Wsj Your Money Briefing

After building up record levels of savings during the pandemic, Americans are ready to spend, but inflation and supply issues are throwing obstacles in their way. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the issue with WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher, and is joined by Dr. Ann Kier-Schroeder, whose plans with her husband to build a house have been put on hold. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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