Life Kit: Money

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.

Queue Listen Now

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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Collage of gifts, a syringe full of vaccine, a surgical mask, and a calendar set to December, surrounded in a frame made of a hodgepodge of letters and mail

We answered your questions on safety, loneliness and anxiety during the holidays

7:02pm December 18, 2021

We asked for your questions on navigating the holiday blues. Clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior guides us through some rough patches involving family, money, loneliness and safety.

Illustration of a person standing in front of a life-sized chart showing different colors in waves and lines representing them balancing their stock portfolio.

Economy

New To Investing? Here Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid And Tips To Follow

3:14pm July 30, 2021

by Chris Arnold

Investing in a smart way can get you set up for whatever the future may bring. But where to begin? Here are a few tips for those who are just entering the world of investing.

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A photograph of three twenty dollar bills in front of bright, striped background. A prism warps the bottom of the money with glowing streaks in the bottom of the frame.

Economy

7 Life Kit Episodes That Will Bring You Closer To Financial Independence

3:14pm July 10, 2021

by Janet W. Lee

Managing money is a lot easier with a little know-how. Here are seven Life Kit episodes on common but confusing money topics with personal finance and economics experts who are eager to help you out.

A worker passes a sign at a restaurant along San Antonio's River Walk that has reopened. As businesses reopen around the U.S., many workers are worried for their health.

Scared To Return To Work Or Can't With Kids At Home? Here's What You Need To Know

12:05pm May 19, 2020

by Chris Arnold

As businesses reopen, many workers are worried for their health and would rather stay on unemployment. Many parents can't return to a workplace because they have no child care. What are your options?

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Short on Cash? Advice For Families Stretching Their Budgets

Economy

Short on Cash? Here's Some Advice For Families Stretching Their Budgets

4:20pm April 09, 2020

by Yuki Noguchi

Many people who have lost jobs during the pandemic are still awaiting unemployment checks and are figuring out which bills to prioritize. Experts share unusual advice for these unusual times.

Roughly 40 million Americans are likely to see their credit scores drop by 20 points or more. An equal number should go up by as much.

FICO Is About To Change Credit Scores. Here's Why It Matters

4:58pm January 30, 2020

by Chris Arnold

The firm says 40 million Americans' scores will drop by more than 20 points, and a similar number will rise.