Money Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for a Richer Life

1002. Taxes don’t have to be a source of shame or a "black box" of confusion. Whether you’re a lifelong artist, a side-hustler, or a traditional employee, understanding the tax code is the ultimate power move for your bank account.
In this episode, Laura sits down with Hannah Cole, an Enrolled Agent, working artist, and founder of Sunlight Tax. Hannah specializes in bringing "tax literacy to the humans"—specifically those who feel like the "black sheep" of the business world. They dive into the mindset shifts needed to conquer financial fear and the tangible steps you can take to legally pay less to the IRS.
What We Discuss:

The Mindset Shift: Why money is "neutral" and how to stop letting "starving artist" stereotypes gatekeep your wealth.
The Cost of Confusion: Why a lack of tax literacy costs the average American over $1,000 a year (and much more for entrepreneurs).
Self-Employment 101: A breakdown of the 15.3% self-employment tax and why your "boss hat" and "employee hat" both owe a cut.
"One Big Beautiful Bill" Updates: How new laws affecting overtime, tips, and the SALT deduction (increased to $40,000) change your 2025/2026 filings.
The "Trump Account": What new parents need to know about the $1,000 government contribution for babies born in 2025 and beyond.
Deduction Goldmines: From startup expenses you can claim retroactively to the VIN Decoder tool for car loan interest deductions.
Tax Calm: Practical "Atomic Habits" to make bookkeeping feel like a peaceful ritual rather than a chore.

Find Hannah at SunlightTax.com.

1001. On this Finance Friday, I’m clearing up the massive confusion surrounding "gift taxes." Many people are terrified to help their loved ones because they fear a surprise tax bill, but the reality is that the thresholds are much higher than you think.
Whether you're helping with a down payment, paying for a grandchild’s tuition, or simply sharing your wealth while you're around to see them enjoy it, there are a few "golden rules" you need to know to stay on the right side of the IRS.
In this episode, we discuss:

The 2026 Limits: Why you can likely give away millions without ever owing a penny in gift tax.
The Annual vs. Lifetime Exclusion: How to use the $19,000 annual limit to your advantage.
The "Direct Payment" Loophole: How to pay for medical or tuition bills without it counting as a gift.
The Inheritance Trap: Why gifting a house or stocks now might actually cost your children more in taxes later than waiting for a "step-up in basis."
IRS Form 709: When you actually need to file it (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds).

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:
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1000. We made it to 1,000! To celebrate this massive milestone, Laura Adams is sticking with the "1,000" theme to help you make the most of your next windfall. Whether it’s a tax refund or a work bonus, discover seven high-impact ways to manage an extra $1,000—from building a bulletproof emergency fund to the power of a Roth IRA. Plus, stay tuned for special guest appearances and tips from long-time listeners and financial experts who have been part of the “Money Girl” journey!
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-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

999.  Laura reviews what you should know about using a high-yield savings account (HYSA) and six tips for choosing the best one.
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-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT

998. How much do you really need to retire? Should you always buy term life insurance? In episode 998, Money Girl Laura Adams audits 8 popular financial rules of thumb to see if they hold up in today’s economy.
What you’ll learn:

The Rule of 72: How to calculate when your money will double.
The DIME Method: A smarter way to calculate life insurance than "10x your income."
Emergency Fund Math: Why 3 months might not be enough for you.
Investing Allocations: Why "100 minus your age" is likely too conservative for 2026.
Retirement Readiness: Understanding the "Multiplier of 25" and the 4% withdrawal rule.

Don't follow a rule just because it's famous—follow it because it works for your life.
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-newsletter
https://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.

997. A single swipe could drain your checking account. Laura Adams reveals 10 dangerous situations where using a debit card exposes you to unlimited liability and how to protect your hard-earned cash from cybercriminals and skimmers.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.

996. This week, Laura reviews nine things you should never carry in your wallet to protect your identity and finances. 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.

995. Laura explains how to protect your expensive jewelry or any new Valentine’s Day bling you received.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.

904. Laura reviews strategies to resist impulsive spending so you can save more money and achieve your financial goals faster.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.

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.

993. Laura answers a listener's question about stopping retirement contributions to get out of debt faster.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.

992.  This week, Laura reviews how being a homeowner in 2026 allows you to build wealth despite affordability challenges.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.

991. Laura answers a listener's question about using a 529 plan versus a Trump Account and reviews which is better for a child’s education.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.

This week, Laura interviews Jocelyn Pearson from The Scholarship System about how to reduce the cost of college and graduate debt-free.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.

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.

985. Laura answers a listener's question about what parents need to know about setting up Trump Accounts for kids.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.