Podcasts

I have a typical college job- a job that requires little effort but is extremely boring. As a result, I am able to listen to my ipod for my entire shift. Rather than listen to Lady Gaga's new single over and over for four hours, I listen to podcasts.

As a political science major, I began listening to four different version of the daily news. Let me tell you- it gets really old after the elections are over. A couple months ago, I began listening to frugality podcasts in an effort to save a little cash here in there. it took little time before personal finance and life-skills podcasts became an obsession. I was amazed at the wealth of information that individuals were sharing via podcasts.

I would like to share some of my favorite podcasts so that you too can find tips and tricks to enhance your life.

These podcasts can be downloaded from iTunes. (If you don't have an mp3 player, you can still listen to them off of iTunes.)

Personal Finance

The Dave Ramsey Show: Dave Ramsey is a personal finance talk-show radio host as well as the author of many personal finance books. While this podcast is geared towards older listeners (older than those in college, that is), it is an aspiring podcast. Dave Ramsey preaches about the "debt-free" life. Having thousands of dollars in student loans, I find listening to him makes me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

-Active?: Yes! This podcast runs M-F

-Podcast Length: 40 minutes

-Favorite Podcasts: This podcast is an hour of his radio show minus the ads. There aren't strict topics every day; however, Friday is debt-free Friday, where people call in to proclaim that they are debt freeeee!

US News: Personal Finance: This podcast offers little snipbits of advice on a wide range of topics based on blogger Kimberly Palmer's blogs on the Alpha Consumer.

-Active?: No. This podcast was last updated in 2009.

-Podcast Length: Anywhere from 2-12 minutes

-Favorite Podcasts: My favorites include, "Renter's Insurance", "6 Money Talks to Have Before you Marry", and "7 Ways to Save During a Recession".

Frugality/Scoring Deals!

The Dealista: This podcasts is part of the "Quick and Dirty Tips" family. Thought the host, Linsey Knerl, has moved on too bigger and better things, the podcasts offer little snipbits for saving on various items.

Active?: No. This podcast has not been updating since May 2010.

Podcast Length: Less than 10 minutes (but they are jam packed minutes!)

Favorite Podcasts: My favorite episodes are "Scoring Deals at CVS", "Get Free Stuff at Walgreen's!", and "Craigslist Shopping 101".

FrugalCoast2Coast: This podcast is probably the first true frugality podcast I listened to. The hosts are Renee from BeingFrugal.com and Jenn from FrugalUpstate.com, both of which are part of the Walmart 11 moms.

Active?: No. It has not been updated his late 2009.

Podcast Length: an hour to an hour and a half

Favorite Podcasts: "Frugal Kitchen Tips", "Living Large on a Small Budget", and "Getting Out of Debt".

Keeping it Censible: This podcast is hosted by Alyssa from Kingdomfirstmom.com and Denise from Centsible-Sawyer.com. Though these two pregnant ladies often discuss baby and family tips, they have quite a number of podcasts that are applicable to the college student.

Active?: No. This podcast ended in July of 2009, shortly after both women had their babies.

Podcast length: 30-45 Minutes

Favorite Podcasts: "Happy Couponing!", "Cutting Corners in the Kitchen", "Women and Debt", "Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle", "Meal Planning"... I could go on and on.

Life Skills

FlyLady Tools: Alright, this podcasts isn't really about personal finance. This podcast offers various tips from the FlyLady on how to better your life and have more time in your day for the things you actually want to do. Each month, she has given her listeners a goal to focus on. For example, April's goal is to make your bed every day! While these tasks may seem mundane, they really can improve your spirits and often save you time. The FlyLady also has another podcasts titled "FlyLady and Friends; however, I have not had a chance to listen to this podcast yet.

Active?: No, this podcast is no longer active. Though, the new skill for every month has been posted to iTunes.

Podcast Length: <10 minutes

Favorite Podcasts: As they are monthly skills, I don't particularly have a favorite. However, I have found March's skill of "getting dressed to the shoes" every morning very helpful!

I intend for this list to be ongoing as I discover new podcasts. Be sure to come back and check it out later to see what little treasures I have found.