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

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 m...

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adc...

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

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/a...

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

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message ...

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.co...

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.Learn more about spons...

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

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 ...

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

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...

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 ...

Does your landlord have to fix that? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you're one of the 35% of Americans renting your home, there's a lot you should know to protect yourself best. We'll discuss rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode ...

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

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

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 you...

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 choice...

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

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 sponso...

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 Pol...

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

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: podc...

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

Life Kit teams up with NPR Education to answer some common questions about student loan relief, including: What's the application process like? What loans qualify for debt relief? What if you have multiple loans?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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

High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to manage debt as interest rates increase and prepare for an economic downturn.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR ...

We're sharing an episode of CNN's personal finance podcast, Diversifying. Host Delyanne Barros explores the question: How does money make you feel? This episode centers on an all too common but under-discussed area of personal finance: money trauma. Learn how to overcome the anxiety and stress assoc...

Having a baby is one of the biggest - and most expensive - life changes a person can experience. Here's what you need to know about financially planning for a baby, according to Farnoosh Torabi, Editor at Large CNET Money. Find out if there is a magic number that tells you you're ready, what to thin...

If the words "crypto," "Bitcoin," "blockchain," "mining," feel overwhelming or confusing Life Kit is here to help. In this episode, experts to demystify cryptocurrencies and give you the tools to decide whether buying some is a good option for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastcho...

Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares advice on keeping your long term financial goals in check and fending off the subconscious urge to automatically increase spending when your in...

Car ownership can be intimidating - and expensive - especially when it comes to upkeep. In this episode of Life Kit, get expert guidance on how to spot and maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the right mechanic for you and when it's time for a new car.Learn more about sponsor me...

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastch...

Whether you want to save for a vacation or retirement, build generational wealth or split expenses with a partner, Life Kit answers your questions about personal finance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's tax season <>. But don't worry, in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful advice on maximizing your refund, what deductions to remember and how the child tax credit impacts your tax filings this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podca...

Getting your finances in order can be intimidating, especially for freelancers, creatives, and side-giggers. Financial planner and artist Paco de Leon shares simple, holistic advice for tuning up your finances.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your money where your morals are. Here's what you need to know before you get started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNP...

If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance and train your brain to face your money woes head-on.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more thoughtful presents — without breaking the bank. (This episode originally aired in December 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoice...

It's time for holiday shopping — except this year, some consumers are making the deliberate choice to buy less to protect our environment. In this episode, writer Annaliese Griffin shares tips on online thrift shopping and giving meaningful secondhand gifts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: ...

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/adchoicesN...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 L...

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 ...

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.co...

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 mor...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 ...

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 spon...

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 l...

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 ...

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: podcastcho...

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

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 20...

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...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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....

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/adchoice...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Pri...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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: podc...

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 epi...

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoice...

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

Whether you're paying off student loans or saving for daily necessities during COVID-19, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns and underlying conditions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is even a small amount of planning ensures our final wishes are honored — and makes it easier on our friends and family. This episode will help you get started on making a will and an advanced directive, eve...

It's easy to get caught in a cycle of mounting overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The CARES Act provides relief to many student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you know if you qualify? What if you're enrolled in Public Student Loan Forgiveness? What about private loans? This episode, a Life Kit collaboration with Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios...

The coronavirus pandemic has caused vast economic disruptions. Millions of people are filing for unemployment, trying to pay rent and deferring loans. If you've lost work, here are some things you can do.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Staying at home means new challenges for your daily habits. This episode, we talk about budget tips and cooking hacks for your self-quarantine time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Owning a home is part of the quintessential American dream, but how do you know if it's right for you? These 6 tips will help sort out the pros and cons to renting and owning — and reveal some things a rent vs buy calculator can't tell you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com...

Whether you're a pro at car buying or intimidated by the thought of stepping into a car dealership, there are always ways to play the car buying game better. This episode will help you strategize to avoid the potential pitfalls when it comes to getting a car loan, so you can drive away with a good d...

It's hard to imagine a more boring (and dreaded) word than "mortgage." But if you know where to look, you might find a mortgage that will save you thousands of dollars a year or discover that you qualify for a loan when you didn't think you could.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoi...

Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork – bills to pay, appointments to make, school forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how to conquer all the responsibilities on your to-do list so you can get back to real life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adch...

Don't let the sticker price of college paralyze you. This episode gives you smart saving strategies — including how to prioritize your own retirement savings, choosing a 529 plan and what financial aid offices really look at — so you can start saving for your child's college tuition.Learn more about...

One in 5 Americans struggles with medical bills. Here are things you do to get medical bills reduced — or even forgiven.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It is possible to get out of debt fast, but it's a gritty marathon to get to a better place. Here's how to keep up the momentum.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're in debt, you're not alone. Here's how to make a plan and get yourself out.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this special episode, Sam Sanders of NPR's "It's Been A Minute" talks with financial journalist Hannah Seligson and Aminatou Sow from the podcast "Call Your Girlfriend" about why millennials are so financially intertwined with their parents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices...

Don't let college anxiety rush you into a financial mistake that could haunt you for years. This Life Kit episode lays out the do's and don'ts of paying for college so that you don't have to mortgage your future before you get there. Here's what to remember:- Consider attending community college bef...

You've taken the leap and enrolled in college! But money issues don't end when you accept your financial aid. Paying your way through school can be stressful, but lots of folks have made it work and they have advice for how you, too, can navigate your years in college. Here's what to remember: - Fin...

Paying off student loans can be a financial nightmare. But if you know how to navigate the system, you can find a payment plan that's more affordable. Plus, if you qualify for loan forgiveness, you might get tens of thousands of dollars of debt wiped out. Here's what to remember:- Download a list of...

If you use credit cards in a intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Don't get caught in a cycle of unnecessary overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars.Here's what to remember:- Automation is your friend. Set your bills on autopay. - Overdraft protection is deceptive. Link your chec...

To many, it's a dreaded task: making a budget to keep track of money. Guess what? You can do it, and we show you some tools that can help — maybe even make it fun. The founder of the popular budgeting software You Need A Budget tells us how to track your spending.Here's what to remember:- Don't budg...

We help you understand whether you need an adviser, and if you do want one, how to find someone who will act in your best interest.Here's what to remember:- Many people don't need to pay for financial advice.- Use a "fee-only" adviser, not a "fee-based" adviser.- Consider low-cost options like robo-...

Investing doesn't have to be hard. We explain how to grow a nice nest egg and avoid that four-letter word that starts with F ... fees. Here's what to remember:- Don't pick your own stocks. - Don't sell stocks if the market crashes.- Diversify your portfolio. - Don't pay too much in fees.- Invest in ...

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. Here's what to remember: - Make savings automatic.- Save, even if you have student loans.- Participate in your employer's matching pl...