Author: Laura Adams

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Missing Mint already? Here are 10 replacement budgeting apps just in time for 2024

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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 …

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14 tips to stop impulse buying this holiday season

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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 …

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Racking up holiday debt? Santa has 8 tips you need, ASAP

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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 …

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HSA changes are coming in 2024: Here are 14 surprising HSA-qualified healthcare expenses

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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 …

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10 money rules all couples should know

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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 …

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7 smart ways to invest that holiday bonus

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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 …

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5 steps to get your finances together in 2024

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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 …

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4 pros & 4 cons you really should consider before opening a high-yield savings account

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“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 …

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How much money do you need to retire? It depends on these 8 things

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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 …

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8 things you need to know before starting a brokerage account

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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 …

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Can I max out these two retirement accounts in the same year?

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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 …

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10 retirement & savings rule changes for 2024

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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 …

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5 Ways to Help your Kids Become Rich

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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 …

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10 ways a 529 college savings plan makes college more affordable

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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 …

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Should I actually have multiple retirement accounts?

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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 …

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7 ways Biden’s SAVE student loan program could benefit your loans & your credit

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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 …

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8 fool-proof ways anyone can pay off debt

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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 …

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6 smart ways to make a cash windfall work for you

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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 …

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Banks vs. credit unions: Is one really better than the other?

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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 …

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7 smart & simple ways to recession-proof your finances right now

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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 …

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How will consolidating credit card debt affect my credit?

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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 …

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How much should I have saved for retirement at my age?

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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. …

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How does your credit score stack up? 9 tips for improvement

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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, …

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9 counterintuitive money tips for building wealth

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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 …

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9 things to stop doing ASAP if you want more financial security

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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 …

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How much of my savings will the FDIC protect?

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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 …

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Think you’re too rich for a Roth IRA? Think again

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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 …

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7 smart & simple ways to achieve financial goals faster

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  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 …

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7 genius ways to invest your money at any age

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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 …

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How retirees can save money with an HSA

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  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 …