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Money Girl

QuickAndDirtyTips.com

Laura Adams provides short and friendly personal finance, small business, real estate, and investing tips to help you live a richer life. Whether you're just starting out or are already a savvy investor, Money Girl's advice will point you in the right direction.

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

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  • 42 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 17 min
  • English

Episodes 42

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  • #1047
    September 2 · 14 min

    Medicare 101: How to avoid pricey mistakes and choose the right plan

    1047. Host Laura Adams cuts through the confusion and explains the basics of Medicare for anyone approaching 65 or helping a relative compare options. You’ll learn how parts of Medicare work, which expenses Medicare doesn’t cover, how to fill insurance gaps, avoid lifetime penalties, and the truth about costly Medicare myths. Key Takeaways: Medicare Part A covers hospital and inpatient care (premium-free for most), while Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services for a monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026). Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D into a single plan with network restrictions and out-of-pocket caps, often adding basic dental and vision coverage. Original Medicare doesn't cover long-term care such as assisted living or nursing home stays, or routine dental, vision, and hearing care. Medigap protects against out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and 20% coinsurance left behind by Original Medicare, but it cannot be combined with Medicare Advantage. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period triggers lifetime penalties unless you have active, creditable employer health coverage. Enrollment isn't automatic unless you already receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #1045
    August 26 · 18 min

    Workplace Roth vs. Roth IRA–what’s the difference?

    1045. Are you taking full advantage of tax-free retirement growth? While both workplace Roth plans and Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth, they come with vastly different eligibility limits, withdrawal rules, and investment options. Laura breaks down the key Roth differences so you can decide which option is right for you. Key Takeaways: You can contribute up to $24,500 to $32,750 in a workplace Roth for 2026—over triple the $7,500 to $8,600 limit for a Roth IRA, depending on your age. Roth contributions make sense if you believe your income or tax rate will be higher in the future when you can take tax-free withdrawals. High earners who exceed the 2026 Roth IRA MAGI limits can not make full contributions to a Roth IRA. You can withdraw 100% of your original Roth IRA contributions anytime, tax- and penalty-free, but that’s not possible with a workplace Roth. A Roth IRA offers better investment choices and early liquidity compared to a workplace Roth. Workers over 50 and earning over $150,000 in prior-year wages must make any workplace catch-up contributions on a post-tax Roth basis. Most investors should prioritize contributions to a workplace retirement plan to receive 100% of any employer match. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #941
    August 14 · 22 min

    Should my first home be an investment property? (Reissue)

    941. Should you buy a rental property before your first home? Laura answers a listener's question about the pros and cons of 'house hacking' as an investment strategy — including how much you really need to save, what lenders require for investment properties, and whether becoming a landlord first is actually a smart path to building wealth. Discover more from Money Girl! Facebook Money Girl Newsletter The Money Stack Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 42 episodes