Wsj Your Money Briefing

As stocks have flirted with bear-market territory this year, many people have invested in a type of exchange-traded fund known as a “buffer fund” to protect against potential steep declines. WSJ markets reporter Eric Wallerstein joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how buffer funds work and how well they have performed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mortgage rates are roughly double where they were a year ago, and that is leading some people who are ready to buy a house to consider renting instead. WSJ economics reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the tradeoffs of buying versus renting in the current housing market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After several failed attempts over the past year to bring workers back to the office, companies are making a stronger push for a return to in-person work. WSJ workplace reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is different this time, and how workers can make the most of a return to their office desk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fraudsters send out about 12 billion robotexts a month in the hopes of scamming unsuspecting consumers. WSJ personal-technology columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how you can avoid being victimized. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Americans in the upper middle class are feeling the effects of the economic downturn more acutely than those in other income groups. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Dion Rabouin to discuss the economic factors behind the trend, and by 33-year-old Texas resident Mark Yu, who explains how the economic instability has caused him to change his financial habits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A bill in California would require some of the country’s largest employers to include salary ranges in job postings. WSJ workplace and management reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the measure also could affect workers and companies in other parts of the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inflation and stock-market instability are causing many seniors to make changes to how they treat their retirement savings as well as other aspects of their lives. Age Wave co-founder Maddy Dychtwald joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the findings from a survey the group conducted with thousands of retirees.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A recent study found that the average cost of raising a child through age 17 is now $300,000. WSJ “Numbers” columnist Josh Zumbrun joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the factors that are driving costs up the most, and how families can keep them under control. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Workers who are rejecting the idea of going above and beyond in their job have attracted a significant amount of backlash. WSJ workplace reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the reasons for the backlash, and options workers could pursue to find career success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Millions of federal student-loan borrowers will see all or part of their student debt forgiven under a plan announced by President Biden on Wednesday. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss forgiveness eligibility requirements, what borrowers need to do, and the potential challenges the plan could face. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Retailers are slashing prices in hopes that cost-conscious shoppers will help reduce their big backlogs of unsold inventory. WSJ reporter Rachel Wolfe joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss which discounted products consumers can get at a deep discount now, and which they might want to wait to buy until later in th e year. 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 includes tax credits for electric-vehicle buyers, but it also tightens eligibility rules. WSJ personal-finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how consumers can work around those rules and put more tax-credit money in their pocket.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As smartphone makers roll out their newest models, the best phone to use may be the one you already have. Wall Street Journal personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins WSJ Your Money Briefing host Daniella Cheslow to discuss how to get the most from your current phone and put off the cost of replacing it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that the Inflation Reduction Act has become law, the IRS will get $80 billion in additional funding over the next decade. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss what the IRS is expected to do with its new funding, and what it means for taxpayers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Airlines are aggressively trying to sell travelers on seats with extra legroom. WSJ travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson joins Daniella Cheslow to run down what travelers need to know about pricing and perks for premium seating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From school supplies to gun safes, 20 states have announced temporary tax breaks to help shoppers cope with this year’s record inflation. WSJ reporter Lauryn Azu joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss how shoppers can make the most of state tax holidays and where they fall short.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.