You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Have you done a chocolate bar taste test? Hosted a themed hangout? Gone to a surprise movie night? Here are some ideas to help you save money and maximize entertainment.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Let's have some cheap fun

Being in control of your money leads to great things. From dealing with debt or student loans, to how to buy a house, NPR wants to help. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on money and personal finance.

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they need more than you can provide? How do you ensure your financial agreement doesn't harm your relationship? There are no hard and fast rules around lending money. Expectations may depend on culture, financial status or even your marital status. Advice on when to give — and how to say no.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The social etiquette of lending money

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live together, but share resources and create community. In this episode, co-living enthusiasts explain how it works and how to decide whether it's right for you.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health too. We'll talk about those tasks — and go beyond the number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Start a financial self-care routine

Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with unexpected requests and more.

A previous version of this story incorrectly said the company Square takes a "chunk of your tip." A representative from Square says while they charge a fee based on the whole transaction, including tip, the worker still gets the full amount of their tip.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

What is the new etiquette for tipping?

Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above a 700? In this episode, find out how to read your credit report, navigate collections and negotiate payments.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Let's have some cheap fun

Download our free app to listen on your phone