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 what those tasks are — and also go beyond the number crunching to talk about mental health and finances.

Start a financial self-care routine

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Have you done a chocolate bar taste test? Hosted a themed hangout? Gone to a surprise movie night? Here are some ideas to help you save money and maximize entertainment.

Let's have some cheap fun

It's time to get your MBA — the easy way. We're sharing an episode from Planet Money's Summer School. In this lesson: Everyone has a million dollar business idea (e.g., "Shazam but for movies"), but not everyone has what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You'll hear two case studies with founders who learned the hard way what goes into starting a small business and a biz school professor who chimes in to explain the fundamentals.

Start your own business

Buying a car can be 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 published February 18, 2020.

How to buy a car with confidence

It's easy to feel stuck with the bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of options out there. We walk through four types of financial institutions and companies for a checking or savings account: big banks, credit unions, community banks and newer financial technology apps.

How to choose a bank

The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of millions of Americans – so what can student loan borrowers do to prepare now that the plan is over? NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner gives context and advice for borrowers.

How to prepare for the return of student loan payments

Does your landlord have to fix that? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you're one of the 35% of Americans renting your home, there's a lot you should know to protect yourself best. We'll discuss rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease.

Renting? Learn to be your own best housing advocate

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.

Save money on groceries

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.)

Tricks to boost your credit score

Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change.

Can I afford to quit my job?

Being in control of your money leads to great things. From dealing with debt or student loans, to how to buy a house, NPR wants to help. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on money and personal finance.

Great episode, but I think you may have missed one option: take the 30 year fixed instead of the 15 year fixed BUT set up up either biweekly payments instead of monthly if possible, extra annual payment, or add extra principle payments on top of the monthly payments if you can’t do biweekly. This helps build equity similar to the wealth builder loans BUT gives you payment flexibility if your financial situation changes, e.g. two income household drops to one income due to health circumstances or loss of job, etc. :-)

One more mortgage secret

Life Kit: Money

To many, it's a dreaded task: making a budget to keep track of money. Guess what? You can do it, and we show you some tools that can help — maybe even make it fun. The founder of the popular budgeting software You Need A Budget tells us how to track your spending.Here's what to remember:- Don't budget just because you should: Set a goal.- Leverage anxiety from a life change and turn it into motivation.- Follow the 50-30-20 method.- Use the power of scarcity.- A roommate is worth 1,000 coffees.- Find the budgeting technique that works for you. Here's a worksheet to get you started: https://bit.ly/2umlqex.

To many, it's a dreaded task: making a budget to keep track of money. Guess what? You can do it, and we show you some tools that can help — maybe even make it fun. The founder of the popular budgeting software You Need A Budget tells us how to track your spending. Here's what to remember: - Don't budget just because you should: Set a goal. - Leverage anxiety from a life change and turn it into motivation. - Follow the 50-30-20 method. - Use the power of scarcity. - A roommate is worth 1,000 coffees. - Find the budgeting technique that works for you. Here's a worksheet to get you started: <a href="https://bit.ly/2umlqex" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2umlqex</a>.

Be The Master Of Your Budget

In this special episode, Sam Sanders of NPR's "It's Been A Minute" talks with financial journalist Hannah Seligson and Aminatou Sow from the podcast "Call Your Girlfriend" about why millennials are so financially intertwined with their parents.

Millennials And Money

We help you understand whether you need an adviser, and if you do want one, how to find someone who will act in your best interest.Here's what to remember:- Many people don't need to pay for financial advice.- Use a "fee-only" adviser, not a "fee-based" adviser.- Consider low-cost options like robo-advisers or Vanguard.- You might need to break up with your adviser — but you can still be friends.  - Two online resources can help you find an adviser: NAPFA and Kent on Money.

We help you understand whether you need an adviser, and if you do want one, how to find someone who will act in your best interest. Here's what to remember: - Many people don't need to pay for financial advice. - Use a "fee-only" adviser, not a "fee-based" adviser. - Consider low-cost options like robo-advisers or Vanguard. - You might need to break up with your adviser — but you can still be friends. - Two online resources can help you find an adviser: <a href="https://www.napfa.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NAPFA</a> and <a href="http://www.kentonmoney.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kent on Money</a>.

Should You Pay For Financial Advice?

It is possible to get out of debt fast, but it's a gritty marathon to get to a better place. Here's how to keep up the momentum.

Crush Debt Fast (While Staying Motivated)

If you're in debt, you're not alone. Here's how to make a plan and get yourself out.

7 Strategies For Digging Out Of Debt

If you use credit cards in a intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you.

Boost Your Credit Card IQ

Don't let the sticker price of college paralyze you. This episode gives you smart saving strategies — including how to prioritize your own retirement savings, choosing a 529 plan and what financial aid offices really look at — so you can start saving for your child's college tuition.

How To Save For Your Kid's College Education

Paying off student loans can be a financial nightmare. But if you know how to navigate the system, you can find a payment plan that's more affordable. Plus, if you qualify for loan forgiveness, you might get tens of thousands of dollars of debt wiped out. Here's what to remember:- Download a list of all your federal loans.- If you get an income-driven repayment plan, stay in it!- Don't trust your loan servicer. Do the research, find your payment plan and get it in writing.- Take a personal day or make a date with a friend to tackle student-loan paperwork.- Consider a full frontal assault on your loans to pay them down quickly.- Loan consolidation or refinancing might make sense for you, but might also lead to financial disaster.

Paying off student loans can be a financial nightmare. But if you know how to navigate the system, you can find a payment plan that's more affordable. Plus, if you qualify for loan forgiveness, you might get tens of thousands of dollars of debt wiped out. Here's what to remember: - Download a list of all your federal loans. - If you get an income-driven repayment plan, stay in it! - Don't trust your loan servicer. Do the research, find your payment plan and get it in writing. - Take a personal day or make a date with a friend to tackle student-loan paperwork. - Consider a full frontal assault on your loans to pay them down quickly. - Loan consolidation or refinancing might make sense for you, but might also lead to financial disaster.

Pay Off Student Loans The Smart Way

Don't get caught in a cycle of unnecessary overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars.Here's what to remember:- Automation is your friend. Set your bills on autopay. - Overdraft protection is deceptive. Link your checking account to a savings account to avoid overdraft fees.- Set up a buffer savings account with automatic deposits. - Don't use credit cards for emergency spending.- If you do have an emergency, try asking your employer for your already-earned wages. - Balance transfer checks can help with high-interest debt, but read the fine print.

Don't get caught in a cycle of unnecessary overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those hard-earned dollars. Here's what to remember: - Automation is your friend. Set your bills on autopay. - Overdraft protection is deceptive. Link your checking account to a savings account to avoid overdraft fees. - Set up a buffer savings account with automatic deposits. - Don't use credit cards for emergency spending. - If you do have an emergency, try asking your employer for your already-earned wages. - Balance transfer checks can help with high-interest debt, but read the fine print.

Never Pay An Unnecessary Fee Again

One in 5 Americans struggles with medical bills. Here are things you do to get medical bills reduced — or even forgiven.

Rx For Medical Debt

Don't let college anxiety rush you into a financial mistake that could haunt you for years. This Life Kit episode lays out the do's and don'ts of paying for college so that you don't have to mortgage your future before you get there. Here's what to remember:- Consider attending community college before transferring to a more expensive four-year school.- Don't let a school's high price deter you — you may only have to pay a fraction of the advertised price.- The FAFSA form is the gatekeeper to most student financial aid, so don't put it off.- Find free money, from federal Pell Grants to college-based aid to scholarships for left-handed tuba players. - If you or your parents have to borrow beyond federal student lending limits, the degree might not be worth the debt.- Relax! You don't have to attend an elite school to be happy.

Don't let college anxiety rush you into a financial mistake that could haunt you for years. This Life Kit episode lays out the do's and don'ts of paying for college so that you don't have to mortgage your future before you get there. Here's what to remember: - Consider attending community college before transferring to a more expensive four-year school. - Don't let a school's high price deter you — you may only have to pay a fraction of the advertised price. - The FAFSA form is the gatekeeper to most student financial aid, so don't put it off. - Find free money, from federal Pell Grants to college-based aid to scholarships for left-handed tuba players. - If you or your parents have to borrow beyond federal student lending limits, the degree might not be worth the debt. - Relax! You don't have to attend an elite school to be happy.

Paying For College: What To Know Before You Go

You've taken the leap and enrolled in college! But money issues don't end when you accept your financial aid. Paying your way through school can be stressful, but lots of folks have made it work and they have advice for how you, too, can navigate your years in college. Here's what to remember: - Find out what resources your college offers for students — you may have to do some digging.- It's OK to get a job, but try to find one that's related to what you want to do. - Make a budget. And don't miss out on that free food!- When being thrifty isn't enough and you have no more hours for a job, talk to the financial aid office about taking out small federal loans.- Don't be afraid to ask for help.- Take care of yourself. You've made it to college: You belong there!

You've taken the leap and enrolled in college! But money issues don't end when you accept your financial aid. Paying your way through school can be stressful, but lots of folks have made it work and they have advice for how you, too, can navigate your years in college. Here's what to remember: - Find out what resources your college offers for students — you may have to do some digging. - It's OK to get a job, but try to find one that's related to what you want to do. - Make a budget. And don't miss out on that free food! - When being thrifty isn't enough and you have no more hours for a job, talk to the financial aid office about taking out small federal loans. - Don't be afraid to ask for help. - Take care of yourself. You've made it to college: You belong there!

Survive College When You're Paying Your Own Way

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

Eating Healthy Without Overspending

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.

Do You Love It Or Just Want It? How To Stop Stress Spending

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 &amp; Money from WNYC Studios, explains the fine print of how to handle students loans during coronavirus.

Juggling Student Loans During A Pandemic

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!