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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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