Life Kit Folgen

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, without getting out of control on spending. Here's what to remember:- Use credit cards that have the best rewards on the things you spend the most money on.- Protect your credit score: Always pay off your balance, don't spend more than 30 percent of your limit, don't cancel a card you've had for a long time.- Don't outgame yourself by accepting too many new cards with sign-up bonuses.- Know yourself: If you've had trouble with running up debt, don't tempt yourself with more cards.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy