Credit Without a Credit Score? Big Banks Target New Borrowers.
Under a new initiative called Project Reach, some large banks will consider customers' deposit histories as a way of extending credit to people with no borrowing history. Banking reporter Peter Rudegeair joins host Charlie Turner to discuss the government-backed program and what it could mean for millions of consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m May 14, 2021
8m
Cheapest Homes Gain Value Most in Red-Hot Housing Market
Homes in the U.S. valued below the national average are seeing an outsize surge in sale prices. Reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what that could mean for lower-income home buyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m May 13, 2021
7m
Why Consumer Prices Keep Rising
The cost of many consumer products has risen sharply in recent months. Food retail reporter Jaewon Kang joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why prices have risen so much, and whether any relief is in sight for consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m May 12, 2021
6m
Taxpayers Are Asking the IRS: 'Where's My Refund?'
Millions of taxpayers are waiting much longer than usual for their tax refund money to hit their bank account. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what is causing the delay, and what taxpayers can do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m May 11, 2021
8m
Common Social Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
People rely on Social Security as a major source of funds in retirement, and mismanaging it can have a big impact on their personal finances. WSJ contributor Neal Templin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss common pitfalls like claiming benefits too early, and the so-called "tax torpedo." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m May 10, 2021
12m
Paying for College: Where to Look Beyond Federal Loans
Rising college costs and tighter family finances have forced many people to rethink how they will pay for higher education. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss some often-overlooked options for loans, scholarships and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m May 07, 2021
8m
Should You Include a Reference Letter in Your Job Application?
Reference letters have become less important to hiring managers in recent years. "At Work" columnist Krithika Varagur joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why, and discuss what companies are doing instead to learn more about job candidates' backgrounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m May 06, 2021
8m
The Hidden Costs of Holding On to Old Credit Cards
Many people still have the first credit card they ever got sitting in their wallet. Personal-finance reporter Amber Burton joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that can be damaging to their credit profile, and how to reap benefits from those older cards without canceling them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m May 05, 2021
7m
Getting Mortgage Payments on Track Proves Harder for Black Homeowners
The federal mortgage forbearance program has helped millions of homeowners weather the pandemic and resume making payments, but Black homeowners are exiting the program at a slower rate than other groups. Consumer-finance reporter Orla McCaffrey joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m May 04, 2021
6m
How to Protect Yourself From Unemployment-Benefits Fraud
Tens of billions of dollars in state-unemployment benefits may have been improperly paid out due to fraud, officials say. Personal-finance reporter Anne Tergesen, whose personal information was used by fraudsters, joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how the scam works and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m May 03, 2021
10m
Does Bitcoin Have a Place in an Investment Portfolio?
Our week-long series of special investing episodes concludes with a look at the speculative world of bitcoin. Cryptocurrency reporter Paul Vigna joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what bitcoin is, why it is so volatile, how it differs from traditional currencies, other cryptocurrencies like ethereum and dogecoin, and whether bitcoin could complement an investment portfolio. Learn more about your...
14m Apr 30, 2021
14m
Gold Had a Great Year, But Will It Remain a Safe Haven?
Our week-long series of special episodes focused on how new investors can build a portfolio continues with a look at gold. Markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss gold's appeal to investors, how it can fit into a portfolio, its reputation as a safe haven, and different ways of investing in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 29, 2021
10m
Mutual Funds Offer New Investors Convenience, With a Cost
Our week of special episodes for new investors about building a portfolio continues with a look at mutual funds. They aren't as flashy as some other things you could put your money in, but mutual funds can provide a shelter from risk, at a cost. "Intelligent Investor" columnist Jason Zweig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what mutual funds are, how they differ from ETFs, different kinds of mut...
12m Apr 28, 2021
12m
Stocks Are at Record Highs. Here's What New Investors Need to Know.
All this week we're explaining the basics of various kinds of investments: how they work and the pitfalls to watch out for. Today we tackle stocks. There's a lot more to them than what you read on social media. Markets reporter Akane Otani joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why stock prices go up or down, growth stocks vs. value stocks, dividends, ETFs, taxes on stock trades, and resources avail...
13m Apr 26, 2021
13m
The Keys to Landing a Job for New Graduates in 2021
The Class of 2021 faces a brighter job market as the economy recovers, but knowing what to say in a job interview and what to include on a resume will still be required to land a first full-time job. LaSalle Network's Jessica Schaeffer joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what soon-to-be graduates are looking for in a job and what they need to know to get one. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
11m Apr 22, 2021
11m
Hispanic Homeownership Grows at Record Pace
About half of Hispanic households in the U.S. owned their homes last year, the highest level since the mid-2000s housing boom. Reporter Nicole Friedman joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is behind their increased home-buying power and how the overall housing market is changing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Apr 21, 2021
8m
The Hidden Costs of Postponing a Wedding, and How to Avoid Them
Couples who put off getting married because of the pandemic found themselves owing, in some cases, thousands of dollars in fees to event vendors. Reporter Allison Pohle discusses how some couples are rethinking their big day, and offers ways of saving money on a rescheduled wedding. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Apr 20, 2021
8m
Stock Trading Platforms Offer Limited Tax-Minimization Strategies
Stock traders on newer online platforms often find it difficult or impossible to execute common strategies to reduce their tax burden. Host J.R. Whalen discusses the options available with tax reporter Laura Saunders as well as Dayton Leong, a trader who has faced those challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Apr 19, 2021
9m
Rental-Car Shortages Frustrate Travelers
A shortage of rental cars coinciding with an expected surge in summer travel could put the brakes on some travelers' plans. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is causing the shortages, the impact they are having on prices, and how travelers can avoid some frustration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Apr 16, 2021
9m
Working Mothers Struggle to Rejoin the Post-Pandemic Workforce
Regaining career momentum can be especially difficult for working mothers who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what experts say can help get a career back on track after a break. And we hear from a mother and former oil-and-gas industry employee about her efforts to find work in a new field. Learn more about your ad ch...
10m Apr 15, 2021
10m
How a Federal Rule Change Could Make Vacation Homes Less Appealing
Sales of second homes hit record levels in February, but they could face pressure due to changes in how such sales are treated by government mortgage agencies. Economics reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Apr 14, 2021
7m
How the Pandemic Baby Bust Changed Families' Spending
Around 300,000 fewer births are expected in the U.S. this year because of the pandemic. Personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how that has changed families' financial decisions around having children as well as caring for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Apr 13, 2021
9m
Future Credit Card Perks Could Include Bitcoin and Rent
Credit card companies are adding a new slate of perks, including transferring those reward points in cryptocurrency, rent payments or even green initiatives. Personal finance reporter Amber Burton joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Apr 12, 2021
9m
Should You Return Unneeded College Aid?
Students who receive more financial aid than they actually wind up needing could benefit financially if they return the funds. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Apr 08, 2021
6m
How to Answer Tough Questions in a Job Interview
Job applicants need to know when interview questions are just uncomfortable - like about money - or actually off limits - like about age - and how to navigate both kinds. Careers reporter Kathryn Dill joins host J.R. Whalen with tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 07, 2021
10m
Why Subprime Loan Borrowers Are Missing Car Payments
Americans with low credit scores who took out subprime auto loans are now struggling to make their monthly payments. Reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and the limited options they have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 06, 2021
10m
How to Buy or Sell a Home in a Red-Hot Market
The pandemic has created a seller's market with short supply coupled with high demand from buyers seeking more space. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen with some smart tips for both sellers and buyers to ensure a smooth transaction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Apr 05, 2021
9m
In a Strong Mortgage Market, Millions Can't Get Housing Loans
Mortgage lenders are expected to write $3 trillion in loans loans this year. Consumer finance reporter Orla McCaffrey tells host J.R. Whalen why millions of prospective homebuyers. many with good credit, won't qualify for a mortgage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Apr 02, 2021
8m
Risky Betting Defined Investors' First Quarter. Will It Continue?
After a volatile first quarter on Wall Street in which investors showed no fear of risk, markets reporter Akane Otani discusses how investors big and small fared, and whether risky trading is likely to continue in the second quarter. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Apr 01, 2021
11m
New Tax Changes That Could Affect Your 2020 Return
The IRS has announced several tax-policy changes, some just in the past several weeks, that could affect deductions and the amount of money taxpayers owe. Reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
Why the Wealth Gap Is Shrinking for Some Millennials, But Not All
Millennials have been dubbed "the lost generation" by some economists because of the unique economic challenges that have hindered their ability to build wealth. Reporter Rachel Louise Ensign joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why some millennials are now beginning to close the wealth gap between them and their elders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Mar 30, 2021
10m
Minimum-Wage Increase Could Cost Some Teens Their Jobs
The proposed $15-per-hour federal minimum wage could lift many Americans out of poverty, but teenage workers could face a disproportionate level of job losses if the plan is approved. Reporter Allison Prang joins host J.R. Whalen to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Mar 29, 2021
6m
How Companies Are Trying to Reestablish Blurry Work-Life Boundaries
One year after millions of America's workers moved their office workspaces to their homes, many still face the challenge of knowing when to end the work day. Workplace reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what remote workers and their employers are doing about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 26, 2021
8m
QQQ Fund Lets Younger, Risk-Averse Investors Bet on Tech
Invesco's QQQ exchange-traded fund, which tracks the Nasdaq-100, has been recently discovered by younger investors looking for opportunities to make quick money in the market. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the attraction of the fund even though tech-sector growth is leveling off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 25, 2021
8m
Gas Prices Keep Rising. Is There Any Relief in Sight?
U.S. gasoline prices are up 30% from a year ago. Markets reporter Joe Wallace joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what is behind the price surge and whether motorists can expect prices to ease any time soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Mar 24, 2021
6m
How to Transfer Skills From One Industry to Another
As the pandemic changes the face of the business world, many people are seeking a career pivot by moving to a new industry. Careers reporter Kathryn Dill and job experts who spoke at this month's Wall Street Journal Jobs Summit explain the best way to leverage your skills. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Mar 23, 2021
11m
Substantial Benefits for Families in New Covid Relief Package
The new coronavirus aid package contains substantial tax credits and deductions for families with children and other dependents. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how families at many income levels can qualify for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 22, 2021
7m
Should You Keep Working From Home Post-Covid?
PAs pandemic restrictions ease and offices reopen, many employees are likely to be given the option to continue working from home. Wharton School of Business professor Peter Cappelli joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss key questions employees should ask themselves first so their career track isn't derailed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Mar 19, 2021
9m
Retirement Savings: How to Catch Up After a Break
The pandemic caused many people to put their retirement-savings plans on hiatus. But a pause isn't as uncommon as you might think. Retirement reporter Anne Tergesen joins host J.R. Whalen with tips and strategies for getting your retirement savings back on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 18, 2021
8m
New Apps Teach Investing Basics
A new crop of apps aims to educate inexperienced investors, even kids, about the market before they put money in. Family & Tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host J.R. Whalen with details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 17, 2021
7m
How Bosses Are Dealing With Underperforming Workers
Challenges of managing employees who are working remotely during the pandemic have led many companies to postpone taking steps to address underperformance. Reporter Patrick Thomas joins host J.R. Whalen to explain what this could mean for employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 16, 2021
7m
Mortgage Rates Are Rising. Is It Time to Refinance?
Many homeowners have refinanced their mortgages as rates have bounced off of record lows, but reworking your mortgage isn't for everyone. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the factors homeowners should consider while researching whether refinancing is right for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 15, 2021
8m
Tax Week: What First-Time Tax Filers Need to Know
Filing income-tax returns can be complex and intimidating, especially for first-timers. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to help clarify the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Mar 12, 2021
9m
Tax Week: Unemployment Benefits and Your Tax Return
Tens of millions of Americans filed jobless claims last year due to the pandemic, and the IRS normally considers unemployment benefits taxable income. But the new Covid-19 economic-relief bill calls for significant changes in how those benefits are taxed. Reporter Richard Rubin joins host J.R. Whalen to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 11, 2021
8m
Tax Week: Investments and Your Tax Return
The way you manage investments in assets such as stocks, cryptocurrencies or even your retirement plan can have a significant impact on your tax bill. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what taxpayers with investments need to know when filling out their returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 10, 2021
7m
Tax Week: Working From Home and Your Tax Return
Working remotely, especially from a different state than your office, can add a layer of complexity to filling out your tax return, and can even add to your tax bill. Tax reporter Laura Saunders joins host J.R. Whalen with pointers for taxpayers who have worked from home during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Mar 09, 2021
7m
Tax Week: Stimulus Checks and Your Tax Return
To kick off our week-long series on this year's special tax issues, reporter Richard Rubin discusses how federal stimulus payments will factor into last year's tax returns, and why many Americans will want to time their tax filing to maximize the amount they receive under a potential new round of stimulus. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 08, 2021
8m
Billions in Small-Business Forgivable Loans Are Still Available
The Biden administration has tweaked the rules surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program to make it easier for the country's smallest businesses to receive forgivable loans before the March 31 deadline. Reporter Amara Omeokwe and Dallas small-business owner Justin Burgess join host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Mar 05, 2021
12m
Overlooked Student-Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs
While student-loan forgiveness is debated in Washington, some borrowers already have access to programs to help them pay down their debt. Contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to review borrowers' options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 04, 2021
8m
Air Travel in the Post-Pandemic Era: Are You Prepared?
Frequent fliers returning to the sky will face a very different post-pandemic air travel industry. "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has details. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 03, 2021
8m