief.  Helping Cindy completely made my day and reminded me that the best part of what I do is helping you guys realize that all is not lost.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

June 3 Download Hour Two Here

In hour two we dipped into the world of self-awareness with Tasha Eurich. Tasha's new book, Insight, aims to find the secret to happiness and success.  As it turns out, self-awareness may be the key ingredient.

As Tasha outlines in the book, self-awareness, knowing who we are and how others see us, is the foundation for high performance, smart choices, and lasting relationships. Without it, it’s impossible to master the skills needed to succeed in business and life.

Here's the thing...most of us know that there are plenty of people around us who are severely lacking in self-awareness.  The problem is we rarely consider whether we, too, could stand to improve on this critical skill. And making matters worse, it's extremely rare to get candid, honest feedback on how we come across, both at work and at home.

It doesn’t have to be that way.  Tasha spells out what it takes to see ourselves more clearly: how to better understand what makes us tick on the inside, how to get others to tell us the honest truth about how they see us, and how to use this insight for greater success, confidence and self-acceptance.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#325 Leadership with Ret Admiral William H. McRaven

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We're keeping this blurb here for the next few weeks as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

May 27 Download Hour One Here

We started the show with Adam in Pennsylvania who had some questions about withdrawal strategies in retirement.  With such a question you'd think Adam was in his 60s but he's not.  He's only 40 and wants to retire right now!  Needless to say the call became very complicated. While I'm not sure Adam liked what I had to say, it's my job to provide you the unvarnished advice that you deserve.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

May 27 Download Hour Two Here

Since it's Memorial Day weekend we thought we'd do something special.  A few weeks back on the Better Off podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Retired Admiral William “Bill” McRaven. 

If Bill’s name sounds familiar, it is likely because he was the leader that presided over the 2011 Navy SEAL raid, which resulted in the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Bill was the man who identified the body when it was flown back to Afghanistan and told President Obama that the U.S. finally had their guy.

A few years later in 2014, the four-star admiral and 37-year Navy SEAL veteran delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns!). Little did McRaven know that his address, which spoke to how students could overcome challenges and change themselves, would become a viral hit with nearly 25 million views online.

In January, 2015 Bill became the Chancellor of the entire University of Texas system and was encouraged to expand his commencement speech into a book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World.

We touch on other subjects during the interview...and for the upteenth time over the past eight years, I sometimes have to pinch myself -- I am so lucky to do what I do…#Gratitude.

One other note related to the holiday weekend...

A few weeks back I was part of a Department of Labor webcast that focused on employment, benefits and financial planning for transitioning service members.  If you, or someone you know may benefit from it, you can find it here.

 Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:
  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#324 Bored in Retirement + Target-date Funds

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We're keeping this blurb here for the next few weeks as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

May 20 Download Hour One Here

We started the show with Elaine in CT, who had a question about rolling over her ESOP plan...not a very common question on the show but a pretty straightforward answer.  Next up was Paul in Atlanta.  He's already retired, finding it kind of boring, and looking to spice things up by buying a local franchise.  He thinks he has the money to do it but wanted to run it by us since it has the potential to be a very risky decision.  It was definitely a question worthy of two segments.

As you've heard me mention, I'm now the Senior Ambassador for the CFP Board.  With that honor comes the opportunity to meet amazing CFPs from around the country.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

May 20 Download Hour Two Here

And that's how I met fellow CFP Board Ambassador Scott Ward, our guest this week in hour two and a senior associate with Johnson + Sterling in Birmingham, Alabama. Scott works with both individuals and plan sponsors, specializing in retirement transition services, investment advisory and portfolio management deliverables and fiduciary compliance services.
As you'll hear, he's also incredibly passionate when it comes to financial literacy, target-date funds and Crimson Tide football!
Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:
  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#323 Broke Millennial with Erin Lowry

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We're keeping this blurb here for the next few weeks as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour One Here

We started the show with Victoria in Baltimore who had a question about one of my favorite topics in the world...annuities! Yet another example of someone trying to sell an insurance product to someone who doesn't need it!! Thankfully, Victoria has a good BS detector.

Our inbox has been slammed, and still is, so we spent the rest of hour one trying to clear it out a bit.  Not quite there but we made a good dent.

