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

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

Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with unexpected requests and more. A previous version of this story incorrectly said the company Square takes a "chunk of your tip." A representative from Square says while they charge a fee based on the whole transaction, including tip, the worker still gets the full amount of their tip. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above a 700? In this episode, find out how to read your credit report, navigate collections and negotiate payments. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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 most bang for your buck. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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 choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 learned the hard way what goes into starting a small business and a biz school professor who chimes in to explain the fundamentals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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 newer financial technology apps. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 gives context and advice for borrowers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 a lease. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy