WSJ Your Money Briefing

Rising prices and two years of pandemic-induced tumult have increased the financial stress on people without shared assets. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why single people’s finances are getting left further behind.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More Gen Z and younger workers are rejecting the idea of going above and beyond in their careers in order to focus on time spent outside of the office. WSJ reporter Lindsay Ellis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the potential benefits and risks of “quiet quitting.”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While some cryptocurrency investors have sold their positions in the face of harsh declines this year, others have held on and even added to their positions. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by the WSJ’s Pia Singh, who explains the split in investment strategies, and 25-year-old Zachary Bertucci, who recently added to his crypto holdings.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People receiving Social Security benefits are likely to see the largest cost-of-living increase in 40 years after July’s annual inflation rate came in at 8.5%. WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how large an increase retirees should expect. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Inflation Reduction Act would provide billions of dollars in tax credits to homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. WSJ personal-finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Data from the Department of Education analyzed by The Wall Street Journal indicates gender disparities in pay begin as early as three years after men and women enter the workforce. WSJ higher-education reporter Melissa Korn joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why it is happening and in which fields the pay gap is the widest. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mortgage rates ticked down to 4.99% last week but are still two full percentage points higher than a year ago, giving home buyers more leverage. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the cooling housing market is causing sellers to revisit their playbook.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even as businesses see a decline in consumer demand for goods and services, many continue to hire and aren’t considering layoffs. WSJ economics reporter Sarah Chaney Cambon joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Millions of Americans’ applications for mortgages, credit cards and other loans were jeopardized after Equifax misreported their credit scores to lenders. WSJ reporter Andrew Ackerman joins host J.R. Whalen with tips on clearing up errors in your own credit report .

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the economy enters a downturn, makers of household products are reevaluating how they will attract already-cautious shoppers. WSJ reporter Saabira Chaudhuri joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what shoppers should expect.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The collapse of cryptocurrency brokerages Celsius and Voyager has left many individual investors without access to their cash, after being promised their investments were safe. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Rachel Louise Ensign as well as individual investor Dave Jachelski, whose money is tied up during Voyager’s bankruptcy process.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a decade of cheap, plentiful energy in the U.S., Americans are paying substantially more for everything from gasoline to electricity to natural gas. WSJ energy reporter Katherine Blunt joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why higher costs could be the new normal, and what’s being done to hold energy costs in check. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Wall Street Journal tracked flight delays at hundreds of airports worldwide in June and July. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ travel reporter Jacob Passy, who explains what’s causing the delays and how passengers can work around them.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates, WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss alternate ways consumers should consider to borrow in order to keep interest payments in check.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The government has told federal student-loan servicing contractors to hold off on sending out billing statements to borrowers. WSJ’s Gabriel T. Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why that could mean another extension to the moratorium on student-loan repayments could be imminent.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People who have switched jobs for higher pay got bigger raises than those who stayed. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter, who discusses the differences in pay, risks job switchers face, and potential benefits of staying put.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Companies frustrated over not finding qualified workers are reverting to in-person meetings with job applicants. WSJ “On the Clock” columnist Callum Borchers joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how job seekers can use live interviews to highlight skills that don’t necessarily come through on a resume.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amazon is suing the administrators of more than 10,000 Facebook groups that it says coordinated fake reviews on the online shopping site. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host J.R. Whalen with tips for distinguishing real online product reviews from fake ones.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fixed-rate annuities have seen a significant influx of cash as investors seek out stability in the current volatile market. WSJ reporter Leslie Scism joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why annuities are seen as stable investments, and the risks they could pose to investors anyway.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Although most people know when their financial commitments, like loan payments, are due each month, many are missing their payments because they simply forgot. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why behavioral economists say this is happening, and steps people can take to get back on track.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some financial-technology startups offer savings rates far above those from traditional banks. WSJ “Intelligent Investor” columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the risks consumers need to watch out for when stashing their cash with fintech startups.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exchange-traded funds that track a single stock entered the U.S. market last week. WSJ markets reporter Karen Langley joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how they work and the risks that investors in those ETFs could face.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new interactive tool from The Wall Street Journal helps consumers track price changes on thousands of products. WSJ computational journalist Brian Whitton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how it works.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The average cost of a hotel room in the U.S. is up more than 30% from a year ago. WSJ travel reporter Allison Pohle joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why customer satisfaction has declined, and whether hotel prices could come down in the near future. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More employers are giving out company-wide pay raises and issuing special bonuses to retain workers and help them deal with high inflation. WSJ workplace and management reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what this means for the balance of power between workers and their bosses.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Record home prices and higher mortgage rates have created the most expensive U.S. housing market in more than 15 years. WSJ housing reporter Nicole Friedman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what that means for prospective home buyers, and signs that the balance of power could be starting to shift away from sellers .

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an unusual midyear move, the IRS has raised the standard mileage rate for the self-employed to 62.5 cents. WSJ personal-finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss other ways that self-employed workers who rely on their car can save money.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mortgage rates above 5% coupled with higher housing prices have caused some prospective homebuyers to consider an adjustable-rate mortgage, instead of a fixed-rate loan, to help reduce costs. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dag her joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the pros and cons of adjustable mortgages.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Retirement savers might get the urge to peek at their 401(k) balance often during market volatility. But WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why researchers say that could lead to bad decisions and long-term losses.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After building up record levels of savings over the first two years of the pandemic, many Americans are spending down that cash cushion to deal with inflation. WSJ reporter Rachel Louise Ensign joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what that means for people’s finances.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MJP Wealth Advisors President Brian Vendig joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how economic and global events are likely to shape stock-market performance in the last six months of the year.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Choosing the right credit-card rewards program or making sure your car has gotten the proper maintenance can save drivers as much as 30 cents off the price of a gallon of gas. WSJ personal-finance reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss ways drivers can save money at the pump.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 4th weekend travel could be frustrating for many passengers this year. Airlines have been plagued by delays and canceled flights, causing many passengers frustration when they try to reach customer service. WSJ travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what passengers should expect, and options to consider aside from sitting on hold.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Finance and career experts say high inflation and a hot job market make this an ideal time to ask for a raise. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen with tips on what workers should, and should not, include in their argument when negotiating with the boss for a pay bump.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Banks and gas stations are increasing the hold they place on consumers’ credit and debit cards to $175. WSJ reporter Ayse Kelce joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why it’s being done and how consumers can avoid the risks.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An often overlooked option to stem retirement savings losses is to convert traditional IRA money into a Roth IRA. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the benefits and potential tax liabilities of making that move. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some companies are helping employees deal with sky-high gas prices as a way to retain them and encourage a return to the office. WSJ workplace reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen with more.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even though the labor market remains hot, some companies are rescinding job offers after candidates have signed on the dotted line. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by reporter Angela Yang, who spoke with several people whose job offers were pulled back.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The stock market declines in 2022 have taken their toll on stock portfolios and 401(k)s. WSJ “Intelligent Investor” columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why bear markets affect investors in different generations in different ways.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many retirees mismanage their 401(k) savings once they leave the workforce, resulting in a shortfall of funds. WSJ retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how more 401(k) providers are including features similar to pension funds to ensure retirement savings last as long as possible.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Although stocks have suffered a series of broad selloffs as inflation continues to climb, history shows certain sectors tend to buck the trend and move higher in times of high inflation. George Mason University finance professor Derek Horstmeyer joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss his recent research pinpointing sectors that tend to outperform during periods of rapidly rising prices.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Federal Reserve announced plans to raise interest rates by 0.75 percentage point, and is likely to raise them rapidly for the rest of the year. The moves are meant to counter high inflation but could lead to some hard financial decisions for many people. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen with steps you can take to protect your holdings, and financial decisions to put off amid rising rates.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

U.S. households are likely to pay a lot more for electricity this summer due to inflation. WSJ personal-finance reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host J.R. Whalen with tips for reining in your air conditioner’s electricity usage and lowering your monthly energy bill.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prospective homebuyers who don’t have funds on hand to make an all-cash offer are finding creative ways to solve the issue. WSJ reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Investors whose portfolios have suffered losses can turn those declines into gains when preparing their taxes next year. WSJ’s Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how it works, and IRS rules to keep in mind. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inflation is weighing on consumers’ finances, but some shoppers are still willing to pay rising prices on brands they like. But not all. The Drucker Institute’s Rick Wartzman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the challenges this poses to companies that often pass higher costs on to shoppers. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.K. launched a study this week with thousands of employees in many sectors to determine if working one less day during the week would affect production or morale. WSJ’s Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the experiment and similar studies, and whether U.S. companies are likely to adopt a four-day workweek anytime soon.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In addition to extra charges for food and checked bags, some airlines are charging fees for passengers to select a seat - in some cases in excess of $100. WSJ travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson joins host J.R. Whalen on how passengers can avoid paying seat fees. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a strong 2021, “buy now, pay later” companies like Klarna and Affirm are facing financial headwinds due to increased consumer delinquencies and the effects of higher interest rates. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis tells host J.R. Whalen what consumers who use those programs should expect going forward. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some senior homeowners use a reverse mortgage to borrow a portion of the equity in their homes as funds to live on. WSJ contributor Lori Ioannou joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the nuts and bolts of reverse mortgages, and the risks that come with them.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.