Wsj Your Money Briefing

President-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus relief package, expected to be unveiled Thursday, is likely to include a new round of stimulus payments of as much as $2,000. Tax policy reporter Richard Rubin explains the obstacles the bill faces in Congress before becoming law. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Airlines and travel companies are handling a rush of reservations as passengers make plans to return to the skies. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney explains how safety protocols and the refund process has changed in 2021. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democrats have promised more financial assistance for Americans after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as president on Jan. 20 and the party controls the White House and Congress. Personal finance editor Bourree Lam discusses the legislative prospects for Biden's policies on stimulus payments, savings and retirement accounts, student loans and taxes. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There has been a boom in construction of new homes that are intended for rent. Reporter Ryan Dezember explains what is causing it, and the financial pros and cons of renting a home instead of buying one. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robinhood and other online stock-trading platforms are focusing on attracting more women customers. Personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher discusses the trend, and Robinhood's Dheerja Kaur explains how the company is reaching out to women. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A business degree is one of the pricier educational investments you can make. Now some MBA programs are seeking to keep their curricula relevant with case studies on how businesses adjusted to survive the pandemic. Business education reporter Patrick Thomas has the details. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After suffering billions in losses due to the pandemic, the travel industry hopes the public will feel comfortable enough to fly again in 2021. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has some predictions for the year to come regarding air travel, hotels, frequent flyer programs and safety protocols. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Federal pandemic relief payments are likely to have significant effects on your 2020 taxes. Tax reporter Laura Saunders reviews the changes you can expect to see on your tax return. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, can be a path to college grants, scholarships and other financial aid. Wall Street Journal contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk explains how some families are too intimidated by the form to pursue financial assistance, and what they could be missing out on. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This year, U.S. stock markets rallied from pandemic-triggered lows to reach record levels by year's end. Ariel Investments president and co-CEO Mellody Hobson discusses what investors should expect in 2021. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Giving your personal finances a top-to-bottom inspection is less intimidating than it sounds. Reporter Amber Burton discusses simple tasks to improve your financial health in the new year. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After 2020 upended many people's personal-finance goals, many experts suggest that in 2021 they plan short-term "micro budgets" throughout the year instead of one large goal. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More companies will start the new year focused on eventually bringing employees back to the office. Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network staffing firm, discusses how office life is likely to change, for both workers and managers. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Holiday shoppers stuck at home this year have sparked a boom in gift-card sales. Retail reporter Suzanne Kapner discusses the impact on retailers, and has tips for consumers on keeping track of fees on some cards. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Businesses' struggles are likely to continue, even as a new round of forgivable federal loans becomes available. Reporter Ruth Simon explains their hardship, but also discusses how some businesses are thriving during the pandemic. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The roughly $900 billion coronavirus aid plan includes direct payments for American households as well as support for unemployed workers and renters struggling to make payments. Reporters Richard Rubin and Andrew Duehren explain. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Crowdfunding sites have become an increasingly popular destination for people to raise funds to cover basic expenses like rent and food. Reporter Ben Eisen explains. Plus, a freelance photographer discusses how his GoFundMe campaign has nearly doubled its goal. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tesla, the U.S. stock market's sixth-largest company, is set to join the S&P 500 index on Monday. Markets reporter Gunjan Banerji explains how the process works, and why it will affect even many investors who don't own Tesla stock. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Although retail spending is contracting as a result of the pandemic, many consumers are ditching store brands and splurging on higher-end products. Retail reporter Suzanne Kapner explains why. Plus, a New York City shopper tells us why she has stepped up her spending on a new addiction: cosmetics. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mortgage and student-debt holders have benefited from federal forbearance programs during the pandemic, but credit-card and auto-loan borrowers haven't reaped equal benefits. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.