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

Dec 09, 202117 min

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

Nov 01, 202121 min

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 can you make sense of it all? That's where we come in. In this episode of Life Kit, we'll have experts guide you on where to look for coverage, how to narrow down plans — and how to get trustworthy help if you need it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices...

Oct 18, 202125 min

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, the nature of work has changed a lot, and now, workers are once again fighting for better conditions, says U.K.-based researcher Will Stronge. In this episode, Stronge, who co-wrote the book Overtime: Why We Need a Shorter Working Week, discusses what's changed since th...

Oct 05, 202118 min

It's FAFSA Time! Here's How To Apply For College Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens to potential college students to fill out on Oct. 1 for the 2022-2023 school year. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for college — and why you should apply now instead of waiting. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 30, 202114 min

How To Thrive While Working In A Hybrid Setup

The pandemic upended work for millions of people. Now, more companies than ever are offering hybrid schedules, allowing employees to split their time between office and home. Working in a hybrid setup can be challenging as well as rewarding. Here are some steps you can take to ease the way. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 07, 202118 min

7 Tips To Help You Get Out Of Debt

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

Sep 06, 202126 min

How To Rent Smarter

Whether it's an apartment or a house, finding a place to rent can be taxing. It takes research, a disciplined budget and a strong sense of your priorities to find a place where you can feel like yourself. In this episode we're giving you the ultimate checklist of things to consider as you're looking for your next place to live, including a detailed list of questions to ask the property manager. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 31, 202119 min

5 Ways To Rethink Money In Your Relationship

Talking about money can feel intimidating, even taboo. But it's also the key to fostering a closer connection with your partner. In this episode, financial therapist Amanda Clayman breaks down five crucial elements to a healthy financial relationship with your significant other. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 17, 202118 min

Money Talks: How To Teach Kids About Finance

Money can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households, but talking about it regularly can take the awkwardness out of it. Kids see and do everything that we do, and that's true when it comes to money, says financial expert Jen Hemphill. In this episode, Hemphill shares her top tips for financial literacy for kids and families, including how to start those conversations and creating a healthy money mindset for everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...

Aug 03, 202120 min

Smart Investing Tips For Beginners

Investing is the most powerful way that we can save for retirement, college for our children and similar long-term goals. But if you're just getting started it can be hard to separate the good advice from the bad. In this episode, NPR Life Kit host Chris Arnold offers up a few tips for those who are just entering the world of investing. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 27, 202111 min

Retirement 101: How To Save What You Need

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. (This episode originally published in October 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 09, 202115 min

Tricks To Improve 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

Jul 08, 202119 min

Spend Savvier, Save Smarter: 5 Tips 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 for the future. (This episode originally published in September 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 07, 202121 min

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
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