Money Girl

1034. Watching the young adults in your life navigate their first "real" job is an exciting milestone—but it can also be stressful if you notice them carrying credit card debt or skipping out on savings. Laura answers a heartfelt question on this topic with five non-judgmental strategies to guide a young person toward financial success without sounding overbearing.  Key takeaways To help a yo...

1033. Host Laura Adams sits down with family law attorney Cari Rincker to unpack the crucial intersection of love, law, and your wallet. Cari reveals why every couple already has a prenuptial agreement (whether they signed one or not) and discusses legal differences between states for divorce. You’ll learn how to protect your assets, open the lines of communication, and build a secure financial fu...

1032. Do you have extra side hustle income that’s pushing you into a higher tax bracket? In this episode, Laura answers a listener’s question about whether new self-employment earnings mean it's time to switch from a Roth to a traditional 401(k) or IRA. You’ll learn how to use retirement contributions to lower your taxable income today, the fundamental tax differences between these accounts, and h...

1031. Are you curious about hiring a wedding or event planner? Amanda Savory from Amanda Savory Events (ASE), a premier agency in New York City, joins Laura to discuss tips for working with a planner, ways to cut costs, and how to have an unforgettable wedding day.   Find Amanda Savory on Instagram @amandasavoryevents. Key Takeaways A wedding planner should help you clarify your top prio...

1030. If you have federal student loans or plan to use them to finance higher education, you must understand significant upcoming changes to the program. Find out the benefits and downsides of new legislation and how it could affect your finances if you’re a current or future student loan borrower.  Key takeaways Due to the One Big Beautiful Bill, massive changes to federal student loans will...

1029. Does the cost of a summer vacation mean you have to stay home this year? Rising prices for travel, gas, food, and lodging can make a family getaway feel out of reach. But with the right strategies, you can enjoy a memorable summer trip without overspending or going into debt. In this episode, Laura shares practical ways to stretch your travel budget, from choosing affordable destinations clo...

Do you know the difference between good and bad debt? Laura explains why it's a critical concept for saving money, building wealth, and creating more financial security. Plus, she covers a simple 7-step plan for paying off debt fast. Encore Episode: This episode originally aired on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams and is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips Network . Hoste...

1028. Laura answers a listener’s question about investing a lump sum or using a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy. Find out what DCA is and its pros and cons whether you have a little or a lot to invest. Key takeaways Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a simple strategy where you invest a consistent amount at regular intervals. DCA benefits include reducing market risk, needing smaller amounts of c...

749. If you’re worried about a recession or just want to strengthen your finances, Laura covers seven steps to take now to ease the impact of a future hardship.  Encore episode: This episode originally aired in November 2022. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com . Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Ho...

Think you need to make monumental changes to achieve your financial goals? Think again. Money Girl has 8 micro money habits to help you take control of your finances, feel secure, and reach any realistic financial goal you desire. Encore Episode: This episode originally aired in June of 2022. Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. Find Money Girl on Facebook or subscribe to the newsletter for more p...

1027. New graduates can create financial freedom by consistently following a few fundamental money rules. Laura reviews seven tips that can set young adults up for a lifetime of financial success. Expert advice for navigating life after graduation — for new grads and the people cheering them on. From finances and freelancing to nutrition and knowing when to ask for help, find it all in our " Life...

1026. Travel insurance expert, Christina Tunnah of World Nomads, breaks down the benefits of coverage and costly mistakes travelers should avoid. From medical emergencies abroad to unexpected trip interruptions, get insider tips on how to travel and explore the world with less risk and financial stress. Interview topics covered How to choose a travel plan based on your health, belongings you take...

1025. If you’re considering selling a home, you may wonder how it will affect your taxes. Laura answers a listener’s question on this topic and explains how to use a legit, massive tax exclusion that allows many homeowners to skip home sale taxes altogether. Key takeaways Selling an asset, such as a home, for a profit results in capital gains tax, with a rate that depends on your income and how lo...

1024. Are you ready to quit working or to begin a financially independent lifestyle? Laura covers four ways to access your retirement funds without paying a hefty 10% early withdrawal penalty before 59.5.  Key takeaways Using a tax-advantaged retirement account has many benefits, but one downside is typically paying a 10% penalty for withdrawals before age 59.5. The rule of 55 is an IRS rule...

1023. Are you worried about the future cost of education for yourself or a child? Laura reviews ten ways a 529 savings plan supercharges education savings and can even be used for young students, non-traditional coursework, and professional career pivots. Key takeaways Contributions to a 529 plan get taxed upfront, but the account growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. States...

1022. If you were expecting interest rates to drop, rising inflation is making it more likely for them to go up this year. Laura reviews six moves you shouldn’t overlook in a rising-rate environment to make your money work harder for you. Key takeaways When inflation rises, the Fed raises interest rates to slow down spending and demand, eventually causing prices to decrease so spending increases....

1021. Looking for a mortgage but are unsure what’s best for you? Laura answers a question from a listener who’s ready to buy a home but is overwhelmed by mortgage choices. Find out whether a fixed- or adjustable-rate loan, with or without mortgage points, is right for you. Key Takeaways: Fixed-rate mortgages are popular because they lock in a rate, providing financial stability no matter what happ...

1020. Using an AI tool or chatbot to improve your finances can be wise, depending on what you tell it. Laura reviews what you can safely ask a bot and what you should never enter in an AI tool. You’ll learn ten powerful AI prompts you can use to find hidden savings, negotiate your bills, and build more wealth. Key takeaways Since your data can be used without your knowledge, never enter personally...

1019. If you have enough home equity and not enough cash, you may wonder about taking a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Laura answers a listener’s question about whether taking a larger HELOC to pay for an expensive car repair and an upcoming wedding is a good or “horrible” idea.  Key Takeaways: Most lenders require you to maintain at least 20% home equity after tapping it with a HELOC. H...

910. Laura reviews what happens to your assets and debts after your death, depending on your estate, marital status, and home state. This episode originally ran in March of 2025. Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or...

1018. Do you have multiple retirement plans and are unsure how they fit together? Laura answers a listener’s question about having a 403(b) and a 457 plan at work, and a potential second job with a 401(a). Knowing the rules of various retirement plans helps you take full advantage of them and avoid potential mistakes and penalties.  Key takeaways The names of workplace retirement plans come f...

1017. If you think that you must have a cushy job to access a retirement plan, you’re mistaken. There are excellent retirement accounts for the self-employed or those running a small business. Laura reviews the rules, pros, and cons of different retirement plans you might choose based on your income, business size, and financial goals. Key Takeaways: Whether your employer doesn’t offer a retiremen...

1016. Are you concerned about affording the future cost of long-term care (LTC), especially with inflation and rising healthcare costs? Laura answers a listener’s question about buying LTC insurance or investing for retirement. You’ll learn how different LTC products and services work and their pros and cons for those with different budgets and goals. Key takeaways:  Traditional long-term car...

1015.Are you guilty of leaving "orphan" retirement accounts behind at old jobs? In 2026, failing to manage these funds leads to fiscal drag and unnecessary fees. In this episode, Laura shares essential money management tips to help you rescue your old 401(k) or 403(b) and stop leaving money on the table. We cover the 2026 technical shifts you need to know, including the SECURE 2.0 Act "force-out"...

1014.Feeling uneasy about a potential recession or job loss? In this episode of the Money Girl personal finance podcast, Laura explains how to navigate economic uncertainty using mindful spending. Learn why technical literacy and a rebalanced portfolio are your best defenses against a shaky market. Laura answers a critical listener question: Should you prioritize paying down high-interest debt or...