Life Kit: Money - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

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 it works and how to decide whether it's right for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 16, 202423 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 02, 202416 min

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 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/ad...

Mar 26, 202413 min

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 credit report, navigate collections and negotiate payments. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 12, 202424 min

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

Feb 19, 202425 min

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 to help you get the most bang for your buck. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 12, 202419 min

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, or even a house. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 18, 202417 min

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

Jan 02, 202415 min

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 for the things that matter most. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 01, 202418 min

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

Nov 27, 202318 min

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

Nov 07, 202319 min

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 the conversation with your partner. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 31, 202318 min

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 debt. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 29, 202314 min

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 the number crunching to talk about mental health and finances. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 15, 202316 minEp. 681

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 maximize entertainment. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 01, 202313 min

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 takes to be an entrepreneur. You'll hear two case studies with founders who learned the hard way what goes into starting a small business and a biz school professor who chimes in to explain the fundamentals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoic...

Jul 29, 202332 min

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 Privacy Policy

Jul 17, 202324 min

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 checking or savings account: big banks, credit unions, community banks and newer financial technology apps. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 11, 202317 min

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 that the plan is over? NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner gives context and advice for borrowers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 03, 202314 min

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 rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 12, 202325 min

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 message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 30, 202317 min

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

Mar 20, 202319 min

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 business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 28, 202319 min

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 you plan ahead for next year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 23, 202313 min

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 about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 06, 202319 min

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 bank account and how to prepare yourself for tax season. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jan 24, 202322 min

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 Policy

Dec 05, 202219 min

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 Vanek Smith tackle listener queries. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 08, 202221 min

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 you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 07, 202219 min
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