Life Kit: Money
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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.Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an...
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Coming up with a business idea that takes off
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...
In credit card debt? There’s a path out
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, f...
Can you afford to make a big life change?
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 financ...
Budgeting for college students
A new semester has begun, which means college students across the country are taking on debt, opening credit cards and navigating meal plans and housi...
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...
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 b...
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 i...
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...
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 owne...
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 t...
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, certifie...
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 repo...
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 a...
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 t...
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 expert...
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 accou...
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 installme...
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 retire...
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...
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 im...
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 destinati...
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...
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 b...
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.
How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State...
How to refinance your mortgage
Mortgage rates have dropped significantly in recent months, and that means one thing for those who bought a home in the last couple years: It might be...
How to start saving for retirement
It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary expla...
Interest rates just dropped — how does that impact you?
This week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point. NPR's Laurel Wamsley breaks down how it may affect your financial plans. High-yield...
Smart credit card habits that will keep you out of debt
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 owne...
How to buy less stuff
If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there...
Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup
Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Family law attorney Theresa Viera explains how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's...
Common financial mistakes to avoid
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...
Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself
New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudster...
How to revamp your rental
Just because you're renting your home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for...
Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab
Dining out with a large group and not sure how to handle the check? In this episode, chef and food writer Kiki Aranita walks us through common dining...
Healthy money habits for couples
Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks...
Summer fun on a budget
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...
The social etiquette of lending money
If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they nee...
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 li...
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 t...