High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to manage debt as interest rates increase and prepare for an economic downturn.

We're sharing an episode of CNN's personal finance podcast, Diversifying. Host Delyanne Barros explores the question: How does money make you feel? This episode centers on an all too common but under-discussed area of personal finance: money trauma. Learn how to overcome the anxiety and stress associated with money so you can start to make better financial decisions.

Having a baby is one of the biggest - and most expensive - life changes a person can experience. Here's what you need to know about financially planning for a baby, according to Farnoosh Torabi, Editor at Large CNET Money. Find out if there is a magic number that tells you you're ready, what to think about ahead of time and learn what can probably wait.

If the words "crypto," "Bitcoin," "blockchain," "mining," feel overwhelming or confusing Life Kit is here to help. In this episode, experts to demystify cryptocurrencies and give you the tools to decide whether buying some is a good option for you.

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.

Car ownership can be intimidating - and expensive - especially when it comes to upkeep. In this episode of Life Kit, get expert guidance on how to spot and maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the right mechanic for you and when it's time for a new car.

We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetnista, for tips about how to separate needs from wants, stop stress-spending and save for the future.

Whether you want to save for a vacation or retirement, build generational wealth or split expenses with a partner, Life Kit answers your questions about personal finance.

It's tax season . 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.

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.

Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your money where your morals are. Here's what you need to know before you get started.

If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance and train your brain to face your money woes head-on.

Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more thoughtful presents ? without breaking the bank. (This episode originally aired in December 2020.)

It's time for holiday shopping ? except this year, some consumers are making the deliberate choice to buy less to protect our environment. In this episode, writer Annaliese Griffin shares tips on online thrift shopping and giving meaningful secondhand gifts.

Even among the closest of friends, conversations about money and privilege can be awkward. In this episode from Life Kit and The Cut, author Otegha Uwagba discusses how we can break that ice ? before it's time to split the check.

Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help. (This episode first ran in November 2019.)

Picking health insurance takes a lot of work. It's not a one-size-fits-all type of situation, and there are a lot of confusing terms that come up every year. You also need to consider your general health and finances. So how can you make sense of it all?

That's where we come in. In this episode of Life Kit, we'll have experts guide you on where to look for coverage, how to narrow down plans ? and how to get trustworthy help if you need it.

The five-day workweek can feel as preordained as the number of minutes in an hour, but it hasn't always been the norm. Workers fought for a Monday-to-Friday schedule before it became standard in the U.S. in the 1930s. Since then, the nature of work has changed a lot, and now, workers are once again fighting for better conditions, says U.K.-based researcher Will Stronge.

In this episode, Stronge, who co-wrote the book Overtime: Why We Need a Shorter Working Week, discusses what's changed since the 30s and what a shorter workweek offers workers and organizations.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens to potential college students to fill out on Oct. 1 for the 2022-2023 school year. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for college ? and why you should apply now instead of waiting.

The pandemic upended work for millions of people. Now, more companies than ever are offering hybrid schedules, allowing employees to split their time between office and home. Working in a hybrid setup can be challenging as well as rewarding. Here are some steps you can take to ease the way.

It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it ? especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off debt.

Whether it's an apartment or a house, finding a place to rent can be taxing. It takes research, a disciplined budget and a strong sense of your priorities to find a place where you can feel like yourself.

In this episode we're giving you the ultimate checklist of things to consider as you're looking for your next place to live, including a detailed list of questions to ask the property manager.

Talking about money can feel intimidating, even taboo. But it's also the key to fostering a closer connection with your partner. In this episode, financial therapist Amanda Clayman breaks down five crucial elements to a healthy financial relationship with your significant other.

Money can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households, but talking about it regularly can take the awkwardness out of it.

Kids see and do everything that we do, and that's true when it comes to money, says financial expert Jen Hemphill.

In this episode, Hemphill shares her top tips for financial literacy for kids and families, including how to start those conversations and creating a healthy money mindset for everyone.

Investing is the most powerful way that we can save for retirement, college for our children and similar long-term goals. But if you're just getting started it can be hard to separate the good advice from the bad.

In this episode, NPR Life Kit host Chris Arnold offers up a few tips for those who are just entering the world of investing.

It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, NPR's Chris Arnold decodes what you should know ? from the types of retirement accounts to strategies for saving. (This episode originally published in October 2020.)

A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode originally ran in November 2020.)

We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetnista, for tips about how to separate needs from wants, stop stress-spending and save for the future. (This episode originally published in September 2020.)

In a financial crisis, like when you lose your job or the country is in a recession, you have to answer some tough questions: what bills should you prioritize? Who should you turn to? Is it ok to ask for a loan? Michelle Singletary, personal finance expert and author of the new book, What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits, answers these questions and more.

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than necessary. (This episode originally ran in October 2020.)

Wealth isn't just cold, hard cash, says strategic investor Dr. Pamela Jolly. It's whatever you value ? and that means generational wealth can take lots of forms. TK Dutes speaks with Dr. Jolly about how to get strategic about leaving a legacy.

Home prices have shot up in the last year. But with so many people eager to buy, the competition is stiff. If you're in the market to buy a home, this episode offers some advice for how to navigate this seemingly impossible market.

Buying a car is intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. (This episode originally ran in Feb. 2020.)

Money isn't just about numbers. It's about emotions, too. Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche's new book unpacks the relationships we all have with finances so you can make the most of your cash.

Is unemployment taxed? What about stimulus checks? The pandemic has changed a lot when it comes to filing taxes. In this episode, we break down the filing process and tackle common COVID-19-related tax questions with a CPA.

Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work ? and strategy. In this episode, host Ruth Tam gets some advice from independent business owners and financial experts about how to make it work.

A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high.

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than you have to.

It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, NPR's Chris Arnold decodes what you should know ? from the types of retirement accounts to strategies for saving.

We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetnista, for tips about how to separate needs from your wants, stop stress spending and save for the future.

When COVID-19 began, the stock market fell off a cliff ? leaving less experienced investors wondering, "should I sell to stop the pain!?" The answer, as it always is, was "NO!" The market has now come roaring back, and analysts are wondering, "Can it last, and should people sell stocks?" In this episode we talk to one of the best investors on the planet about the most successful approach to riding out stock market storms and beyond.

The student loan system is confusing. Sometimes it can seem designed to make borrowers fail. But if you know how to navigate it, you're more likely to save money in the long run.

If you're not good at saving money, it's not your fault: Humans are hard-wired to focus on the present. But there's a way to beat evolution and build for your future. This episode explains how to make saving automatic and painless.

It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it ? especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off debt

Whether you're paying off student loans or saving for daily necessities during COVID-19, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help.

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it ? you just have to know where to look and how to ask.

Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns and underlying conditions.

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is even a small amount of planning ensures our final wishes are honored ? and makes it easier on our friends and family. This episode will help you get started on making a will and an advanced directive, even if you don't have a big estate.

It's easy to get caught in a cycle of mounting overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars.

The CARES Act provides relief to many student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you know if you qualify? What if you're enrolled in Public Student Loan Forgiveness? What about private loans? This episode, a Life Kit collaboration with Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios, explains the fine print of how to handle students loans during coronavirus.