1016. Are you concerned about affording the future cost of long-term care (LTC), especially with inflation and rising healthcare costs? Laura answers a listener’s question about buying LTC insurance or investing for retirement. You’ll learn how different LTC products and services work and their pros and cons for those with different budgets and goals.

Key takeaways: 

• Traditional long-term care insurance is best for people in relatively good health with sufficient assets and retirement savings to protect, but you don’t get payments back if you never need covered care.
• Various hybrid products, such as life insurance and annuities, can include LTC benefits and accrue value you can pass to your heirs, but at a higher cost than traditional LTC insurance.
• Using personal savings or home equity may be an option to pay for LTC if you have a high net worth and are comfortable self-insuring.
• Medicaid is the largest single payer of nursing home care in the U.S. for those with low assets, such as a net worth below $2,000, or other eligibility requirements.
• Veterans may be eligible for specific LTC benefits that provide a monthly stipend for care at home or in a facility.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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1010. Are you feeling "car poor" or trapped in an auto loan that costs more than your vehicle is worth? In this Finance Friday episode, Laura answers a listener's question about how to navigate an unaffordable car loan when you’re upside-down (negative equity).

If you are looking to lower your monthly payments or are debating between a car lease vs. buying your next vehicle, you’ll learn the pros, cons, and math behind making the most affordable choice for your budget.

We talk about:

• How to manage an upside-down car loan: Strategies for refinancing or negotiating with lenders when you owe more than the car's market value.
• Auto Refinancing 101: When to switch your loan to a credit union or online lender to reduce interest rates and monthly payments.
• The 20% Rule: Why a significant down payment is the best defense against rapid vehicle depreciation.
• Leasing vs. Buying: A breakdown of the long-term costs, maintenance responsibilities, and flexibility of each option.
• Hidden Costs of Ownership: How to account for repairs, mileage restrictions, and residual value before you sign a contract.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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