Wsj Your Money Briefing

Renters and landlords facing financial hardship are still waiting for billions in relief money earmarked by Congress. Reporter Will Parker tracks the funds and discusses provisions to protect renters from eviction. 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 average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been steadily rising after hitting a record low last year. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains the economic implications, as well as the impact on home buyers and sellers. 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 some Texas residents received surprisingly high utility bills due to this month's extreme cold, the role of deregulation in the energy sector is drawing scrutiny. More competition among private companies was meant to lead to lower prices for consumers. Investigative reporter Scott Patterson joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why that hasn't happened. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A growing number of people are choosing to pursue a business degree after many years in the workforce. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the trend with reporter Patrick Thomas. Plus, one such MBA graduate discusses how he got his degree after working in startups. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As many areas of the economy struggle to recover, blue-collar hiring has been a bright spot in the labor market. Residential construction, package delivery and warehousing jobs now exceed pre-pandemic levels. Economics reporter Sarah Chaney Cambon discusses what is fueling the hiring. 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 expanding wealth divide between Black and white families is fueling concern about many Americans' ability to live comfortably in retirement. Reporter Anne Tergesen and financial planner Tremaine Wills join host J.R. Whalen to discuss the challenges facing Black Americans in building up retirement savings. 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 ensuring 401(k) retirement account holders receive sound advice on rolling over their money to an IRA went into effect this week. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the rules govern financial advisers, as well as the pros and cons of rolling over your money. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Goldman Sachs joined other big banks by introducing a low-cost, digital wealth-management tool aimed at young investors, called Marcus Invest. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair explains the costs and features of these sorts of automated services. 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 cryptocurrency bitcoin has doubled in value in less than two months. Reporter Caitlin Ostroff discusses the factors behind the rally, and pitfalls investors should be aware of. 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 millennials are signing prenuptial agreements to protect themselves from potential money disputes later on. But many are also including non-financial items in prenups. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hackers are targeting consumers' 401(k) accounts, not just to steal personal information, but also to drain funds. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen discusses the growth of attempted 401(k) cyber thefts and what consumers can do to safeguard their accounts. Charlie Turner hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After employers slashed jobs in 2020 due to the pandemic, they are now posting job openings at levels not seen since before shutdowns were first put into place. Economics reporter Hannah Lang discusses the kinds of jobs that are most in demand. 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.

One goal of the direct stimulus payments sent to Americans during the pandemic was to encourage consumer spending. Personal-finance reporter Amber Burton explains how many people have chosen to earmark the money for reducing debt instead. Plus, Rhode Island resident Ruth Estrella shares how she has managed her finances with stimulus funds. 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.

Americans whose incomes fell in 2020 could receive a higher amount in the upcoming round of stimulus if they file return their tax return before the government sends their money out. Tax reporter Richard Rubin 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.

Stock traders who bought and sold shares of heavily traded companies like GameStop will soon have to pay taxes on their gains. Tax reporter Laura Saunders explains. Plus, a young trader from Atlanta discusses his recent experience on Robinhood. 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.

Reduced driving due to the pandemic resulted in U.S. car-insurance rates declining by an average of 4% in 2020. Reporter Leslie Scism discusses why insurers are reluctant to cut rates even more, and how policyholders can score discounts on their own. 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 are key steps parents and students should take after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, to potentially lock in numerous aid packages. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk 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.

Vocational and technical schools are a path to a good-paying job for many students, but they face a unique challenge during the pandemic because their students require extensive hands-on experience in the classroom. Reporter Anne Michaud and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School superintendent Sheila Harrity discuss how schools are ensuring students are prepared to enter the workforce. 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 trading frenzy sparked by users of Reddit and other internet platforms is making it tempting for new investors to hit "buy" on GameStop, AMC, or other volatile stocks. Personal-finance editor Bourree Lam discusses important market facts to know and budgeting points to consider before you do. 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.

Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter spoke with several investors who cashed out of GameStop to get a sense of how they are dealing with their newfound riches. Charlie Turner hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.