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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4D AGO

Which Mortgage Is Right for You?

1021. Looking for a mortgage but are unsure what’s best for you? Laura answers a question from a listener who’s ready to buy a home but is overwhelmed by mortgage choices. Find out whether a fixed- or adjustable-rate loan, with or without mortgage points, is right for you. Key Takeaways: Fixed-rate mortgages are popular because they lock in a rate, providing financial stability no matter what happens in the economy.Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can be good when interest rates are high, you don’t expect to own your home for the long term, or you can pay it off early.Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage because they’re backed by federal agencies, reducing risk for lenders.Jumbo loans are high mortgage amounts that aren’t federally-backed and typically require stricter qualifying criteria by lenders.There are various loans backed by the federal government, including FHA, VA, and USDA products, that come with lenient underwriting standards, making homeownership more affordable.Buying mortgage points allows you to get a lower interest rate, which saves money if you own the property past the breakeven point.Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

17 min
6D AGO

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Chatbots and AI Money Tools

1020. Using an AI tool or chatbot to improve your finances can be wise, depending on what you tell it. Laura reviews what you can safely ask a bot and what you should never enter in an AI tool. You’ll learn ten powerful AI prompts you can use to find hidden savings, negotiate your bills, and build more wealth. Key takeaways Since your data can be used without your knowledge, never enter personally identifiable information in an AI tool or chatbot, such as your Social Security number, account numbers, logins, or legal information.Use AI to help with financial education and tasks like negotiating bills, building credit, and preparing for taxes.AI can play devil’s advocate to explain the downside of a financial decision or list the pros and cons, improving your overall knowledge and logic.Don’t assume the answer you get from a chatbot is correct–ask it to show its logic and resources so you can double check it. For any significant financial decisions, it’s best to work with a financial professional for the best advice.Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

13 min
MAY 15

Is a HELOC Worth the Risk?

1019. If you have enough home equity and not enough cash, you may wonder about taking a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Laura answers a listener’s question about whether taking a larger HELOC to pay for an expensive car repair and an upcoming wedding is a good or “horrible” idea. Key Takeaways: Most lenders require you to maintain at least 20% home equity after tapping it with a HELOC.HELOC borrowers must also have enough income, a suitable debt-to-income ratio, and sufficient credit scores to qualify.Getting a HELOC gives you more flexibility and lower interest rates than other financing options, such as a credit card.If you use HELOC funds to buy, build, or remodel a home, interest paid on a limited amount of debt is tax-deductible.Primary HELOC downsides include paying variable interest, reducing your home equity, and risking foreclosure if you’re unable to repay it.Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

15 min
MAY 13

What Happens to Your Money After You Die? (Reissue)

910. Laura reviews what happens to your assets and debts after your death, depending on your estate, marital status, and home state. This episode originally ran in March of 2025. Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

12 min
MAY 8

Beyond a 401(k)--Understanding a 403(b), 457, and 401(a)

1018. Do you have multiple retirement plans and are unsure how they fit together? Laura answers a listener’s question about having a 403(b) and a 457 plan at work, and a potential second job with a 401(a). Knowing the rules of various retirement plans helps you take full advantage of them and avoid potential mistakes and penalties. Key takeaways The names of workplace retirement plans come from the sections of the Internal Revenue Code that govern them. Plans from different sections of the tax code operate independently, allowing you to double or triple-dip maximum contributions.Plans from the same section of the tax code, such as a 401(k) and a 403(b), are subject to one shared annual contribution limit.A 403(b) can be offered by public schools, hospitals, and non-profits; it allows an extra catch-up contribution for long-term employees.A 457 plan has different types of accounts, but the governmental 457(b) is the most common. It allows an extra catch-up contribution and no early withdrawal penalties.A 401(a) is typically offered by government agencies, schools, and non-profits. It usually has mandatory participation and a high annual contribution limit. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

17 min
MAY 6

Best Retirement Plans for Self-Employed & Small Business Owners

1017. If you think that you must have a cushy job to access a retirement plan, you’re mistaken. There are excellent retirement accounts for the self-employed or those running a small business. Laura reviews the rules, pros, and cons of different retirement plans you might choose based on your income, business size, and financial goals. Key Takeaways: Whether your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan or you’re self-employed, you can save for retirement using one or more tax-advantaged accounts.Anyone with earned income qualifies for a traditional IRA, making it an excellent option for investing on a pre-tax basis.If you have earned income that’s less than an annual threshold, you qualify for a Roth IRA, which gives you tax-free income in retirement.If you have income from a business with no employees, other than a spouse, you qualify for a solo 401(k), which offers the highest contribution limits.If you have income from a business with or without employees, you qualify for a SEP-IRA. Upcoming Wedding Series: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts 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.

17 min
MAY 1

Should You Stop Retirement Investing to Pay for Long-Term Care?

1016. Are you concerned about affording the future cost of long-term care (LTC), especially with inflation and rising healthcare costs? Laura answers a listener’s question about buying LTC insurance or investing for retirement. You’ll learn how different LTC products and services work and their pros and cons for those with different budgets and goals. Key takeaways: Traditional long-term care insurance is best for people in relatively good health with sufficient assets and retirement savings to protect, but you don’t get payments back if you never need covered care.Various hybrid products, such as life insurance and annuities, can include LTC benefits and accrue value you can pass to your heirs, but at a higher cost than traditional LTC insurance.Using personal savings or home equity may be an option to pay for LTC if you have a high net worth and are comfortable self-insuring.Medicaid is the largest single payer of nursing home care in the U.S. for those with low assets, such as a net worth below $2,000, or other eligibility requirements.Veterans may be eligible for specific LTC benefits that provide a monthly stipend for care at home or in a facility. Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308 with your question or comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
APR 29

Is Your Old Boss Holding Your Money? 2026 Retirement Rollover Rules

1015.Are you guilty of leaving "orphan" retirement accounts behind at old jobs? In 2026, failing to manage these funds leads to fiscal drag and unnecessary fees. In this episode, Laura shares essential money management tips to help you rescue your old 401(k) or 403(b) and stop leaving money on the table. We cover the 2026 technical shifts you need to know, including the SECURE 2.0 Act "force-out" rules and how to practice financial gymnastics to keep your investments growing tax-free. Whether you’re moving to a new employer or joining the creator economy with a side hustle, you’ll learn the four best options for your old accounts—and the $30,000 mistake you must avoid. Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast hosted by Laura Adams. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 min

See All (1.1K)

Laura Adams

Host
Farnoosh Torabi

Guest
Lisa Greene-Lewis

Guest

4.6

out of 5

1,832 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.