
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 exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Latest episodes

5 snips
May 30, 2023 • 17min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 20, 2023 • 19min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feb 28, 2023 • 19min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feb 23, 2023 • 13min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

7 snips
Feb 6, 2023 • 19min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jan 24, 2023 • 22min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dec 5, 2022 • 19min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nov 26, 2022 • 18min
How much money is enough to become parents? An episode from This Is Uncomfortable
A couple clashes about how much money they need to save before having children. This episode is from our friends This Is Uncomfortable's podcast series on fights about money.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nov 8, 2022 • 21min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nov 7, 2022 • 19min
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy