How to Get a Bigger Tax Refund in 2026 With New Tax Breaks [BA QA]

Tax season is here, and this week BA QA, Mandi sits down with TurboTax expert Lisa Green-Lewis to break down what you need to know before the filing deadline. From updated tax credits and deductions to changes that could impact your refund, this episode helps you understand how to navigate this year’s taxes without the stress. They cover key updates like the increased child tax credit, new deductions for tips and overtime, expanded benefits for homeowners and seniors, and what entrepreneurs need to know about business write-offs and 1099 changes. Plus, a clear explanation of credits vs. deductions and how each impacts your bottom line. Whether you’re self-employed, a parent, or just trying to avoid last-minute mistakes, this episode is your reminder to get organized, file on time, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Stay Connected   - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Kiersten Saunders and Yanely Espinal for an honest conversation about the real cost of adulting in 2026. From a surprise $2,000 Tesla repair to rising rent and major life decisions, they break down how even the “right” financial choices can come with unexpected expenses. The episode dives into renting vs. homeownership, IVF and fertility costs, and navigating layoffs including what it really means to accept (or رفض) a retention bonus after cuts at Block, Inc.. Plus, they unpack the risks of going viral in your career and why flexibility might be the ultimate financial goal. We also celebrate a major win for women as salaries rise in the WNBA, highlighting the ongoing push for pay equity. If you’ve ever questioned your financial choices or wondered if there’s a “right” way to do adulthood this episode is for you.   Stay Connected   - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with returning guest Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, for a powerful and transparent conversation about money, survival, and transformation. Naseema opens up about her journey from nearly $1 million in debt including student loans, real estate losses, IRS debt, and the financial aftermath of an abusive marriage to becoming a millionaire. She breaks down exactly how she used zero-based budgeting and the debt snowball method to take control of her finances, even as a single mom navigating one of the most challenging seasons of her life. Beyond the numbers, this episode is about freedom. Naseema shares how financial literacy gave her the power to leave, rebuild, and create a different future for her daughters—and why financial empowerment, especially for women, is truly life-changing. Stay Connected   -Watch Naseem’s Accorns commercial                                                                                                     -Subscribe to The Financially Intentional Podcast- Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with therapist and bestselling author Oludara Adeeyo, creator of Self-Care for Black Women. Oludara shares her powerful journey from working in New York’s magazine industry to becoming a mental health advocate focused on the wellness of Black women. After years of caregiving for her mother and navigating toxic workplace dynamics, she began to rethink what self-care really means and why it’s essential for long-term health. Mandi and Oludara talk about the hidden impact of stress, the pressure many women feel to always be “the strong one,” and how cultural expectations can shape the way we show up for others—often at the expense of ourselves. Oludara also opens up about learning to set boundaries, pivoting careers, and balancing meaningful work without burning out. Plus, she shares practical self-care strategies from her book and new card deck, offering simple ways to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being even on the busiest days.   Stay Connected   -Get a copy of Self-Care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo- Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a real conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a proud Howard alum who quietly built a producing career… from balancing a demanding corporate job at Deloitte while producing projects at night… to not booking an acting role for four years before landing a major role on Reasonable Doubt on Hulu — Kiah’s story is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and betting on yourself when the timeline doesn’t make sense. And the timing couldn’t be better. The hit series Reasonable Doubt recently took home Outstanding Drama Series at the 57th NAACP Image Awards (2026) — proof that the long road sometimes leads exactly where you’re meant to be. From hotel-room self tapes to Hollywood sets, Kiah shares what it really looks like to build a creative career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. If you’ve ever wondered whether you started too late, pivoted too many times, or took the “wrong” path this episode is for you. Spoiler: you didn’t.   What We Get Into Why Kiah almost didn’t submit the audition that changed everything The reality of going years without booking acting work How a hotel-room self tape (trash can + ring light included) helped land Reasonable Doubt Being rejected from Howard’s theater program — and why it became a blessing How Howard University and Delta Sigma Theta shaped her identity and confidence Working a demanding corporate role while producing films on the side What producers actually do — and why the role is often misunderstood Quitting Deloitte two weeks after buying a home and the fear that followed Losing a series regular role after betting everything on acting   Key Takeaways Rejection can be redirection — even when it stings A pivot isn’t failure — it’s strategy You don’t need constant wins to be on the right path Corporate skills can help fund and strengthen creative dreams Seeds planted today may take years to bloom — and that’s okay Betting on yourself often feels reckless before it feels rewarding   👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and deeper dives into money, career, and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!• Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam! We're digging back in the BA vault for a classic Q&A. Pregnant Penny needs advice on how to ask for a raise while pregnant. From breaking down the importance of standing up for oneself to how to plan ahead of maternity leave, your financial sisters have it covered. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at [email protected] or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Women’s History Month, BA Fam! 🎉 In this powerful roundtable, Mandi Money sits down with money expert Bernadette Joy (author of Crush Your Money Goals) and financial freedom advocate Kiersten Saunders of Rich & Regular for an honest, layered conversation about what it really looks like to build wealth as women—especially women of color—in today’s economy. They break down: The gap between entrepreneurship growth and actual funding Why traditional wealth advice doesn’t always work for us The pressure women face to overwork, over-explain, and over-give How to stop overanalyzing and start executing From angel investing to paying off debt, this episode is about rejecting average outcomes and creating a new playbook. One takeaway: Do something today.Move $10. Sell something. Update your budget. Just start. Because building wealth isn’t about perfection,t’s about momentum.   Stay Connected   - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money welcomes Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and author of 'High Functioning'. They discuss the concept of high functioning depression, the importance of reclaiming joy in mental health, and Dr. Judith's 5 Vs framework for healing. Mandi shares her personal experiences with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the need for emotional well-being amidst productivity.  The conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, encouraging listeners to identify small moments of joy in their daily lives. In this conversation, the speakers explore the concept of joy and its significance in mental health. They discuss practical strategies for cultivating joy, including tracking points of joy, the importance of sleep, and the impact of social media. The conversation also delves into the biopsychosocial model of well-being, the challenges of perimenopause, and the importance of meaningful relationships. The RESET method is introduced as a tool for managing digital well-being, and the speakers highlight the unique struggles of women of color with high functioning depression. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and community support in achieving happiness.   Stay Connected   -Get a copy of High Functioning by Dr. Judith Joseph,- Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Brown Table chat, Mandi sits down with Kiersten Saunders co‑author of “Cashing Out” and co‑host of Rich & Regular to talk about what it really looks like to walk away from corporate in 2026 without blowing up your life. They get into why the message of “cashing out” hits different now that layoffs, Trump‑era uncertainty, and AI chaos have Black women rethinking their careers all over again. Kiersten shares what surprised her most in six years of entrepreneurship, from detoxing corporate habits to riding out a brutal few years for creators and brand deals. She and Mandi get real about breadwinner fatigue, health insurance math, mom guilt, and the panic‑scrolling nights where LinkedIn starts looking a little too tempting. They also dig into: how to tell the difference between burnout and “I need to quit today,” why your nervous system not just your budget has to be part of your exit plan, and the underrated power of hyper‑local community, borrowing, and free resources when you’re building a softer, more sustainable life. Plus, Mandi and Kiersten confess how they really use AI to talk themselves off the ledge on tough days. If you’ve been side‑eyeing your 9‑to‑5, flirting with creator life, or just craving more freedom without losing your mind (or your money), this episode is your permission slip to rethink what “cashing out” looks like for you.   Stay Connected   - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s  BA Q&A, Mandi answers a listener question about student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), emergency savings, and navigating major life transitions without blowing up your financial stability. Sydney, a 34-year-old nurse, is three years away from qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). While pursuing her master’s degree, her loans are currently in in-school deferment. She’s also planning to sell her home, purchase a new one closer to work, and manage a $600 monthly car payment. Her big question:Should she continue making $500 student loan payments during deferment — or pause and focus on building savings?   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) actually works Whether payments made during in-school deferment count toward PSLF How to prioritize between student loans, emergency savings, and a car loan Why a 3-month emergency fund may not be enough in today’s economy How to prepare financially for buying and selling a home What to do if you’re worried about changes to federal student loan forgiveness Stay Connected  - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.