Episodes

  • There's still time to reach your 2026 money goals

    There's still time to reach your 2026 money goals
    Oct 1 2026
    Companies look at their financial picture on a quarterly basis. We can do the same for our personal finances. In this episode, how to do a financial check-in ahead of Q4. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger says it's not too late to get back on track with your money goals and set yourself up for success in 2027.

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    19 mins
  • Worried you’re being overcharged when shopping online? Listen to this

    Worried you’re being overcharged when shopping online? Listen to this
    Sep 29 2026
    When shopping online, you and another person could be buying the exact same item, and you'll pay more because of who you are, where you are and your purchase history. In this episode of Life Kit, author Lindsay Owens shares tips from her new book Gouged on how to avoid getting ripped off by surveillance pricing — and get a fair price.

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    23 mins
  • No, it's not too early to start saving for the holidays

    No, it's not too early to start saving for the holidays
    Sep 17 2026
    Holiday spending can sneak up on you. From endless gift shopping to expensive flights home, it's easy to lose track of your long-term goals in this season of financial obligations. This episode, Life Kit experts share tips on making a holiday spending plan so you can enjoy the winter festivities guilt-free.

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    17 mins
  • How to jumpstart your child's financial future

    How to jumpstart your child's financial future
    Sep 10 2026
    If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, free time is at a premium. And sorting through different investment account options is confusing and time-consuming. On this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks you through different savings methods, from the new Trump accounts, to classic 529 plans, to custodial brokerage accounts, and will help you prioritize which method to use.

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    19 mins
  • 5 questions that can save you from a bad purchase

    5 questions that can save you from a bad purchase
    Aug 24 2026
    Sometimes we buy things that we later regret: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. This episode originally published Dec.18, 2024.

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    18 mins
  • Savings strategies that actually work

    Savings strategies that actually work
    Jul 27 2026
    You know you want to save for that vacation, those new tires and more generally, the future. But what savings approach actually works? Certified financial planner Tania P. Brown recommends trying savings buckets. By creating separate categories — or buckets — for your savings, you can prioritize your goals, plan ahead and set rules for when you'll tap into each fund. In this episode, Brown shares tips on building sinking funds and emergency funds, as well as other types of savings accounts, so you can stay motivated and on track with your financial goals.

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    22 mins
  • Summer fun that doesn't break the budget

    Summer fun that doesn't break the budget
    Jul 14 2026
    Wondering how to have fun this summer without spending a fortune? All you need is a little creativity. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — to your sunny days ahead. This episode originally aired Aug. 1, 2023.

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    12 mins
  • A financial planner's advice for spending without guilt

    A financial planner's advice for spending without guilt
    Jul 13 2026
    Whether you're feeling guilty about overspending or guilty about not spending enough, shame around money can get in the way of your goals. In this episode, Marielle Segarra talks with certified financial planner Lauryn Williams about how to address financial guilt and align your spending with your values.

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    23 mins