WSJ Your Money Briefing

Many employers are raising salaries as they struggle to fill open positions, but higher prices are taking a bigger bite out of weekly paychecks. WSJ economics reporter Sarah Chaney Cambon joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss which employees are finding jobs and whose wage hikes are most likely to beat inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As inflation continues to climb, Americans are spending more of their household budget on food. WSJ personal-finance reporter JJ McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss ways of going grocery shopping without breaking the bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While some companies are increasing wages to lure new workers and retain existing staff, others are increasing contributions they make to employees' 401(k) retirement accounts. WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The finance world is filled with complex terminology, but shortening them to acronyms like HELOC or SPAC doesn't always make them easier to understand. The WSJ's Charles Forelle joins host J.R. Whalen to define some of the acronyms that are often used for investments that can play an important role in your personal finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. colleges and universities saw a 3.1% decline in undergraduate enrollment last fall, continuing a long-term downward trend. WSJ higher-education reporter Douglas Belkin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is driving the numbers lower, and how the decline could affect tuition and students' finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The IRS will begin accepting returns for the 2021 tax year on Jan. 24. WSJ tax reporter Richard Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why the agency is expecting processing delays, and how you can make sure your tax refund is handled is quickly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the S&P 500 returned nearly 29% last year, some investors might be tempted to pour money into the stock market in the hopes of realizing similar gains in 2022. WSJ "Intelligent Investor" columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why, amid this year's market volatility, more restraint might help investors get ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years after tightening their lending standards at the start of the pandemic, banks and lenders have loosened their requirements and are again embracing riskier borrowers. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how interest rates play a role, and how access to credit can impact subprime consumers' credit scores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The steep rise in inflation will mean less of an income-tax burden for many people. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss areas of your personal finances that will benefit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are allowing employees to take several months off at a time to recover from stress and anxiety caused by their job. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the trend with WSJ's Katie Bindley, and 28-year-old Juraj Pal talks about the sabbatical he recently took from his startup job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tight labor market has opened up many more opportunities for job seekers than in previous years. WSJ's Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how to get clarity about where you are - and where you want to be - before making a move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As inflation rises, more companies are giving cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, to their employees. WSJ reporter David Harrison joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the size of the increases and why they are raising red flags with some economists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies are setting aside more money for wage increases than usual. So how can you be among the workers getting a raise this year? WSJ reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what you should (and shouldn't) say when asking for a pay raise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Credit cards and debit cards each have their pros and cons, but which is better for younger people seeking to chart out their financial future? WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the uses for each. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As he prepares to retire his "Middle Seat" column after 20 years, the WSJ's Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to reflect on how developments in the airline industry have affected passengers for better and for worse, and some changes that could be coming to air travel in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. stock markets trended higher throughout this past year until inflation and the Omicron Covid-19 variant triggered a series of selloffs. Vanguard Chief Investment Officer Gregory Davis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what investors should expect in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Americans are approaching the new year on more solid financial footing. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen with tips on allowing yourself to splurge while still keeping your finances on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unprecedented number of workers quit their jobs in search of higher pay in 2021, leaving employers with millions of unfilled positions. Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network staffing firm, joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what the labor market could look like in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unprecedented number of workers quit their jobs in search of higher pay in 2021, leaving employers with millions of unfilled positions. Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network staffing firm, joins Wall Street Journal Your Money Briefing host J.R. Whalen to discuss what the labor market could look like in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: U.S. consumer spending rose at a cooler pace in November. Initial jobless claims hold near historic lows. Russian President Vladimir Putin blames the West for Ukraine tensions. J.R. Whalen reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early next year, the credit-reporting firm Equifax will begin figuring consumers' use of "buy now, pay later" programs into their credit reports. The WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how it could affect consumers' credit scores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People often give year-end gifts in the form of money to service workers they've done business with throughout the year. But this year, not everyone can give as much as they would like. WSJ personal-finance reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the new unofficial rules of tipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The continued impact of the pandemic on families' finances could add an extra layer of complexity as they and college-bound students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss some important changes in the application process for the upcoming school year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, the holiday season is a time for spending a bit more on gifts, parties and vacations. But with prices on the rise, many families are more focused than ever on their budgets. WSJ reporter Anne Tergesen joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss how families at all budget levels are planning out their holiday spending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands of Americans interested in investing in cryptocurrencies have joined social media-based investment groups to learn the basics, including the sector's risks. Lamar Wilson, co-founder of the Black Bitcoin Billionaires group, joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what members learn, and how the knowledge has paid off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tight labor market has seen a rise in "boomerang" employees, or those who return to companies they once worked for. WSJ workplace reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what workers should consider before taking a job at a previous employer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Banks are coming under increased regulatory pressure to roll back overdraft and insufficient-funds fees. WSJ banking-industry reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why the government is applying the pressure and whether banks are likely to conform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changes to this year's tax rules around charitable donations could put millions of people who might not normally get tax benefits from them in line for a deduction. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how to benefit most from donations of cash, stocks and cryptocurrencies this giving season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In some areas of the country, rents have risen 20% compared to a year ago. WSJ personal-finance reporter JJ McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why the cost of rent is skyrocketing and offer tips for tenants struggling to make ends meet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people are considering giving digital cash like cryptocurrency as a holiday gift. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss popular forms of digital cash, and the planning that both the giver and recipient need to do beforehand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A spike in natural gas prices earlier this fall had homeowners bracing for high heating bills this winter. WSJ reporter Ryan Dezember joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why prices have actually come down since then, and what the forecast is like for the upcoming winter season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. companies plan to budget more for pay increases next year than at any point since 2008. WSJ economics reporter David Harrison joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss who could benefit most, and how inflation factors into the picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the number of deaths caused by the pandemic continues to escalate, more millennials and younger Americans are planning their estates and drawing up wills. WSJ reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the trend. Plus, 29-year-old Ohio resident Ryan Bayonnet discusses why he and his wife recently created a will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. savings rates soared to record levels during the pandemic, but Americans are still putting away large amounts of cash even as the economy recovers. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why that concerns financial advisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans are avoiding crowded stores and delayed delivery schedules by getting what they need through "Buy Nothing" groups. WSJ reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how people can join the groups, and what types of products are available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As record numbers of people change jobs, some have called on recruiters to help them land a new position. But is calling a job recruiter when you're ready to change jobs too late in the process? WSJ workplace reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss when people should reach out to recruiters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving miles or credit-card points as a holiday gift could be a way to avoid supply-chain or shipping frustrations. WSJ travel reporter Allison Pohle joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the process works, and offers tips on avoiding fees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More individual investors are using borrowed funds to buy stocks in an effort to score higher profits. WSJ markets reporter Michael Wursthorn joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the tactic known as margin borrowing works, and the risks that come with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People planning for retirement often mistakenly believe that financial security will ensure happiness in their later years. WSJ and Barron's contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the non-financial priorities that retirement advisors often emphasize with their clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year after cutting back and spending nearly the entire holiday season at home, consumers this year are showing a willingness to open their wallets. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Justin Lahart joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the economic recovery has shifted the ways consumers are spending this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Initial public offerings are on the upswing this year, and more companies are allowing individual investors to buy shares as part of the process. WSJ markets reporter Corrie Driebusch joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how investors can get a piece of some IPOs and the risks they take on when doing so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning out your 2021 taxes now can put you ahead of the game when taxes are due next spring, but it also can qualify you for certain benefits, including stimulus payments and child tax credits. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial advisors have long counseled retirees to spend no more than 4% of their savings in the first year of retirement. But new research challenges that bit of conventional wisdom. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss the new research on retirement spending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Americans were able to pay down debt during the pandemic. But now lenders are spending billions of dollars to market credit cards to consumers. WSJ credit-cards reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss what banks are doing to get people to borrow again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traditionally, frequent-flier programs were set up to reward loyal customers with perks based on the number of miles they flew. But now airlines are taking a new approach, one where flying may not matter as much. WSJ "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss the new rules for earning and keeping frequent-flier perks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get-rich-quick scams have grown more common on social media, with fraudsters targeting younger, internet-savvy users. WSJ contributor Svati Kirsten Narula joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss how you can spot these scams and protect yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a spouse dies, everything changes. And not just your daily life, but your financial life as well, from how assets are handled to how you file taxes. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss what surviving spouses need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Americans struggle with paying medical bills. Unpaid bills can lead to lingering debt and drag down credit scores. But you may be able to slash the amount you owe if you know the right questions to ask. WSJ health-insurance reporter Anna Wilde Mathews joins host Trenae Nuri with pointers on how to negotiate hospital bills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. labor market has more job openings than applicants, and companies are searching high and low for workers. To get more candidates in the door, some employers are easing up on their job requirements. WSJ workplace, management and leadership reporter Chip Cutter joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss what the new hiring process means for job seekers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans are skipping the dentist, with many of them unable to afford certain pricey procedures. Now some lenders are offering buy-now-pay-later options for dental care. WSJ banking and consumer finance reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host Trenae Nuri to discuss the financing options that are available, and the risks that come with them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After facing some of the toughest challenges of their life on the battlefield, many service members face financial challenges when their deployment ends. Frank Molinar, author of "Financial Dominance: Your Battle Plan for a Richer Life," joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how veterans and service personnel can apply lessons from their military career to manage their personal finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the number of wealthy households headed by people under age 45 grows, wealth-management firms are quick to pitch their services. WSJ reporter Rachel Louise Ensign joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why many young investors are turning away professional help. Plus, a 33-year-old who recently landed a multimillion-dollar windfall explains why and how he opted to invest the money himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tax on billionaires' investments that was proposed, and then shelved, by Democrats raised eyebrows because it would have fundamentally altered the way Americans are taxed. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what the proposal could have meant for non-billionaires' finances, and whether it could resurface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unexpected departure of many older Americans from the workforce during the pandemic has further strained an already tight labor market. WSJ economics reporter Amara Omeokwe joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how employers are adapting. Plus, retiree Kevin O'Connor discusses his decision to retire early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of workers will choose their 2022 company-provided health benefits this month. WSJ personal-finance reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what people should consider before making benefits selections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising inflation is putting the squeeze on your wallet, but how is it affecting your stocks and 401(k) savings? The WSJ's 'Intelligent Investor' columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss investment options people should consider amid rising inflation, and which to avoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As awareness of the effects of climate change increases, many consumers have considered purchasing carbon offsets to balance out the amount of carbon emissions they use through their lifestyle. WSJ's Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how carbon offsets work, and the risks associated with purchasing them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Workers returning to the office are likely to face a new set of distractions: chatty co-workers. WSJ Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how employees and managers can avoid distractions cutting into their productivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can women in the workplace find inspiration in "The Prince," Machiavelli's 500-year-old guide to power? Stacey Vanek Smith, author of "Machiavelli for Women," says so. She joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the classic treatise could help workers get a job or promotion, or negotiate a higher salary-no backstabbing required. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working from home during the pandemic has spurred many people to split their time between their primary residence and a second home. WSJ "Mansion" reporter E.B. Solomont joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the growing trend, and the financial and legal challenges that come with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many students already saddled with undergraduate debt choose to take on even more to pursue a master's degree in business administration. WSJ business education reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss whether a business degree pays off, including borrowing and repayment options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low mortgage rates are attracting millions of prospective home buyers, but solo house hunters are finding a dwindling supply of homes that fit their budget. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and the steps that some are taking in response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some areas of the nation's tax laws automatically adjust as prices rise. WSJ tax reporter Richard Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that could result in more take-home pay for some Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, the stress from work follows them into their dreams at night. WSJ Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why we dream about work, and how we can train our minds not to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the current competitive housing market, some prospective homebuyers are able to put up all cash to seal the deal. WSJ housing reporter Nicole Friedman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss a new crop of startups that offer cash to some homebuyers to help them compete with other bids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many public pension funds have turned to risky, alternative investments as a way to make up for billion-dollar shortfalls and fulfill future retirement promises. Reporter Heather Gillers joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the move affects workers' retirement savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After several months of review by government regulators, ProShares is expected to launch the first U.S.-listed bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund today. WSJ markets reporter Michael Wursthorn joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the ETF works, and the potential risks investors would face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For millions of Americans hit by weather-related disasters, insurance only covers so much of the expense. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss a proposal in Congress that would boost the amount of disaster-related expenses that people can deduct from their taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bad Bets is a new podcast series from The Wall Street Journal that unravels big-business dramas that have had a big impact on our world. This season, we're delving into Enron. In 2001, energy company Enron was at the height of its power. Then, out of the blue, CEO Jeffrey Skilling resigned-just six months after he took the reins of a company he had helped turn into an innovation machine. Why? In this episode, we dive into the first cracks in the Enron facade. John Emshwiller is the host of this season of Bad Bets. John and his Journal colleague Rebecca Smith did the original reporting on which this season is based. Bad Bets is a production of The Wall Street Journal. This season was produced in collaboration with Neon Hum Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more than 700,000 postsecondary degrees, certifications and other credentials in the U.S. available to students seeking to gain more experience, finding the right one can be difficult. At the recent virtual WSJ Jobs Summit, workplace reporter Lauren Weber spoke with two experts about what students should consider before investing their time and money. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the WSJ Jobs Summit: Even as older Americans make up a larger percentage of the workforce, many find themselves facing age discrimination in their attempts to find a new job. The WSJ's Ray A. Smith and the Urban Institute's Richard Johnson discuss some of the challenges older workers face while job hunting, and ways to overcome them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the recent WSJ Jobs Summit, workplace reporter Kathryn Dill and two career experts discussed the challenges that new college graduates face in the current jobs market, and how they can overcome them. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the WSJ Jobs Summit: While some job-seekers hear back from companies after sending in a resume, many never get a response. WSJ's Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss career experts' recommendations for getting a reply without being a pest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent WSJ Jobs Summit offered up practical tools and insights to navigate the current job market. All this week, we'll be bringing you highlights from the event. Today, Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig asked hiring managers at three of the world's biggest companies what they are looking for in job candidates, and what should, and should not, be included on a resume. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even in a seller's market, many homeowners find it difficult to make money from the sale of their home. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what homeowners should consider before putting their house up for sale to increase their likelihood of coming away with a profit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is more to retirement savings than just having enough money on hand throughout your later years. WSJ contributor Glenn Ruffenach joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss smart ways retirees can approach making withdrawals from their savings, and how workers who haven't retired yet can prepare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The startup trading platform 24 Exchange is seeking to launch a new stock exchange in the U.S. that would allow investors to trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WSJ markets reporter Alexander Osipovich joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how close round-the-clock stock trading is to becoming reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As work and life boundaries become more blurred, more workers say they are suffering from burnout. WSJ Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how workers can reduce burnout, and how companies are helping them focus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Credit report errors can hurt consumers' ability to get a loan for a car or a home. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen with tips on how to find errors and correct them before it's too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following a series of broad selloffs on Wall Street to close out September, TD Ameritrade chief market strategist JJ Kinahan joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what investors should expect in the fourth quarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to salary and promotions, the awarding of stock options represents inequity women face in the workplace. WSJ personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what has created the divide, and efforts to close it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of hourly workers in the U.S. don't have access to paid sick leave benefits that are often made available to full-time workers. WSJ reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the pandemic amplified calls for paid leave, and legislation currently being considered in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As more big investors pull their money out of special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, day traders are jumping in and hoping to score a quick profit. WSJ markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the risks individual investors could face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As record numbers of workers look for new jobs, many are seeking out companies that offer flexibility and work-life balance. WSJ reporter Alex Janin joins host J.R. Whalen with ideas for how to find out which companies are as family-friendly as advertised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meeting peers and other professionals can jump-start your job search or help fill out your contacts list, but many professionals find networking distasteful. Management consultant Dorie Clark joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why networking makes some people feel "dirty," and how they can overcome their reluctance to do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot at stake for buyers and sellers in the current competitive housing market, yet many make simple errors that can cost them. WSJ contributor Beth DeCarbo joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how buyers and sellers can avoid such missteps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Employers trying to keep productivity levels up amid a shortage in workers are paying the staff they do have overtime to work extra shifts. WSJ workplace reporter Lauren Weber joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that has led to more problems for many workers and employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having the "money talk" with your parents can be a difficult and awkward conversation. WSJ and Barron's contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss ways people can approach the conversation with their parents, as well as where to turn for help in managing their finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats in Washington are proposing $2 trillion in tax increases and other changes to how Americans are taxed on things like cryptocurrencies, retirement savings and stock sales. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen with ways people can make adjustments to their finances now to soften the potential blow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selling investments at the right moment is just as crucial as picking the right time to buy. WSJ "Intelligent Investor" columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how emotions can affect investors' decision-making, and how to avoid that trap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More merchants are teaming up with "buy now, pay later" companies to offer consumers with poor credit or no credit the opportunity to pay for products in installments. WSJ consumer credit reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the programs work, and the risks involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a summer of widespread flight delays and cancellations, airlines are making adjustments to avoid similar inconveniences for passengers going forward. WSJ "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen with a status update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are considering salary reductions for employees who choose to continue to work from remote locations, in some cases with lower living expenses. Reporter Katie Bindley joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how some workers are pushing back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many small business would be required to offer employees a retirement savings plan under a proposal included in Democrats' $3.5 trillion healthcare, education and climate change bill. WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the chances of it becoming law, and what it would mean for businesses and workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands of job-seekers have been duped by fake job ads placed by fraudsters hoping to cash in on their vulnerabilities. WSJ contributor Heidi Mitchell joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what to watch for to gauge the legitimacy of a job listing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are delaying the date on which workers will return to the office. For a lot of people, that means the career aspirations they had before the pandemic could remain on hold. WSJ careers reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss ways workers can put their career goals back in focus while working from home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of families of high-school seniors are preparing to borrow money for college tuition when they enter college next year. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss which factors from their personal finances they should consider when figuring how much to borrow, and how they'll pay it back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 9/11 attacks, financial markets have undergone a massive security overhaul. WSJ markets reporter Alexander Osipovich joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the protections for investors that have been put in place over the past 20 years, and the vulnerabilities that some feel still exist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Young professionals who have been in the workforce for about 15 years are feeling burnout and leaving their full-time jobs, with no solid backup. Host J.R. Whalen is joined WSJ "At Work" columnist Krithika Varagur for more. Plus, Washington, DC resident Tessa Raden explains why she left her "dream job." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Job seekers are at an advantage in the current labor market, but success often depends on how you approach the application process. Career coach and Relay Payments Chief People Officer Amy Zimmerman joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how women tend to navigate the job-seeking process differently than men, and in turn tend to face more challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prospective homebuyers who have been priced out of the current market are likely sitting on a large amount of cash they had saved up for a down payment. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss investment ideas for that cash as they wait for the next buying opportunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal regulators have launched a review of how online trading platforms communicate with their customers, and whether more oversight is needed. WSJ financial regulation reporter Paul Kiernan joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how it could affect the ways people trade stocks online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Americans have considered leasing a new car to avoid rising prices. Personal-finance reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what consumers should know about the economics of signing a car lease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to 401(k) and health savings accounts, many employers are offering emergency savings accounts as a way for workers to put away funds in case of an unexpected need. WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how these accounts work, and the financial incentives some companies offer workers to join. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many homeowners have repurposed their garage during the pandemic as they seek more living space. WSJ "Mansion" reporter Candace Taylor joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the costs and regulations often involved, and how a home's value could be affected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More people are producing video-based résumés to stand out to hiring managers. WSJ reporter Alex Janin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the growing trend. Plus, a 26-year-old marketing professional explains why he made his video resume, and the results he's gotten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For workers creating hybrid work schedules, planning out the days when they come into the office can be beneficial to their career track. The WSJ's careers reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen with what employees should consider when drawing up a hybrid work plan, and how to make the most of the time in the office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a tight job market, employers are hungry for talent. So if you get a job offer from another company, you may be able to present it to your boss and negotiate a better work situation. The WSJ's Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host Charlie Turner to discuss ways to leverage that offer to your advantage, and the pitfalls to watch out for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a growing chance you'll be hit with a fee on your next credit-card purchase. The WSJ's credit-card reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host Charlie Turner to discuss why more merchants are imposing surcharges to offset the fees they're charged by card issuers, and how customers are responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ford wants a bigger portion of its sales to come from buyers who custom-order from the factory or online, rather than buy at the dealership. Other carmakers are considering it too. Auto industry reporter Mike Colias joins host Charlie Turner to discuss the shift in strategy and what it could mean for car buyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of a new business strategy, some hotels are trying out "fee for service" pricing, where guests pay for specific services and amenities like room cleaning, gym usage and internet access. Real estate bureau chief Craig Karmin joins host Charlie Turner to discuss whether this kind of pricing will be embraced by customers and other hotel chains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Car owners are putting their used vehicles up for sale to take advantage of soaring prices. Reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host Charlie Turner to discuss what consumers should consider before selling their cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While some people struggle to complete all of their job's daily tasks without putting in too many hours, others have found ways to hold down two full-time jobs, while striving to not work more than 40 hours in a week. The WSJ's "Work & Life" columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how these double-dippers do it, and the risks they take on in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans in their mid-30s and early 40s are beginning the period of their career that traditionally brings peak earnings. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter to discuss why this group doesn't feel financially secure. Plus, 35-year-old Tim Eng discusses reaching his salary goals, and his stepped-up efforts to save. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting next month, Fannie Mae will make it easier for renters to qualify for home loans. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how renters' ability to make monthly payments will be used by lenders along with other data found on credit reports to determine their eligibility for mortgages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airfares have risen significantly since people resumed flying post-pandemic, but on average they're nearly in line with 1996 levels, and that doesn't even account for inflation. WSJ "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to run through the numbers and discuss where prices may be headed this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black millennials who had hoped a college education would help close the nation's racial wealth gap have found that the opposite happened. Reporter Rachel Louise Ensign joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why. Plus, 31-year-old Ristina Gooden discusses how her pursuit of a graduate degree could put her as much as $100,000 in debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About 23 million student-loan borrowers have been able to pause their monthly payments since the start of the pandemic under a federal moratorium. Now the Education Department is extending the program by several more months. Reporter Alex Leary discusses the latest, and higher-education reporter Melissa Korn talks about alternatives that are available to struggling borrowers when the program eventually ends. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many employees who quit a job are asked to take part in an exit interview with the human-resources department. Reporter Allison Pohle joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how employees should prepare, and how honest about their experience they should be in the meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deadline to sign up for subsidies and reduced health-care premiums under the Affordable Care Act is Aug. 15. Reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the types of coverage available, and why an ACA plan isn't right for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 7 million people quit their jobs this past spring in search of something new. WSJ "Work & Life" columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss questions you should consider before leaving your job. Plus, a worker who left his position at a tech startup discusses what he realized he gave up by leaving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After being beaten down by the pandemic, the apartment market is rebounding. But so are rental prices. Housing reporter Will Parker joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, plus the latest efforts to extend the federal eviction moratorium that expired this past weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FICO three-digit credit score is becoming a smaller factor for banks in making consumer-credit and underwriting decisions. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis tells host Charlie Turner that banks have started using their own scoring systems based on their own internal data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has upended Americans' working lives, and many are demanding an improved work-life balance. That's led employers to rethink the traditional 5-day, 40-hour work week. Reporter Patrick Thomas joins host Charlie Turner to talk about alternative work schedules being considered by companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a season of frustration for summer air travelers. The latest headache: passengers who thought they scored big discounts on non-stop flights are finding themselves re-booked on flights with different times and a layover. Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney tells host Charlie Turner that passengers suspect they're being bumped for people paying higher prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Robinhood trading app plans to make a large block of shares available to its users before the company goes public on Thursday. WSJ personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how investors should approach an IPO with respect to their portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising broadband internet costs are putting a strain on household budgets. WSJ personal technology columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host J.R. Whalen with tips on how consumers can lower their monthly bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of homeowners and renters are still struggling to make monthly payments, even as some federal relief programs are nearing their end. Reporter Andrew Ackerman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss a new initiative from the Biden administration to assist homeowners, and the looming deadline facing renters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum have been swindled out of hundreds of millions of dollars by fraudsters. WSJ financial enforcement reporter Dave Michaels joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how consumers can avoid being scammed, as well as calls for efforts to regulate the crypto industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many workers are asked to sign noncompete agreements that make it harder for them to go to work for a competitor. But noncompetes are coming under greater scrutiny from state and federal regulators. Workplace reporter Lauren Weber joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss whether these agreements' time is numbered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travelers eager to take their first summer vacation in two years are facing frustrating delays and higher prices. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss where the pain points are, and what the outlook for travel is like beyond the summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The long-running bull market and strong investor sentiment have made some analysts wary. Could Monday's selloff in stocks indicate a shift is underway? Markets reporter Caitlin McCabe joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the importance of tracking market sentiment for everyday investors, and where the current market climate could be headed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tight vehicle inventories and cars selling for above the sticker price have left many shoppers frustrated. Reporter Allison Pohle joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss smart ways shoppers can approach buying a car in today's market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CPA and IRA expert Ed Slott joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the "Mega Backdoor Roth IRA Conversion," a little-known technique allowing people to make annual tax-free retirement account contributions above government-imposed limits. The tactic gained attention after PayPal founder Peter Thiel amassed $5 billion in his Roth IRA account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As inflation continues to rise, food companies, grocers and restaurants are finding creative ways of passing higher costs on to consumers. Food industry reporter Annie Gasparro joins host J.R. Whalen to explain some of the ways shoppers are unknowingly paying more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new set of rules, part of the federal government's "No Surprises Act," would protect patients from unexpected hospital bills. Healthcare reporter Stephanie Armour joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the rules will work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that pandemic restrictions are being lifted nationwide, consumers are borrowing money to spend on cars, vacations and more. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how consumers' outlook on debt is changing. Plus, South Carolina resident Felipe Betancor discusses gaining the confidence to take on more debt responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Employers are struggling to fill millions of open positions nationwide, yet just as many of out-of-work Americans can't find a job they like. Senior writer Jon Hilsenrath joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the current job market "mismatch," and what it means for job seekers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Wall Street Journal analysis of Education Department data shows that some expensive master's degree programs at elite universities don't provide graduates enough early career earnings to begin paying down their federal student loans. Higher-education reporter Melissa Korn joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbecue season is getting more expensive. Propane prices this summer are running nearly 20% higher for some consumers compared to this time last year. Reporter Ryan Dezember joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and whether prices are expected cool off anytime soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some companies are rethinking pay and benefits as they plan a post-pandemic, hybrid workplace. Compensation Advisory Partners' Susan Schroeder and the Wharton School's Peter Cappelli join host J.R. Whalen to discuss the drawbacks of paying employees based on location. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Older Americans have amassed a record $35 trillion in wealth, and now they're passing it on to their heirs. Reporter Ben Eisen talks with host Charlie Turner about what's being done with that money and the effect it's having on people's finances and the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gas prices in the U.S. are about a dollar a gallon higher now than they were a year ago, and are currently at the highest level in seven years. Energy reporter Collin Eaton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why prices have risen so sharply, and where they're likely headed this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As they desperately try to fill empty positions, many employers are offering lucrative signing bonuses and referral bonuses to prospective employees, even for many blue-collar jobs. Careers reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confusing sets of vaccination and quarantine rules for travelers headed to European countries threaten to hamper the ease of international travel. Reporter Ben Katz joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how Americans planning to travel overseas should prepare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid high demand and an inventory shortage, car dealers are charging as much as $10,000 above vehicles' suggested retail prices. Auto industry reporter Nora Naughton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss whether that leaves any room for haggling, and how consumers can avoid dealer mark-ups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans' wealth was expected to take a hit during the Covid recession, but most people actually came out ahead. Reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host Charlie Turner to discuss why wealthier Americans fared the best, and what that could mean for different groups' long-term economic prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business travel took a big hit during the pandemic, so now airlines are offering discounts on certain business- and first-class seats. Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney tells host Charlie Turner where you can find the best bargains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans refinanced their mortgages last year to negotiate lower interest rates, but relatively few were Black households. Reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host Charlie Turner to discuss why fewer Black homeowners went through the refinancing process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new credit-card concept lets users build up points when they pay their rent, with the aim of helping them build up a credit history and even a down payment on a house. Could it work? Housing reporter Will Parker joins host Charlie Turner to discuss the pros and cons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more employers, having a gap in your resume is no longer a deal-breaker. Work and Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host Charlie Turner to discuss how to address a resume gap in a job interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government is changing the way it accounts for a person's student-loan debt when determining their mortgage eligibility. Housing reporter Andrew Ackerman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the new approach works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Student-loan borrowers who have been able to suspend monthly payments during the pandemic are scheduled to resume them at the end of September. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss strategies borrowers can use to lessen the impact on their finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even as the current hot housing market has made the selling process easy, many sellers consider doing significant repairs and renovations before listing their home. WSJ contributor Robyn Friedman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss which renovation costs are more likely to be recouped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tens of millions of American families will begin receiving expanded federal child tax credit payments. Tax reporter Richard Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the payments work, who is eligible and why some families might choose not to receive them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working from home during the pandemic has given many employees a sense of independence and less of a need for supervision. Data journalist and author Alexandra Samuel joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how that will change the dynamic between workers and managers when they return to the office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many parents help pay for their children's higher education by investing in a college-savings account known as a 529 to build up assets over many years. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the advantages of 529 accounts over other savings plans, and explain how to open one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans are eager to take a trip following a year of lockdowns. But prices for summer travel are surging, and travelers would be wise to plan their budgets. Personal-finance reporter Amber Burton has suggestions for how to avoid big travel expenses. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A small administrator of 401(k) plans is teaming up with crypto exchange Coinbase to allow customers to add cryptocurrency as an investment in their retirement accounts. Reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the program works, and the pros and cons of adding crypto to your retirement savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An eviction moratorium to assist renters affected by the pandemic is set to expire at the end of the month. Housing reporter Will Parker joins host J.R. Whalen with an update on billions of dollars in relief funds that have been slow to reach tenants and landlords. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people selling their home in the current market are getting a lot more for it than what they originally paid. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the major tax exemption benefiting them, and some ways they can maximize their use of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Robinhood and SoFi stock-trading platforms say they plan to allow their customers to purchase shares of private companies' initial public offerings. WSJ "Heard on the Street" columnist Telis Demos tells host J.R. Whalen how shares will be offered to individual investors, and the risks associated with buying IPO shares. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Heard on the Street" editor Spencer Jakab joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss The Wall Street Journal's new five-week investing challenge and how it can boost your stock-market know-how as well as protect your portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress and state officials are moving to create incentives for unemployed workers relying on unemployment checks to rejoin the labor force. Economics reporter Kate Davidson discusses the range of proposals with host J.R. Whalen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans cashed out their home equity to the tune of roughly $50 billion in the first quarter, the highest level since 2007. Personal-finance reporter Deborah Acosta joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss important questions to ask yourself before doing a "cash-out refi," and the potential risks that come with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life insurance sales are rising at the fastest rate in roughly 40 years. Insurance industry reporter Leslie Scism joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why a wider range of Americans are buying life insurance policies, which in recent decades had been more popular among wealthier families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low housing inventory and bidding wars are forcing homebuyers to dig deeper to secure a mortgage. But is it worth it for first-time homebuyers to stretch their personal finances? Host J.R. Whalen discusses the question with two experts who have opposing views: Laurie Goodman of the Urban Institute and Susan Wachter of the Wharton School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Market volatility can cause tension within couples who have different approaches to investing their retirement funds. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss some ways couples can find solutions to disagreements and preserve their savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Americans are planning their first vacation since the start of the pandemic. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the rising costs of travel, and whether the travel industry is ready for a rush of vacationers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans who are not fully vaccinated are more likely to go out to restaurants and other venues than those who have gotten their Covid-19 shots. Reporter Sarah Chaney Cambon joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what's behind the difference in spending habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the country emerges from the pandemic, many workers plan to seek opportunities with new employers. "Work & Life" columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why they want to change jobs, and how their managers should respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans paid off credit-card debt during the pandemic at levels not seen in years. Personal finance reporter Amber Burton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss which types of debt consumers should focus on next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generous tipping became a habit for many Americans during the pandemic as a way to support service workers. Reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the rules of tipping have changed since last year, and how to fit tipping into your personal budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fidelity is the latest company to roll out an investment product geared to children as young as 13. Reporter Justin Baer joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why financial institutions are developing products for adolescents, the concerns that come with them and the guardrails that are being put in place to reduce risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low housing inventory and high demand is leading many prospective home buyers to raise their bids to compete with other offers. Personal-finance reporter Deborah Acosta joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss some points buyers should consider before stretching beyond their budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The IRS is going after investors who haven't paid taxes on bitcoin, ether and other cryptocurrencies. Tax columnist Laura Saunders joins host Charlie Turner to discuss what crypto investors need to know about filing their taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under a new initiative called Project Reach, some large banks will consider customers' deposit histories as a way of extending credit to people with no borrowing history. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair joins host Charlie Turner to discuss the government-backed program and what it could mean for millions of consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homes in the U.S. valued below the national average are seeing an outsize surge in sale prices. Reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what that could mean for lower-income home buyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cost of many consumer products has risen sharply in recent months. Food retail reporter Jaewon Kang joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why prices have risen so much, and whether any relief is in sight for consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of taxpayers are waiting much longer than usual for their tax refund money to hit their bank account. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what is causing the delay, and what taxpayers can do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People rely on Social Security as a major source of funds in retirement, and mismanaging it can have a big impact on their personal finances. WSJ contributor Neal Templin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss common pitfalls like claiming benefits too early, and the so-called "tax torpedo." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising college costs and tighter family finances have forced many people to rethink how they will pay for higher education. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss some often-overlooked options for loans, scholarships and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reference letters have become less important to hiring managers in recent years. "At Work" columnist Krithika Varagur joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why, and discuss what companies are doing instead to learn more about job candidates' backgrounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people still have the first credit card they ever got sitting in their wallet. Personal-finance reporter Amber Burton joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that can be damaging to their credit profile, and how to reap benefits from those older cards without canceling them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal mortgage forbearance program has helped millions of homeowners weather the pandemic and resume making payments, but Black homeowners are exiting the program at a slower rate than other groups. Consumer-finance reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tens of billions of dollars in state-unemployment benefits may have been improperly paid out due to fraud, officials say. Personal-finance reporter Anne Tergesen, whose personal information was used by fraudsters, joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the scam works and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our week-long series of special investing episodes concludes with a look at the speculative world of bitcoin. Cryptocurrency reporter Paul Vigna joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what bitcoin is, why it is so volatile, how it differs from traditional currencies, other cryptocurrencies like ethereum and dogecoin, and whether bitcoin could complement an investment portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our week-long series of special episodes focused on how new investors can build a portfolio continues with a look at gold. Markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss gold's appeal to investors, how it can fit into a portfolio, its reputation as a safe haven, and different ways of investing in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our week of special episodes for new investors about building a portfolio continues with a look at mutual funds. They aren't as flashy as some other things you could put your money in, but mutual funds can provide a shelter from risk, at a cost. "Intelligent Investor" columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what mutual funds are, how they differ from ETFs, different kinds of mutual funds, rankings, and first steps for putting your money into them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's series on building an investment portfolio continues with a look at bonds. Sometimes seen as a less-flashy cousin to stocks, bonds offer a safety net to investors, as well as other benefits that you might not have thought of. Reporter Sam Goldfarb joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what bonds are, how they work, the role of interest rates, and the potential risks they carry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All this week we're explaining the basics of various kinds of investments: how they work and the pitfalls to watch out for. Today we tackle stocks. There's a lot more to them than what you read on social media. Markets reporter Akane Otani joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why stock prices go up or down, growth stocks vs. value stocks, dividends, ETFs, taxes on stock trades, and resources available for new investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of new investors have entered the market over the past year. If you're considering it too, you might be confused about where to begin. Starting today and running all next week, we break down everything you need to know before jumping into some of the most common investment assets. Investing editor Geoff Rogow joins host J.R. Whalen to kick off the conversation with first steps new investors should take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Class of 2021 faces a brighter job market as the economy recovers, but knowing what to say in a job interview and what to include on a resume will still be required to land a first full-time job. LaSalle Network's Jessica Schaeffer joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what soon-to-be graduates are looking for in a job and what they need to know to get one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About half of Hispanic households in the U.S. owned their homes last year, the highest level since the mid-2000s housing boom. Reporter Nicole Friedman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is behind their increased home-buying power and how the overall housing market is changing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Couples who put off getting married because of the pandemic found themselves owing, in some cases, thousands of dollars in fees to event vendors. Reporter Allison Pohle discusses how some couples are rethinking their big day, and offers ways of saving money on a rescheduled wedding. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stock traders on newer online platforms often find it difficult or impossible to execute common strategies to reduce their tax burden. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the options available with tax reporter Laura Saunders as well as Dayton Leong, a trader who has faced those challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A shortage of rental cars coinciding with an expected surge in summer travel could put the brakes on some travelers' plans. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is causing the shortages, the impact they are having on prices, and how travelers can avoid some frustration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regaining career momentum can be especially difficult for working mothers who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what experts say can help get a career back on track after a break. And we hear from a mother and former oil-and-gas industry employee about her efforts to find work in a new field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sales of second homes hit record levels in February, but they could face pressure due to changes in how such sales are treated by government mortgage agencies. Economics reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around 300,000 fewer births are expected in the U.S. this year because of the pandemic. Personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that has changed families' financial decisions around having children as well as caring for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Credit card companies are adding a new slate of perks, including transferring those reward points in cryptocurrency, rent payments or even green initiatives. Personal finance reporter Amber Burton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many companies are turning to cash bonuses and other incentives to encourage workers to take vacation time. WSJ's Workplace Reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why companies are taking this unusual step. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Students who receive more financial aid than they actually wind up needing could benefit financially if they return the funds. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Job applicants need to know when interview questions are just uncomfortable - like about money - or actually off limits - like about age - and how to navigate both kinds. Careers reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen with tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans with low credit scores who took out subprime auto loans are now struggling to make their monthly payments. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and the limited options they have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has created a seller's market with short supply coupled with high demand from buyers seeking more space. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen with some smart tips for both sellers and buyers to ensure a smooth transaction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mortgage lenders are expected to write $3 trillion in loans loans this year. Consumer finance reporter Orla McCaffrey tells host J.R. Whalen why millions of prospective homebuyers. many with good credit, won't qualify for a mortgage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a volatile first quarter on Wall Street in which investors showed no fear of risk, markets reporter Akane Otani discusses how investors big and small fared, and whether risky trading is likely to continue in the second quarter. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The IRS has announced several tax-policy changes, some just in the past several weeks, that could affect deductions and the amount of money taxpayers owe. Reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millennials have been dubbed "the lost generation" by some economists because of the unique economic challenges that have hindered their ability to build wealth. Reporter Rachel Louise Ensign joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why some millennials are now beginning to close the wealth gap between them and their elders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The proposed $15-per-hour federal minimum wage could lift many Americans out of poverty, but teenage workers could face a disproportionate level of job losses if the plan is approved. Reporter Allison Prang joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One year after millions of America's workers moved their office workspaces to their homes, many still face the challenge of knowing when to end the work day. Workplace reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what remote workers and their employers are doing about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Invesco's QQQ exchange-traded fund, which tracks the Nasdaq-100, has been recently discovered by younger investors looking for opportunities to make quick money in the market. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the attraction of the fund even though tech-sector growth is leveling off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. gasoline prices are up 30% from a year ago. Markets reporter Joe Wallace joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what is behind the price surge and whether motorists can expect prices to ease any time soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the pandemic changes the face of the business world, many people are seeking a career pivot by moving to a new industry. Careers reporter Kathryn Dill and job experts who spoke at this month's Wall Street Journal Jobs Summit explain the best way to leverage your skills. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new coronavirus aid package contains substantial tax credits and deductions for families with children and other dependents. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how families at many income levels can qualify for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As pandemic restrictions ease and offices reopen, many employees are likely to be given the option to continue working from home. Wharton School of Business professor Peter Cappelli joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss key questions employees should ask themselves first so their career track isn't derailed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic caused many people to put their retirement-savings plans on hiatus. But a pause isn't as uncommon as you might think. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen with tips and strategies for getting your retirement savings back on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new crop of apps aims to educate inexperienced investors, even kids, about the market before they put money in. Family & Tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Challenges of managing employees who are working remotely during the pandemic have led many companies to postpone taking steps to address underperformance. Reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what this could mean for employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many homeowners have refinanced their mortgages as rates have bounced off of record lows, but reworking your mortgage isn't for everyone. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the factors homeowners should consider while researching whether refinancing is right for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filing income-tax returns can be complex and intimidating, especially for first-timers. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to help clarify the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tens of millions of Americans filed jobless claims last year due to the pandemic, and the IRS normally considers unemployment benefits taxable income. But the new Covid-19 economic-relief bill calls for significant changes in how those benefits are taxed. Reporter Richard Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The way you manage investments in assets such as stocks, cryptocurrencies or even your retirement plan can have a significant impact on your tax bill. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what taxpayers with investments need to know when filling out their returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working remotely, especially from a different state than your office, can add a layer of complexity to filling out your tax return, and can even add to your tax bill. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen with pointers for taxpayers who have worked from home during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off our week-long series on this year's special tax issues, reporter Richard Rubin discusses how federal stimulus payments will factor into last year's tax returns, and why many Americans will want to time their tax filing to maximize the amount they receive under a potential new round of stimulus. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration has tweaked the rules surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program to make it easier for the country's smallest businesses to receive forgivable loans before the March 31 deadline. Reporter Amara Omeokwe and Dallas small-business owner Justin Burgess join host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While student-loan forgiveness is debated in Washington, some borrowers already have access to programs to help them pay down their debt. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to review borrowers' options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frequent fliers returning to the sky will face a very different post-pandemic air travel industry. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has details. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Workplace experts say trying to negotiate a higher salary can actually harm someone's chances at landing a job. "At Work" columnist Krithika Varagur discusses why this often affects younger workers, and alternative terms that prospective job-seekers can haggle over. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renters and landlords facing financial hardship are still waiting for billions in relief money earmarked by Congress. Reporter Will Parker tracks the funds and discusses provisions to protect renters from eviction. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been steadily rising after hitting a record low last year. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains the economic implications, as well as the impact on home buyers and sellers. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some Texas residents received surprisingly high utility bills due to this month's extreme cold, the role of deregulation in the energy sector is drawing scrutiny. More competition among private companies was meant to lead to lower prices for consumers. Investigative reporter Scott Patterson joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why that hasn't happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A growing number of people are choosing to pursue a business degree after many years in the workforce. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the trend with reporter Patrick Thomas. Plus, one such MBA graduate discusses how he got his degree after working in startups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many areas of the economy struggle to recover, blue-collar hiring has been a bright spot in the labor market. Residential construction, package delivery and warehousing jobs now exceed pre-pandemic levels. Economics reporter Sarah Chaney Cambon discusses what is fueling the hiring. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The expanding wealth divide between Black and white families is fueling concern about many Americans' ability to live comfortably in retirement. Reporter Anne Tergesen and financial planner Tremaine Wills join host J.R. Whalen to discuss the challenges facing Black Americans in building up retirement savings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new set of rules ensuring 401(k) retirement account holders receive sound advice on rolling over their money to an IRA went into effect this week. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the rules govern financial advisers, as well as the pros and cons of rolling over your money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Goldman Sachs joined other big banks by introducing a low-cost, digital wealth-management tool aimed at young investors, called Marcus Invest. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair explains the costs and features of these sorts of automated services. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cryptocurrency bitcoin has doubled in value in less than two months. Reporter Caitlin Ostroff discusses the factors behind the rally, and pitfalls investors should be aware of. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More millennials are signing prenuptial agreements to protect themselves from potential money disputes later on. But many are also including non-financial items in prenups. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers are targeting consumers' 401(k) accounts, not just to steal personal information, but also to drain funds. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen discusses the growth of attempted 401(k) cyber thefts and what consumers can do to safeguard their accounts. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After employers slashed jobs in 2020 due to the pandemic, they are now posting job openings at levels not seen since before shutdowns were first put into place. Economics reporter Hannah Lang discusses the kinds of jobs that are most in demand. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One goal of the direct stimulus payments sent to Americans during the pandemic was to encourage consumer spending. Personal-finance reporter Amber Burton explains how many people have chosen to earmark the money for reducing debt instead. Plus, Rhode Island resident Ruth Estrella shares how she has managed her finances with stimulus funds. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans whose incomes fell in 2020 could receive a higher amount in the upcoming round of stimulus if they file return their tax return before the government sends their money out. Tax reporter Richard Rubin explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stock traders who bought and sold shares of heavily traded companies like GameStop will soon have to pay taxes on their gains. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. Plus, a young trader from Atlanta discusses his recent experience on Robinhood. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reduced driving due to the pandemic resulted in U.S. car-insurance rates declining by an average of 4% in 2020. Reporter Leslie Scism discusses why insurers are reluctant to cut rates even more, and how policyholders can score discounts on their own. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are key steps parents and students should take after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, to potentially lock in numerous aid packages. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vocational and technical schools are a path to a good-paying job for many students, but they face a unique challenge during the pandemic because their students require extensive hands-on experience in the classroom. Reporter Anne Michaud and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School superintendent Sheila Harrity discuss how schools are ensuring students are prepared to enter the workforce. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trading frenzy sparked by users of Reddit and other internet platforms is making it tempting for new investors to hit "buy" on GameStop, AMC, or other volatile stocks. Personal-finance editor Bourree Lam discusses important market facts to know and budgeting points to consider before you do. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter spoke with several investors who cashed out of GameStop to get a sense of how they are dealing with their newfound riches. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traders are piling into a handful of stocks including the videogame retailer GameStop, leading to what many are calling a bubble. Streetwise columnist James Mackintosh discusses the factors that drive stock bubbles and the dangers that can result. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which airlines stepped up to pandemic-related challenges the best last year? "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has the results of The Wall Street Journal's annual airline performance survey. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Headhunters that help companies fill empty positions can be a key way for an employee to make progress in their career track. The Wall Street Journal's Anthony DeRosa discusses the benefits and risks of working with headhunters. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economists are hopeful that consumers will spend saved-up stimulus money once the economy opens up and spark a rebound. Economics reporter Harriet Torry explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly a year after Congress allowed homeowners affected by the pandemic to enter into forbearance, millions are still postponing their mortgage payments as the end of the program approaches. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prospective homebuyers seeking more living space face a tight housing market as more homeowners stay in their homes longer, choosing not to sell. Reporter Nicole Friedman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden's emphasis on environmental issues is likely to affect companies' obligations around sustainability principles known as ESG, for environmental, social and corporate governance. Reporter Emily Glazer discusses what individual investors need to know. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fewer than expected Americans withdrew from their retirement accounts due to the pandemic, but the portion of households projected to be unable to maintain their standard of living in retirement remains high. Reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research shows job seekers, and even hiring managers, are likely to lie or embellish the truth during job interviews. Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig explains. Plus, Nicolas Roulin, author of "The Psychology of Job Interviews," discusses why people lie, and what they lie about. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of buying stocks based on how many shares they want to purchase, more individual investors are buying based on how much money they want to spend. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter discusses the potential benefits and pitfalls of this way of thinking about investments. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus relief package, expected to be unveiled Thursday, is likely to include a new round of stimulus payments of as much as $2,000. Tax policy reporter Richard Rubin explains the obstacles the bill faces in Congress before becoming law. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airlines and travel companies are handling a rush of reservations as passengers make plans to return to the skies. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney explains how safety protocols and the refund process has changed in 2021. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats have promised more financial assistance for Americans after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as president on Jan. 20 and the party controls the White House and Congress. Personal finance editor Bourree Lam discusses the legislative prospects for Biden's policies on stimulus payments, savings and retirement accounts, student loans and taxes. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been a boom in construction of new homes that are intended for rent. Reporter Ryan Dezember explains what is causing it, and the financial pros and cons of renting a home instead of buying one. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robinhood and other online stock-trading platforms are focusing on attracting more women customers. Personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher discusses the trend, and Robinhood's Dheerja Kaur explains how the company is reaching out to women. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A business degree is one of the pricier educational investments you can make. Now some MBA programs are seeking to keep their curricula relevant with case studies on how businesses adjusted to survive the pandemic. Business education reporter Patrick Thomas has the details. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After suffering billions in losses due to the pandemic, the travel industry hopes the public will feel comfortable enough to fly again in 2021. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has some predictions for the year to come regarding air travel, hotels, frequent flyer programs and safety protocols. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal pandemic relief payments are likely to have significant effects on your 2020 taxes. Tax reporter Laura Saunders reviews the changes you can expect to see on your tax return. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, can be a path to college grants, scholarships and other financial aid. Wall Street Journal contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk explains how some families are too intimidated by the form to pursue financial assistance, and what they could be missing out on. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year, U.S. stock markets rallied from pandemic-triggered lows to reach record levels by year's end. Ariel Investments president and co-CEO Mellody Hobson discusses what investors should expect in 2021. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving your personal finances a top-to-bottom inspection is less intimidating than it sounds. Reporter Amber Burton discusses simple tasks to improve your financial health in the new year. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 2020 upended many people's personal-finance goals, many experts suggest that in 2021 they plan short-term "micro budgets" throughout the year instead of one large goal. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies will start the new year focused on eventually bringing employees back to the office. Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network staffing firm, discusses how office life is likely to change, for both workers and managers. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holiday shoppers stuck at home this year have sparked a boom in gift-card sales. Retail reporter Suzanne Kapner discusses the impact on retailers, and has tips for consumers on keeping track of fees on some cards. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Businesses' struggles are likely to continue, even as a new round of forgivable federal loans becomes available. Reporter Ruth Simon explains their hardship, but also discusses how some businesses are thriving during the pandemic. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The roughly $900 billion coronavirus aid plan includes direct payments for American households as well as support for unemployed workers and renters struggling to make payments. Reporters Richard Rubin and Andrew Duehren explain. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crowdfunding sites have become an increasingly popular destination for people to raise funds to cover basic expenses like rent and food. Reporter Ben Eisen explains. Plus, a freelance photographer discusses how his GoFundMe campaign has nearly doubled its goal. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla, the U.S. stock market's sixth-largest company, is set to join the S&P 500 index on Monday. Markets reporter Gunjan Banerji explains how the process works, and why it will affect even many investors who don't own Tesla stock. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although retail spending is contracting as a result of the pandemic, many consumers are ditching store brands and splurging on higher-end products. Retail reporter Suzanne Kapner explains why. Plus, a New York City shopper tells us why she has stepped up her spending on a new addiction: cosmetics. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mortgage and student-debt holders have benefited from federal forbearance programs during the pandemic, but credit-card and auto-loan borrowers haven't reaped equal benefits. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new economic-aid plan being considered by Congress would differ in important ways from the relief packages that were passed in the spring. Economics reporter Amara Omeokwe explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal moratorium on evictions of renters affected by the pandemic expires at the end of the month. Housing reporter Will Parker discusses the legal fights between tenants and landlords, as well as efforts to renew the moratorium. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Robinhood stock-trading app has attracted millions of users with its easy way of buying and selling stock. But it also carries risk. "Intelligent Investor" columnist Jason Zweig tried it out and discusses his trades. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid low bond rates, pension fund managers face a hard choice: take on increased risk or ask employers and workers to pay more into the system. Reporter Heather Gillers explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Workers who relocated out-of-state could face high tax bills and penalties next year. Tax reporter Laura Saunders discusses steps to take to avoid any surprises from the IRS. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nine months into the pandemic, credit-card companies are sweetening benefits for grounded travelers that are turned off by high annual fees and considering canceling their airline rewards cards. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new set of government data reveals the enormous amount of student-loan debt held by parents who have borrowed through the federal Parent Plus program. Reporter Andrea Fuller digs into the numbers to discuss which schools leave parents with the most debt. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent college graduates expected to enter one of the strongest job markets in history, only to see their plans derailed by the pandemic. Personal Journal's Ellen Byron explains. Plus, recent graduate De Andre King explains how he adapted to the collapsed labor market and landed a job. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A growing number of companies have resumed their policy of matching employees' contributions to 401(k) retirement accounts, after suspending them at the start of the pandemic. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many millennials are taking a cautious approach to the current market rally. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter explains why. Plus, one such investor discusses his priorities when managing his family's money. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors whose assets rose sharply amid this year's market rally could be in line for a hefty tax bill. Wall Street Journal contributor Tom Herman discusses ways to reduce your tax liability before the end of the year. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic is reshaping how Americans will face retirement and aging. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Black Friday kicks off an unconventional holiday shopping season, personal-finance reporter Amber Burton explains how consumers can be diligent about their credit-card use. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dow Jones Industrial Average's record close above 30000 marks a 62% rally from its low in March. Markets reporter Michael Wursthorn explains the role that day traders' psychology played in the rally, and the discipline that may be needed to profit going forward. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has touched off arguments over household finances among many couples and partners. Personal finance reporter Veronica Dagher discusses tips from financial advisers for managing your budget. Plus, confidence coach Karol Ward suggests ways to build the courage to have tough money conversations. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lenient loan methods by the government have resulted in student loan borrowers only being able to pay back a fraction of the $1.5 trillion in outstanding student loan debt. Economics reporter Josh Mitchell has exclusive details. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're doing the WSJ's Six-Week Money Challenge, we want to hear about your experience. Call us at 315-992-8298 and leave us a voice message with your stories and lessons learned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are asking employees to avoid travel and large groups at Thanksgiving. Workplace reporter Chip Cutter explains what employers are-and aren't-allowed to do. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Joe Biden has promised to earmark substantial amounts of funding, and increase regulation, for the transportation industry. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney outlines the likely changes that travelers should expect. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A health savings account, or HSA, can be used to pay for medical expenses, and to save for retirement. Reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to tax increases for corporations and the wealthy, President-elect Joe Biden's tax-increase wish list includes provisions that would affect people in lower income classes as well. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's open-enrollment period has been impacted by the coronavirus, so companies have adjusted their health benefits to cushion the pandemic shock. Our reporter Kathryn Dill says employers have made tweaks such as freezing premium rates and beefing up telemedicine offerings, in a bid to provide more stability for workers. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Anne Tergesen explains challenges facing older Americans signing up for Medicare benefits for next year, and discusses helping her father navigate myriad choices and costs. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The scramble for suburban life due to the pandemic has driven up rents among single-family homes. Reporter Ryan Dezember explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Joe Biden's sweeping tax plan faces an uncertain future in Congress, regardless of which party is in control. Tax reporter Richard Rubin explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steep dropoffs in municipal revenue have forced cities and states to make further cuts to benefits once promised to retirees. WSJ's Logan Moore explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enrollment among international students at top U.S. business schools has declined significantly amid pandemic-related travel restrictions and changing immigration policies. Reporter Patrick Thomas explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under the federal Cares Act, Americans have been able to withdraw from their retirement accounts without penalty. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen explains why relatively few people have done so. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number of unmarried couples in the U.S. buying homes has risen sharply in the past 20 years. Personal finance reporter Veronica Dagher explains the benefits and challenges facing them. Plus, Ohio resident Britta Koepf discusses the process of buying a home with her boyfriend. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hotel chains have begun renting rooms at day rates to at-home workers who seek privacy and quiet. Reporter Esther Fung explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has upended the rules of networking, which used to almost always involve face-to-face meetings. Reporter Ray Smith explains, and Columbia Business School professor Dan Wang offers tips for getting your message across. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors may feel anxious over how the results of the presidential election could affect their holdings, but Dan Egan, managing director of personal finance advisory company Betterment, explains why they should focus more on things they can control. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The presence of Covid-19 means Americans signing up for next year's health benefits should spend more time than usual considering their coverage plan. Voya Financial's Mona Zielke has tips on which options to consider. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eviction protections are set to expire by January, yet many renters still face economic hardship and can't make monthly payments. Reporter Will Parker explains the potential crisis facing the rental market. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Workers like Tennessee resident Don Buchanan used up paid sick time from work while battling Covid-19. Reporter Lauren Weber explains how time-off rules passed by Congress didn't account for the pandemic stretching on for six months and running. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people, like 26-year-old Chris Strong, have used the student loan deferment period to buff up their finances. But our personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter says others may hit a wall when they have to start paying again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has caused people to consciously make financial decisions, but it has also triggered subtle emotions that can unconsciously steer their decision-making. Duke University's John Payne explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has raised a whole new set of questions prospective college students should be asking before settling on where to go to school. Reporter Jillian Berman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program funds from the Small Business Administration can receive forgiveness on those loans if they meet certain criteria. Economics reporter Amara Omeokwe explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As health care takes a larger bite out of Americans' finances, some people are finding creative ways to cover the costs. Reporter Francesca Fontana discusses proposing to her husband, and bringing him onto her insurance plan. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumer credit reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why credit scores rose this summer, and the challenges that could pose to people hoping to secure a loan. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The coronavirus pandemic has put tens of millions of people out of work, but in some industries there's a hiring boom. Reporter Patrick Thomas discusses where jobs can be found right now. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many airlines are making award seats available at very cheap prices in miles or points to entice nervous passengers to travel once again. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans have options to consider beyond the standard bank savings account to get their cash to grow. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. If you're doing the WSJ's Six-Week Money Challenge, we want to hear about your experience. Call us at 315-992-8298 and leave us a voice message with your stories and lessons learned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors are placing bets on sectors likely to benefit from either outcome in November's presidential election. Markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar explains how market volatility can make it hard for individual investors to keep up. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business owners often find opportunities to reduce their tax bill by shielding expenses from the IRS, reducing their chances of being audited. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlike millions of Americans that have struggled financially since the start of the pandemic, the nation's ultra-wealthy have recovered most of the losses they suffered in the first quarter. Reporter Katherine Clarke explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are offering employees buyout packages to voluntarily leave their jobs. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen outlines the questions workers should ask if they are offered a package. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listings for available jobs fell in September after months of gains. Economics reporter Sarah Chaney explains why companies are pulling back hiring. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holding student debt can impede prospective homebuyers' chances of qualifying for a mortgage. Business writer Cheryl Winokur Munk offers strategies to help debt holders qualify for a mortgage. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calculation errors by some states resulted in some people receiving more jobless benefits than they should have, and now they have to pay that money back. Reporter Lauren Weber explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the markets volatile and an election looming, inflation hasn't been top-of-mind for investors lately. But there are some factors that could eventually lead to higher prices, and Heard on the Street editor Spencer Jakab says investors worried about inflation have options for where to park their money. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax reporter Laura Saunders discusses what the tax code says about various deductions, in the wake of reporting that President Trump paid very little in federal income taxes in recent years. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airlines have stepped up the process of cleaning airplane cabins to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney discusses questions that have arisen about the toxicity of chemicals being used. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hercules Investments CEO James McDonald looks ahead to the domestic and international issues that are likely to impact U.S. stock markets in the fourth quarter. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New business applications are running well ahead of the pace at this time last year, at a time when businesses are closing across the country. Economics reporter Gwynn Guilford explains why entrepreneurs are taking the risk. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some users of the payment app Venmo who've become victims of scammers are being pressured by the app to balance their accounts or face harsh consequences. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Public pension funds that missed out on the second-quarter market rally are re-thinking their decision to move away from investing in stocks. Reporter Greg Zuckerman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low interest rates might make it tempting for consumers to rush out and borrow money, but personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter explains why it's important to slow down and think long term. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many middle-class families that took on non-housing debt before the pandemic are struggling to pay bills amid job losses and depletion of government assistance. Personal finance reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though many companies continue to lay off workers during the pandemic, some still have the budget for new hires and raises. Reporter Kathryn Dill discusses how to ask for more money or negotiate a job offer these days. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An increasing share of Americans' retirement assets are held by higher-income people. Heard on the Street editor Spencer Jakab discusses a proposal by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden that aims to address that inequality. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About a million borrowers have fallen through the federal safety net designed to assist homeowners during the pandemic. Reporter Andrew Ackerman discusses mortgage forbearance: what it is, how it works, and why so many homeowners in need aren't taking advantage of it. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recovery of U.S. stock markets since this spring's plunge has been remarkably swift. Markets reporter Gunjan Banerji discusses the factors driving their astonishing rebound. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many coronavirus patients are paying large out-of-pocket costs despite government programs designed to put a cap on such expenses. Reporter Robbie Whelan explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apps like Robinhood have made stock trading easy, but tax reporter Laura Saunders says individual investors who use apps and websites to trade need to be prepared for a potentially hefty tax bill. J.R Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Salaries for many new hires are in line with or even higher than what they were before the pandemic. Paul McDonald of staffing firm Robert Half discusses the latest trends in hiring, pay and benefits. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After showing gains in June and early July, new job postings have plateaued more recently. Reporter Eric Morath explains what that means for the job market. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Record-low mortgage rates are encouraging homeowners to refinance and make use of much-needed cash. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains what that means for the broader economy. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to spend money more wisely? Take the Six-Week Money Challenge from The Wall Street Journal's personal-finance team. Editor Bourree Lam explains how it works. J.R. Whalen hosts. If you're doing the WSJ's Money Challenge, we want to hear about your experience. Call us as 315-992-8298 and leave us a voice message with your stories and lessons learned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once regarded as less valuable than traditional MBAs, business schools now see Internet-based programs as the future. Business education reporter Patrick Thomas discusses the trend. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working from home has upended the job-seeking process. Reporter Kathryn Dill explains what workers applying for a new job should expect. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has caused an economic downturn that has deepened the division between income classes, which include people barely getting by as well as people who can afford luxury items. Economics reporter Ben Eisen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies are putting off hiring second-year MBA students after recruiters were forced to shelve their plans for face-to-face meetings and interviews. Reporter Patrick Thomas explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many small businesses that applied for pandemic relief funds from a federal small-business disaster-loan program have waited months for the checks to arrive. Reporter Yuka Hayashi explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nation's 75 million baby boomers, those at or near retirement age, face steep economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Reporter Clare Ansberry explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recovery of the housing market is being bolstered by homebuying by millennials, long viewed as a generation of renters. Housing reporter Nicole Friedman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some mortgage lenders are asking new homebuyers to sign a form at closing that promises they won't seek monthly payment forbearance for a specific amount of time. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Commercial landlords are rewriting and revamping their retail tenants' leases out of fear that another government-mandated shutdown could result in empty stores. Reporter Esther Fung explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Small business owners, whether they're struggling or thriving, can take advantage of certain tax breaks amid the pandemic. Special writer Laura Saunders discusses which provisions small businesses may want to keep in mind. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New trading apps like Robinhood are touted for their simplicity. But reporter Michael Wursthorn says some behavioral experts are wondering if that nudges inexperienced traders to take unnecessary risks. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to taking health safety measures, workers returning to the office might want to put in place a financial plan. Personal finance reporter Veronica Dagher shares advisers' tips on how to adjust your budget. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homeowners looking to refinance their mortgages have been trying to take advantage of rock-bottom rates. But reporter Ben Eisen says they're discovering that lenders have reserved those low rates for homebuyers instead. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the coronavirus pandemic and the national reckoning over race have thrown a new light on economic inequality, Congress and the Trump administration have earmarked more funds for CDFIs, community-based lenders that serve disadvantaged communities. Reporter Amara Omeokwe discusses the growing interest in these lenders. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An executive order signed by President Trump that would extend student-loan payment suspensions has raised questions about eligibility and whether it makes sense for borrowers to suspend payments even if they're able to pay. Personal finance reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The crackdown on fraudsters applying for Paycheck Protection Program funds has resulted in some legitimate small business owners having run-ins with law enforcement. Banking reporter Liz Hoffman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit proposed by President Trump would come from FEMA. Reporter Sarah Chaney explains why that is, how long it could take to reach recipients, and how many weeks it would last. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans who signed up for mortgage forbearance last spring are still struggling financially. Wall Street Journal personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter outlines some options. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans facing financial shortfalls during the pandemic may look to their assets as sources of cash to cover expenses. Wall Street Journal contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk looks at the pros and cons of withdrawing from various accounts. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changes in the tax code can save homeowners money if they're building a bigger office at home, refinancing, or even buying an RV. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Businesses are often at odds with insurance companies over paying for testing workers for Covid-19, and some require employees to share in the cost. Health care reporter Sarah Krouse explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The steep drop in air travel this year due to the pandemic has thrown off airlines' abilities to set prices in the next year, benefiting travelers. Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Q2 market rally gave public pension funds an injection of cash, but reporter Heather Gillers explains they're still billions short of their investment-return goals. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longer wait times for Covid-19 tests can mean weeks without pay for many Americans who cannot work from home. Reporter Deanna Paul explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many small business reevaluated their banking relationships and worked with smaller institutions when applying for Paycheck Protection Program funds. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only a small percentage of Latino-owned small businesses in the U.S. applied for Paycheck Protection Program funds. Reporter Inti Pacheco explains why. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of workers working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic could face higher state tax bills for 2020 unless a deal is worked out in the stimulus bill being debated in Congress. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hiring managers are looking at what jobseekers have been doing while they've been stuck at home during lockdowns. La Salle Network CEO Tom Gimbel discusses what people should highlight in their next job interview. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Reserve officials warn of a prolonged recession if the public health response to the coronavirus is not stepped up. Economics reporter Nick Timiraos explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the coronavirus lockdowns, millions of Americans are taking up day trading, buying and selling shares from their phones or computers in the hopes of making some quick cash. Markets reporter Michael Wursthorn discusses the trend, and the risks that come with it. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. lawmakers are finalizing plans for a new coronavirus relief package that is expected to include a second stimulus payment for U.S. households, and the IRS is working to ensure the money is distributed more smoothly this time around. Tax policy reporter Richard Rubin discusses the latest developments in Washington. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With government aid running out and coronavirus cases rising, many small businesses are being forced to lay off workers and close their doors, just months after re-opening them. Reporter Ruth Simon explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A payroll tax cut in the proposed $1 trillion coronavirus relief package is receiving limited support from Congress, even though it is strongly favored by the White House. Tax reporter Richard Rubin explains why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the start of the pandemic, many stocks seen as safe have become more volatile while riskier stocks have become havens for investors. Markets reporter Karen Langley explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress continues to debate an extension of the $600 boost to unemployment benefits, which expires at the end of the month. Reporter Eric Morath gives an update on where the talks stand. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a record-low 2.98% this week. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains how long they're likely to remain low and why some consumers aren't able to capitalize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of taxpayers haven't received their tax refund yet-even those who filed earlier in the year. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains what's behind the delay, and what taxpayers can do to track down their money. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are expected to offer automatic 401(k) services, which allow workers to more easily transfer retirement savings to a new job and reduce the temptation to cash out. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of low- and moderate-income Americans could be missing out on stimulus payments and other government benefits. Code for America's Annelise Grimm discusses a website designed to connect people with tax experts to help them gain access to such funds. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic may not have funds to pay taxes they owe this year. Tax reporter Laura Saunders has tips for avoiding severe penalties, even if you can't pay. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A decade's worth of employment gains were wiped out by the rapid spread of the pandemic. Reporter Eric Morath discusses which sectors and demographic groups were hit the hardest, and which are enjoying the quickest recovery. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration's rollback of limits on payday lenders is being welcomed by banks but decried by consumer advocates. Reporter Yuka Hayashi discusses the change and what it could mean for the payday-lending industry. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress has extended the deadline to Aug. 8 for small businesses hit by the pandemic to apply for forgivable loans. Our Peter Rudegeair talks about the latest changes to the Paycheck Protection Program. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of workers in the U.S. don't have a plan to set aside money for retirement, but some states are trying to fix that. WSJ contributor Bailey McCann discusses the different approaches states are taking. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumers who cut the cable-TV cord for cheaper services offering TV over the internet are facing costs not far below traditional pay-TV packages. Reporter Drew FitzGerald explains why. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colleges and universities are increasingly willing to negotiate discounts for tuition and room-and-board expenses in hopes of getting maximum payment from a student without driving them away to a rival campus. Reporter Josh Mitchell explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. stock markets rebounded in the second quarter, and Federated Hermes International CEO Saker Nusseibeh looks ahead to the next three months. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the last day that small businesses can apply for rescue funds under the Paycheck Protection Program, reporter Yuka Hayashi explains why some are passing it up, and where the leftover money could be spent. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lenders are having a difficult time determining consumers' risk profiles because missed payments allowed under the government's stimulus package aren't factored into credit scores. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taxpayers who have a refund due from the IRS this year will also receive a separate interest payment. Wall Street Journal tax reporter Richard Rubin explains why. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices