There’s no denying that investing for retirement is a top money goal you should include in your financial planning. But can you take it too far by investing too much and sacrificing your shorter-term goals […]
The time value of money, or TVM, is a fundamental concept that affects your financial planning and investment success. Whether you’re considering borrowing, saving, or investing, understanding TVM helps you make better money decisions. This […]
If you’re like many people, you’d jump at the chance to retire early with plenty of time and money to pursue the lifestyle of your dreams. While accumulating enough wealth by 65 or 70 to […]
If you plan to see your primary residence, will you have to pay taxes on your home sale? What are capital gains and losses? First, let’s review capital gains and how they relate to home selling. You […]
Many people mistakenly believe that their financial stress would disappear if they had more money. Sometimes, earning more is the solution to improving your finances. However, many people with “enough” income still feel anxious about […]
Whether you’re new to investing or have been at it for decades, following some tried and true rules can give you more confidence, reduce risk, and make you more successful. This post will review ten investing […]
Whether you’re a Bitcoin enthusiast, believe it’s a scam, or aren’t sure what to think about cryptocurrency, it’s wise to learn more about it. The idea of cryptocurrency has existed for about 40 years, but […]
A Money Girl listener named Eric says, “I really appreciate listening to your show and all the great information you give. I have a question regarding contributions to my Roth IRA. Some argue it’s best to […]
A Money Girl listener says, “Hi Laura, my name is Hannah, and I’m from the great state of Maine. I was wondering if you could talk about high-yield savings accounts, what to use them for, […]
What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)? An HRA is a benefit plan that some employers offer to help workers pay their and their families’ qualified healthcare expenses. Unlike a health savings account or HSA, an […]
Regularly investing using one or more tax-advantaged retirement accounts is wise if you want a financially comfortable retirement. I’m a big fan of individual retirement accounts or IRAs because they’re available to just about anyone, […]
If you use credit cards for their convenience, rewards, and protections and pay off your balance in full each month, you’re getting the best of your cards without paying the card issuers a penny. But […]
How do you make the most of an HSA? Jack G. says, “Hi, Laura. I recently enjoyed your finance podcasts on HSAs–thank you! I heard about a unique HSA feature allowing me to buy qualified items, save receipts, and reimburse […]
If you own or lease a vehicle, every state requires you to have some amount of auto insurance. Even if you don’t own a car but occasionally drive someone else’s car or a rental, you […]
Raising financially independent adults involves more than just handing out money or funding their education. It’s about providing them with essential financial knowledge and the mindset to grow and manage wealth over time. Mapping the […]
What is zombie debt? Ever faced financial difficulties, made you unable to pay a debt? It is pretty distressing. Or possibly, you know someone struggling with debt for whom this show might be beneficial. Dealing […]
Navigating your budget can be challenging, especially when dealing with variable expenses and unpredictable income. This post will provide strategies to manage your money effectively, regardless of these variations. Image Credit: fizkes/istockphoto. Setting Financial Goals […]
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, understanding different approaches to real estate investing can help you choose the best fit for your resources, desired level of involvement, and risk tolerance. You may be […]
Jaishree E. says, “I can’t thank you enough for your work educating the world about personal finances. The things you’ve taught me have been invaluable! Recently, I had a medical procedure and used my HSA […]
Knowing how long you should keep tax records and other financial documents can be confusing. Many people are so afraid to throw away papers that they store boxes of documents for decades. I have to […]
Wasittha says, “Hello, Laura! I’m a big fan, and thank you so much for providing good financial information. I’m starting a local cottage business creating freeze-dried foods that I can operate in my kitchen. My […]
A 401(k) retirement plan is a financial powerhouse, offering unparalleled benefits for those fortunate enough to have access to one. Whether through an employer-sponsored 401(k) or its non-profit counterpart, the 403(b), this savings vehicle is […]
Creating your own definition of success and being proactive about reaching it is a surefire way to accomplish more with your money. 13 Things You Must Do for More Financial Success No matter your money […]
A 401(k) is a popular type of tax-advantaged retirement plan that an employer can offer. And if you’re self-employed, you may choose a similar account called a solo 401(k). They allow you to contribute a portion of […]
Getting a single DUI conviction can negatively affect your life in many ways. Having too many drinks may seem harmless at the time, but the second you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you put yourself […]
If you have a workplace benefits package, some of your perks may come with a “vesting schedule” or “vesting period.” It’s critical to understand how vesting works and consider it before deciding to leave your […]
In a recent episode of my personal finance podcast, Money Girl I was joined by a special guest, Adam Levin. He’s a consumer affairs advocate and nationally recognized expert on cybersecurity, identity theft, fraud, and personal […]
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 will be migrating to CreditKarma, I wonder if you […]
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 harmful it can be to your financial life. Overspending […]
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 knowing the difference between good and bad debt and […]