Money Girl

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 penny to growing your total net worth.
Key Takeaways:
The "Pay Yourself First" Rule: Why prioritizing 10–15% for retirement is more effective than micro-managing expenses.
Wealth on Autopilot: How to use automation and AI tools to build savings without thinking about it.
Macro vs. Micro: Why tracking your Net Worth is the ultimate metric for financial success.
The Income Shift: Why increasing your earning potential is more powerful than ruthlessly cutting coupons.
Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
Facebook
Newsletter
Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
Facebook
Newsletter
Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

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

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 for the average taxpayer.
Tips for small businesses and the self-employed that make filing taxes easier.
When to consider incorporating your business or staying a sole proprietor.
Who can claim a home office deduction and whether it’s a red flag for the IRS.
How long to keep personal and business tax returns and their backup.
How to get year-round tax support with TurboTax Experts for Business.

Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
Facebook
Newsletter
Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

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

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. While homeowners benefit from equity and appreciation, savvy renters can leverage flexibility and lower upfront costs to out-invest their home-owning peers. Whether you’re tired of "throwing money away" on rent or feeling "house rich and cash poor," this guide provides the clarity you need to make the best move for your bank account.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
4 ways renting can actually make you wealthier (including the "investment gap" advantage).
The hidden costs of homeownership that go far beyond your monthly mortgage payment.
The tax breaks and appreciation benefits that make real estate a powerful long-term play.
How to hedge against inflation with fixed-rate housing costs.
The "5-Year Rule" and other lifestyle factors that should dictate your decision.
Note: This episode originally aired in January 2025.
Have 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-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.
Debt Rules of Thumb: Learn the 30/30/3 rule for housing and the 20/4/10 rule for car buying.
Know Your Ratios: How to calculate your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio like a lender.
Payoff Strategies: Why high-interest debt is "bad" and how to use consolidation or balance transfers to escape it.

Whether you're looking to buy a home or just sleep better at night, learn how to stop being "average" and start building wealth.

Find a transcript on your podcast player.
Have 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-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.