💰 Smarter money moves for your spring

Plus: what you need to know about your tax refund before the deadline

View this email online Cha Pornea/NPR Friends, Spring’s color palette is out in full force: bright chirping bluebirds, sunny yellow daffodils and pastel dresses in every hue!  And yet, your wallet might be light on some of that fresh, spring green.  If that’s the case, you’re not the only one feeling the squeeze. Inflation has reached a 40-year high, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates in response and both are hitting consumers in the pocketbook: everywhere from high gas prices to groceries to Lyft rides and even – say it ain’t so – Netflix accounts.  But while hot stocks can change within the hour, and the scam du jour causing market mayhem shifts with the seasons, basic financial planning and consistent money-mindedness are steadfast, all-weather coats. No matter your financial situation, we’ve got a wealth of resources to help you make smarter money moves in every area of your life. Take what you need, no charge!   Newsletter continues after sponsor message Tax season Your tax refund, explained: Confused about the child tax credit? Or want to claim pandemic expenses? We’ve got you. Remember, this year’s filing deadline is April 18! Listen to the episode How to file taxes: It’s not as scary as you think it is! Learn more about tax basics here. Sol Cotti/NPR Saving & budgeting Planning for financial emergencies: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. In this episode, financial expert and author Michelle Singletary offers an emergency field guide from her book, What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits. Budgeting 101: I know, just hearing the word elicits a groan. But as our experts say, budgeting is not about being handcuffed, It’s really about being liberated.” You just have to find a budget that empowers you. Improve your credit score: There are rules to the credit score game. Learn how, and why, to improve your credit.  Lower your debt: No one likes to be in the red. If you’re drowning in debt, create an action plan and learn about ways to stay motivated while crushing debt, fast.   Building wealth Saving for retirement: Roth IRA, 401-k, 403-b, oh my! Retirement won’t save for itself – but it’s actually pretty easy to get started!  Start investing: Ready to play the market, but not sure how to start? Here’s a smarter investing cheat sheet.  Stop paying unnecessary fees: There’s a lot of them out there. Here are simple ways to stop overpaying and start getting ahead.  Generational wealth: Planning is a gift you give to your loved ones for the future. Learn how to start the conversation about passing on wealth and how to start planning for the end of life. Start a side gig: Is it time to make that hobby into a business? Remember, working for yourself is still work! Here’s how to make a side gig work for you.  Smarter money mindsets Emotions & money: Your budget is a lot more than dollars and cents. To get smarter about money, you have to understand your feelings around your finances, first. Stop stress spending: That Amazon purchase might feel good in the moment, but is it really worth the hit to your monthly budget? The Budgetnista has tips to help you shift your spending perspective.  Money avoidance: Do you wince every time you open up your banking app? This episode is for you.  Better money talk Ask for what you’re worth: Asking for more money can be tough – but don’t discount yourself! Here are tips for asking for a raise and template language for advocating for your pay.  Financial literacy for kids: Financial expert Jen Hemphill says, start ‘em young! Find advice for talking money at home with kids at every age. Financial intimacy for couples: If you want to get closer to your partner, talk about money. Start with listening to advice from a financial therapist, then head to the kitchen table for some shared life admin or to draft your relationship contract.   Talk money with friends: It might not be easy, but starting the conversation can get you ahead of that awkward moment when it’s time to split the bill. Here’s how to talk about finances and set boundaries with friends.  Wishing you a weekend of blue skies and budgets in the black, all.  –Andee Tagle, Life Kit producer 💡 What's a hack that's changed your life? 💡   Send us a note at LifeKit@npr.org or leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823. Your life tip could appear on an upcoming episode of Life Kit or in our video series on Instagram!   Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. 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