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

How To Navigate A Financial Crisis

In a financial crisis, like when you lose your job or the country is in a recession, you have to answer some tough questions: what bills should you prioritize? Who should you turn to? Is it ok to ask for a loan? Michelle Singletary, personal finance expert and author of the new book, What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits , answers these questions and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 06, 202117 min

5 Steps To Eating Healthy On A Budget

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than necessary. (This episode originally ran in October 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 05, 202110 min

Why Leaving A Legacy Takes Self-Reflection

Wealth isn't just cold, hard cash, says strategic investor Dr. Pamela Jolly. It's whatever you value — and that means generational wealth can take lots of forms. TK Dutes speaks with Dr. Jolly about how to get strategic about leaving a legacy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 27, 202122 min

Rational Advice For A Chaotic Housing Market

Home prices have shot up in the last year. But with so many people eager to buy, the competition is stiff. If you're in the market to buy a home, this episode offers some advice for how to navigate this seemingly impossible market. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 25, 202112 min

Buying A Car With Confidence

Buying a car is 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 ran in Feb. 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 06, 202125 min

The Emotions Behind Money

Money isn't just about numbers. It's about emotions, too. Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche's new book unpacks the relationships we all have with finances so you can make the most of your cash. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 29, 202119 min

A First-Timer's Guide To Filing Taxes

Is unemployment taxed? What about stimulus checks? The pandemic has changed a lot when it comes to filing taxes. In this episode, we break down the filing process and tackle common COVID-19-related tax questions with a CPA. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 16, 202121 min

Making A Side Gig Work For You

Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work — and strategy. In this episode, host Ruth Tam gets some advice from independent business owners and financial experts about how to make it work. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 04, 202122 min

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

Nov 10, 202019 min

Eating Healthy Without Overspending

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than you have to. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 08, 202010 min

Retirement 101: How To Save And Why

It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, NPR's Chris Arnold decodes what you should know — from the types of retirement accounts to strategies for saving. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 05, 202018 min

Do You Love It Or Just Want It? 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 your wants, stop stress spending and save for the future. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 24, 202021 min

Simple Steps to Smarter Investing, Even During COVID-19

When COVID-19 began, the stock market fell off a cliff — leaving less experienced investors wondering, "should I sell to stop the pain!?" The answer, as it always is, was "NO!" The market has now come roaring back, and analysts are wondering, "Can it last, and should people sell stocks?" In this episode we talk to one of the best investors on the planet about the most successful approach to riding out stock market storms and beyond. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/ad...

Aug 21, 202024 min

Braving Your Student Loan Payments

The student loan system is confusing. Sometimes it can seem designed to make borrowers fail. But if you know how to navigate it, you're more likely to save money in the long run. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 20, 202028 min

It's A Good Time To Save More. Here's How

If you're not good at saving money, it's not your fault: Humans are hard-wired to focus on the present. But there's a way to beat evolution and build for your future. This episode explains how to make saving automatic and painless. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 19, 202015 min

Your Plan To Become Debt-Free

It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off debt Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 18, 202028 min

Budgeting Basics To Get You More Money

Whether you're paying off student loans or saving for daily necessities during COVID-19, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 17, 202022 min

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 14, 202024 min

Your Boss Wants You Back. But Is It Safe?

Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns and underlying conditions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 07, 202016 min

End-Of-Life Planning Is A 'Lifetime Gift' To Your Loved Ones

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is even a small amount of planning ensures our final wishes are honored — and makes it easier on our friends and family. This episode will help you get started on making a will and an advanced directive, even if you don't have a big estate. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 30, 202021 min

Don't Fall For The Unnecessary Fee Trap

It's easy to get caught in a cycle of mounting overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 21, 202023 min

Juggling Student Loans During A Pandemic

The CARES Act provides relief to many student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you know if you qualify? What if you're enrolled in Public Student Loan Forgiveness? What about private loans? This episode, a Life Kit collaboration with Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios, explains the fine print of how to handle students loans during coronavirus. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 27, 202021 min

What To Do If You Lost Work Because Of Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has caused vast economic disruptions. Millions of people are filing for unemployment, trying to pay rent and deferring loans. If you've lost work, here are some things you can do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 30, 202018 min

Coping With Coronavirus: Tips For Your Wallet And Kitchen

Staying at home means new challenges for your daily habits. This episode, we talk about budget tips and cooking hacks for your self-quarantine time. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 27, 202012 min

Is It Better To Rent Or Buy A House?

Owning a home is part of the quintessential American dream, but how do you know if it's right for you? These 6 tips will help sort out the pros and cons to renting and owning — and reveal some things a rent vs buy calculator can't tell you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 03, 202023 min

How To Buy A Car (Without Being Taken For A Ride)

Whether you're a pro at car buying or intimidated by the thought of stepping into a car dealership, there are always ways to play the car buying game better. This episode will help you strategize to avoid the potential pitfalls when it comes to getting a car loan, so you can drive away with a good deal. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 18, 202024 min

Mortgage Secrets That Will Save You Money

It's hard to imagine a more boring (and dreaded) word than "mortgage." But if you know where to look, you might find a mortgage that will save you thousands of dollars a year or discover that you qualify for a loan when you didn't think you could. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 02, 201926 min

Paperwork, Appointments And Repairs: Managing Adult Responsibilities

Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork – bills to pay, appointments to make, school forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how to conquer all the responsibilities on your to-do list so you can get back to real life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 25, 201917 min

How To Save For Your Kid's College Education

Don't let the sticker price of college paralyze you. This episode gives you smart saving strategies — including how to prioritize your own retirement savings, choosing a 529 plan and what financial aid offices really look at — so you can start saving for your child's college tuition. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 11, 201928 min

Rx For Medical Debt

One in 5 Americans struggles with medical bills. Here are things you do to get medical bills reduced — or even forgiven. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 09, 201923 min
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