Money Girl

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  How to buy a home when you already own one 02.10.2026 15min

  1056. Should you buy your next home before selling your current one, or is it safer to sell first? How does an existing mortgage impact your ability to qualify for a new loan, and where should your down payment actually come from? Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s questions about navigating the tricky logistics of moving and whether to convert her current house into a rental property.Key TakeawaysYou can source your down payment from savings, home sale proceeds, a pre-arranged home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a short-term bridge loan.Carrying two mortgages at once counts toward a lender’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio for underwriting.If you convert your primary home into a rental property, most lenders allow you to use 75% of rental income (backed by a signed lease) to offset your existing mortgage when qualifying for a new loan.A leaseback agreement allows you to sell your home, receive cash proceeds on closing day, and remain in the home as a tenant for up to 60 days.Holding two properties simultaneously usually requires higher credit scores and cash reserves. Consult a mortgage expert to calculate your exact borrowing limits under different scenarios before placing offers or listing your property on the market.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to accelerate your wealth, with Natasha Madan 30.09.2026 23min

  1055. Host Laura Adams interviews Natasha Madan, CMO and consumer advocate at Credit Karma, about the financial habits of Gen Z, credit myths, and wise ways to use AI tools. You’ll learn practical strategies to optimize your credit, get the best interest rates, and build wealth faster.Key TakeawaysTaking small, consistent actions, such as reducing your credit utilization or consolidating high-interest debt, adds up to slowly improve your finances.Paying bills on time and paying off credit card balances in full every month are ways to build credit without accruing interest charges.Beyond getting loans at lower interest rates, credit scores affect other parts of your finances, like your insurance rates (in most states) and whether you can rent a home or apartment.Always check and optimize your credit months ahead of applying for a major loan (like a mortgage or auto loan) so you can get approved for a competitive interest rate and cut interest.Younger generations, like Gen Z, want to enjoy life and plan wisely for the future, instead of sacrificing too much in the present moment.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  4 safe strategies for a mid-career pivot 25.09.2026 13min

  1054. Are you comfortable in your career but longing for change? Or maybe you want the freedom to move anywhere in the country without taking a financial step backward? Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s question about safe ways to pivot to a new career with a high earning potential and geographic flexibility.Key Takeaways:Break down your existing career expertise into hard skills (core work functions), soft skills (interpersonal abilities), and system skills (software tools and digital platforms) that you can use in a new career.Consider high-demand sectors that exist throughout the US for maximum flexibility, such as healthcare, financial services, insurance, real estate, cybersecurity, and information technology, or fully remote roles.Validate your interest in a new field by conducting informational interviews, shadowing professionals, and taking introductory online coursework before resigning from your current position.Never judge a relocation offer solely on the gross salary figure; always account for the region’s cost-of-living, housing affordability, and state income taxes to understand your net take-home pay.Keep a separate cash cushion outside of your emergency savings to cover upskilling courses, licensing fees, income gaps, and relocation costs.Related Episodes75310251000999Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  7 ways to build wealth before December 31 23.09.2026 14min

  1053. Host Laura Adams walks you through seven ways to lower your taxes, maximize savings, and protect your hard-earned cash before midnight on December 31. Don’t let holiday chaos cause you to miss this critical deadline.Key TakeawaysEmployer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s require employers to deduct contributions from paychecks by December 31.Zero out your flexible spending account (FSA) before year-end or confirm your employer’s specific rules, such as a limited carryover or grace period.If you’ve met your annual health insurance deductible, schedule remaining doctor visits, recommended tests, or prescription fills in December before your coverage limits reset on January 1.Those over 73 must make required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional retirement accounts by December 31 to avoid steep penalties. If you can move certain expenses (such as a mortgage payment or property taxes) into December, they may help you deduct more by itemizing.Check card portals before holiday shopping to activate quarterly bonus categories and redeem annual travel credits or expiring reward points to offset end-of-year expenses. Related Episodes1045916101810449819661043Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to save for a child’s future home 18.09.2026 20min

  1052. Thinking about helping your kids buy a home decades from now? Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s question about the best ways to grow savings. You’ll learn how inflation impacts long-term savings and which growth-oriented accounts offer the best return for long-term goals.Key Takeaways:For long-term goals, low-yield options like CDs carry risk due to inflation. Broad-market index funds (like an S&P 500 fund) offer higher returns that can keep pace with inflation.Opening a standard brokerage account in the parent's name allows money to grow in low-cost index funds without contribution caps or early withdrawal penalties. Parents are in complete control of when, how, or if the money is gifted.UGMA or UTMA accounts allow parents to invest on a child’s behalf, and ownership legally transfers to the child when they reach adulthood.Families with children under 18 can utilize Trump Accounts, which allow up to $5,000 in annual tax-deferred contributions. Plus, those born from 2025 to 2028 are eligible for a $1,000 federal deposit. After age 18, a child’s Trump Account converts to a traditional IRA. It can be converted into a Roth IRA by paying taxes on account earnings, which then allows more options for penalty-free withdrawals.Once a child has earned income, parents can match their earnings in a Roth IRA up to the annual limit ($7,500 in 2026). Contributions can be withdrawn anytime tax- and penalty-free for any use. After five years of account ownership, a Roth IRA allows up to $10,000 of earnings to be used penalty-free (but not tax-free) for a qualified first-time home purchase.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  529 savings vs. prepaid plans–benefits, rules, and strategies 16.09.2026 15min

  1051. Are you worried about the rising cost of college? In celebration of College Savings Month, Laura compares the two main types of education accounts: 529 savings plans and 529 prepaid tuition plans. You’ll learn their key differences and how to choose the right plan.Key TakeawaysBoth 529 savings and prepaid plans offer tax-free account growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified education expenses.529 savings plans invest in market portfolios (like index funds) for higher growth potential, while prepaid plans lock in current tuition rates at state universities to hedge against rising costs.529 savings plans cover tuition, room, board, books, computers, trade schools, and up to $20,000 per year for K–12 tuition. Prepaid plans only cover tuition and mandatory fees at a preset in-state university.Unused funds in a 529 savings account open for at least 15 years can be rolled over tax-free into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary (up to a $35,000 lifetime cap).You can use both accounts to lock in prepaid tuition rates and a savings plan to cover many other qualified education expenses.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Buying a car? 6 steps to avoid costly mistakes 11.09.2026 16min

  1050. Buying a car can feel like a financial landmine. Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s question about buying a car before starting his first job. You’ll learn how to evaluate your current car, set a budget, secure financing, and find a great deal that doesn’t wreck your financial goals!Key Takeaways:Compare a car’s repair bill against months of new car payments and a potentially higher insurance premium before giving up on an older vehicle.To keep transportation costs affordable, follow the 20/4/10 rule to put 20% down, finance for no more than four years, and cap total expenses at 10% of income.Get an auto loan pre-approval before you start car shopping so you have an interest rate benchmark if a dealer offers financing.Request auto insurance quotes for different cars you’re considering so you understand the cost before buying a vehicle.Focus negotiation on a vehicle’s total purchase price rather than the monthly payments, which can be adjusted to include fees or longer loan terms.Leasing a car may make financial sense if you need a lower monthly payment, drive lower annual miles, prefer a new vehicle every few years, and don’t care about building long-term equity.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  5 small habits that build big wealth 09.09.2026 13min

  1049. Think building wealth requires a six-figure salary? Think again. Host Laura Adams breaks down five small, high-impact habits that lead to serious long-term wealth, regardless of your current income. You’ll learn how to turn quiet daily routines into big financial freedom!Key TakeawaysWealth is built on consistency. Setting up automatic transfers to high-yield savings and retirement accounts eliminates the temptation to spend.Taking advantage of tax-advantaged accounts creates opportunities for growth and short- and long-term tax savings.Low-cost index funds combined with dollar-cost averaging offer a proven, stress-free path to long-term market growth.Using the debt avalanche method to target high-interest debt first yields a guaranteed return equal to the interest rate avoided.Income is what comes in; net worth is what stays. Regular updates to a net worth dashboard provide the truest measure of your financial progress.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Inherited money? Ways to share wealth without paying extra taxes 04.09.2026 11min

  1048. Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing financial event, but passing a portion of those funds along to family members comes with a unique set of tax rules. Host Laura Adams breaks down the federal tax consequences of sharing an inheritance. You’ll learn how inherited assets are taxed at receipt, how the federal annual gift tax exclusion works, and smart tax-free strategies to help your loved ones without triggering extra tax paperwork.Key Takeaways:Receiving plain cash or life insurance proceeds does not trigger federal income tax, and you do not need to report it on your federal return. However, a gift giver could owe state tax depending on where they live. As a gift giver, you can exclude up to $19,000 per person per year (or $38,000 if married) without reporting it. Gifts above the exclusion simply require filing IRS Form 709 to count against your $15 million lifetime exemption, meaning almost no one owes actual gift tax.Inheriting property or taxable investments adjusts the asset’s cost basis to its fair market value on the owner's date of death, erasing past appreciation.If you want to pay tuition or medical bills directly for someone else, it does not count toward your $19,000 annual exclusion or require Form 709 reporting.You can superfund a 529 savings plan for someone else and use five years’ worth of annual exclusions at once.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Medicare 101: How to avoid pricey mistakes and choose the right plan 02.09.2026 14min

  1047. Host Laura Adams cuts through the confusion and explains the basics of Medicare for anyone approaching 65 or helping a relative compare options. You’ll learn how parts of Medicare work, which expenses Medicare doesn’t cover, how to fill insurance gaps, avoid lifetime penalties, and the truth about costly Medicare myths.Key Takeaways:Medicare Part A covers hospital and inpatient care (premium-free for most), while Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services for a monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026).Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D into a single plan with network restrictions and out-of-pocket caps, often adding basic dental and vision coverage.Original Medicare doesn't cover long-term care such as assisted living or nursing home stays, or routine dental, vision, and hearing care.Medigap protects against out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and 20% coinsurance left behind by Original Medicare, but it cannot be combined with Medicare Advantage.Missing your Initial Enrollment Period triggers lifetime penalties unless you have active, creditable employer health coverage. Enrollment isn't automatic unless you already receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65. Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Roth IRA vs. Trump Account: Which is better for kids? 28.08.2026 13min

  1046. Did your teenager earn money from a summer or part-time job? Laura answers a listener’s question about two tax-advantaged savings accounts for minors: the Roth IRA and the new Trump Account. You’ll learn how both accounts work and where working teens or their parents should put their hard-earned dollars first.Key Takeaways:Minors can have a custodial Roth IRA when they earn income from W-2 employment or self-employment and contribute up to $7,500 or 100% of earned income, whichever is less.A Section 530A Trump Account can be opened for kids under 18 regardless of whether they earn income, and contributions can total $5,000 annually.A Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.A Trump Account grows tax-deferred, and once the owner turns 18, it becomes a traditional IRA, with distributions taxed (except for contributions that were previously taxed).Parents or relatives do not need to use a minor’s money to fund a Roth IRA; they can match or make an eligible contribution for the minor.After age 18, doing a Roth conversion on an old Trump Account is a wise move to lock in tax-free growth forever.Eligible working minors can max out a Custodial Roth IRA up to their earnings limit and receive up to $5,000 in a Trump Account from family, friends, or employers in the same tax year.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Workplace Roth vs. Roth IRA–what’s the difference? 26.08.2026 18min

  1045. Are you taking full advantage of tax-free retirement growth? While both workplace Roth plans and Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth, they come with vastly different eligibility limits, withdrawal rules, and investment options. Laura breaks down the key Roth differences so you can decide which option is right for you. Key Takeaways:You can contribute up to $24,500 to $32,750 in a workplace Roth for 2026—over triple the $7,500 to $8,600 limit for a Roth IRA, depending on your age.Roth contributions make sense if you believe your income or tax rate will be higher in the future when you can take tax-free withdrawals. High earners who exceed the 2026 Roth IRA MAGI limits can not make full contributions to a Roth IRA. You can withdraw 100% of your original Roth IRA contributions anytime, tax- and penalty-free, but that’s not possible with a workplace Roth. A Roth IRA offers better investment choices and early liquidity compared to a workplace Roth. Workers over 50 and earning over $150,000 in prior-year wages must make any workplace catch-up contributions on a post-tax Roth basis.Most investors should prioritize contributions to a workplace retirement plan to receive 100% of any employer match.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Smart ways to pay less on rising healthcare cost 21.08.2026 22min

  1044. Are rising healthcare costs ruining your budget? Laura answers a listener’s question about how to maximize every tax advantage available for healthcare costs. You’ll learn the rules for deducting them on your tax return or paying them with tax-advantaged savings accounts like HSAs and FSAs. We’ll cover which expenses are tax-free and simple strategies to optimize your healthcare spending.Key Takeaways:You can only claim the medical tax deduction if you itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of claiming the standard deduction on your tax return.You can only deduct unreimbursed healthcare expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), making the medical deduction best for years with high medical bills.Tax-advantaged medical savings accounts are powerful because they allow you to save 20% to 35% on qualified costs without claiming a medical deduction.Health savings account (HSA) balances roll over forever, can be invested for tax-free growth, and can be withdrawn penalty-free for non-medical expenses after age 65 (subject to ordinary income tax).Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are employer-sponsored perks for cutting healthcare costs.You cannot claim an itemized medical deduction on Schedule A for any healthcare expense paid for or reimbursed using pre-tax funds from an HSA, FSA, or HRA.Lawmakers have expanded HSA, FSA, and HRA qualified expenses to cover various over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A beginner’s guide to travel hacking using rewards 19.08.2026 19min

  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: [email protected] 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 12min

  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 [email protected] 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 22min

  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: [email protected] 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 30min

  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: [email protected] 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 9min

  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 [email protected] 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 12min

  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: [email protected] 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 13min

  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: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.