Money Girl

4.6 (1.8K)
INVESTING
UPDATED WEEKLY

Laura Adams provides short and friendly personal finance, small business, real estate, and investing tips to help you live a richer life. Whether you're just starting out or are already a savvy investor, Money Girl's advice will point you in the right direction.

3D AGO

Is My Credit Mistake Permanent? How to Recover from Late Payments & Collections

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 negative items that can appear on your reports, including: Late Payments: The most common mistake and the "7-year rule." Charge-Offs vs. Collections: What happens when a creditor gives up on you. Medical Debt: Why the rules for medical bills are different (and better!) for consumers. Bankruptcies: The difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 reporting. Foreclosures & Settlements: How long they linger and how their impact fades over time. You’ll also learn why your credit score isn’t a "permanent record" and how the diminishing effect of old mistakes allows your score to rebound faster than you think. 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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

16 min
5D AGO

Tax Secrets for Real People, with Hannah Cole

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 humans"—specifically those who feel like the "black sheep" of the business world. They dive into the mindset shifts needed to conquer financial fear and the tangible steps you can take to legally pay less to the IRS. What We Discuss: The Mindset Shift: Why money is "neutral" and how to stop letting "starving artist" stereotypes gatekeep your wealth. The Cost of Confusion: Why a lack of tax literacy costs the average American over $1,000 a year (and much more for entrepreneurs). Self-Employment 101: A breakdown of the 15.3% self-employment tax and why your "boss hat" and "employee hat" both owe a cut. "One Big Beautiful Bill" Updates: How new laws affecting overtime, tips, and the SALT deduction (increased to $40,000) change your 2025/2026 filings. The "Trump Account": What new parents need to know about the $1,000 government contribution for babies born in 2025 and beyond. Deduction Goldmines: From startup expenses you can claim retroactively to the VIN Decoder tool for car loan interest deductions. Tax Calm: Practical "Atomic Habits" to make bookkeeping feel like a peaceful ritual rather than a chore. Find Hannah at SunlightTax.com.

40 min
MAR 6

The Gifting Tax Guide: How to Give Money to Family Tax-Free

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 enjoy it, there are a few "golden rules" you need to know to stay on the right side of the IRS. In this episode, we discuss: The 2026 Limits: Why you can likely give away millions without ever owing a penny in gift tax. The Annual vs. Lifetime Exclusion: How to use the $19,000 annual limit to your advantage. The "Direct Payment" Loophole: How to pay for medical or tuition bills without it counting as a gift. The Inheritance Trap: Why gifting a house or stocks now might actually cost your children more in taxes later than waiting for a "step-up in basis." IRS Form 709: When you actually need to file it (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds). 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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

12 min
MAR 4

1,000 Episodes! 7 Smart Ways to Invest $1,000 in Your Future

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-time listeners and financial experts who have been part of the “Money Girl” journey! 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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

18 min
FEB 27

What Is the Best High-Yield Savings Account?

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 Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

12 min
FEB 25

Is the 4% Rule Dead? 8 Personal Finance Rules of Thumb Explained

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 3 months might not be enough for you. Investing Allocations: Why "100 minus your age" is likely too conservative for 2026. Retirement Readiness: Understanding the "Multiplier of 25" and the 4% withdrawal rule. Don't follow a rule just because it's famous—follow it because it works for your life. 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: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

20 min
FEB 20

Is Your Bank Account at Risk? 10 Dangerous Places to Never Use a Debit Card

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 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-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

13 min
FEB 18

Wallet Audit: 9 Items to Remove Right Now

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 Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

12 min

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Laura Adams

Host

4.6

out of 5

1,833 Ratings

Where’s Laura???

11/19/2024

Rebecca VF

Who is this new lady? She doesn’t even have a name. What’s going on here?
Definitely not non partisan

07/22/2025

Vallelj

Why would you call the recent tax bill “One Big Beautiful Bill” over and over like you have so much glee about this harmful bill? You could have referenced it once with this ridiculous and nonsensical name, and then called it by its neutral legislative name of H.R.1. You also did not outline all of the negative impacts this bill will have. Can’t follow someone who clearly is a MAGA who wants to eat their cake and watch others suffer.
Helped me for years!!!

10/06/2024

Hes1234x

I started listening to this years ago in my earliest jobs and it’s been a companion over the years as life phases and needs have changed. So, so grateful to Laura!
Young and dumb

05/01/2024

j33w3l

I am a 23 year old and finding this my goodness has been a help. Starting from motivating me to take care of my financial responsibilities. Learning about things I DIDNT have a clue about. Thank you so much!!!

Laura Adams provides short and friendly personal finance, small business, real estate, and investing tips to help you live a richer life. Whether you're just starting out or are already a savvy investor, Money Girl's advice will point you in the right direction.