Money Girl
QuickAndDirtyTips.com
Laura Adams provides short and friendly personal finance, small business, real estate, and investing tips to help you live a richer life. Whether you're just starting out or are already a savvy investor, Money Girl's advice will point you in the right direction.
- 11 minutes 56 secondsThe Gifting Tax Guide: How to Give Money to Family Tax-Free
1001. On this Finance Friday, I’m clearing up the massive confusion surrounding "gift taxes." Many people are terrified to help their loved ones because they fear a surprise tax bill, but the reality is that the thresholds are much higher than you think.
Whether you're helping with a down payment, paying for a grandchild’s tuition, or simply sharing your wealth while you're around to see them enjoy it, there are a few "golden rules" you need to know to stay on the right side of the IRS.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The 2026 Limits: Why you can likely give away millions without ever owing a penny in gift tax.
- The Annual vs. Lifetime Exclusion: How to use the $19,000 annual limit to your advantage.
- The "Direct Payment" Loophole: How to pay for medical or tuition bills without it counting as a gift.
- The Inheritance Trap: Why gifting a house or stocks now might actually cost your children more in taxes later than waiting for a "step-up in basis."
- IRS Form 709: When you actually need to file it (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds).
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
6 March 2026, 10:00 am - 17 minutes 46 seconds1,000 Episodes! 7 Smart Ways to Invest $1,000 in Your Future
1000. We made it to 1,000! To celebrate this massive milestone, Laura Adams is sticking with the "1,000" theme to help you make the most of your next windfall. Whether it’s a tax refund or a work bonus, discover seven high-impact ways to manage an extra $1,000—from building a bulletproof emergency fund to the power of a Roth IRA. Plus, stay tuned for special guest appearances and tips from long-time listeners and financial experts who have been part of the “Money Girl” journey!
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
4 March 2026, 10:00 am - 12 minutes 8 secondsWhat Is the Best High-Yield Savings Account?
999. Laura reviews what you should know about using a high-yield savings account (HYSA) and six tips for choosing the best one.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
27 February 2026, 10:00 am - 19 minutes 46 secondsIs the 4% Rule Dead? 8 Personal Finance Rules of Thumb Explained
998. How much do you really need to retire? Should you always buy term life insurance? In episode 998, Money Girl Laura Adams audits 8 popular financial rules of thumb to see if they hold up in today’s economy.
What you’ll learn:
- The Rule of 72: How to calculate when your money will double.
- The DIME Method: A smarter way to calculate life insurance than "10x your income."
- Emergency Fund Math: Why 3 months might not be enough for you.
- Investing Allocations: Why "100 minus your age" is likely too conservative for 2026.
- Retirement Readiness: Understanding the "Multiplier of 25" and the 4% withdrawal rule.
Don't follow a rule just because it's famous—follow it because it works for your life.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
25 February 2026, 10:00 am - 12 minutes 51 secondsIs Your Bank Account at Risk? 10 Dangerous Places to Never Use a Debit Card
997. A single swipe could drain your checking account. Laura Adams reveals 10 dangerous situations where using a debit card exposes you to unlimited liability and how to protect your hard-earned cash from cybercriminals and skimmers.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
20 February 2026, 10:00 am - 12 minutes 20 secondsWallet Audit: 9 Items to Remove Right Now
996. This week, Laura reviews nine things you should never carry in your wallet to protect your identity and finances.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
18 February 2026, 10:00 am - 14 minutes 30 seconds7 Tips to Protect Expensive Valentine’s Jewelry
995. Laura explains how to protect your expensive jewelry or any new Valentine’s Day bling you received.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
13 February 2026, 10:00 am - 13 minutes 24 seconds15 Ways to Stop Impulse Spending and Save More (Reissue)
904. Laura reviews strategies to resist impulsive spending so you can save more money and achieve your financial goals faster.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
11 February 2026, 10:00 am - 16 minutes 9 secondsShould I Invest Extra Money or Pay Down My Mortgage? (Reissue)
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 [email protected] 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/
6 February 2026, 10:00 am - 12 minutes 33 secondsRetirement for Two: The 2026 Spousal IRA Rules
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 [email protected] 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/
4 February 2026, 10:00 am - 16 minutes 29 secondsShould I Stop Investing for Retirement to Get Out of Debt?
993. Laura answers a listener's question about stopping retirement contributions to get out of debt faster.
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to [email protected] 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/
30 January 2026, 10:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App