It's graduation season so in hour two we thought we'd help out some of these money neophytes as they prepare to enter the real world by chatting with Erin Lowry, author of the new book: Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour Two Here

As Erin says, it’s easy to get freaked out by finances. But you’re not doomed to spend your life drowning in debt or being mystified by money. It’s time to stop scraping by and take control of your money and your life with this savvy and smart guide.
The book doesn’t just cover stuff like credit card debt, investing, and budgeting, it also tackles tricky money matters and situations including:
  • Understanding your relationship with money: do you treat it like a Tinder date or marriage material?
  • Managing student loans without having a full-on panic attack
  • What to do when you’re out with your friends and can’t afford to split the bill evenly
  • How to get “financially naked” with your partner

If you're looking for a gift for the college grad in your life, consider picking up a copy...it could help that person enter the real world on the right path.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#322 One Minute Mentoring

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We're keeping this blurb here for the next few weeks as a reminder that there's a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour One Here

We started the show with Sandy in California who had some questions regarding long term care insurance deductions and then Jim in Atlanta had a fascinating question regarding withdrawal rates in retirement...he specifically wanted to know if the goal is to maintain the principal of the retirement account or to consume it? Probably the first time that question has been asked in the six plus years we've been doing the show.

In hour two we chatted with business and leadership guru Ken Blanchard, author of the new book, One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work With a Mentor--And Why You'll Benefit from Being One.

Ken has been working in this field forever.  He has co-authored 60 books and his works have been translated into over 40 languages and their combined sales total more than 21 million copies. In 2005 he was inducted into Amazon's Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 bestselling authors of all time.  The guys knows his stuff.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour Two Here

In his latest book, Ken and his co-author, Claire Diaz-Ortiz, a former Twitter executive and early employee, combine their knowledge to provide a systematic approach to intergenerational mentoring, giving readers great insight into the power and influence of mentoring and encouraging them to pursue their own mentoring relationships.

Throughout the book, Ken explains why developing effective communication and relationships across generations can be a tremendous opportunity for companies and individuals alike.

The book is sure to become the go-to source for learning why mentoring is the secret ingredient to professional and personal success.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#321 Growth Hacking and YouTube

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We're adopting some growth hacking lessons from author and marketing pro, Sean Ellis (more on him in a bit) and creating a new place for Jill on Money content - YouTube!  Seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes it takes a little outside help (h/t to JOM friend, Joe A!) to recognize the obvious.  So don't freak out.  Going forward, we're going to put all our radio and podcast content on YouTube! It'll be easier for you to navigate and listen to past shows, because everything will be in one place.  Just click any of the links below and you'll be able to listen to this week's show as well as anything else you see that might interest you, including all the Better Off podcast content if you haven't been listening. Let us know what you think by emailing us at askjill@jillonmoney.com.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour One Here

Now to the show.  We started with Roland, who had a question about my favorite topic...annuities!!! His "advisor" has been giving him some advice but Roland isn't quite sure it's in his best interest...hence the call to us.  Next up was James in Atlanta with a rollover question.  A common question indeed that arises when people leave one company for another and have no idea what do to with their old retirement accounts.

On to hour two where we chatted with Sean Ellis, author of the new book, Hacking Growth: How Today's Fastest-Growing Companies Drive Breakout Success.

Look, you may not be a budding entrepreneur, but if you have kids in school I guarantee you some of them will have dreams of going to Silicon Valley and becoming the next tech superstar.  It's the world we now live in.  This is the book for that person.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Download Hour Two Here

Sean is the CEO and cofounder of GrowthHackers.com, the number one online community built for growth hackers, with 1.8 million global users.  From that site comes this book about how companies like Airbnb, Uber, Facebook, LinkedIn and others grew from humble beginnings into the powerhouses they are today.

But how did it happen?  How did Facebook become a site with nearly two BILLION users? As outlined in the book, there was a studied, carefully implemented methodology behind these companies’ extraordinary rise. That methodology is called Growth Hacking, and it’s practitioners include not just today’s hottest start-ups, but also companies like IBM, Walmart, and Microsoft as well as the millions of entrepreneurs, marketers, managers and executives.

It really is fascinating what goes on behind the scenes of the stores and websites we use in our daily lives.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE