WSJ Your Money Matters

2022 has been a year of higher prices and rising interest rates aimed at tamping down inflation. This week, the Federal Reserve approved another interest-rate hike, and officials say rates will likely keep rising next year. But what does this mean for your finances? WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Danny Lewis to discussgetting the most out of your money in 2023.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of physical toys or cash, many children are asking for virtual currency to spend on items in their favorite videogam es. It might sound strange to parents, but can online currencies teach kids valuable financial skills? WSJ reporter Sarah E. Needleman joins host Danny Lewis to discuss the lessons (intended or not) that kids can learn from virtual currencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, the Federal Trade Commission has tried to make it easier for identity-theft victims to file claims and fix their credit scores. But it may have inadvertently opened the door for fraudsters and unscrupulous credit-repair firms to file false identity-theft claims on behalf of unknowing consumers. WSJ reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis joins host Danny Lewis to discuss what this kind of “credit washing” means for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With U.S. housing affordability at its lowest in decades, renters are staying in their properties longer, and now some are investing in wallpaper, doorknobs and even floor tiles to make their rentals more livable. WSJ personal economics reporter Imani Moise joins host Daniella Cheslow to explain why and how renters are spending like they own the place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pooling money together is one reason why married couples have as much as four times the wealth as unmarried couples who live together. Personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why that is, and why more couples don’t do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homeowners’ insurance rates have risen by nearly 10% since early last year. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host J.R. Whalen with some ways homeowners can potentially shave several percentage points off their monthly insurance costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big banks including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo are drawing up plans to issue refunds to users of the Zelle peer-to-peer payment platform who were victimized by fraudsters. WSJ’s David Benoit joins host J.R. Whalen with details of the refund plan, and how users can protect themselves against scammers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rising cost of dinner and drinks is making dating an expensive activity for singles. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Rachel Wolfe to discuss how they are adjusting, and by 24-year-old Rachel Horowitz, who shares some awkward dating moments she’s had after money entered the picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The effects of holding student loans on people’s personal finances can be measured against the financial outcomes of those who didn’t take them out in the first place. Host J.R. Whalen is joined by WSJ reporter Joe Pinsker to discuss what the data shows, and by Colorado resident Skyler McKinley, who graduated from college without taking on debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lawsuit challenging key provisions of the Affordable Care Act could result in millions losing access to no-cost preventive screenings. WSJ reporter Stephanie Armour joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss where the litigation stands and how it could affect people with emplo yer-provided health coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices