Money Girl

Becoming self-employed or leaving a job for any reason doesn't mean you can't get affordable health insurance. Laura covers six tips to find a health plan so you and your family get the coverage you need no matter your employment situation. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twi...

Being your own boss can be rewarding, but missing tax deadlines or paying the wrong amount can lead to expensive penalties. Find out what solopreneurs and small businesses need to know about the self-employment (SE) tax and how to stay compliant. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook a...

No matter if you're a good saver or you get a cash windfall, it's critical to know how to manage your extra money wisely. Use this three-step plan to prioritize your decisions and shore up your financial security. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.q...

You can can have money stress and feel anxious about your financial situation, no matter how much you make. Find out the root causes of money stress and 10 strategies to reduce it so you can have a more peaceful life. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://w...

If you’re a homeowner, it’s wise to stay alert for opportunities to reduce your mortgage payment by refinancing. Find out what a mortgage refinance is, common reasons to consider one, and five ways to know if it’s a good idea for your situation. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook an...

If you're self-employed with financial hardships due to the pandemic, there are various stimulus benefits that can provide relief. Use these ten options to improve your personal and business finances. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtyt...

Considering a no-interest balance transfer offer? Find out how they work and can make paying off high-interest debt easier. Laura covers the pros and cons of balance transfers and whether moving debt multiple times can help or hurt you. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter...

Not sure what to do with a retirement account from an old employer? Laura covers five options for managing your retirement funds when your job ends. Handling your nest egg the right way is critical for preserving what you've worked so hard to save. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook...

Laura interviews Howard Dvorkin from Debt.com about the state of debt in the U.S., tips for consumers and small business owners, how to prioritize payments, and ways to understand the difference between good and bad debt so you can eliminate them faster. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Fa...

In this excerpt from Laura's new book, Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers , you'll get solid tips to earn more using low-risk business-building strategies. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https...

Find out how to make money investing in stocks while limiting your risk—even when you have little experience or money. You’ll learn the pros and cons of stocks and the best ways to own them to build wealth safely. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.q...

If you're struggling with a financial crisis, follow these eight rules to manage money wisely, stretch your resources, and bounce back as quickly as possible. Acting as quickly as possible will help you understand solutions, limit the damage, and feel more hopeful about your future. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates...

Whether schools and colleges open up virtually or in-person in 2020, the cost of education is expensive. Laura explains how to use a 529 savings plan to make your money go further. You'll get tips for choosing the right plan, managing it wisely, and boosting your contributions. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Joi...

Whether leaving a job is cause for tears or celebration, knowing your rights and options for medical benefits is critical. Laura answers questions about how to handle benefits during work transitions and gives tips for getting the most for your money. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Faceb...

Instead of caving to impulse shopping, use these 14 tips and tricks to resist bad spending habits so you can save more money. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/stop-impulse-buying https://www.quick...

A health savings account (HSA) is a wise way to cut taxes and save for the future. This complete guide will help you start an HSA and use it to your financial advantage. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/taxes/202...

There's never been a more important time to protect your health, life, property, and business. Avoid these seven critical insurance slipups to reduce your financial risk during the pandemic. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/mo...

Is FOMO (fear of missing out) causing you to take more risks—financial and otherwise—during the pandemic? Laura interviews Patrick McGinnis, who coined the term, about its root causes and wise ways to manage FOMO. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.q...

If you get COVID-19 or experience another unexpected tragedy, these crucial documents can help you and your family manage money and make essential decisions with more clarity and less stress. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/m...

Get familiar with 15 key IRA rules, including what’s new for 2020 related to coronavirus-related hardships. You’ll feel confident about using this retirement account no matter if you’re employed, self-employed, or unemployed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been thinking about canceling a credit card, it’s critical to understand how it will affect your entire financial life. Laura covers 10 dos and don’ts for when to cancel a credit card that will help you minimize credit damage and improve your finances. Read the transcript. Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows. Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation...

Find out how to get a Paycheck Protection Program loan, document your expenses, and apply for loan forgiveness to keep your business operating despite the coronavirus challenges. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/...

If you're working from home more due to the COVID-19 crisis, you've probably had additional expenses. Laura answers questions about who qualifies for the home office tax deduction and how to claim this valuable tax break. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https...

Laura answers a listener question about using CDs to stash her cash. Find out what a CD or certificate of deposit is, where to find high-yield CDs, and how to use them wisely when they're right for you. Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirt...

Laura reviews eight of the best personal finance tools to make sense of your money, stay organized, and achieve your financial goals. Read the transcript at Read the transcript . Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows . Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/8-best...