Episodes

  • Curious about investing? Here's what to know
    Dec 2 2025
    Investing can be intimidating. How do you know which funds to choose? How do you diversify? How much should you be setting aside in a retirement plan versus a savings account or a brokerage account? This episode, we talk to Mary Childs, co-host of NPR's Planet Money, about these questions and more.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Don't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season
    Nov 25 2025
    We're surrounded by ads and sales pitches — in our inboxes, on our phones and when we walk down the street. And everyone loves a good deal, but what actually constitutes a deal? How do you know you're getting the best price or that what you're purchasing is of good quality? In this episode, we offer tips to help you make purchases you're happy with this holiday season.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • How to get lower prices on prescription drugs
    Nov 3 2025
    Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An Arm and a Leg, shares how to find discounts on prescription medications and navigate the health care system when drugs cost more than you expected.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Coming up with a business idea that takes off
    Oct 14 2025
    Ready to take that big idea and turn it into a thriving business? Rachel Rodgers, author of Future Millionaire: A Young Person’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wealth Inevitable, shares the ingredients of a successful business venture. The best part? You don't necessarily need a lot of money to get started.

    Sign up for our newsletter series on credit card debt.
    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • In credit card debt? There’s a path out
    Oct 6 2025
    Credit card debt can make you feel stressed, ashamed and lonely. But there are proven strategies to free yourself from this burden. In this episode, five tips to help you get out from under credit card debt. And to sign up for our newsletter series with step-by-step plans to pay down your debt, go to npr.org/creditcarddebt.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Can you afford to make a big life change?
    Sep 30 2025
    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 your financial situation before a possible life change. This episode originally published Feb. 28, 2023.


    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Budgeting for college students
    Sep 9 2025
    A new semester has begun, which means college students across the country are taking on debt, opening credit cards and navigating meal plans and housing on their own. Budgeting and managing money, especially as a first-year college student, can be daunting. In this episode, we cover how to plan for student loans, look for scholarships, get part time work and more.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Don't make these financial mistakes
    Jul 21 2025
    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.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins