Episodes

  • 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
  • Should I buy it? A framework to help you decide
    Jul 17 2025
    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. This episode originally published December 18, 2024.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Make your savings work harder
    Jul 1 2025
    Typical savings account interest rates can earn you pennies. In this episode, you'll learn about other high-interest savings options to earn more in interest and protect your savings against inflation.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Budget friendly things to do this summer
    Jun 10 2025
    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 aired August 1st, 2023.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins