Money Girl's Quick And Dirty Tips For A Richer Life

Identity theft is a growing problem, but there are ways to fight back. Laura covers eight tips for using a credit freeze, credit lock, or a fraud alert to block fraudsters from wreaking havoc in your financial life--plus, warning signs to watch for. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/credit/prevent-id-theft-8-tips-on-credit-freezes-locks-and-alerts Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

The New Year is when most people resolve to get their health and wealth back on track. But there are some great ways to improve your personal finances that can only be accomplished before the year ends. Laura covers seven tips to manage money better and hit your financial goals this year. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/7-ways-to-manage-money-better-before-year-end Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Laura covers five tips for choosing the best types of retirement accounts for you and your family. Having more than one account is awesome, but the rules to qualify can be a little tricky. You'll find out what to do when faced with the choice of a nondeductible IRA or a taxable brokerage account. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/5-tips-on-nondeductible-iras-and-taxable-accounts Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

The IRS recently announced that next year you can save more in different types of tax-advantaged retirement plans. Find out six ways the new tax rules affect your retirement. Read the transcript at Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

In this excerpt from Laura's new book, "Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love," you'll get solid tips to manage student loans wisely and use lesser-known strategies to make education debt much more affordable. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/loans/a-6-step-guide-to-managing-your-student-loans Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Financial ratios and formulas are useful tools to gauge your financial health. By watching these five ratios over time you can easily see if your finances are moving in the right direction or need help. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/money-anxiety-5-numbers-that-reveal-your-financial-health Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Have you been putting off creating a budget or tried it with no success? Breathe a sigh of relief because you can still achieve your financial goals without one. Laura gives you 5 steps to grow rich even if budgeting isn't your thing. Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/grow-rich-without-a-budget Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can be a huge stress on your finances if you're not prepared. Find out smart tips to save money and avoid common money mistakes that many new parents make. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/starting-a-family-5-money-mistakes-new-parents-make Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Having retirement accounts with previous employers can leave you unsure about what to do with them. Laura reviews your options five costly mistakes to avoid when dealing with your old retirement plans. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/got-old-retirement-accounts-5-costly-mistakes-to-avoid Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Not sure if a balance transfer credit card offer is right for you? Laura explains what a transfer card is, the pros and cons, and when it can help you save money. You’ll learn smart tips to cut your interest expense and get out of debt faster. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/loans/how-to-save-money-using-a-balance-transfer-credit-card Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Laura reviews 10 of the best money-saving benefits of being an Amazon Prime member. Find out if a membership is right for you and how to take full advantage of everything Prime has to offer. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/10-best-perks-of-an-amazon-prime-membership Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Ready to quit work or begin a financially independent lifestyle? Laura covers six tips and strategies to help you amass enough money to retire early and on your terms. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/6-tips-and-investing-strategies-to-retire-early-and-without-penalty-0 Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Find out how the secular practice of mindfulness helps you live more fully in the present moment and is a powerful way to take control of your finances. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/5-ways-mindfulness-makes-you-a-better-money-manager Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

If you're a homeowner you might wonder if it's a good idea to dip into your equity using a HELOC. What's a HELOC? How do you get one? And should you use one to pay off a primary mortgage faster? A list of pros and cons to consider. Read the transcript at Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Not sure if your health insurance qualifies you for a health savings account or HSA? Laura answers a listener question and covers the facts about what an HSA is and the rules to qualify for one. If your health plan qualifies, using an HSA is one of the best ways to cut your medical costs and save more money. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/insurance/how-to-know-if-your-health-plan-qualifies-for-an-hsa Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

While it might be a while before you begin taking distributions from a retirement account, there are important rules you should factor into your planning, no matter your age. Find out what retirement RMDs are, how they affect different types of retirement accounts, and 6 distribution rules every investor should know. Read the transcript at Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Saving for retirement is the granddaddy of all financial goals--but how much do you really need? Find out where retirement income comes from and easy ways to figure the amount of savings and income you'll need to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/how-to-retire-with-enough-money-and-income Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

If you're behind on saving, don't let common excuses keep you poor. Laura covers 3 reasons why you may not be saving for retirement and how to overcome them, no matter how much or little money you have. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/retirement/3-excuses-keeping-you-from-saving-and-how-to-kill-them Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams

Make sure you don't skimp on insurance needs for your college student. Laura answers a listener question about how to handle vehicles for students and shop for insurance. Plus, you'll learn other important considerations to protect your belongings and liability when you have kids away at school.

Creating a streamlined financial life as a couple can be challenging. Laura answers a question from a struggling newlywed and reviews three approaches to managing money based on your relationship and financial goals. Read the transcript at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-finance/saving-spending/just-married-3-ways-to-manage-money-as-a-new-couple Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW MONEY GIRL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraAdams