Life Kit: Money

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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. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on money and personal finance.

Life Kit from NPR


    • May 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 130 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Life Kit: Money podcast is an incredibly helpful resource for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and make smarter money decisions. Whether you're a recent college graduate, a young professional starting your career, or someone who just wants to gain more control over their finances, this podcast has something to offer.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to break down complex financial topics into easily understandable and actionable advice. The hosts and guests provide clear explanations and practical tips that can be applied in real life. Whether it's saving for retirement, budgeting, or investing, the information shared on this podcast is invaluable.

    Another great feature of The Life Kit: Money is the variety of topics covered. From paying off debt to buying a home to understanding credit scores, there's something for everyone. No matter what stage of life you're in or what specific financial goals you have, you're likely to find an episode that addresses your needs. This makes it a great resource for listeners with diverse financial situations.

    While there are many positive aspects of this podcast, one potential downside is the lack of depth on certain topics. Due to time constraints and the need for brevity in each episode, some subjects may not be covered as extensively as listeners would like. However, the show does provide additional resources and encourages further learning outside of the episodes themselves.

    In conclusion, The Life Kit: Money podcast is an excellent resource for anyone seeking guidance and education on personal finance matters. It offers practical advice in a clear and concise manner that can be easily implemented in everyday life. With a wide range of topics covered and knowledgeable hosts and guests, this podcast is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their financial well-being.



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    Latest episodes from Life Kit: Money

    Avoid debt with these credit card tips

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 18:43


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to save big on groceries

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 17:09


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to handle your money during tariff uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 18:38


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Can I afford to buy a house?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 19:23


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A beginner's guide to bartering

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 20:44


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Start a financial self-care routine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 16:01


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Don't panic when the markets are down

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 15:13


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Your 2025 tax questions, answered

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 17:52


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Buy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 18:01


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to get on the same page about money with your partner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 21:18


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Simple ways to protect yourself from scams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 18:36


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to travel on a budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 21:36


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The cost of being there: budget for your friend's celebrations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 24:19


    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: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Financial habits to leave behind in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 18:41


    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/dryjanuaryLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 17:47


    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 message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    5 ways to cut back your spending

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 16:30


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 21:58


    Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State University. And buying knockoff versions of products can be dangerous. Kari Kammel, the director at the Center for Anti Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares tips for how to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products, especially online.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to refinance your mortgage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 17:10


    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 time to refinance. You might save hundreds of dollars a month depending on how much you owe. Here's how to get the process started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to start saving for retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 14:43


    It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to start building your nest egg by setting savings goals and contributing funds to your retirement plan. This episode originally aired on October 5, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Interest rates just dropped — how does that impact you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 4:53


    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 savings accounts won't yield quite so much. And for recent homebuyers, it might also be time to think about refinancing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Smart credit card habits that will keep you out of debt

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 18:45


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

    How to buy less stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 21:07


    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 are ways to curb your shopping habits. This episode, journalist Stacey Vanek Smith talks to writers, influencers and activists in the sustainable fashion industry about how to reign in overconsumption, rethink our power as consumers and challenge ourselves to buy less.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 18:10


    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 right for you. This episode originally published August 31, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Common financial mistakes to avoid

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 19:36


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 19:28


    New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published on November 11, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to revamp your rental

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 21:06


    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 the long term.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 13:00


    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 scenarios to ensure the bill is handled fairly and smoothly.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Healthy money habits for couples

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 26:02


    Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks down different ways to handle your finances with a partner and how to keep communication open and honest no matter what financial plan you pick.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Summer fun on a budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 12:49


    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 published August 1, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The social etiquette of lending money

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 23:50


    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 need more than you can provide? How do you ensure your financial agreement doesn't harm your relationship? There are no hard and fast rules around lending money. Expectations may depend on culture, financial status or even your marital status. Advice on when to give — and how to say no.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Electric Cars - SHELL

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 22:44


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Start a financial self-care routine

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 16:06


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What is the new etiquette for tipping?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 13:14


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

    Effective ways to repair your credit score

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 23:44


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Investing for beginners

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 21:44


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Save money on streaming services

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 19:03


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to save for a big purchase

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 16:36


    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.

    Refresh your budget with these simple finance tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 14:35


    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.

    How to make resolutions you'll keep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 18:01


    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.

    How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 17:39


    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.

    Protect yourself from scams

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 18:36


    Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters.

    Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 18:10


    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.

    Student loan repayment is resuming. Here's what you need to know

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 14:10


    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.

    Start a financial self-care routine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 15:58


    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.

    Let's have some cheap fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 12:51


    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.

    Start your own business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2023 32:06


    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.

    How to buy a car with confidence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 24:24


    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.

    How to choose a bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 16:41


    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.

    How to prepare for the return of student loan payments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 14:14


    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.

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