Life Kit: Money

By NPR

What's Life Kit: Money about?

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.

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Life Kit: Money episodes:

04.16.2024
What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?
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...
04.02.2024
Start a financial self-care routine
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...
03.26.2024
What is the new etiquette for tipping?
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...
03.12.2024
Effective ways to repair your credit score
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...
02.19.2024
Investing for beginners
You don't need to be an expert to grow a nest egg. We'll cover how to build your portfolio, when to sell (or not sell) stocks and how to avoid fees. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
02.12.2024
Save money on streaming services
Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-supported subscriptions and streaming services overall. NPR TV critic and media analyst Eric Deggans shares a streaming strategy...
01.18.2024
How to save for a big purchase
Meeting a big financial goal can feel daunting and confusing. How do you make an effective plan when life gets in the way? Credit counselor and financial expert Monique White shares tips to help you buy a laptop, a car,...
01.02.2024
Refresh your budget with these simple finance tips
The new year is a great time to update your budget, say financial experts. Here's what you can do to curb your spending, save for emergencies and keep your investments on track.
01.01.2024
How to make resolutions you'll keep
Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how SMART goals work and how they can help you use your time...
11.27.2023
How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention
Not sure which cause to support or how much to give? Kevin Scally of Charity Navigator has some advice to help you make the right decisions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
11.07.2023
Protect yourself from scams
Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
08.31.2023
Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one
Prenuptial agreements lay out how couples deal with money both during marriage and after divorce. That includes whether you'll have a joint bank account or pay off your loans together. Here's what you should know — and how to start...
08.29.2023
Student loan repayment is resuming. Here's what you need to know
The three-year federal pause on student loans is expiring soon. If your financial circumstances have changed, or you just need an explanation of the many payment plans out there, here's a refresher course on how to pay off your student...
08.15.2023
Start a financial self-care routine
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 what those tasks are — and also go beyond...
08.01.2023
Let's have some cheap fun
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...
07.29.2023
Start your own business
It's time to get your MBA — the easy way. We're sharing an episode from Planet Money's Summer School. In this lesson: Everyone has a million dollar business idea (e.g., "Shazam but for movies"), but not everyone has what it...
07.17.2023
How to buy a car with confidence
Buying a car can be intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. This episode originally published February 18, 2020. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
07.11.2023
How to choose a bank
It's easy to feel stuck with the bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of options out there. We walk through four types of financial institutions and companies for a...
07.03.2023
How to prepare for the return of student loan payments
The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of millions of Americans – so what can student loan borrowers do to prepare now...
06.12.2023
Renting? Learn to be your own best housing advocate
Does your landlord have to fix that? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you're one of the 35% of Americans renting your home, there's a lot you should know to protect yourself best. We'll discuss...
05.30.2023
Save money on groceries
Groceries aren't cheap but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical tips for saving money on the food you cook at home. Learn more about sponsor...
03.20.2023
Tricks to boost your credit score
A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode originally ran in November 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
02.28.2023
Can I afford to quit my job?
Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and...
02.23.2023
How to prepare for tax season
The time to file your taxes is approaching. For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing to actually do. This guide explains when and how to hire a tax preparer, covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps...
02.06.2023
Budgeting for dating
How much should you spend on a date? Who should pick up the bill? Can you talk money on the first date? Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, shares the results of a recent survey on finances and dating. Learn more...
01.24.2023
Helpful financial advice for creative types
Got a side hustle and not sure how to handle your money? Financial coach Paco de Leon, author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances,' explains why you should put your freelance funds into a separate...
12.05.2022
Stressed about talking about finances with a new partner? This framework can help
It can be awkward to discuss money when you're in a new relationship. Financial therapist Amanda Clayman suggests following what she calls the "five components of financial intimacy" to get the conversation started. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy...
11.26.2022
How much money is enough to become parents? An episode from This Is Uncomfortable
A couple clashes about how much money they need to save before having children. This episode is from our friends This Is Uncomfortable's podcast series on fights about money. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
11.08.2022
Life Kit answers your pressing questions about inflation
The prices of goods and services have gone up. How much of that is due to Ukraine or the pandemic? What can our elected officials do to lower prices? And how does inflation slow down? NPR's Marielle Segarra and Stacey...
11.07.2022
Credit card points are for everyone. Here's how to get into them
The idea that you can use your credit card to earn points for airfare, hotels and car rentals or offset grocery or gas bills might seem too good to be true. But people are doing it — and so can...
10.24.2022
Student loan forgiveness Q&A
Life Kit teams up with NPR Education to answer some common questions about student loan relief, including: What's the application process like? What loans qualify for debt relief? What if you have multiple loans? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
10.03.2022
The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments
About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But experts explain why that's not a good idea. Learn more about sponsor message choices:...
08.11.2022
How to protect yourself from inflation
High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to manage debt as interest rates increase and prepare for an economic downturn. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy...
08.06.2022
Life Kit Presents: CNN's Diversifying
We're sharing an episode of CNN's personal finance podcast, Diversifying. Host Delyanne Barros explores the question: How does money make you feel? This episode centers on an all too common but under-discussed area of personal finance: money trauma. Learn how...
07.26.2022
How to financially prepare for having a baby
Having a baby is one of the biggest - and most expensive - life changes a person can experience. Here's what you need to know about financially planning for a baby, according to Farnoosh Torabi, Editor at Large CNET Money....
07.25.2022
Crypto 101: blockchains, currencies and security
If the words "crypto," "Bitcoin," "blockchain," "mining," feel overwhelming or confusing Life Kit is here to help. In this episode, experts to demystify cryptocurrencies and give you the tools to decide whether buying some is a good option for you. Learn...
07.14.2022
How to avoid 'lifestyle creep'
Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares advice on keeping your long term financial goals in check and fending off...
07.05.2022
Save money with these basic car maintenance tips
Car ownership can be intimidating - and expensive - especially when it comes to upkeep. In this episode of Life Kit, get expert guidance on how to spot and maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the...
06.23.2022
How to stop stress-spending
We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetnista, for tips about how to separate needs from wants, stop stress-spending and save...
06.02.2022
Life Kit answers your personal finance questions
Whether you want to save for a vacation or retirement, build generational wealth or split expenses with a partner, Life Kit answers your questions about personal finance. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
03.28.2022
Your tax refund, explained
It's tax season <>. But don't worry, in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful advice on maximizing your refund, what deductions to remember and how the child tax credit impacts your tax filings...
02.07.2022
Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'
Getting your finances in order can be intimidating, especially for freelancers, creatives, and side-giggers. Financial planner and artist Paco de Leon shares simple, holistic advice for tuning up your finances. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
01.13.2022
How To Make Ethical Investing Work For You
Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your money where your morals are. Here's what you need to know before...
01.06.2022
How to curb money avoidance and face financial woes head-on
If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance and train your brain to face your money woes head-on. Learn more about sponsor message...
12.21.2021
How to give thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget
Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more thoughtful presents — without breaking the bank. (This episode originally aired in December...
12.11.2021
How to shop for sustainable holiday gifts
It's time for holiday shopping — except this year, some consumers are making the deliberate choice to buy less to protect our environment. In this episode, writer Annaliese Griffin shares tips on online thrift shopping and giving meaningful secondhand gifts. Learn...
12.09.2021
How to talk money with friends, from planning a hangout to splitting the bill
Even among the closest of friends, conversations about money and privilege can be awkward. In this episode from Life Kit and The Cut, author Otegha Uwagba discusses how we can break that ice — before it's time to split the...
11.01.2021
How to start a budget. (And why you might actually enjoy it)
Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help. (This episode first ran in November 2019.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
10.18.2021
How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan
Picking health insurance takes a lot of work. It's not a one-size-fits-all type of situation, and there are a lot of confusing terms that come up every year. You also need to consider your general health and finances. So how...
10.05.2021
The Case For A 4-Day Workweek
The five-day workweek can feel as preordained as the number of minutes in an hour, but it hasn't always been the norm. Workers fought for a Monday-to-Friday schedule before it became standard in the U.S. in the 1930s. Since then,...

What's Life Kit: Money about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Life Kit: Money episodes:

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

Start a financial self-care routine

What is the new etiquette for tipping?

Effective ways to repair your credit score

Investing for beginners

Save money on streaming services

How to save for a big purchase

Refresh your budget with these simple finance tips

How to make resolutions you'll keep

How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention

Protect yourself from scams

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one

Student loan repayment is resuming. Here's what you need to know

Start a financial self-care routine

Let's have some cheap fun

Start your own business

How to buy a car with confidence

How to choose a bank

How to prepare for the return of student loan payments

Renting? Learn to be your own best housing advocate

Save money on groceries

Tricks to boost your credit score

Can I afford to quit my job?

How to prepare for tax season

Budgeting for dating

Helpful financial advice for creative types

Stressed about talking about finances with a new partner? This framework can help

How much money is enough to become parents? An episode from This Is Uncomfortable

Life Kit answers your pressing questions about inflation

Credit card points are for everyone. Here's how to get into them

Student loan forgiveness Q&A

The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments

How to protect yourself from inflation

Life Kit Presents: CNN's Diversifying

How to financially prepare for having a baby

Crypto 101: blockchains, currencies and security

How to avoid 'lifestyle creep'

Save money with these basic car maintenance tips

How to stop stress-spending

Life Kit answers your personal finance questions

Your tax refund, explained

Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'

How To Make Ethical Investing Work For You

How to curb money avoidance and face financial woes head-on

How to give thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

How to shop for sustainable holiday gifts

How to talk money with friends, from planning a hangout to splitting the bill

How to start a budget. (And why you might actually enjoy it)

How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan

The Case For A 4-Day Workweek