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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

Remember when you dreamed of making earrings for a living? Or walking dogs? Or insert childhood dreams here. Your job may look very different today, but there are ways to turn your passion into income.

Freelance gigs have become a significant part of many careers — and as long as you know why you’re willing to hustle, the extra work may be worth it. If you’re looking to make money doing what you love, here’s a way you can strategize to still maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Crush Your Debt

Want to dig out of debt as fast as possible? It’ll be challenging — think cutting your expenses and working extra hours — so you’ll need to stay motivated. We recommend checking in with loved ones for support, …….

Source: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/10/1014353659/financial-independence-budget-save-money-debt-credit