5 Best Apps of the Week: An App to Help You Escape a Bad Date, A ’90s Throwback + More

What began as a Kickstarter project has now become an extremely popular trivia podcast. Half quiz show and half offbeat news, Good Job, Brain! will have you laughing and dominating your next trivia night.

Curiosity Daily is an award-winning podcast that allows you to learn a little bit more about the world around you. It takes listeners through research-based life hacks and the latest science and technology news, allowing you to walk out into the world more knowledgable.

Hidden Brain explores something we all strive to understand better - our thoughts! Each episode teaches about social psychology and the neuroscience behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What I love about this podcast is how practical and applicable the information shared truly is.

Ologies is designed to be a crash course on all things science. It talks about everything from dinosaurs to space to the human body, giving you all sorts of information you never knew you needed or wanted. The host is able to interview experts in the field, giving you a really comprehensive look on the subjects tackled.

This podcast is filled with valuable information that is going to make your life better. Its two female hosts talk about everything from sex and relationships to health and career. They break down really complex topics in a way that feels accessible, educational, and engaging.

This podcast dials you into the "herstory" you never learned. It tells the tories of girl bosses from queens to warriors to scientists and artists.

Radio journalist Mike Pesca leads this Slate podcast, which covers three hot, political topics a week. From JFK to debates, The Gist will keep you in the know.

HowStuffWorks writers Josh and Chuck educate listeners on everything from the ecosystem to Jack the Ripper and sharks. What stuff should you know? Take a listen to how sushi works or the science behind3D printing.

Mo’ money, mo’ problems, right? Not if you’re Planet Money. They’ll teach you how to handle your money, check your finances and work with the economy, all without being a bore. Where to start? Learn more about homeowners insurance policies or free money.

TED talks are known for their thought-provoking topics and speakers. This podcast is a coproduction of powerhouses NPR and TED to bring ideas, creations and problem-solving tips to the table. Listen as individuals share their ideas each week, like singer-songwriter Megan Washington, who talks about how singing achieves stillness.

Former pro-athlete Lewis Howes takes business, leadership and personal development to the next level. The School of Greatness features top professionals who aim to inspire and encourage growth in their listeners. Ready for change? Find out the 10 essential truths needed to upgrade your life or discover simple ways to overcome stress.

Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist, partners up with tech and sports executive, Mike Maughan, to answer all of your science questions. They answer them in a knowledgable and non-condescending way, no matter how silly the question may seem.

We all know sometimes the internet can bombard us with info, and it's hard to decipher what's true and what's not. Science Vs explores the science behind popular claims and trends, interviewing experts and conducting in-depth research to help you decide what's worth following.

Women in Finance with Andrea Radulescu

You don't want to take money advice from just anyone. It's extremely important that they have the right credibility to back up what they're saying. The Women in Finance podcast is led by female professionals in the finance industry who know exactly what they're talking about. They share advice and insights from their career that help you feel more confident in your finances.

Her Money with Jean Chatzky

Hilarious, heartfelt and deeply interesting, this cool women-focused financial podcast should definitely be on your commuting playlist. Tackling everything from investing to retirement funds, it's a practical guide that isn't a struggle to listen to.

So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Named a Best Podcast by The New York Times, So Money with Farnoosh Torabi provides listeners with candid conversations about money. Torabi covers everything from budgeting and saving to how to invest and retire. She is an award-winning financial strategist, allowing listeners to feel confident in knowing that they are getting sound advice.

Brown Ambition with Mandi and Tiffany

Far too often women of color are left out of the all-too-important conversation around personal finance. Mandi and Tiffany, the hosts of Brown Ambition, have created a space at the table to have these conversations and provide meaningful advice on topics like budgeting, investing, and career development. Their suggestions never feel judgmental, which is something that some money podcasts veer into, allowing listeners to feel supported.

Afford Anything with Paula Pant

If your money goals include complete financial independence, Afford Anything is the podcast for you. It is centered around the idea that, yes, you can afford anything, but you can't afford everything. The host, Paula Pant, interviews people who have had success with their money and points out what you can learn and implement into your own life.

Women & Money

Hosted by financial advisor, Suze Orman, Women & Money features engaging and informational interviews with successful women. I love this podcast because it really does have a "no gatekeeping" policy, as powerful women come on and are more than happy to share their tips and strategies on all things money management and investment.

Clever Girls Know!

Created by Clever Girl Finance, a leading personal finance platform, this podcast is designed to help women learn about their finances and build wealth independently. Hosts Bola Sokunbi and Kara Perez are extremely knowledgable and touch upon a number of important subjects, including budgeting and investing. The best part is the podcast feels fast-paced, engaging, and fun which allows for you to learn while enjoying yourself.

Money Girl

Savings and spreadsheets aren't really the most exhilarating subjects, which is why this to-the-point podcast is perfect for a daily dose of financial wisdom. The host, Laura, Adams, takes listeners through credit, taxes, retirement,and insurance to help us all make better and smarter decisions!

The Fairer Cents 

If the pay gap is something that makes your blood boil (as it should), you'll want to listen to Fairer Cents. The podcast dives into actionable ways to challenge the status quo and get ahead when it comes to money in a male-dominated world.

Yo Quiero Dinero with Janesse Torrez-Rodriguez

Like the title suggests, don't we all want to make money? This podcast is hosted by Jannese Torres who walks listeners through her journey of being fired and turning it into financial freedom. Her story and the advice she provides are inspirational and will have you feeling confident you can take your dinero to the next level.

Financial Feminist 

If you're looking to fully take control of your finances and work to achieve your goals and beyond, it's time to give Financial Feminist a listen. The show covers topics like budgeting, investing, and saving in a way that feels both relatable and empowering.

Side Hustle Pro with Nacaila Matthews Okome

For those looking to pick up something on the side to make some extra cash, Side Hustle Pro walks you through just how to do it. The host, Nicaila Matthews Okome, interviews successful Black women entrepreneurs who have been able to take their side hustles to profitable businesses that support them and their families.

The Money Nerds With Whitney Hansen

The Money Nerds provides relatable stories that make you feel a little less alone in your financial woes. The podcast covers things like debt, savings, and how to just stress less about whats in your pocket.

The Financial Confessions

For some reason, there can be a lot of shame surrounding financial journeys and the inevitable struggles that come along the way. The Financial Confessions podcast works to destigmatize money conversations and talks about everything involving earning, spending, and losing money. It is hosted by the CEO of The Financial Diet, Chelsea Fagan, so you know you're getting quality advice.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!