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Life Kit: Money

Life Kit: Money

NPR 155 episodes Latest May 28, 2026

Life Kit: Money is a podcast from NPR that helps listeners take control of their personal finances. Episodes cover topics like dealing with debt, student loans, and buying a house. The show is updated whenever Life Kit releases a new episode on money or personal finance. It also offers a sponsor-free feed through Life Kit+ subscription.

Episodes

Gold is having a moment. Is now the time to invest? May 28, 2026 894 In the world of investing, gold is having a moment. Last year, the price of gold crossed $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. But does that mean it's time to rebalance your portfolio and get in on the precious metal action? This episode, NPR finance correspondent Maria Aspan explains why the world has been so obsessed with gold lately, how you can invest and whether doing so makes sense in the
Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips May 7, 2026 669 Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this episode, we talk about how much you can expect to save in taxes, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and how to decide which to prioritize. Spoiler: when in doubt, just pick one and get started. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitS
Shop less and save more with a 'no-buy challenge' Apr 30, 2026 1236 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 our
Do you have a financial self-care routine? Apr 23, 2026 957 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 Aug. 15, 2023.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an ep
How to get 'financially naked' with your partner Mar 31, 2026 1301 How much money do you make? What assets and debts do you have? What are your spending habits? These are all questions you should ask your partner, says Vivian Tu, founder of Your Rich BFF, a financial education company. In this episode, host Marielle Segarra talks with Tu about how to get “financially naked” with your partner, whether you just started dating or have been together for years.Follow
Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer Mar 19, 2026 1087 Between the start of 2022 and the start of 2025, car insurance rates jumped by more than 50%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Luckily, there are tried-and-true tactics for finding the cheapest deal you can -- from comparing rates from multiple insurance companies to not letting your teen get their license just yet. NPR's cars and energy correspondent, Camila Domonoske, breaks down the
How to avoid this year's common tax scams Mar 12, 2026 1155 There's a lot of tax advice on social media, but not all of it is sound. This episode, certified public accountant Mark Gallegos breaks down how to identify bad tax advice and avoid this year's most common tax scams.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it spon
Want to protect your money? Diversify your investments Feb 24, 2026 1324 When it comes to investing money, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your investments among different types of assets and sectors, so you're not overexposed if one of them takes a hit. In this episode, we'll walk you through different types of assets, how your investment strategy should change depending on your age and needs, and a simple rule of thumb to calculate your stock versus
Money tips no one taught you Feb 3, 2026 1303 You have a budget and an emergency fund (or at least know you need both) - but you want to go deeper. What else do you need to know about managing your money? Ever heard of capturing the carry on your debt, for example? Finance experts share their top tips on handling debt, investing, taxes and more.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback
Tips to save money across all parts of your life Jan 12, 2026 1036 For a lot of us, this time of year triggers a financial reckoning. As you recover from holiday spending, here are 6 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money year-round.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+
Avoid these common financial mistakes Dec 29, 2025 1249 Personal finance can be a tricky subject to navigate. There's a lot of conflicting guidance on which savings account to use, how to budget properly and where to invest your money. And it's easy to make a mistake. This episode, financial educator Yanely Espinal shares the common financial mistakes she wish she knew about earlier. This episode originally published August 6, 2024.Sign up for our stre
Watch out for these holiday scams Dec 11, 2025 1204 Don't get swindled while buying gifts this holiday season. This episode, Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network explains how to safeguard yourself from common shopping scams like fake shipping alerts and online stores — and offers advice on what to do if you fall for one.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email

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