Money Girl

Episode

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  A beginner’s guide to travel hacking using rewards 19.08.2026 19mnt

  1043. Dreaming of your next getaway, but need to do it on a budget? Laura demystifies the world of “travel hacking” for complete beginners. You’ll learn how to leverage everyday spending to earn valuable reward points, maximize their redemption value for free travel, and strategically use credit cards without hurting your credit scores or accumulating debt. This is your secret weapon to travel more for a fraction of the cost.Key Takeaways:Travel hacking isn’t about buying things you don't need, but routing daily bills, groceries, and gas through rewards cards to earn a "rebate" on your regular budget.High interest rates on rewards cards can wipe out the value of any points earned.  If you carry a balance, travel hacking doesn't work.Various bank currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles are transferrable, giving you freedom.Instead of shopping directly on a retailer's site, use a shopping portal that allows you to stack rewards on top of card points.Redeeming points for cash back or merchandise usually yields less than 1 cent per point, which gives you a low value.Transferring points directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs, especially during bonus promotions, can boost their value significantly.Once you have bank cards with flexible rewards, add specific airline or hotel cards (like Hyatt or Delta) to unlock status, free checked bags, and annual free-night certificates.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  8 money rules for happy couples 15.08.2026 12mnt

  On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in November, 2024.Laura reviews money rules for couples who want to avoid common pitfalls and have a healthy financial life.Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 302-365-0308.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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDThttps://lauradadams.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should my first home be an investment property? (Reissue) 14.08.2026 22mnt

  941. Should you buy a rental property before your first home? Laura answers a listener's question about the pros and cons of 'house hacking' as an investment strategy — including how much you really need to save, what lenders require for investment properties, and whether becoming a landlord first is actually a smart path to building wealth. Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookMoney Girl NewsletterThe Money Stack NewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Take control of your money, with Intuit’s Mark Notarainni 12.08.2026 30mnt

  1042. Laura Adams interviews Mark Notarainni, an 18-year veteran at Intuit, to explore how integrated platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing personal finance. Find out how combining tax data, credit histories, and everyday spending can help you take control of your financial life.Key Takeaways:Connecting your tax, credit, and spending data into a single ecosystem gives you a complete picture of your financial health and can improve decision-making.Credit Spark allows you to build credit history through routine payments, such as utility and cell phone bills, that typically don’t get added to your credit reports.Using a tool like Card Optimizer can help you identify and claim credit card perks, such as cash back and travel rewards. Don't wait until January or April to think about your taxes. Mid-year is the perfect time to audit your bookkeeping, organize expenses, and avoid costly year-end tax surprises.Use AI as an assistant to synthesize complex financial data, find savings opportunities, and present actionable choices, but you should always maintain control over your money decisions.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookMoney Girl NewsletterThe Money Stack NewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  8 ways to spend money for a happier life 08.08.2026 9mnt

  On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in July 2025.Laura provides tips for using money as a tool for getting more joy from life.Transcript: https://money-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/8-ways-to-spend-money-for-a-happier-life/transcriptHave 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:https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should I pay off a low-rate mortgage or invest? 07.08.2026 12mnt

  1041. If you have extra cash, should you pay off a low-interest mortgage or invest it? Laura answers a listener’s question about balancing financial math with the emotional peace of mind that comes from being mortgage-free.Key Takeaways:Paying off a debt yields a guaranteed return equal to your loan’s interest rate.Make sure you have a healthy emergency fund before making extra debt payments.Consistently investing 10% to 15% of your income for retirement and capturing any employer matching should take priority over prepaying a low-interest debt.Eliminate high-interest debt, like credit cards, as soon as possible. Low-interest, tax-deductible debt, such as a mortgage should be your lowest payoff priority.Younger investors benefit from decades of compounding market returns, while pre-retirees should focus on preserving wealth and reducing living expenses.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Canceling credit cards–smart move or credit mistake? 05.08.2026 13mnt

  1040. Laura explains the hidden risks of canceling credit card accounts. You’ll learn how credit utilization works, when closing an account is and isn’t worth it, and how to protect your credit if you do decide to close a credit card.  Key takeaways:Closing a credit card shrinks your available credit, which causes your credit utilization ratio to spike, resulting in an immediate reduction in your credit scores.Canceling a card you’ve owned for a while lowers your average age of credit, which can lower your scores. Before canceling a high-fee card, consider applying for a replacement so you maintain your total available credit and won’t see your credit scores go down.If you don’t want a card or its annual fee outweighs the perks, closing it can be worth a temporary credit score dip–unless you plan to make a significant purchase, like a car or home, within the next six months.If you’re not disciplined with credit cards, closing them can be worthwhile to prevent overspending and future financial problems.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookMoney Girl NewsletterThe Money Stack NewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A 7-point mid-year checklist for money success 01.08.2026 16mnt

  On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in July 2024.Take stock of your finances with Laura’s mid-year checklist for more money success.Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at QuickandDirtyTips.comHave a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 302-365-0308.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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDThttps://twitter.com/LauraAdamshttps://lauradadams.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should I consolidate old retirement plans? 31.07.2026 20mnt

  1039. Laura answers a listener’s question about managing multiple 401(k)s with her current and previous employers. Find out the pros and cons of holding old retirement plans, how to streamline your strategy, and simultaneously reach other financial goals, like homeownership.Key takeawaysConsolidating old retirement plans into one low-cost IRA or your current employer’s plan simplifies your asset allocation and protects your retirement growth from redundant account fees.Always request a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover when moving funds between retirement accounts to eliminate the risk of missing the strict 60-day deadline.Workplace retirement plans offer federal protection against creditors with no dollar limit. IRAs are protected by state-specific laws, making plan-to-plan rollovers an attractive choice for those prioritizing maximum creditor protection. First-time homebuyers can withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free (but not tax-free) from an IRA ($20,000 for qualifying married couples) for a primary residence.Early retirement withdrawals for a home down payment should generally be secondary to building a dedicated home down payment savings fund.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookMoney Girl NewsletterThe Money Stack NewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  9 things to know about buying your first home 29.07.2026 18mnt

  1038. Are you thinking about buying your first home but feeling overwhelmed by interest rates, upfront costs, and hiring a real estate agent? Host Laura Adams walks you through 9 tips every first-time homebuyer must know to protect their finances and land the right deal.Key Takeaways:How subtle changes in your credit score can save (or cost) you tens of thousands in today's rate environment.Most mortgage underwriters look for a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 45% to 50%, which includes your existing debts plus the new estimated housing payment.Hidden homeownership expenses—from surging insurance premiums to HOA fees.You should budget 2% to 5% extra for closing costs beyond your down payment to cover loan origination, appraisals, taxes, insurance reserves, and title fees.Why you need an additional 5% of a home’s purchase price saved on top of your down payment.A prequalification provides a loose baseline for house hunting, but you need a verified preapproval before making official offers on properties.Contract contingencies, such as financing, appraisal, and home inspections, safeguard your earnest money deposit if unmanageable structural defects arise.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  5 ways to help your kids become rich 25.07.2026 16mnt

  On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in June 2022.Find out five ways to save and invest for your child's future and how it should fit into your big financial picture.Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at Simplecast.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:https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDThttps://lauradadams.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  8 things to know about investing in a brokerage account (Reissue) 24.07.2026 19mnt

  795. Laura answers a listener question about how to invest in a brokerage account, including the rules you need to know and the best strategy for diversification.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The wedding series: navigating love, risk, and money, with James Sexton 22.07.2026 32mnt

  1037. What actually happens legally and financially when you say "I do"? Laura Adams interviews veteran New York City divorce trial lawyer Jim Sexton about the often misunderstood world of matrimonial law. Whether you are happily single, engaged, or decades into a marriage, Jim’s advice will completely change how you view love, risk, and asset management.Key takeaways:Be aware that if you don't create your own prenuptial agreement, the state’s default laws will apply at the time of a divorce.Keeping a baseline of financial privacy and separate funds alongside a joint account can clarify your intentions in a divorce. When dating, pay attention to someone’s risk tolerance so you understand how they feel about debt, gambling, or anything that could stress a family.Even in the most trustworthy relationships, completely relying on a spouse to manage money is dangerous because an unexpected crisis could arise.The secret to successful long-term relationships isn't flashy; it’s a series of small, consistent habits like regular check-ins, communication, and proactive financial transparency that prevent misery before it starts.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Dealing with debt: expert tips for using a balance transfer credit card 18.07.2026 25mnt

  Summer Saturdays: Best of QDT Encore Episode: This episode originally aired in June 2022.733. Ever wonder if using a balance transfer credit card could help you get out of debt faster? Laura interviews Mary Gameng, MBA and Credit Card Specialist with Citizens, and answers a listener question. Here are a few topics Mary and Laura talk about on this week's show:How many Americans have credit card debt and how much.Steps to create a debt pay-off plan.Ways using a balance transfer card can improve your finances.How card issuers evaluate you when applying for a transfer card.Whether using a transfer card can hurt your credit.Shopping tips for finding the best balance transfer card offer.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Will Social Security be there for you? 17.07.2026 15mnt

  1036. Is Social Security in trouble, or is it just a lot of political noise? Laura answers a listener’s question about what the changes to the retirement fund mean for your financial future. You’ll learn the new tax caps that employees and the self-employed must pay and how to protect your retirement safety net.Key takeawaysAccording to the latest 2026 Trustees Report, the Social Security retirement fund is now projected to face a shortfall by 2032, sooner than previous estimates.The Social Security wage base has increased to $184,500 for 2026. High earners will pay a maximum of $11,439 as employees, while the self-employed face a maximum cap of $22,878.Retirement benefits for Social Security participants are based on your highest 35 years of earnings.While you can claim benefits as early as age 62, doing so permanently reduces your benefits by about 30%. Delaying benefits past your Full Retirement Age (FRA) pays 8% more per year until age 70.Social Security benefits may be taxable if your "combined income" (AGI + tax-exempt interest + 50% of benefits) exceeds modest thresholds.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The wedding series: plan your big day on an hourly budget 15.07.2026 26mnt

  1035. Host Laura Adams sits down with Plannie founder Annie Lee to expose the most common financial pitfalls couples make. Annie breaks down the "macro approach" to wedding design, explaining how to test-drive a planner and focus your budget for a luxury feel at a fraction of the cost. Key takeaways:Why overinvesting in a wedding venue is the most common budget mistake.How to focus on event expenses that are impactful and instantly set the mood for guests.Why locking in the lowest number of guests on catering and venue contracts is wise.Leave a buffer in your budget for overlooked expenses, such as administrative fees, taxes, and tips, which can drive your final bill up by 30%.How Plannie’s hourly expert consultants can help tackle budget creation, contract reviews, day-of timeline coordination, and much more.Working with a Plannie consultant on one or two small hourly assignments (like a venue search or budget review) to test their communication, speed, and compatibility is wise before making a full commitment to work together.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to guide Gen Z to financial success 10.07.2026 13mnt

  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 takeawaysTo help a young adult improve their personal finances, trade lectures for personal storytelling, like sharing your money blunders.Ensure a first-time Gen Z earner understands that paying only the minimum on high-interest debt is a trap that escalates the cost of original purchases.Frame credit cards as sophisticated financial tools with excellent benefits that need to be handled carefully, such as with automated payments to avoid interest.Investing when you’re young allows you to build wealth for less out-of-pocket than waiting until you earn more. Not maximizing an employer’s retirement match is like turning down a salary raise for no extra work.Ask open-ended questions about a young adult’s lifestyle goals, workplace benefits, and day-to-day spending shocks rather than telling them how to budget.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The wedding series: How to avoid money mistakes in marriage 08.07.2026 25mnt

  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 future together.Key TakeawaysWhy your state’s default divorce laws may not be the prenuptial agreement you want in force if you break up.Start the prenup process at least three months before your wedding to ensure ample time for financial disclosures and any tough conversations.In states with equitable division (like Illinois and New York), assets are divided in divorce based on factors the courts use to determine what’s “fair.”In community property states (like California and Arizona), there is a more straightforward split of assets and liabilities than in equitable states.The laws of the state where you actually file for the dissolution of the marriage are what will apply, not where you got married.Be sure you have access to your household’s financial records, including tax returns, bank statements, and online account logins.To save on the steep emotional and financial costs of a divorce or asset negotiation, couples should avoid fighting over minor details and instead focus their energy on their highest-priority issues.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) – Best strategy for side hustlers 03.07.2026 17mnt

  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 how to choose the best strategy for your small business income. Key takeawaysTraditional retirement accounts allow tax-deductible contributions, but withdrawals in retirement are fully taxed.Roth retirement accounts don’t have an upfront tax benefit, but allow your investment growth and future retirement withdrawals to be entirely tax-free.Choosing between a traditional and Roth account depends on guessing about your future tax rate, but could also be a preference for having taxable or tax-free income in retirement. If you believe your tax rate is lower today than it will be in retirement, choose a Roth. If your income increases so that your current tax rate is higher today than you expect in the future, choose a traditional retirement account. Using a hybrid approach and splitting retirement investments between traditional and Roth in the same year can be wise.When you have self-employment income, you qualify for small business plans, such as a solo 401(k) or a SEP-IRA.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The wedding series: business and budget behind the big day 01.07.2026 32mnt

  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 TakeawaysA wedding planner should help you clarify your top priority, such as food, music, or location, and create a realistic budget to achieve it.Taxes and gratuities are a couple of expenses that are easy to forget, but that an event planner should automatically incorporate into a budget.A destination wedding could save money, but the number of attendees is likely the primary factor that affects the cost.Modern weddings can mean splitting the cost between the couple and their families in any way that makes them comfortable. Working with a wedding planner is an investment; however, their experience can save time, prevent mistakes, and help you spend your budget efficiently.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.