Life Kit Episodes That Will Bring You Closer To Financial Independence

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This story comes from Life Kit, NPR’s family of podcasts to help make life better — covering everything from exercise to raising kids to making friends. For more, sign up for the newsletter and follow @NPRLifeKit on Twitter.

From signing up for the right credit card to paying off debt to navigating a financial crisis — managing money is a lot easier with a little know-how. Here are seven of our favorite Life Kit episodes on common and confusing money topics, featuring personal finance experts who are eager to help you out.

Cut Down Miscellaneous Expenses

Trying on pajama pants at Target just for fun, swinging by an ice cream store, because it’s not the same as the pint I have in my fridge — I’ve been there. Personal finance expert Tiffany Aliche, “The Budgetnista,” recommends asking yourself whether you “Need it, love it, like it or want it” before springing for impulse purchases. If the gratification from a purchase will last less than one year, it’s just a “like,” and you might be better off skipping it to save up for something you’ll “love.”

Master Budgeting

When I moved into my first apartment out of college, I quickly realized that no one ever taught me how to budget. Author Kristen Wong points out that young adults shouldn’t feel obligated to budget just because it is what grown-ups do. Instead, she suggests holding onto a personal goal that you’re saving up for, like a weeklong trip, a new computer or dinner from your favorite restaurant. Here’s more on how you can budget to feel “liberated.”

Make Money From Your Side Hustle

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