1004. This week, Laura explains how to identify and fix overcontributions to your 401(k), IRA, and HSA. You’ll learn the specific deadlines for 2026 to remove excess funds penalty-free and how to handle the tricky tax paperwork that follows.

• The Cost of Mistakes: Why IRAs and HSAs carry a 6% annual penalty for excess funds, and how 401(k) errors can lead to double taxation.
• 2026 Contribution Limits: The max limits for workplace plans ($24,500), IRAs ($7,500), and HSAs ($4,400–$8,750), including catch-up rules for those over 50 and 60.
• Common Pitfalls: How switching jobs, receiving year-end bonuses, or earning too much for a Roth IRA can trigger an accidental overcontribution.
• The Correction Timeline: Why April 15 is a hard deadline for workplace plans, while IRAs and HSAs offer flexibility until October 15 with an extension.
• New 2026 Rules: What high earners (making over $150k) need to know about the new mandatory Roth catch-up contributions.

Step-by-Step Fixes: How to work with your account custodian to calculate earnings (or losses) and file the correct tax forms (1099-R, 1099-SA).

1003. Is one missed payment going to haunt your mortgage application forever?

On this Finance Friday, host Laura answers a listener's question about a recent late payment and the fear that it might ruin their chances of buying a home. If you’ve ever seen your credit score plummet due to a mistake, this episode is for you.

Laura breaks down the "lifespan" of credit damage and reviews seven specific negative items that can appear on your reports, including:

• Late Payments: The most common mistake and the "7-year rule."
• Charge-Offs vs. Collections: What happens when a creditor gives up on you.
• Medical Debt: Why the rules for medical bills are different (and better!) for consumers.
• Bankruptcies: The difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 reporting.
• Foreclosures & Settlements: How long they linger and how their impact fades over time.

You’ll also learn why your credit score isn’t a "permanent record" and how the diminishing effect of old mistakes allows your score to rebound faster than you think.

Find a transcript here.

Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308.

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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.

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

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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:

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