Wsj Your Money Briefing

Travelers eager to take their first summer vacation in two years are facing frustrating delays and higher prices. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss where the pain points are, and what the outlook for travel is like beyond the summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The long-running bull market and strong investor sentiment have made some analysts wary. Could Monday's selloff in stocks indicate a shift is underway? Markets reporter Caitlin McCabe joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the importance of tracking market sentiment for everyday investors, and where the current market climate could be headed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tight vehicle inventories and cars selling for above the sticker price have left many shoppers frustrated. Reporter Allison Pohle joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss smart ways shoppers can approach buying a car in today's market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CPA and IRA expert Ed Slott joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the "Mega Backdoor Roth IRA Conversion," a little-known technique allowing people to make annual tax-free retirement account contributions above government-imposed limits. The tactic gained attention after PayPal founder Peter Thiel amassed $5 billion in his Roth IRA account. 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 rise, food companies, grocers and restaurants are finding creative ways of passing higher costs on to consumers. Food industry reporter Annie Gasparro joins host J.R. Whalen to explain some of the ways shoppers are unknowingly paying more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new set of rules, part of the federal government's "No Surprises Act," would protect patients from unexpected hospital bills. Healthcare reporter Stephanie Armour joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the rules will work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that pandemic restrictions are being lifted nationwide, consumers are borrowing money to spend on cars, vacations and more. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how consumers' outlook on debt is changing. Plus, South Carolina resident Felipe Betancor discusses gaining the confidence to take on more debt responsibly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Employers are struggling to fill millions of open positions nationwide, yet just as many of out-of-work Americans can't find a job they like. Senior writer Jon Hilsenrath joins host J.R. Whalen to explain the current job market "mismatch," and what it means for job seekers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of Education Department data shows that some expensive master's degree programs at elite universities don't provide graduates enough early career earnings to begin paying down their federal student loans. Higher-education reporter Melissa Korn 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.

Barbecue season is getting more expensive. Propane prices this summer are running nearly 20% higher for some consumers compared to this time last year. Reporter Ryan Dezember joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and whether prices are expected cool off anytime soon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some companies are rethinking pay and benefits as they plan a post-pandemic, hybrid workplace. Compensation Advisory Partners' Susan Schroeder and the Wharton School's Peter Cappelli join host J.R. Whalen to discuss the drawbacks of paying employees based on location. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Older Americans have amassed a record $35 trillion in wealth, and now they're passing it on to their heirs. Reporter Ben Eisen talks with host Charlie Turner about what's being done with that money and the effect it's having on people's finances and the economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gas prices in the U.S. are about a dollar a gallon higher now than they were a year ago, and are currently at the highest level in seven years. Energy reporter Collin Eaton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why prices have risen so sharply, and where they're likely headed this summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As they desperately try to fill empty positions, many employers are offering lucrative signing bonuses and referral bonuses to prospective employees, even for many blue-collar jobs. Careers reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Confusing sets of vaccination and quarantine rules for travelers headed to European countries threaten to hamper the ease of international travel. Reporter Ben Katz joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how Americans planning to travel overseas should prepare. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amid high demand and an inventory shortage, car dealers are charging as much as $10,000 above vehicles' suggested retail prices. Auto industry reporter Nora Naughton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss whether that leaves any room for haggling, and how consumers can avoid dealer mark-ups. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Americans' wealth was expected to take a hit during the Covid recession, but most people actually came out ahead. Reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host Charlie Turner to discuss why wealthier Americans fared the best, and what that could mean for different groups' long-term economic prospects. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Business travel took a big hit during the pandemic, so now airlines are offering discounts on certain business- and first-class seats. Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney tells host Charlie Turner where you can find the best bargains. 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 refinanced their mortgages last year to negotiate lower interest rates, but relatively few were Black households. Reporter J.J. McCorvey joins host Charlie Turner to discuss why fewer Black homeowners went through the refinancing process. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new credit-card concept lets users build up points when they pay their rent, with the aim of helping them build up a credit history and even a down payment on a house. Could it work? Housing reporter Will Parker joins host Charlie Turner to discuss the pros and cons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.