Life Kit: Money

The pros and cons of clicking that option to 'pay in 4 easy installments'

5:00am March 13, 2025

Called "buy-now, pay-later" loans, they essentially work the way they sound. Shoppers borrow money to buy goods then pay the loan back over time, often interest-free. Experts share risks and benefits.

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View from above woman with cat using laptop on floor with coffee and paperwork

What if I'm missing a form? Attorneys answer tax questions from NPR's audience

5:00am February 26, 2025

We asked our listeners to send us their most befuddling questions about the 2025 tax season. What if you can't pay your tax bill? How good is online tax software? Two tax attorneys weigh in.

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How to spend less money on your friends' weddings, birthdays and showers

5:00am January 31, 2025

If your social calendar is burning a hole in your wallet, there are steps you can take to spend less while maintaining good relationships.

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5 money-draining mistakes travelers make when planning a vacation

5:00am January 25, 2025

People get a lot wrong when it comes to paying for vacation, say travel experts, and that can cost serious cash. Here's how to plan a trip that's safe, adventurous and under budget.

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5 financial habits to leave behind for a more prosperous new year

5:00am January 04, 2025

As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less-than-ideal money habits: impulse purchases, out-of-control credit card debt and the trap of lifestyle creep.

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Three U.S. dollar bills are folded into the shape of collared shirts. They are photographed against an orange and pink backdrop. One of the shirts is in the foreground in the front, while the two other shirts are out of focus in the background, representing setting boundaries when lending money.

Economy
Arts

Should you lend money to your loved ones? NPR listeners weigh in

2:32pm May 29, 2024

by Malaka Gharib

Our audience shares their perspective on the tricky etiquette of loaning money to friends and family.

A U.S. dollar bill is folded into the shape of a gift box and tied with a green ribbon. The gift box is photographed against a blue and green background, and the box is reflected in the surface below.

Economy
Arts

The do's and don'ts of lending money

5:41pm May 08, 2024

by Andrew Limbong

What do you do if a loved one asks to borrow a big sum of money from you? Experts weigh in on when it's OK to fork over the cash — and when you should probably say no.

Illustration of a person in miniature hiding underneath a tented wallet on a desk, peering out to a tablescape of bills, finance apps, a laptop, receipts and a few drinks, symbolizing hiding from money problems.

Arts

22 tips for 2022: Money problems don't just disappear. Here's how to face them

6:01am January 17, 2022

by Andee Tagle

Avoiding money issues is often at the expense of our longer-term financial — and mental — wellbeing. To upend problematic money behavior, try doing an audit of your last few money interactions.

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Illustration of a woman sitting on a flying credit card as it zooms through space, with flames coming out of the back. She shops online on her phone.

Arts
Economy

22 tips for 2022: Spend less by choosing what'll bring you lasting joy

6:00am January 12, 2022

by Lauren Migaki

Impulse shopping feels good in the moment, but it can impede your long-term savings goals. This shopping tip will help separate fleeting fun from sustained satisfaction.

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Illustration of a person thinking about money in front of a meter that's segmented into different budget areas: transportation, housing, credit, food, medical care and education.

Arts

22 tips for 2022: When it comes to saving money, a roommate is worth 1,000 coffees

6:01am January 04, 2022

by Chris Arnold

If you're looking to overhaul your budget, it's best to focus on bigger categories — like housing or transportation — rather than all the almond milk lattes.

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