Author: Laura Adams
7 Saving and Retirement Rule Changes for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service or IRS changes perks and contribution limits for various tax-advantaged accounts based on annual inflation changes. While the inflation rate has come …
6 Required Minimum Distribution Retirement Rules You Should Know
If you want to become wealthy, an essential habit you should create is regularly investing a portion of your income in a tax-advantaged retirement account. You …
Can I Use a HELOC to Pay off a Mortgage Faster? Weighing the Pros & Cons
Being a homeowner has its pros and cons. It can help or hurt your finances depending on your location, mortgage debt, property taxes, insurability, and goals. …
How Does a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Work for Retirement?
A listener named Wasittha asked me the following question: “I’ve been trying to max out my IRA and 401(k). However, I’ll be unemployed next year for a …
What’s the Cheapest Way to Sell a Home? Comparing The 3 Most Common Options
If you’re a homeowner or want to be one someday, there will likely be a time you want or need to sell your real estate. So, …
Can I Get a Retirement Matching Without an Employer?
If you’ve ever been envious of someone getting free money in their retirement account from an employer that “matches” contributions, you might be interested in how …
Are You Saving Enough for Retirement? How to Tell
Today’s topic comes from Scott, who says: “I’ve contributed to my 401(k) for many years and have a decent balance. I’m unsure if I should keep investing the …
4 Ways to Fund a Roth No Matter How Much You Make
If you’re like me, you love the idea of having tax-free income in retirement. The primary way to do that is by investing in Roth retirement …
6 Tips for Becoming a Wise Investor
Hi again! As you know, on the Money Girl podcast I answer your burning money questions! Today’s topic comes from Mary, who says: “I know that I need …
Tips for Charitable Giving on Any Budget
Most of us would like to give more to causes we care about, whether animal welfare, the environment, or curing a disease. However, you may have …
4 Tips to Minimize Damage After a Late Payment
Whether your bank account balance was low, you forgot to make a payment, or the mail arrived late, missing a due date on a credit card …
5 Ways Wealthy People Invest Money (& You Can, Too)
Today’s topic comes from Sarah, who says, “I’m starting my first real job with benefits soon, and I should have a little money left each month …
6 Ways to Rebalance Your Portfolio & Get Your Money in Order
If you’re an investor or want to be one, you’ve probably heard that it’s critical to rebalance your investment portfolio. Rebalancing is shifting investments, so you …
5 Signs Now is the Right Time to Pay off Your Mortgage
If you’re a homeowner, your mortgage payment is probably your largest monthly expense. So, it’s wise to stay alert for opportunities to refinance your home loan …
Maxed Out Your a 401(k)? Here Are 5 More Smart Investments to Check Out Next
If you have a workplace retirement account, like a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, it should be your go-to for investing because it’s loaded with benefits, …
When Should I Do Roth Conversions?
Today’s article comes from a question for Money Girl listener Nancy P., who says: “I recently discovered your podcast and really enjoy it! I’m 60, single, have an …
15 Money Savings Tips to Fight Inflation
The annual inflation rate for the United States looks much better than when it shot up to 7% in 2021 and 6.5% in 2022. Last year, inflation came …
5 Ways to Invest for Retirement After a 401(k)
“I’m 45 and have arranged my lifestyle to live on about $18,000 per year. Since I don’t have a mortgage, any other debt, or kids at …
5 Signs You’re Ready to Retire Early
Whether you’re feeling stressed out by a high-pressure job or dreaming of a different lifestyle, getting ready for retirement sooner rather than later is a wise …
Solopreneur Success: Tips for Running a One-Person Business
Today, I’m excited to be joined by a special guest, Abigail Hale, who goes by Abbie. She’s the Head of Growth at Found, an all-in-one banking solution. She …
5 Important Things to Do If You Have an Old 401(k)
Today’s topic comes from Jesse F., who says: “I’m 52 and self-employed and my wife is 51 and works for a hospital. We recently moved from New Mexico …
7 Mid-Point Money Tips Your Finances Need Right Now
If you’re like me, some years you get really inspired by setting money goals, but for others, it just doesn’t happen. Whether you set financial resolutions …
How Can I Reduce My Taxes? Your Tax Questions, Answered
Today, I have three excellent questions about reducing taxes and saving money. Kari says, “Love your podcast! Can you clarify whether investing in a Roth IRA and I …
Clever But Easy Ways to Maximize Your 401(k)
If you work for a company, organization, or government entity that offers a retirement plan, like a 401(k), 403(b), or 457, it’s an excellent way to …
Should I Invest Extra Money or Pay Down My Mortgage?
I answer a question from a listener named Maya, who says: “Hi, Laura, I love the podcast! My husband and I are in our mid-thirties with …
How to Use a Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion
Having tax-free income in retirement from a Roth IRA can help you stretch your savings much farther after you stop working. However, there’s a catch: if …
Buy or Lease Your Next Car? Here’s What to Know
If you’re considering buying or leasing a car, your knowledge about the options and how you prepare for a deal can make all the difference in …
Maximize Your Retirement: Tax Tips for Investment Profits
This week on the Finance Friday installment , a great question from Elaine. “I’m retired and have Social Security benefits, a pension, savings, and a traditional IRA. About six …
8 Ways to Maximize Your Investments With Robo-Advisors
If you’re too busy to stay up-to-date on financial markets and investing strategies, one of the best ways to boost your returns with minimal effort is …
5 Signs You’re Investing Too Much for Retirement
We have two great retirement questions today. The first comes from Kevin, who says, “My wife and I have loved your podcasts for years and are taking every …