Wsj Your Money Briefing

2022 has been a year of higher prices and rising interest rates aimed at tamping down inflation. This week, the Federal Reserve approved another interest-rate hike, and officials say rates will likely keep rising next year. But what does this mean for your finances? WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Danny Lewis to discuss getting the most out of your money in 2023.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Instead of physical toys or cash, many children are asking for virtual currency to spend on items in their favorite videogam es. It might sound strange to parents, but can online currencies teach kids valuable financial skills? WSJ reporter Sarah E. Needleman joins host Danny Lewis to discuss the lessons (intended or not) that kids can learn from virtual currencies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For years, the Federal Trade Commission has tried to make it easier for identity-theft victims to file claims and fix their credit scores. But it may have inadvertently opened the door for fraudsters and unscrupulous credit-repair firms to file false identity-theft claims on behalf of unknowing consumers. WSJ reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host Danny Lewis to discuss what this kind of “credit washing” means for you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some workers who piled up thousands of dollars in their healthcare flexible-spending accounts during the pandemic are at risk of losing it at the end of this year. The Wall Street Journal's Matthew Riva joins host Daniella Cheslow with some unexpected ways to spend the money before it's gone.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With U.S. housing affordability at its lowest in decades, renters are staying in their properties longer, and now some are investing in wallpaper, doorknobs and even floor tiles to make their rentals more livable. WSJ personal economics reporter Imani Moise joins host Daniella Cheslow to explain why and how renters are spending like they own the place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pooling money together is one reason why married couples have as much as four times the wealth as unmarried couples who live together. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why that is, and why more couples don’t do it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As pay-transparency laws become more common, many workers are openly discussing salaries in the office. And that can lead to some awkward surprises among employees who find out they are getting paid differently despite doing similar work. WSJ “Work & Life” columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how workers can use open-pay revelations to ask their manager for a raise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Homeowners’ insurance rates have risen by nearly 10% since early last year. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen with some ways homeowners can potentially shave several percentage points off their monthly insurance costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big banks including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo are drawing up plans to issue refunds to users of the Zelle peer-to-peer payment platform who were victimized by fraudsters. WSJ’s David Benoit joins host J.R. Whalen with details of the refund plan, and how users can protect themselves against scammers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The rising cost of dinner and drinks is making dating an expensive activity for singles. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Rachel Wolfe to discuss how they are adjusting, and by 24-year-old Rachel Horowitz, who shares some awkward dating moments she’s had after money entered the picture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The effects of holding student loans on people’s personal finances can be measured against the financial outcomes of those who didn’t take them out in the first place. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Joe Pinsker to discuss what the data shows, and by Colorado resident Skyler McKinley, who graduated from college without taking on debt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A lawsuit challenging key provisions of the Affordable Care Act could result in millions losing access to no-cost preventive screenings. WSJ reporter Stephanie Armour joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss where the litigation stands and how it could affect people with emplo yer-provided health coverage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The deadline to file your tax return is still several months away, but there are steps you can take now to score tax breaks and stay ahead of some tax changes that are coming next year. WSJ tax reporter Laura Saunders 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.

Retailers have been posting prices ending in “99” for decades, but what does it say about the value consumers are getting for their dollar? WSJ “Numbers” columnist Josh Zumbrun joins host J.R. Whalen with some surprising findings about retailers’ pricing strategies.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

High inflation and rising interest rates might make it easy to overspend this holiday season. WSJ personal finance reporter Imani Moise joins host J.R. Whalen tips for easing the strain on your bank account. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a summer of chronic delays and passenger frustrations, the nation’s airports face a crucial test this holiday season. Travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson joins host J.R. Whalen with the WSJ’s rankings of the nation’s best and worst airports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite an unsettled economy and rising interest rates that have rattled Wall Street, investors continue to favor U.S. stocks over foreign equities. WSJ markets reporter Eric Wallerstein joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why, and what it means for your portfolio.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biden administration’s plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student loans is in limbo after a federal judge in Texas ruled it was unconstitutional. Now the issue is tied up in the courts, but scammers aren’t waiting for a final decision . WSJ personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Daniella Cheslow to talk about how fraudsters are trying to cash in on the confusion, and how borrowers can avoid their schemes.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Republicans taking control of the House of Representatives this week means divided government for at least the next two years. WSJ personal-finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what that likely means for major legislation affecting your personal finances, and steps you can take to save money while Washington is divided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While most workers displaced by the pandemic have returned to the workforce, many in their early 20s have not. WSJ reporter Bryan Mena joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how this has puzzled economists and how these workers’ absence affects employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.