WSJ Your Money Briefing

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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