New Ways Homeownership Builds Wealth

PlayMoney Girl

New Ways Homeownership Builds Wealth

Ep. 1011•Wednesday, April 15, 2026

1011. While becoming a homeowner seems to get more difficult as home prices, mortgage interest rates, and home insurance premiums continue to rise, it’s essential to know how owning real estate can help you build wealth. Laura covers seven ways buying a home improves your finances. Whether you’re considering becoming a first-time homebuyer or ditching your home to be a renter, understanding some old and new ways that homeownership helps build wealth is essential.

• How much richer homeowners are compared to renters.
• The two ways homeownership helps you build equity: price appreciation and paying off an amortizing mortgage.
• Whether homeownership costs more or less than renting largely depends on your location.
• Some costs of homeownership can increase, but buying a home largely protects you from inflation.
• Various home-related tax deductions, including a new one, make homeownership more affordable if you itemize on your tax return.
• The capital gains tax exclusion is one of the largest tax breaks that qualifying homeowners enjoy when they sell their home.

Upcoming Wedding Series This May: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.

Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast hosted by Laura Adams.

Discover more from Money Girl!

Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.

• 1016. Should You Stop Retirement Investing to Pay for Long-Term Care?

  20:03| Friday, May 1, 2026|Ep. 10161016. Are you concerned about affording the future cost of long-term care (LTC), especially with inflation and rising healthcare costs? Laura answers a listener’s question about buying LTC insurance or investing for retirement. You’ll learn how different LTC products and services work and their pros and cons for those with different budgets and goals.Key takeaways: Traditional long-term care insurance is best for people in relatively good health with sufficient assets and retirement savings to protect, but you don’t get payments back if you never need covered care.Various hybrid products, such as life insurance and annuities, can include LTC benefits and accrue value you can pass to your heirs, but at a higher cost than traditional LTC insurance.Using personal savings or home equity may be an option to pay for LTC if you have a high net worth and are comfortable self-insuring.Medicaid is the largest single payer of nursing home care in the U.S. for those with low assets, such as a net worth below $2,000, or other eligibility requirements.Veterans may be eligible for specific LTC benefits that provide a monthly stipend for care at home or in a facility.Upcoming Wedding Series Coming Up: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: [email protected] or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308 with your question or comment!
  • Play

  1015. Is Your Old Boss Holding Your Money? 2026 Retirement Rollover Rules

  1014. 5 Smart Money Management Tips for a Shaky Economy: Mastering Mindful Spending in 2026

  1013. Creating Financial Independence with Farnoosh Torabi

  1012. How Can I Stop Overpaying for Home Insurance?

  1010. Lease or Buy?–How to Choose an Affordable Car (and Fix an Upside-Down Loan)

  1009. How to Skip a Budget and Build More Wealth

  1008. Should You Use a 401(k) Loan to Buy a House? Pros, Cons, and Rules