Money Girl

1058. With 10-year U.S. Treasury yields above 5.3%, many investors are asking if they should ditch stocks and play it safe with fixed income. Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s question about investing when retirement is ten years away. You’ll learn the basics of bonds and how to use a three-bucket strategy to lower risk without giving up long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
A bond is a loan an investor gives an entity (like the federal government, a local municipality, or a corporation) in exchange for interest payments over a period.
10-year U.S. Treasury bond yields have climbed above 5.3%, their highest rate in decades, providing an inflation-adjusted return of about 2%.
The longer the maturity of a bond, the higher its interest rate will be.
You can buy individual bonds or bond funds, which are diversified and an easy way to buy a preset portfolio of bonds from brokerages and investment platforms.
Owning individual bonds to maturity eliminates price fluctuation risk, where a bond’s price shifts based on interest rates.
Retirees can benefit from structuring their portfolio into three buckets: cash, bonds, and stocks, to protect against potential market losses.

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Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
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1057. Few things are more frustrating than learning your flight has been canceled. But do you know what you’re legally entitled to when an airline grounds your plane? Host Laura Adams breaks down your rights as an air traveler and explains how to protect your wallet when flights get disrupted.
Key Takeaways
If an airline cancels your flight or changes your schedule by more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally, you’re entitled to a full refund if you choose not to rebook.
Research your options using airline apps, by calling their domestic or international customer service, or by messaging their social media.
Airlines are not required to issue vouchers for delays caused by factors they can’t control, such as severe weather, air traffic control shutdowns, cyberattacks, or unscheduled safety maintenance.
Paying for your flight or award ticket taxes with a card that offers travel protections can help offset unexpected hotels, ground transportation, meals, and toiletries when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
To claim credit card travel protections, request a "Statement of Delay" from the airline and keep itemized receipts for every expense.
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Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
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1056. Should you buy your next home before selling your current one, or is it safer to sell first? How does an existing mortgage impact your ability to qualify for a new loan, and where should your down payment actually come from? Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s questions about navigating the tricky logistics of moving and whether to convert her current house into a rental property.
Key Takeaways
You can source your down payment from savings, home sale proceeds, a pre-arranged home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a short-term bridge loan.
Carrying two mortgages at once counts toward a lender’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio for underwriting.
If you convert your primary home into a rental property, most lenders allow you to use 75% of rental income (backed by a signed lease) to offset your existing mortgage when qualifying for a new loan.
A leaseback agreement allows you to sell your home, receive cash proceeds on closing day, and remain in the home as a tenant for up to 60 days.
Holding two properties simultaneously usually requires higher credit scores and cash reserves.
Consult a mortgage expert to calculate your exact borrowing limits under different scenarios before placing offers or listing your property on the market.
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Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
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1055. Host Laura Adams interviews Natasha Madan, CMO and consumer advocate at Credit Karma, about the financial habits of Gen Z, credit myths, and wise ways to use AI tools. You’ll learn practical strategies to optimize your credit, get the best interest rates, and build wealth faster.
Key Takeaways
Taking small, consistent actions, such as reducing your credit utilization or consolidating high-interest debt, adds up to slowly improve your finances.
Paying bills on time and paying off credit card balances in full every month are ways to build credit without accruing interest charges.
Beyond getting loans at lower interest rates, credit scores affect other parts of your finances, like your insurance rates (in most states) and whether you can rent a home or apartment.
Always check and optimize your credit months ahead of applying for a major loan (like a mortgage or auto loan) so you can get approved for a competitive interest rate and cut interest.
Younger generations, like Gen Z, want to enjoy life and plan wisely for the future, instead of sacrificing too much in the present moment.
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1054. Are you comfortable in your career but longing for change? Or maybe you want the freedom to move anywhere in the country without taking a financial step backward? Host Laura Adams answers a listener’s question about safe ways to pivot to a new career with a high earning potential and geographic flexibility.

Key Takeaways:
Break down your existing career expertise into hard skills (core work functions), soft skills (interpersonal abilities), and system skills (software tools and digital platforms) that you can use in a new career.
Consider high-demand sectors that exist throughout the US for maximum flexibility, such as healthcare, financial services, insurance, real estate, cybersecurity, and information technology, or fully remote roles.
Validate your interest in a new field by conducting informational interviews, shadowing professionals, and taking introductory online coursework before resigning from your current position.
Never judge a relocation offer solely on the gross salary figure; always account for the region’s cost-of-living, housing affordability, and state income taxes to understand your net take-home pay.
Keep a separate cash cushion outside of your emergency savings to cover upskilling courses, licensing fees, income gaps, and relocation costs.

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Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.
Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.
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