Life Kit: Money

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. Updated every time Life Kit posts an episode on personal finance or money.<br>Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Don't make these financial mistakes

Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money you don't have. If you've been making these missteps, don't worry — Espinal has advice on how to create a path forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

07-21
18:29

Should I buy it? A framework to help you decide

Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence and buy something guilt-free. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. This episode originally published December 18, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

07-17
20:40

Make your savings work harder

Typical savings account interest rates can earn you pennies. In this episode, you'll learn about other high-interest savings options to earn more in interest and protect your savings against inflation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

07-01
17:09

Budget friendly things to do this summer

Ideas on how to have fun this summer without breaking the bank. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — into your sunny days ahead. This episode originally aired August 1st, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

06-10
15:38

Avoid debt with these credit card tips

Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owner or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your card, this episode will walk through the fundamentals of the credit card game. This episode originally published August 29, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

05-29
21:44

How to save big 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. This episode original published May 30, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

05-12
20:07

How to handle your money during tariff uncertainty

With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. In this episode, certified financial planner Lauryn Williams explains how to handle your spending, savings and retirement accounts in times of economic instability.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

04-28
21:49

Can I afford to buy a house?

Buying a home can feel out of reach for many. But if you're an aspiring homeowner, there are ways to make it a reality. In this episode, mortgage reporter Molly Grace explains how to know if you're financially ready, what costs to budget for and how to find a home that works for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

04-17
22:23

A beginner's guide to bartering

Bartering can help you mind your budget and build relationships with your community. In this episode, we cover how to suggest bartering as an option and make the exchange feel fair. We'll also share stories of successful trades.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

04-01
24:13

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 our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

03-25
18:56

Don't panic when the markets are down

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. This episode originally published October 3, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

03-18
17:47

Your 2025 tax questions, answered

Tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and Leo Gabovich answer questions from our audience about the 2025 tax season. They explain whether or not to get an accountant, what to do if you can't pay your tax bill, and how to handle taxes when you work remotely.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

02-25
20:26

Buy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — maybe you've noticed these platforms when shopping online. They allow you to break up large payments into smaller installments that you can pay over time, and are a popular alternative to credit cards. In this episode, we'll cover the pros and cons of these loans and how to use them responsibly.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

02-20
20:07

How to get on the same page about money with your partner

How financially compatible are you with your partner? Is your partner a spender while you're a saver? Are you on the same page about saving for retirement? Financial therapist Shay Harris-Pierre explains how couples can examine their spending habits, work through money conflicts and align their financial goals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

02-13
23:46

Simple ways to 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. This episode originally published November 7, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

01-27
21:17

How to travel on a budget

There are ways to travel on a budget without completely draining your bank account — but you might have to let go of the over-the-top luxury travel images you see on Instagram. In this episode, we'll help you travel with intention, save ahead and maximize travel tools to get the best deals and savings on the trips you want to take.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

01-23
24:14

The cost of being there: budget for your friend's celebrations

You want to support your loved one on their special day — but that can come with a steep financial cost. How do you choose between the three destination weddings? How do you say no to a friend's big event without damaging your relationship? In this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle breaks down the cost of being there: how much big celebrations like a bachelorette trip or baby shower might cost you and what to do if you're worried about your budget.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

01-14
26:49

Financial habits to leave behind in 2025

As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less than ideal money habits — like unnecessary impulse purchases, credit card debt getting out of hand and the trap of lifestyle creep. This episode will give helpful tips on how to start the new year on good financial footing. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuaryLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

12-31
21:04

Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide

Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence and buy something guilt-free. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

12-19
20:32

5 ways to cut back your spending

As we enter a period of high personal spending, here are 5 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money during the holidays and year-round.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

12-03
19:18

Jejj

Helpful info to avoid scammers- I didn't realize I could set my phone to send unknown numbers straight to voicemail. 📵

01-27 Reply

Jejj

You can love your people, but don't let them write checks with your bank account! No one knows what you can afford except you.

01-16 Reply

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02-05 Reply

Abbigael Jacob

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01-13 Reply

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