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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

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Episodes

1/14/2025

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

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

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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12/31/2024

Financial habits to leave behind in 2025 artwork

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Financial habits to leave behind in 2025

Life Kit: Money

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/dryjanuary See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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12/19/2024

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

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

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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12/3/2024

5 ways to cut back your spending artwork

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5 ways to cut back your spending

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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10/22/2024

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online artwork

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How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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10/8/2024

How to refinance your mortgage artwork

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How to refinance your mortgage

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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9/24/2024

How to start saving for retirement artwork

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How to start saving for retirement

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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9/19/2024

Interest rates just dropped — how does that impact you? artwork

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Interest rates just dropped — how does that impact you?

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/29/2024

Smart credit card habits that will keep you out of debt artwork

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Smart credit card habits that will keep you out of debt

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/20/2024

How to buy less stuff artwork

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How to buy less stuff

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/19/2024

Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup artwork

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Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/6/2024

Common financial mistakes to avoid artwork

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Common financial mistakes to avoid

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/22/2024

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

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

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/16/2024

How to revamp your rental artwork

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How to revamp your rental

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/2/2024

Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab artwork

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Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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6/17/2024

Healthy money habits for couples artwork

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Healthy money habits for couples

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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5/27/2024

Summer fun on a budget artwork

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Summer fun on a budget

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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5/7/2024

The social etiquette of lending money artwork

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The social etiquette of lending money

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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4/16/2024

What is 'communal living' and is it right for me? artwork

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What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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4/2/2024

Start a financial self-care routine artwork

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Start a financial self-care routine

Life Kit: Money

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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