For a lot of us, this time of year triggers a financial reckoning. As you recover from holiday spending, here are 6 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money year-round. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices ...
Jan 12, 2026•17 min
Personal finance can be a tricky subject to navigate. There's a lot of conflicting guidance on which savings account to use, how to budget properly and where to invest your money. And it's easy to make a mistake. This episode, financial educator Yanely Espinal shares the common financial mistakes she wish she knew about earlier. This episode originally published August 6, 2024. Sign up for our strength newsletter series here: npr.org/stronger . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our...
Dec 29, 2025•21 min
Don't get swindled while buying gifts this holiday season. This episode, Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network explains how to safeguard yourself from common shopping scams like fake shipping alerts and online stores — and offers advice on what to do if you fall for one. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+...
Dec 11, 2025•20 min
Investing can be intimidating. How do you know which funds to choose? How do you diversify? How much should you be setting aside in a retirement plan versus a savings account or a brokerage account? This episode, we talk to Mary Childs, co-host of NPR's Planet Money , about these questions and more. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by ...
Dec 02, 2025•25 min
We're surrounded by ads and sales pitches — in our inboxes, on our phones and when we walk down the street. And everyone loves a good deal, but what actually constitutes a deal? How do you know you're getting the best price or that what you're purchasing is of good quality? In this episode, we offer tips to help you make purchases you're happy with this holiday season. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email u...
Nov 25, 2025•16 min
Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An Arm and a Leg , shares how to find discounts on prescription medications and navigate the health care system when drugs cost more than you expected. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-fr...
Nov 03, 2025•19 min
Ready to take that big idea and turn it into a thriving business? Rachel Rodgers, author of Future Millionaire: A Young Person’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wealth Inevitable , shares the ingredients of a successful business venture. The best part? You don't necessarily need a lot of money to get started. Sign up for our newsletter series on credit card debt . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lif...
Oct 14, 2025•23 min
Credit card debt can make you feel stressed, ashamed and lonely. But there are proven strategies to free yourself from this burden. In this episode, five tips to help you get out from under credit card debt. And to sign up for our newsletter series with step-by-step plans to pay down your debt, go to npr.org/creditcarddebt . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and lis...
Oct 06, 2025•17 min
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 business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change. This episode originally published Feb. 28, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedb...
Sep 30, 2025•19 min
A new semester has begun, which means college students across the country are taking on debt, opening credit cards and navigating meal plans and housing on their own. Budgeting and managing money, especially as a first-year college student, can be daunting. In this episode, we cover how to plan for student loans, look for scholarships, get part time work and more. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at ...
Sep 09, 2025•26 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jul 21, 2025•16 min
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 p...
Jul 17, 2025•18 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jul 01, 2025•14 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jun 10, 2025•13 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
May 29, 2025•19 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
May 12, 2025•17 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Apr 28, 2025•19 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Apr 17, 2025•19 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 01, 2025•21 min
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...
Mar 25, 2025•16 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mar 18, 2025•15 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feb 25, 2025•18 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Feb 20, 2025•18 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Feb 13, 2025•21 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 27, 2025•19 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min
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: ...
Jan 14, 2025•24 min
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/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 31, 2024•19 min
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 ...
Dec 19, 2024•18 min
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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 03, 2024•17 min
