Life Kit: Money

NPR

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

  • 14 minutes 14 seconds
    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 interest and protect your savings against inflation.

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    1 July 2025, 7:00 am
  • 12 minutes 36 seconds
    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 little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — into your sunny days ahead. This episode originally aired August 1st, 2023.

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    10 June 2025, 7:00 am
  • 18 minutes 43 seconds
    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 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.

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    29 May 2025, 7:00 am
  • 17 minutes 9 seconds
    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 tips for saving money on the food you cook at home. This episode original published May 30, 2023.

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    12 May 2025, 7:00 am
  • 18 minutes 38 seconds
    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, certified financial planner Lauryn Williams explains how to handle your spending, savings and retirement accounts in times of economic instability.

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    28 April 2025, 8:00 am
  • 19 minutes 23 seconds
    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 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.

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    17 April 2025, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 44 seconds
    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 and make the exchange feel fair. We'll also share stories of successful trades.

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    1 April 2025, 7:00 am
  • 16 minutes 1 second
    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 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.

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    25 March 2025, 7:00 am
  • 15 minutes 13 seconds
    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 experts explain why that's not a good idea. This episode originally published October 3, 2022.

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    18 March 2025, 7:00 am
  • 17 minutes 52 seconds
    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 accountant, what to do if you can't pay your tax bill, and how to handle taxes when you work remotely.

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    25 February 2025, 8:00 am
  • 18 minutes 1 second
    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 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.

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    20 February 2025, 8:00 am
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