Money Girl

1013. Laura interviews personal finance powerhouse Farnoosh Torabi to celebrate the upcoming Financial Independence Awareness Day. Farnoosh shares her journey from a cash-strapped journalist to a leading financial educator, offering a candid look at how she turned her "extra" ideas into a multi-book career and the top-rated So Money podcast. Key Takeaways: Financial independence is how you define...

1012. Feeling financially squeezed by the rising cost of homeowners insurance? Laura answers a listener’s question about how to pay less while maintaining coverage required by a lender. Find out how to protect your finances with home insurance without overpaying for it. We talk about: Underlying reasons why homeowners premiums are rising, especially in high-risk areas. Tips for saving by increasin...

1011. While becoming a homeowner seems to get more difficult as home prices, mortgage interest rates, and home insurance premiums continue to rise, it’s essential to know how owning real estate can help you build wealth. Laura covers seven ways buying a home improves your finances. Whether you’re considering becoming a first-time homebuyer or ditching your home to be a renter, understanding some o...

1010. Are you feeling "car poor" or trapped in an auto loan that costs more than your vehicle is worth? In this Finance Friday episode, Laura answers a listener's question about how to navigate an unaffordable car loan when you’re upside-down (negative equity) . If you are looking to lower your monthly payments or are debating between a car lease vs. buying your next vehicle, you’ll learn the pros...

1009. Only 37% of Americans follow a formal budget—so if you hate spreadsheets, you’re in the majority. Whether you’re dealing with budget burnout, irregular income, or "vibes-based" spending, you can still reach your financial goals. In this episode, Laura breaks down how to manage money effectively without the restriction of a traditional budget. Learn how to shift your focus from tracking every...

1008. Thinking about raiding your retirement to fund a down payment? In this episode of Money Girl, Laura answers a question from Wendy, who’s considering taking a 401(k) loan to buy a home with 20% down. Learn the rules for using a retirement plan loan, its pros and cons, and alternatives for buying a home without borrowing from your retirement. Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast , host...

In this episode, Laura sits down with Lisa Greene-Lewis . She’s a TurboTax expert and CPA with over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and helping filers save money. Lisa’s also worked as a public auditor, controller, and been self-employed, so she understands common mistakes to avoid and tips for legally paying less tax. What We Discuss: New rules that reduce taxes and increase tax refunds...

Is homeownership still the "American Dream," or is it becoming a financial burden? With 81% of renters aspiring to own but 61% fearing they never will, the gap between renting and owning has never felt wider. However, the truth is that both paths can lead to significant wealth if you play your cards right. In this episode of Money Girl, Laura breaks down the persistent rent-versus-own debate. Whil...

With U.S. consumer debt hitting a record $18.8 trillion, it’s time to see how your balances measure up. In this episode, Laura breaks down average debt by age group and type—from Gen Z’s $35k average to Gen X’s $158k peak—to help you determine if your debt is "healthy" or a hurdle to retirement. Key Takeaways: The Big 4: Current averages for mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and credit cards....

1005. Is your company "returning" your retirement savings? In this episode, Laura answers a listener question from Jay P., who is frustrated that his contributions keep getting bounced back as taxable income. If you’re a high earner or a diligent saver, nothing is more frustrating than seeing your hard-earned 401(k) contributions returned to your checking account. But why does the IRS penalize you...

1004. This week, Laura explains how to identify and fix overcontributions to your 401(k), IRA, and HSA. You’ll learn the specific deadlines for 2026 to remove excess funds penalty-free and how to handle the tricky tax paperwork that follows. In This Episode: The Cost of Mistakes: Why IRAs and HSAs carry a 6% annual penalty for excess funds, and how 401(k) errors can lead to double taxation. 2026 C...

1003. Is one missed payment going to haunt your mortgage application forever? On this Finance Friday, host Laura answers a listener's question about a recent late payment and the fear that it might ruin their chances of buying a home. If you’ve ever seen your credit score plummet due to a mistake, this episode is for you. Laura breaks down the "lifespan" of credit damage and reviews seven specific...

1002. Taxes don’t have to be a source of shame or a "black box" of confusion. Whether you’re a lifelong artist, a side-hustler, or a traditional employee, understanding the tax code is the ultimate power move for your bank account. In this episode, Laura sits down with Hannah Cole, an Enrolled Agent, working artist, and founder of Sunlight Tax. Hannah specializes in bringing "tax literacy to the h...

1001. On this Finance Friday, I’m clearing up the massive confusion surrounding "gift taxes." Many people are terrified to help their loved ones because they fear a surprise tax bill, but the reality is that the thresholds are much higher than you think. Whether you're helping with a down payment, paying for a grandchild’s tuition, or simply sharing your wealth while you're around to see them enjo...

1000. We made it to 1,000! To celebrate this massive milestone, Laura Adams is sticking with the "1,000" theme to help you make the most of your next windfall. Whether it’s a tax refund or a work bonus, discover seven high-impact ways to manage an extra $1,000—from building a bulletproof emergency fund to the power of a Roth IRA. Plus, stay tuned for special guest appearances and tips from long-ti...

999.  Laura reviews what you should know about using a high-yield savings account (HYSA) and six tips for choosing the best one. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and...

998. How much do you really need to retire? Should you always buy term life insurance? In episode 998, Money Girl Laura Adams audits 8 popular financial rules of thumb to see if they hold up in today’s economy. What you’ll learn: The Rule of 72: How to calculate when your money will double. The DIME Method: A smarter way to calculate life insurance than "10x your income." Emergency Fund Math: Why...

997. A single swipe could drain your checking account. Laura Adams reveals 10 dangerous situations where using a debit card exposes you to unlimited liability and how to protect your hard-earned cash from cybercriminals and skimmers. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and T...

996. This week, Laura reviews nine things you should never carry in your wallet to protect your identity and finances.  Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Ti...

995. Laura explains how to protect your expensive jewelry or any new Valentine’s Day bling you received. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips . Links: htt...

904. Laura reviews strategies to resist impulsive spending so you can save more money and achieve your financial goals faster. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and D...

836. Laura answers a listener’s question about whether to invest extra money or use it to pay down a mortgage for the best long-term benefits. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a par...

994. This week, Laura reviews updated rules for using a spousal IRA, who can use one, and how they help keep your own retirement account growing. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a...

993. Laura answers a listener's question about stopping retirement contributions to get out of debt faster. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips . Links:...

992.  This week, Laura reviews how being a homeowner in 2026 allows you to build wealth despite affordability challenges. Find a transcript here.  Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308. Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips. Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty...