Money Girl

A brisk audit of eight common personal finance rules of thumb. Topics include emergency fund sizing, capturing employer 401(k) matches, and smarter life insurance math. Listeners also hear quick methods for estimating investment doubling time, critiques of age-based asset allocation, and a plain look at retirement withdrawal and savings multipliers.

A breakdown of 10 risky places to use a debit card and why those situations can leave your bank account exposed. Explanations of debit versus credit protections and when holds or skimmers can freeze or drain funds. Practical warnings about gas pumps, restaurants, hotels, ATMs, travel, online shopping, large purchases, deposits, and recurring payments.

A practical wallet audit focused on reducing identity and financial risk. Tips cover which physical items to stop carrying, from Social Security cards and original documents to spare keys and paper checks. Advice on cash limits, credit versus debit use, and ditching password notes is included. The goal is safer, leaner wallet habits for travel and daily life.

Practical tips on protecting pricey Valentine’s jewelry, including why you need a current certified appraisal. Advice on arranging insurance before purchase and checking if existing policies really cover high-value pieces. Options for riders versus standalone personal articles policies are compared. Simple steps for keeping an up-to-date home inventory and who is responsible for insuring a gift.

Tips to stop impulse purchases and boost savings. Practical tactics include shopping with lists, waiting rules, and converting prices into hours of work. Strategies cover decluttering before buying, using return policies, and planning small splurges. Other ideas: unsubscribe from marketing, avoid shopping when emotional, try no-spend challenges, and keep financial goals visible as constant reminders.

836. Laura answers a listener’s question about whether to invest extra money or use it to pay down a mortgage for the best long-term benefits.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

994. This week, Laura reviews updated rules for using a spousal IRA, who can use one, and how they help keep your own retirement account growing.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A clear four-step plan for balancing saving and debt paydown. Why employer matching is treated as free money and worth grabbing. The role of an emergency fund before aggressive debt repayment. How to prioritize high-rate debts and compare paying low-rate deductible debt versus investing. Practical retirement contribution targets to keep long-term goals on track.

Clear breakdowns of mortgage interest rules, itemizing versus the standard deduction, and new 2026 PMI tax changes. Explanations of SALT limits, home office deduction basics, and capital gains exclusions on home sale. Discussion of building equity through payments and appreciation, owning as an inflation hedge, and nonfinancial benefits like stability and community.

Explore the differences between 529 plans and Trump accounts for funding kids' education. Learn about eligibility, tax advantages, and the benefits of keeping both accounts. Discover new uses for 529s, from vocational training to homeschooling expenses. Laura highlights contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and the unique rollover option into a Roth IRA. Gain insight on optimal strategies to maximize savings and ensure flexibility in educational investments. This episode is packed with practical financial guidance!