Money Girl

Reforms in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act begin in 2018 and affect virtually every U.S. taxpayer. Find out which changes shake up your personal finances the most so you can prepare, avoid potential pitfalls, and keep your tax liability as low as possible. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/taxes/tax-reform-law-2018-ways-it-affects-your-personal-finances Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're frustrated by student loans it's time to get familiar with your options. Find out the difference between a student loan refinance and a consolidation, who can use them, and how to make your education debt more manageable and affordable. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/loans/should-you-refinance-or-consolidate-your-student-loans Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to kick-off the New Year with a solid money strategy for success! Follow these 5 action steps to create a plan that allows you to have more control, peace, and a better financial future. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/steps-to-create-money-strategy-2018 Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you need quick ways to cut expenses ahead of the holidays or just want to save more for retirement (or other financial goals), there are plenty of ways to put money back in your bank account. Laura covers 10 of the best ways to cut your bills and save more money now. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/best-ways-to-lower-your-bills-now Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the year is always a busy time with holiday preparations and celebrations--but it's also a critical deadline for your personal finances and last-minute opportunities to save money. Due to pending tax reform, making smart tax moves may be even more important this year. Laura reviews five ways to save money based on the current tax law and what’s proposed for the future. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/taxes/tax-reform-tips-to-save-money-now Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with a romantic partner is a big step emotionally, legally, and financially. Find out how to set important expectations and avoid 4 common financial mistakes that could trip up your relationship. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/financial-mistakes-couples-make-moving-in-together Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you frustrated because your credit score dropped suddenly for no apparent reason? Laura answers a listener question and covers 5 lesser-known reasons why credit scores can drop unexpectedly. These tips will help you raise your credit score as quickly as possible. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2djn5i1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready for a life change like quitting your job to pursue a new career, starting your own business, or going back to school? Making a jump is both exciting and risky. Find out what financial steps you should take before leaving a comfortable work situation to follow your passion. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/changing-career-financially-prepared Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A simple explanation on the differences between buying and leasing a car, and 6 Money Girl tips to know which option is best for you. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/loans/buying-vs-leasing-a-car Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out this bonus episode from our new podcast, When to Jump! Learn more at www.whentojump.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're ready to buy a home you'll need enough down payment money to qualify for a mortgage. Find out how much you need, 6 tips to save faster, and the best places to stash cash for your new home. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/29Lbovm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want a raise or promotion, but don't know where to start? Learn how to negotiate and get what you want, even if the answer is no! Find out how to make requests part of your work mindset, properly prepare for reviews, and use 5 steps to negotiate effectively. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/how-to-negotiate-for-more-money Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't get confused about where to invest your extra cash. Laura answers a listener question and gives tips for the different types of accounts you can use to put away additional money when you’re a good saver, get a raise, or receive an unexpected cash windfall. No matter how much or how little extra savings you have, find out the right way to prioritize it. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/where-to-invest-after-maxing-out-retirement-account Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura reviews 4 easy ways to invest in stocks with little money or experience and answers a podcast listener's question. You'll learn a simple strategy to invest confidently and wisely so you build plenty of wealth for the future. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/investing/how-to-invest-in-stocks-with-little-money-or-experience Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or confused about a big financial decision? Most of us waffle about whether we should or shouldn’t spend money or make key financial moves. In this post, Laura gives a simple framework to stay disciplined and make better money decisions in less time, with a lot more clarity and confidence. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2hZIda9 Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data hacks can leave you vulnerable to cybercriminals. Laura covers 8 warning signs to watch out for and how to fight back if you become a victim. Plus, she answers a variety of questions from readers and podcast listeners about topics including protecting kids’ credit, signing up for credit monitoring, and placing security alerts on your credit files. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/node/11926 Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cybercriminals hacked Equifax and took the personal information of 143 million Americans, about half of the U.S. adult population. If you have a credit report, there’s a good chance your personal information was exposed. Laura explains what happened and 5 steps you should take now to protect your financial life. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/node/11876 Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natural disasters happen no matter where you live. Laura explains how to be properly insured, get a fair claim settlement, apply for federal assistance, work with contractors, and avoid scams. You'll learn how prepare for and deal with any type of natural disaster so you ’re in the best position to save yourself and your finances. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taxes probably aren't your favorite topic, but the more you understand about them, the more money you can save by legally cutting your tax bill. Laura answers seven tax-related questions about working remotely, living abroad as an expat, and doing freelance work. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever wondered if you should invest in precious metals, it's time to get more information. Laura answers a listener question about owning gold in light of the political climate. She'll explain why investors choose gold, how to buy it, and what amount might be right for your portfolio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claiming the home office deduction is a smart way to make certain expenses fully or partially deductible. But there are strict rules to qualify. Find out who can claim the often-overlooked home office deduction, which expenses are deductible, and how to figure out the amount you can deduct. Maxing out legal tax breaks helps you keep more of your money so you reach your financial goals faster. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura interviews a Social Security expert about how the program works and what you need to know even if you're nowhere near retirement age. They discuss who's eligible for benefits, pros and cons of taking early retirement, how to avoid expensive Social Security mistakes, and the future of the program. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retirement accounts can be the best way to secure your future--but the rules can be confusing. Laura answers four IRA questions about who's eligible, the rules for doing rollovers, and tips to retire early. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura answers questions about how to build credit, manage credit utilization, correct credit errors, handle past due accounts, and prioritize debt the best way possible. Read or listen to the audio podcast for key tips to maintain good credit for life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money Girl interviews a 529 college savings plan expert on how to fund higher education for yourself, a child, or grandchild without going broke. Learn how to choose the right 529 plan and use it wisely, how much to save, what the funds can be used for, and the tax benefits that make these special accounts the perfect way to save for college. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five important traits to look for when choosing a life partner (plus many to avoid) so you're more likely to have a happy and successful financial life together. Read the full podcast here: http://bit.ly/1F40uGs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have concerns or unanswered questions about investing for retirement that have kept you from getting started? It's time to get more clarity so you can move your finances forward with confidence instead of staying stuck and never building wealth. Laura answer 3 questions about how to choose the best accounts, cut investment fees, and manage risk the best ways possible. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to become an entrepreneur while avoiding all the potential pitfalls? Laura interviews Patrick McGinnis, author of The 10% Entrepreneur about why you don't have to choose between your current career and starting a profitable side business. Find out how to balance financial stability and volatility with grace and embrace where even a part-time venture can lead you. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://bit.ly/2sOhmWA Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Woohoo, it's the 500th episode of Money Girl! Let's celebrate by going behind the scenes. Laura shares the Money Girl story, how she got started as a personal finance expert and author, how the podcast began, its major influence on her career, and how the show gets created for you each week. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While having bad credit can be a roadblock when applying for a loan from a traditional lender, it doesn't mean that you can't get a loan. Laura covers 6 lending alternatives to get a loan even if your credit is less than perfect. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1YkHwH7.Read the transcript atCheck out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows:www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcastsFOLLOW MONEY GIRLFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDTTwitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Handling debt wisely is one of the most important parts of your financial life. Laura answers 6 questions she recently received about student loans, HELOCs, and credit card debt. You'll learn tips to protect your credit, use existing home equity, manage student loan repayment, and prioritize your personal finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura interviews Jocelyn Paonita Pearson, a scholarship expert and founder of The Scholarship System. They talk about how to pay for college without loans by using scholarship funds. After years of trial and error, Jocelyn cracked the code on how to get a free ride through college. She got over $126,000 in scholarships and graduated completely debt free. You’ll learn common scholarship myths to avoid, different types to go after, the best age to start applying, and a free resource to learn more. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love our pets, but they can be expensive! Laura discusses what it really costs to own a pet and 5 tips to cut expenses for a current or new furry friend. This post is dedicated to her sweet yellow Lab, Dixie, who's resting in peace after 17 years of loyal companionship. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura interviews Mike Kinane, a HELOC expert and Senior Vice President for Consumer Lending at TD Bank. They discuss just about everything current or future homeowners need to know about getting a home equity line of credit. You'll learn how you can spend funds, amounts you can borrow, qualification guidelines, potential fees, rules for claiming interest as a tax deduction, and what to do when interest rates are moving up. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2p6tZXx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to get clarity on your investing questions. Laura answer 7 questions from the Money Girl community about a variety of investing and retirement topics. You’ll learn how to get higher investment returns, retire early, prioritize accounts, do rollovers, know when you should invest, and rules for managing multiple retirement accounts. Cut the confusion and you'll have more success! Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2py0GAM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wanted to make sure your kid would end up rich? The secret to having a secure future or paying for college could be setting him or her up with an IRA--an underutilized vehicle that many people miss. Laura explains the benefits of starting an IRA for minors, the rules for eligibility, how to open an account, and when you can spend the money penalty free. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2p1wfUG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking advantage of a retirement plan at work and an IRA is a smart way to cut taxes and save more money for the future. But having multiple accounts can change the rules. Laura answers a listener question and explains how to avoid pitfalls so you leverage multiple accounts to reach your retirement goals. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2nJuaaB Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many ways to legally shelter your income from tax so you save money. Laura explains 8 ways to reduce your taxable income so you pay less tax. You can take advantage of some or all of them, no matter how much or little money you make, to keep more of your hard-earned money. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/node/9591 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confused about how to fill out a W-4 at work? Laura explains what it is and how to complete it correctly. Plus, you'll learn 7 reasons when you should adjust your withholding so your employer doesn’t take out too much or too little income tax from your paycheck. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the full transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/node/9556 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taxes my not be your favorite financial topic but it's important to understand the basics. Laura explains what you need to know about 1099 tax forms. You'll learn what a form is, who issues and receives them, rules to comply with the law, and 8 key things you should know about taxable income. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2mpBDeZ Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter if you want to clean up your credit report or have an old zombie account coming back from the dead to haunt you, it’s important to understand your rights. Laura answers a question about old debt, explains the statute of limitations, gives advice for dealing with collectors, and offers 4 ways to handle accounts in collection. Get the Money Girl Book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2mqLsMV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are one of Laura's favorite ways to save money. She explains how they work, answers questions from podcast listeners about these tax-favored accounts, and describes the important role HSAs may play in healthcare reform under the Trump administration. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2mr0nq7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congratulations on your pay raise or bonus! Now it's time to get serious about how to use it to improve your finances. Laura covers 6 wise strategies to create more financial security, so you don't fritter away an exceptional opportunity to build wealth instead. Read the full transcript here:http://bit.ly/2kABa8Z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura interviews Jay Papasan, bestselling co-author of The ONE Thing about how to set priorities and finally stick to them so you get extraordinary results. They cover productivity killers to eliminate, how to easily have more willpower, and a realistic way to achieve work-life balance. You'll learn the ultimate question to ask yourself every day to identify and stay focused on your number one priority that allows you to make huge improvements in your finances and life. Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2kItbsS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura explains what happens when you make a late payment, how your credit is affected, and gives tips to minimize the potential damage. Plus, she answers a question from a long-time Money Girl Podcast listener who’s wondering what to do about an account that accidentally became delinquent. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2lzjZZG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knowing where and how to invest money can be confusing and a little scary. Laura answers 3 questions from Money Girl Podcast listeners that will give you smart tips for setting financial priorities, leveraging retirement accounts, and knowing when it’s a good idea to use “robo-advisors” to make more money. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2iYdWNq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you started the New Year with some extra credit card debt, you might be feeling anxious if you can't pay it off in full. Instead of getting stressed, follow Laura's 5 steps to get out of post-holiday debt faster so you take control of your finances and move in the right direction. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2jiDEcb Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura interviews David Pogue, author of the new book, Pogue’s Basics: Money – Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System. You'll take away easy ways to outsmart retailers, leverage savings programs, and keep more of your hard-earned money, no matter how much or little you have. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2i8iVJb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura gives 7 tips to pay off your student loans the cheapest ways possible. She also interviews a couple who graduated with $600,000 of student loan debt after graduating from dental and law school. Find out their experiences, missteps, and tips for dealing with loans, having a repayment plan, and getting a great education for less. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2hHGM3S Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not sure what a trust is or who really needs one? (By the way, they're not just for wealthy people!) Laura interviews Jules Haas, an attorney with more than 30 years of experience. They break down a heavy topic with simple language and examples. Find out the difference between a will and a trust, common estate planning mistakes you should avoid, considerations for couples who are not married, key legal documents that every adult should have, and how to get legal help when you need it. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2h0Ggt5 Get the Money Girl book at http://MoneyGirlBook.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.