Money Girl

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: [email protected] 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.

1014.Feeling uneasy about a potential recession or job loss? In this episode of the Money Girl personal finance podcast, Laura explains how to navigate economic uncertainty using mindful spending. Learn why technical literacy and a rebalanced portfolio are your best defenses against a shaky market.
Laura answers a critical listener question: Should you prioritize paying down high-interest debt or building a larger emergency fund?

Key takeaways for financial security
Strengthen your income: Why a side hustle is the ultimate hedge against unemployment.
Strategic spending: Why delaying real estate or car purchases helps you wait for the 2026 "buying window."
Emergency savings: The rule for keeping cash safe and liquid in a high-yield account.
Debt management: How to prioritize liabilities to reduce financial pressure.
Wealth building: Why market volatility is the best time for investing through dollar-cost averaging.
Stay empowered & secure by recession-proofing your finances today.

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: [email protected] 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.

1013. Laura interviews personal finance powerhouse Farnoosh Torabi to celebrate the upcoming Financial Independence Awareness Day. Farnoosh shares her journey from a cash-strapped journalist to a leading financial educator, offering a candid look at how she turned her "extra" ideas into a multi-book career and the top-rated So Money podcast.

Key Takeaways:
Financial independence is how you define it, such as having savings and security to be selective about how you spend your time.
Look for ways to “recycle” efforts into multiple revenue streams or valuable portfolio pieces.
How a great mentor can help you see your own potential.
Why we shouldn’t discount fear and can use it to make better financial decisions.
Acknowledging that doing work and teaching others how to do it can be a secret to more professional autonomy and success.
Memorable quote: "Money's like a hammer—it's a tool. You can use it to fix things, or you can use it to wreck things."

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: [email protected] 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.

1012. Feeling financially squeezed by the rising cost of homeowners insurance? Laura answers a listener’s question about how to pay less while maintaining coverage required by a lender. Find out how to protect your finances with home insurance without overpaying for it.
We talk about:
Underlying reasons why homeowners premiums are rising, especially in high-risk areas.
Tips for saving by increasing home insurance deductibles.
Comparing the price of bundled coverage to policies with different carriers.
How various home upgrades and technologies can qualify for money-saving discounts.
The role that having good credit plays in reducing your home and auto insurance rates (in most states).
Why proactively shopping and asking about potential homeowners insurance discounts is essential for cutting the cost.
Upcoming Wedding Series This May: 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: [email protected] 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.

1011. While becoming a homeowner seems to get more difficult as home prices, mortgage interest rates, and home insurance premiums continue to rise, it’s essential to know how owning real estate can help you build wealth. Laura covers seven ways buying a home improves your finances. Whether you’re considering becoming a first-time homebuyer or ditching your home to be a renter, understanding some old and new ways that homeownership helps build wealth is essential.
Key Takeaways:
How much richer homeowners are compared to renters.
The two ways homeownership helps you build equity: price appreciation and paying off an amortizing mortgage.
Whether homeownership costs more or less than renting largely depends on your location.
Some costs of homeownership can increase, but buying a home largely protects you from inflation.
Various home-related tax deductions, including a new one, make homeownership more affordable if you itemize on your tax return.
The capital gains tax exclusion is one of the largest tax breaks that qualifying homeowners enjoy when they sell their home.
Upcoming Wedding Series This May: 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: [email protected] 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.