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How to cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024
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Life Kit

How to cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024

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.

How to cut costs, pay down debt and save more money in 2024

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Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention
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Life Kit

Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention

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.

Giving Tuesday: How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention

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8 simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting scammed
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Life Kit

8 simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting scammed

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters.

8 simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting scammed

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7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money
Kaz Fantone/NPR

Life Kit

7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money

Baking pans, legal help, language classes and more — libraries can provide so much more than books. See if your local branch offers these free or discounted resources and services.

7 surprising ways the public library can help you save money

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Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it
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Life Kit

Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it

There comes a time when it's the kid's turn to take care of mom and dad. Here's how to broach this sensitive subject with your parents.

Yes, end-of-life planning is a tough subject. How to talk to your parents about it

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Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one
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Life Kit

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one

Everyone should consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married, says family law attorney Theresa Viera. Here's how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's right for you.

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one

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Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine
We Are/Getty Images; NPR

Life Kit

Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine

Just like your health, your finances need checkups too. Here are 5 good habits to do every year to help you reach your financial goals.

Get a better handle on your money with a financial self-care routine

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How to pick a bank that works for you
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Life Kit

How to pick a bank that works for you

It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there.

How to pick a bank that works for you

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To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store
Photographs Unsplash; Collage by Kaz Fantone/NPR

Life Kit

To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store

Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical tips for saving money on the food you cook at home.

To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store

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A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it
Angela Hsieh/NPR

Life Kit

A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it

Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt.

A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it

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Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable
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Dear Life Kit

Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable

She loves her boyfriend's parents, but their generosity feels inappropriate. Maya Lau, host of the podcast Other People's Pockets, weighs in on how to move forward.

Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable

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Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them
Shannon Wright for NPR

Life Kit

Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them

There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price. Here's how to eliminate, reduce or negotiate a medical bill.

Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here's how to negotiate them

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Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know
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Life Kit

Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know

Credit card rewards programs can offer big perks like airline miles and hotel upgrades. Finance journalist Katherine Fan explains how to choose the right card and what to know before signing up.

Want to get into credit card points? Here's what you should know

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Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance
Photos by Jacques Bopp/Unsplash, Becky Harlan/NPR

Dear Life Kit

Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance

She cared for her stepdad through illness and death. Now she's disheartened that her siblings only seem to care about the inheritance. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin weighs in.

Dear Life Kit: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance

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The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments
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Life Kit

The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments

About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But experts explain why that's not a good idea.

The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments

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What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby
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Life Kit

What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby

Having a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive life changes a person can experience. Farnoosh Torabi, editor-at-large at CNET Money, shares what you need to know about budgeting for a baby.

What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby

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If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep'
Allie Sullberg for NPR

Life Kit

If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep'

Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares advice on keeping your long-term financial goals in check and fending off the subconscious urge to automatically increase spending when your income increases.

If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing 'lifestyle creep'

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Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money
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Life Kit

Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money

Car ownership can be intimidating — and expensive — especially when it comes to upkeep. Auto educator and journalist Chaya Milchtein shares tips to help you maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the right mechanic for you and when it's time for a new car.

Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money

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File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund
Lindsey Balbierz for NPR

Life Kit

File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund

It's tax season (insert collective groan here). But don't worry: in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful advice on maximizing your refund, what deductions to remember and how the child tax credit impacts your tax filings this year.

File your taxes on time. Here's what you should know about your refund

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Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'
Paco de Leon

Life Kit

Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'

Getting your finances in order can be intimidating, especially for freelancers, creatives and side-giggers. Financial planner and artist Paco de Leon shares simple, holistic advice for tuning up your finances.

Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'

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