Why Negotiating Salary Might Not Be the Best Option
Workplace experts say trying to negotiate a higher salary can actually harm someone's chances at landing a job. "At Work" columnist Krithika Varagur discusses why this often affects younger workers, and alternative terms that prospective job-seekers can haggle over. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Mar 02, 2021
8m
Eviction Looms for Renters While Relief Funds Are Slow to Arrive
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Mar 01, 2021
6m
Mortgage Rates Have Risen to Their Highest Level Since November
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5m Feb 26, 2021
5m
Why Your Electric Bill Might Not Go Down Under Deregulation
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
8m Feb 25, 2021
8m
Why More People Are Pursuing an MBA Mid-Career
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Feb 24, 2021
11m
Why Blue-Collar Jobs Are in High Demand
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Feb 23, 2021
8m
Racial Wealth Gap Deepens U.S. Retirement Crisis
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Feb 22, 2021
13m
New Rules Protect 401(k) Account Holders Seeking IRA Rollovers
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Feb 19, 2021
7m
Goldman Sachs Joins Push to Lure Young Clients With Robo-Advisory Tool
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Feb 18, 2021
8m
Bitcoin Hits $50,000: What's Fueling the Rally?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Feb 17, 2021
10m
Millennials Embrace Prenups for More Than Just Money
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Feb 16, 2021
7m
Safeguarding Your 401(k) From Cyber Theft
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
Job Postings Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Feb 11, 2021
6m
More Americans Use Stimulus Money to Pay Down Debt
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
8m Feb 10, 2021
8m
File Your Taxes Early for a Bigger Stimulus Check
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Feb 09, 2021
6m
Some Robinhood Traders' Next Big Transaction Is With the IRS
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Feb 08, 2021
11m
Car Insurance Fell 4% Last Year. Consumer Groups Say That Isn't Enough
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Feb 05, 2021
8m
After Filling Out College Aid Forms, Now What?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Feb 04, 2021
8m
How Technical Schools Are Handling Reduced In-Person Learning
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 workfor...
10m Feb 03, 2021
10m
GameStop: What to Know Before Jumping In
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Feb 02, 2021
12m
How GameStop Traders Are Handling Their Sudden Windfall
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Feb 01, 2021
6m
GameStop's Stock Frenzy: Is It a Bubble?
Traders are piling into a handful of stocks including the videogame retailer GameStop, leading to what many are calling a bubble. Streetwise columnist James Mackintosh discusses the factors that drive stock bubbles and the dangers that can result. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jan 29, 2021
9m
U.S. Airline Rankings for 2020: Who Scored Highest and Lowest?
Which airlines stepped up to pandemic-related challenges the best last year? "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney has the results of The Wall Street Journal's annual airline performance survey. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jan 28, 2021
12m
What to Know About Headhunters Before You're Recruited
Headhunters that help companies fill empty positions can be a key way for an employee to make progress in their career track. The Wall Street Journal's Anthony DeRosa discusses the benefits and risks of working with headhunters. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Jan 27, 2021
6m
Consumers' Stimulus Dilemma: Spend, Save or Pay Down Debt?
Economists are hopeful that consumers will spend saved-up stimulus money once the economy opens up and spark a rebound. Economics reporter Harriet Torry explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jan 26, 2021
9m
Struggling Homeowners Remain in Mortgage Forbearance
Nearly a year after Congress allowed homeowners affected by the pandemic to enter into forbearance, millions are still postponing their mortgage payments as the end of the program approaches. Reporter Orla McCaffrey explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jan 25, 2021
9m
Reluctant Home Sellers Keep Housing Inventory Tight
Prospective homebuyers seeking more living space face a tight housing market as more homeowners stay in their homes longer, choosing not to sell. Reporter Nicole Friedman explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Jan 22, 2021
7m
Investors Could Soon See Sustainability Data From More Companies
President Biden's emphasis on environmental issues is likely to affect companies' obligations around sustainability principles known as ESG, for environmental, social and corporate governance. Reporter Emily Glazer discusses what individual investors need to know. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Jan 21, 2021
7m
Pandemic Extends Retirement Insecurity for Americans
Fewer than expected Americans withdrew from their retirement accounts due to the pandemic, but the portion of households projected to be unable to maintain their standard of living in retirement remains high. Reporter Anne Tergesen explains. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jan 20, 2021
9m
Why People Lie During a Job Interview
Research shows job seekers, and even hiring managers, are likely to lie or embellish the truth during job interviews. Work & Life columnist Rachel Feintzeig explains. Plus, Nicolas Roulin, author of "The Psychology of Job Interviews," discusses why people lie, and what they lie about. J.R. Whalen hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Jan 19, 2021
15m
Stock Investing by the Dollar, Not by the Share
Instead of buying stocks based on how many shares they want to purchase, more individual investors are buying based on how much money they want to spend. Personal finance reporter Julia Carpenter discusses the potential benefits and pitfalls of this way of thinking about investments. Charlie Turner hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Jan 15, 2021
7m
Biden's $2,000 Stimulus Proposal Could Face Bumpy Path in Congress
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Jan 14, 2021
7m
How Travel Is Changing as We Look Beyond the Pandemic
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jan 13, 2021
11m
Biden's Economic Agenda and Your Personal Finances
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. Learn more about you...
10m Jan 12, 2021
10m
Why More People Are Renting Homes Instead of Buying
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jan 11, 2021
9m
Robinhood Looks to Women for Future Growth
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jan 08, 2021
10m
Business Schools Include Pandemic Crisis Management in MBA Lessons
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jan 07, 2021
11m
What Will Traveling Look Like--and Cost--in 2021?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jan 06, 2021
12m
How the Fafsa Unlocks College Financial Aid
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Jan 04, 2021
8m
Will the Stock-Market Rebound Extend Into 2021?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 31, 2020
13m
How to Improve Your Financial Health in 2021
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Dec 30, 2020
7m
Creating a Budget in 2021? Think Small.
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Dec 29, 2020
7m
How the Pandemic Could Change the Workplace Beyond 2020
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 28, 2020
13m
Gift Cards Are a Hot Item This Year. Watch Out for the Fees.
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6m Dec 24, 2020
6m
Hit Hard by the Pandemic, Small-Business Owners Await New Relief
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Dec 23, 2020
9m
Coronavirus Relief Package: Who Gets a Stimulus Check?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Dec 22, 2020
7m
Struggling Consumers Turn to Crowdfunding to Cover Basic Expenses
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Dec 21, 2020
9m
Tesla to Join the S&P 500: What It Means for Investors
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7m Dec 18, 2020
7m
Shoppers' New Mantra: Treat Yourself
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Dec 17, 2020
11m
Federal Loan Forbearance Doesn't Relieve Financial Strain for All
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Dec 16, 2020
10m