Money Girl

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 money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A clear four-step plan for balancing saving and debt paydown. Why employer matching is treated as free money and worth grabbing. The role of an emergency fund before aggressive debt repayment. How to prioritize high-rate debts and compare paying low-rate deductible debt versus investing. Practical retirement contribution targets to keep long-term goals on track.

Clear breakdowns of mortgage interest rules, itemizing versus the standard deduction, and new 2026 PMI tax changes. Explanations of SALT limits, home office deduction basics, and capital gains exclusions on home sale. Discussion of building equity through payments and appreciation, owning as an inflation hedge, and nonfinancial benefits like stability and community.

Explore the differences between 529 plans and Trump accounts for funding kids' education. Learn about eligibility, tax advantages, and the benefits of keeping both accounts. Discover new uses for 529s, from vocational training to homeschooling expenses. Laura highlights contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and the unique rollover option into a Roth IRA. Gain insight on optimal strategies to maximize savings and ensure flexibility in educational investments. This episode is packed with practical financial guidance!

Jocelyn Pearson, the founder of The Scholarship System, shares her inspiring journey of winning over $126,000 in scholarships. She reveals that being a top student isn’t a requirement for securing funding and highlights hidden scholarship sources based on niche criteria. Jocelyn emphasizes the importance of starting applications early, even as an undergraduate, and discusses ongoing scholarship opportunities for college students. Her top tips include mastering the art of storytelling in essays and diligently pursuing scholarships to ease the burden of college costs.

989. Laura answers a listener's question about choosing a traditional or Roth retirement plan by reviewing the pros and cons of each and a new Roth rule for those over 50.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

988. This week, Laura reviews how to use a 1031 exchange to legally defer capital gains taxes when selling an investment property. You’ll learn the strict IRS rules for "like-kind" properties, the critical deadlines you must meet, and how to keep 100% of your profits working for you. Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

987. Laura answers a listener's question about how to successfully manage a lump-sum cash windfall.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

986. This week, Laura reviews steps for achieving realistic New Year’s goals that can boost your confidence and financial security.Find a transcript here. Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com 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/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.