Author: Laura Adams
Missing Mint already? Here are 10 replacement budgeting apps just in time for 2024
Chris C. says, “I’ve used Mint to track my finances for years based on many recommendations you made on the podcast. With the announcement that Mint …
14 tips to stop impulse buying this holiday season
No matter how frugal you are, no one is immune from making impulse purchases from time to time. But the more you give in, the more …
Racking up holiday debt? Santa has 8 tips you need, ASAP
Debt is a powerful tool that can boost your success or cause your financial life to crash and burn. The trick to using debt wisely is …
HSA changes are coming in 2024: Here are 14 surprising HSA-qualified healthcare expenses
An HSA is a savings account for the sole purpose of paying allowable healthcare expenses. But to qualify, you must have a particular type of health …
10 money rules all couples should know
How you manage money as a couple depends on factors such as your commitment level, financial history, and goals. While managing money together as a couple …
7 smart ways to invest that holiday bonus
Jessica A. in Texas says, “I’m a long-time listener and huge fan of your podcast! My husband and I are in our early 30s and have …
5 steps to get your finances together in 2024
A Money Girl podcast listener named Piper says, “I’m a big fan of your podcast and want some advice before moving forward with my finances. I’m …
4 pros & 4 cons you really should consider before opening a high-yield savings account
“Hi Laura, this is Amy from Alaska, and I’m considering an online bank to open a savings account with higher interest rates than I’m currently getting …
How much money do you need to retire? It depends on these 8 things
Saving for retirement is the granddaddy of all financial goals because it requires a considerable nest egg. But knowing how much you really need to retire …
8 things you need to know before starting a brokerage account
An anonymous caller left me a message recently saying, “Hi Laura, I’m new to the podcast, have not started investing yet, and age 36. So, I …
Can I max out these two retirement accounts in the same year?
Can you use a 403(b) and a 457(b) together? In this article, let’s review who can have 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans. We’ll cover the account …
10 retirement & savings rule changes for 2024
At the end of 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0opens pdf file, short for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, became law. It expands earlier legislation, changing …
5 Ways to Help your Kids Become Rich
So many people are curious how to build generational wealth. We want the best for our kids and for them to have financial security. Today’s article …
10 ways a 529 college savings plan makes college more affordable
If you’re a parent or a future college student wondering how you’ll ever pay for college, the tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan was designed to encourage saving for …
Should I actually have multiple retirement accounts?
If you want a secure financial future, maxing out a tax-advantaged retirement account as early and as often as possible is the secret. But many people …
7 ways Biden’s SAVE student loan program could benefit your loans & your credit
If you or a loved one has federal student loans, there’s good news and bad news. You probably already know the bad news: President Biden’s attempt …
8 fool-proof ways anyone can pay off debt
Kerri H. asks, “I have about $20,000 in credit card debt and want to know if it’s better to pay it off using a home equity …
6 smart ways to make a cash windfall work for you
A Money Girl listener named Teresa P. says, “I just listened to your recent podcast on UGMA and UTMA accounts. I’m 38 years old and discovered …
Banks vs. credit unions: Is one really better than the other?
Differences Between Banks and Credit Unions The fundamental difference between banks and credit unions is that banks are for-profit businesses and credit unions are non-profit financial …
7 smart & simple ways to recession-proof your finances right now
Since there’s been so much in the news lately about a potential recession, on top of inflation, stock market volatility, and interest rate hikes, I’d like to …
How will consolidating credit card debt affect my credit?
I received a question from Maria M., who said, “I’m a new U.S. immigrant working hard to build good credit and make smart financial decisions. I’m …
How much should I have saved for retirement at my age?
Figuring out how much you should save for retirement can seem more like an art than a science, especially if you’re unclear about critical planning variables. …
How does your credit score stack up? 9 tips for improvement
You’ve probably heard that you need good credit scores to qualify for the best terms on credit accounts like mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards. Plus, …
9 counterintuitive money tips for building wealth
There’s no denying that building wealth takes time and effort—it’s a marathon, not a sprint, as the saying goes. While most good money advice—such as living …
9 things to stop doing ASAP if you want more financial security
On my award-winning personal finance podcast, Money Girl, I mostly talk about things you should do to save more, build net worth, and protect your wealth. But today’s topic …
How much of my savings will the FDIC protect?
News of bank collapses has become familiar to Americans, prompting many to fear the possibility of their own bank shutting down. Several banks with significant exposure …
Think you’re too rich for a Roth IRA? Think again
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how my various retirement accounts will affect my future income, specifically the taxes I’ll have to pay. That’s because …
7 smart & simple ways to achieve financial goals faster
Ready to achieve your financial goals and build the rich life you’re dreaming about? Laura covers seven steps to reach your money goals faster, figure …
7 genius ways to invest your money at any age
Becoming a successful investor doesn’t involve taking scary risks but building wealth slowly over time. Use these seven investing principles and you’ll never panic or wonder …
How retirees can save money with an HSA
If you’re eligible for a health savings account (HSA), it’s a terrific way to save money now and accumulate wealth for the future—if you understand …
