Life Kit: Money

If you're looking for ways to curb your spending, we have tips to help you save at the grocery store, stop impulse shopping, avoid unnecessary fees, and more. This episode was originally published on Dec. 3, 2024.

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Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be in six months. This episode, we break down some of the terms and share guided questions to help you choose the plan that's best for you. This episode was originally published Oct. 31, 2023.

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Companies look at their financial picture on a quarterly basis. We can do the same for our personal finances. In this episode, how to do a financial check-in ahead of Q4. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger says it's not too late to get back on track with your money goals and set yourself up for success in 2027.

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When shopping online, you and another person could be buying the exact same item, and you'll pay more because of who you are, where you are and your purchase history. In this episode of Life Kit, author Lindsay Owens shares tips from her new book Gouged on how to avoid getting ripped off by surveillance pricing — and get a fair price.

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Holiday spending can sneak up on you. From endless gift shopping to expensive flights home, it's easy to lose track of your long-term goals in this season of financial obligations. This episode, Life Kit experts share tips on making a holiday spending plan so you can enjoy the winter festivities guilt-free.

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If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, free time is at a premium. And sorting through different investment account options is confusing and time-consuming. On this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks you through different savings methods, from the new Trump accounts, to classic 529 plans, to custodial brokerage accounts, and will help you prioritize which method to use.

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Sometimes we buy things that we later regret: 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. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. This episode originally published Dec.18, 2024.

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You know you want to save for that vacation, those new tires and more generally, the future. But what savings approach actually works? Certified financial planner Tania P. Brown recommends trying savings buckets. By creating separate categories — or buckets — for your savings, you can prioritize your goals, plan ahead and set rules for when you'll tap into each fund. In this episode, Brown shares tips on building sinking funds and emergency funds, as well as other types of savings accounts, so you can stay motivated and on track with your financial goals.

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Wondering how to have fun this summer without spending a fortune? All you need is a little creativity. 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 — to your sunny days ahead. This episode originally aired Aug. 1, 2023.

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Whether you're feeling guilty about overspending or guilty about not spending enough, shame around money can get in the way of your goals. In this episode, Marielle Segarra talks with certified financial planner Lauryn Williams about how to address financial guilt and align your spending with your values.

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Do you blow $20 on slop bowls because you keep forgetting to pack lunch? Or can't help but overspend every time you eat out with friends? Dining out can be expensive — but there are ways to minimize the financial punch. This episode, reporter Joe Hernandez shares tips on how to dine out on a budget. Sign up for his one-month newsletter, How to Cut Your Food Bill, for more tips.

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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 long-term.

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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.

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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 ourselves to buy less. This episode originally published Aug. 20, 2024.

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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.

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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.

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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 surprising factors that contribute to high rates and how to make sure you don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer.

Find comparisons in your ZIP code: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5397184/auto-insurance-credit-history-cost

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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.

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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 bond allocation.

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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.

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