Money Girl

1011. While becoming a homeowner seems to get more difficult as home prices, mortgage interest rates, and home insurance premiums continue to rise, it’s essential to know how owning real estate can help you build wealth. Laura covers seven ways buying a home improves your finances. Whether you’re considering becoming a first-time homebuyer or ditching your home to be a renter, understanding some old and new ways that homeownership helps build wealth is essential.
Key Takeaways:
How much richer homeowners are compared to renters.
The two ways homeownership helps you build equity: price appreciation and paying off an amortizing mortgage.
Whether homeownership costs more or less than renting largely depends on your location.
Some costs of homeownership can increase, but buying a home largely protects you from inflation.
Various home-related tax deductions, including a new one, make homeownership more affordable if you itemize on your tax return.
The capital gains tax exclusion is one of the largest tax breaks that qualifying homeowners enjoy when they sell their home.
Upcoming Wedding Series This May: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast hosted by Laura Adams.
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Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

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1010. Are you feeling "car poor" or trapped in an auto loan that costs more than your vehicle is worth? In this Finance Friday episode, Laura answers a listener's question about how to navigate an unaffordable car loan when you’re upside-down (negative equity).
If you are looking to lower your monthly payments or are debating between a car lease vs. buying your next vehicle, you’ll learn the pros, cons, and math behind making the most affordable choice for your budget.
We talk about:
How to manage an upside-down car loan: Strategies for refinancing or negotiating with lenders when you owe more than the car's market value.
Auto Refinancing 101: When to switch your loan to a credit union or online lender to reduce interest rates and monthly payments.
The 20% Rule: Why a significant down payment is the best defense against rapid vehicle depreciation.
Leasing vs. Buying: A breakdown of the long-term costs, maintenance responsibilities, and flexibility of each option.
Hidden Costs of Ownership: How to account for repairs, mileage restrictions, and residual value before you sign a contract.
Upcoming Wedding Series This May: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Discover more from Money Girl!
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Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1009. Only 37% of Americans follow a formal budget—so if you hate spreadsheets, you’re in the majority. Whether you’re dealing with budget burnout, irregular income, or "vibes-based" spending, you can still reach your financial goals.
In this episode, Laura breaks down how to manage money effectively without the restriction of a traditional budget. Learn how to shift your focus from tracking every penny to growing your total net worth.
Key Takeaways:
The "Pay Yourself First" Rule: Why prioritizing 10–15% for retirement is more effective than micro-managing expenses.
Wealth on Autopilot: How to use automation and AI tools to build savings without thinking about it.
Macro vs. Micro: Why tracking your Net Worth is the ultimate metric for financial success.
The Income Shift: Why increasing your earning potential is more powerful than ruthlessly cutting coupons.
Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
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Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1008. Thinking about raiding your retirement to fund a down payment? In this episode of Money Girl, Laura answers a question from Wendy, who’s considering taking a 401(k) loan to buy a home with 20% down. Learn the rules for using a retirement plan loan, its pros and cons, and alternatives for buying a home without borrowing from your retirement.
Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
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Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Laura sits down with Lisa Greene-Lewis. She’s a TurboTax expert and CPA with over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and helping filers save money. Lisa’s also worked as a public auditor, controller, and been self-employed, so she understands common mistakes to avoid and tips for legally paying less tax.
What We Discuss:
New rules that reduce taxes and increase tax refunds for the average taxpayer.
Tips for small businesses and the self-employed that make filing taxes easier.
When to consider incorporating your business or staying a sole proprietor.
Who can claim a home office deduction and whether it’s a red flag for the IRS.
How long to keep personal and business tax returns and their backup.
How to get year-round tax support with TurboTax Experts for Business.

Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.
Have a question for Money Girl? Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
Discover more from Money Girl!
Facebook
Newsletter
Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.