Mo News Mo Money: Affordability, Building Wealth, and Your Financial Plan with Nicole Lapin
Feb 17, 2026
Nicole Lapin, personal finance journalist and author, known for Money Rehab, discusses affordability pressures and whether AI feels like a bubble. She covers credit card strategies and negotiating rates. Nicole explains tax-advantaged kids’ accounts versus custodial options. She also weighs renting versus buying, where to allocate extra savings, and how to use an HSA.
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Call To Negotiate Your Card Rate
- Call your card issuer to negotiate rates—there's no harm in asking and it can work if your credit improved.
- Highlight credit hygiene and offer a payment if asked; the worst they can say is no.
Take The $1,000 And Keep A 529
- If your child is eligible, take the $1,000 Trump account deposit and also keep a 529 for tax benefits.
- Nicole prefers 529s today because contributions and withdrawals can have state tax advantages and tax-free growth for education.
Teach Kids Money With Simple Rules
- Teach kids money with hands-on rules: save, spend, share buckets and percentages, not fixed dollars.
- Use allowances, explain paychecks, and model financial behavior to avoid passing on trauma.