Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption toggle caption Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Life Kit Lending to family or friends? Don't be afraid to ask for your money back May 29, 2024 • Our audience shares their perspective on the tricky etiquette of loaning money to friends and family.
Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Life Kit Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again May 8, 2024 • Lending money to family and friends is a tricky business. What if they don't pay you back? What if you don't have the cash? Financial experts weigh in on the topic. Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again Listen · 23:50 23:50 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1248683940/1251306724" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again Listen · 23:50 23:50 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1248683940/1251306724" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Meredith Miotke for NPR Life Kit How to save money when you're broke January 18, 2024 • When money's tight, it's hard to save for a rainy day or pay off credit card debt. But it's not impossible, says Monique White, a financial expert and the head of community at Self Financial, Inc. How to save money when you're broke Listen · 16:36 16:36 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978541/1225223086" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
How to save money when you're broke Listen · 16:36 16:36 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978541/1225223086" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
the_burtons/Getty Images Life Kit How to cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024 January 2, 2024 • 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 cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024 Listen · 14:35 14:35 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978471/1221815442" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
How to cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024 Listen · 14:35 14:35 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978471/1221815442" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Westend61/Getty Images Life Kit Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention November 27, 2023 • 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. Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention Listen · 17:39 17:39 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885880/1214879080" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention Listen · 17:39 17:39 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885880/1214879080" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Moor Studio/Getty Images Life Kit 8 good habits that can protect you from getting scammed November 7, 2023 • Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. 8 good habits that can protect you from getting scammed Listen · 19:28 19:28 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978201/1256036710" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
8 good habits that can protect you from getting scammed Listen · 19:28 19:28 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196978201/1256036710" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Kaz Fantone/NPR Life Kit 7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money October 16, 2023 • Baking pans, legal help, language classes and more — libraries can provide so much more than books. See if your local branch offers these free or discounted resources and services. 7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money Listen · 15:41 15:41 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885817/1205755220" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money Listen · 15:41 15:41 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885817/1205755220" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
RichLegg/Getty Images Life Kit Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it September 25, 2023 • There comes a time when it's the kid's turn to take care of mom and dad. Here's how to broach this sensitive subject with your parents. Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it Listen · 19:24 19:24 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885811/1201378028" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it Listen · 19:24 19:24 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1199885811/1201378028" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Marie Bertrand/Getty Images Life Kit Getting hitched? Protect your finances with a prenup August 31, 2023 • Everyone should consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married, says family law attorney Theresa Viera. Here's how to talk about it with your partner and decide if it's right for you. Getting hitched? Protect your finances with a prenup Listen · 18:10 18:10 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196872794/1257481992" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Getting hitched? Protect your finances with a prenup Listen · 18:10 18:10 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196872794/1257481992" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
We Are/Getty Images; NPR Life Kit Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine August 15, 2023 • Just like your health, your finances need checkups too. Here are 5 good habits to do every year to help you reach your financial goals. Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine Listen · 16:06 16:06 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1193803129/1242270527" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine Listen · 16:06 16:06 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1193803129/1242270527" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
PM Images/Getty Images Life Kit How to pick a bank that works for you July 11, 2023 • It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there. How to pick a bank that works for you Listen · 16:41 16:41 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1186764390/1197915702" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
How to pick a bank that works for you Listen · 16:41 16:41 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1186764390/1197915702" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Photographs Unsplash; Collage by Kaz Fantone/NPR Life Kit To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store May 30, 2023 • 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. To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store Listen · 17:26 17:26 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1177920731/1197915832" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store Listen · 17:26 17:26 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1177920731/1197915832" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Angela Hsieh/NPR Life Kit A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it April 11, 2023 • Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt. A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it Listen · 14:12 14:12 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1168688973/1197916088" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it Listen · 14:12 14:12 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1168688973/1197916088" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Photographs by Fabrizio Frigeni/Unsplash; Markus Winkler/Unsplash; Collage by NPR Dear Life Kit Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable April 6, 2023 • She loves her boyfriend's parents, but their generosity feels inappropriate. Maya Lau, host of the podcast Other People's Pockets, weighs in on how to move forward. Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable Listen · 11:53 11:53 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1168234924/1197916096" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable Listen · 11:53 11:53 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1168234924/1197916096" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Shannon Wright for NPR Life Kit Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them March 28, 2023 • There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price. Here's how to eliminate, reduce or negotiate a medical bill. Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them Listen · 17:15 17:15 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1165953653/1197916114" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them Listen · 17:15 17:15 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1165953653/1197916114" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
We Are/Getty Images Life Kit Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know November 7, 2022 • Credit card rewards programs can offer big perks like airline miles and hotel upgrades. Finance journalist Katherine Fan explains how to choose the right card and what to know before signing up. Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know Listen · 19:05 19:05 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1134223194/1197916619" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know Listen · 19:05 19:05 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1134223194/1197916619" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Photos by Jacques Bopp/Unsplash, Becky Harlan/NPR Dear Life Kit Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance October 20, 2022 • She cared for her stepdad through illness and death. Now she's disheartened that her siblings only seem to care about the inheritance. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin weighs in. Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance Listen · 12:02 12:02 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1129659328/1197916657" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance Listen · 12:02 12:02 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1129659328/1197916657" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Michael Raines/Getty Images Life Kit The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments October 3, 2022 • 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. The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments Listen · 15:51 15:51 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1125656030/1197916717" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments Listen · 15:51 15:51 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1125656030/1197916717" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
FatCamera/Getty Images Life Kit What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby July 26, 2022 • Having a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive life changes a person can experience. Farnoosh Torabi, editor-at-large at CNET Money, shares what you need to know about budgeting for a baby. What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby Listen · 22:08 22:08 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1111233696/1197917016" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby Listen · 22:08 22:08 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1111233696/1197917016" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Allie Sullberg for NPR Life Kit If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep' July 14, 2022 • 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 income increases. If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep' Listen · 22:23 22:23 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1111300716/1198902395" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep' Listen · 22:23 22:23 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1111300716/1198902395" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Suriyo Hmun Kaew/EyeEm/Getty Images Life Kit Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money July 5, 2022 • Car ownership can be intimidating — and expensive — especially when it comes to upkeep. Auto educator and journalist Chaya Milchtein shares tips to help you maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the right mechanic for you and when it's time for a new car. Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money Listen · 19:06 19:06 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1109431302/1197917100" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money Listen · 19:06 19:06 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1109431302/1197917100" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Life Kit Dear Life Kit: My husband secretly racked up our credit card bill. Now what? June 26, 2022 • Talking about money with people you love can be difficult. Financial therapist Amanda Clayman answers your tricky (and anonymous) financial questions.
Lindsey Balbierz for NPR Life Kit File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund March 28, 2022 • It's tax season (insert collective groan here). 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. File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund Listen · 11:19 11:19 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1088210118/1197917453" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund Listen · 11:19 11:19 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1088210118/1197917453" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Paco de Leon Life Kit Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money' February 7, 2022 • 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. Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money' Listen · 21:45 21:45 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1077923841/1197917575" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money' Listen · 21:45 21:45 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1077923841/1197917575" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript