Wsj Your Money Briefing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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