Building Retirement Security: The Power of 401Ks (Episode 32)
Welcome to this special episode of #CreditChatLive, where we explore the transformative power of 401Ks in building long-term financial security. Hosted by Christina Roman, Senior Manager of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, and co-hosted by Jennifer White, this episode features Julie Jason, a renowned expert in investment and financial literacy.
The conversation highlights the 401(k) Champion® Award, a national essay competition that encourages participants to share their experiences with workplace retirement plans. Julie explains how this initiative fosters peer-to-peer mentoring and inspires individuals to explore their 401K options. The application period is open until August 28, 2026, with winners announced on National 401(k) Day, September 11, 2026. Three winners will be recognized as 401(k) Champions®, each receiving a cash award of $1,000.
Julie shares her journey from Wall Street to becoming a champion of financial literacy, emphasizing the importance of 401Ks as a unique investment alternative. She discusses the significance of employer matching, mentorship, and the role of financial education in empowering individuals to take control of their retirement planning.
Whether you’re just starting your career or have been saving for years, this episode offers crucial insights into maximizing your 401K benefits and forming habits that lead to retirement security. Join us as we delve into the nuances of 401K plans and learn how to make informed decisions for your financial future.
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#CreditChat Live is a podcast series hosted by Experian, featuring expert insights on a variety of financial topics, from credit scores to debt management. Join us in our evolution from the decade-long #CreditChat on X, hosted every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. Follow @Experian on X and @ExperianNews on Facebook & TikTok for updates!
Check out the full video episode here!
About Julie Jason
Julie Jason, JD, LLM, is the founder and president of Jackson, Grant Investment Advisers, Inc., a Stamford, Connecticut–based independent fiduciary boutique serving high-net-worth individuals and families. A longtime financial literacy proponent, Jason is the author of multiple books on personal portfolio management and retirement investing, and her syndicated financial column has reached readers for more than two decades. Described by the Institute for Financial Literacy as “the trusted voice of retirement investing,” Jason is the only author in the history of the Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Awards to win Adults’ Book of the Year for four consecutive books, most recently in 2023 for “The Discerning Investor: Personal Portfolio Management in Retirement for Lawyers (and Their Clients),” an American Bar Association publication. She created the 401(k) Champion® Competition as a pro bono initiative of her firm to advance retirement readiness through the voices of everyday 401(k) participants. Learn more at juliejason.com.