Life Kit — Tools to help you get it together.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Life Kit digital editor Malaka Gharib

As a special thanks for subscribing to Life Kit’s newsletter, we’d love for you to be the first to know about a newsletter series we’re launching next week: our Guide to Paying Off Credit Card Debt.

If you carry a balance, you know how challenging it can be to get out of debt. The cost of living is going up, inflation is on the rise and job growth is slowing.

And with interest rates often around 20%, credit card debt can be a pretty big hole in your financial boat that you'd be better off plugging to keep yourself afloat.

Our series will give you the tools you need to create a debt payment plan, including practical tips on how to save money and figure out which card to pay down first.

Sign me up for the credit card debt series

Reina Takahashi for NPR

Whether you’ve hit a number on your balance that makes you feel uncomfortable, are behind on payments or just want to learn how to use your card responsibly, Life Kit is here to help.

The series answers questions like:

❓How do I find money in my budget to put toward my debt?
❓Can I negotiate monthly payments with my credit card company?
❓Which credit card do I pay off first?
❓How do I stay off the hamster wheel of debt?

We really mean it when we say you’re the first to know about this series. The rest of NPR’s audience will be hearing about it next week. So we hope you’ll sign up. Email us and let us know what you think!

Help me save money to put toward my debt

Newsletter continues after sponsor message

More Life Kit on debt

A big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it. Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. Here are shame-free solutions for digging out of debt. Watch the video.

5 smart habits to keep you out of credit card debt. Stay on top of your monthly payments and avoid costly fees and interest charges with these smart credit card strategies. Read the story.

How to pay off your debt in 7 steps. It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. Here are strategies to help you pay off debt. Read the story.

Support our work & listen sponsor-free

Support public media while getting expert advice on health, finance, relationships and more with Life Kit+. You'll get sponsor-free listening and even some specially curated playlists of episodes by theme (Master your budget, Organize your life, Move your body, and more).

Check out all the NPR+ benefits available at plus.npr.org.

Explore Life Kit+

We want to hear from you: How do you kiss and make up after a fight?

He left his socks on the bathroom floor for the millionth time. She showed up late to dinner again! You know I didn’t mean to say it that way. You always take your mom’s side!

What do you and your partner do to fix things after an argument? Do you swear by a long walk before speaking again? Do you have handy jokes or rituals you rely on to break the ice? We want to hear from you.

Email us at lifekit@npr.org and we may contact you for an episode we're working on about the art of repairing in romantic relationships.

Easy hosting tips from our audience

Clare Marie Schneider/NPR

Earlier this month we asked you: “How do you make hosting less stressful and more communal?” as part of our interview with chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat. Here are some of our favorite tips.

Leave tasks on Post-it notes

I love using Jill Biden's method of setting out Post-it notes with tasks that guests can help out with. For example, one might say, "set out a salad bowl and tongs." It empowers guests and reduces the need for the host to stop what they're doing to guide each person. —Cassandra Lewis

A less stressful way to get dinner on the table

Make the meal while guests mill around the kitchen. Choose something easy to make. That way, you don't have to worry about timing the finished product with their arrival. Plus, it's more fun to have company while cooking! —Cassandra Lewis

Go ahead and choose the potluck

As I’ve gotten older, my friends and I increasingly share the burden of a dinner party. Whoever hosts determines the main dish.. Then the others are told to bring a salad, dessert or whatever. Makes it easier on everyone and we still get to enjoy one another while sharing a meal. —Mary Aigner

In case you missed it

Beck Harlan/NPR

8 walking and biking safety tips that just might save your life. In 2024, 7,100 pedestrians were killed on the road, and in recent years, more than 1,000 cyclists have been hit and killed annually. Safety experts explain how bikers and walkers can stay safe. Read the story.

How does acetaminophen work? Over-the-counter Painkillers 101. The president and his deputies tied autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Refresh your knowledge on safe and effective use of common painkillers with these tips from health professionals. Read the story.

SOS! I'm feeling anxious — what can I do? Anxiety can feel awful and overwhelming. But it can also be a helpful warning signal — telling us when we're in danger or out of alignment with our true feelings. We share tips on how to turn down the dial on your anxiety symptoms, so you can listen to what they're trying to tell you. Read the story.

Look out 👀 for these upcoming topics

We love sharing exclusive content with you, dear newsletter subscriber. Here is a list of topics you can expect to learn about in upcoming episodes.

📱 Parents and screentime
🫂 Boundaries
💇‍♀️ Haircuts

Stream your local NPR station.

Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream.

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.

Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more!

You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy