WSJ Your Money Matters

Joe Pinsker, a personal-finance reporter for the Wall Street Journal, sheds light on the surprising world of prop money used in films. He discusses how those who produce fake currency have transformed their relationship with real money. Themes like the fascinating uses of prop cash and its psychological impact on perceptions of value are explored. Business owners reveal how being surrounded by counterfeit bills can change one's approach to budgeting and spending, turning money into a tool for happiness rather than just wealth accumulation.

As the Federal Reserve signals it may be done raising interest rates, some financial advisers suggest people consider riskier investments for their cash. WSJ personal-finance reporter Imani Moise joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which airlines turned from competitors to allies? And how did the poster child of meme stocks, GameStop, perform this week? Plus, how are Google and AMD heating up the AI race? Host Francesca Fontana discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising stocks and the prospects of lower interest rates are among the factors that have pushed gold prices up 11% this year. WSJ reporter Bob Henderson joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how individual investors can buy gold, and how it fits into a portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans who’ve underpaid their taxes could face a hefty bill from the IRS, which recently raised the penalty from 3% to 8%. WSJ personal-finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss ways people can better manage their tax payments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Money Rules for Kids: With online financial accounts, comes the possibility for kids to make some mistakes with them. In the final episode of our series, we explore how kids (and parents) can keep their money safe and start practicing good money habits.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The New Rules of Money,” a book from The Wall Street Journal, helps readers break down the fear factor behind managing their personal finances. Reporter and co-author Julia Carpenter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the book’s interactive tools can guide readers toward reaching their financial goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, will become available for completion on Dec. 31, about three months later than in previous years. Personal-finance reporter Oyin Adedoyin joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss that and other changes families should prepare for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which companies benefited most from strong Black Friday sales? And how did investors react to Tesla’s Cybertruck launch and General Motors’ massive stock buyback plan? Host Francesca Fontana discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a new survey, a majority of workers said a 50% salary increase would be enough to make them happy. Wall Street Journal personal-finance reporter Joe Pinsker joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the data.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices