WSJ Your Money Matters

New premium models of phones from Apple and Samsung can cost as much as a month’s rent. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss ways oflowering the sticker price and getting deals on wireless service . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 125 U.S. colleges and universities promised in 2016 to raise the enrollment of lower-income students by 50,000 by 2025. But a progress report from the initiative shows the schools have added fewer than 8,000 so far. Higher-education reporter Melissa Korn joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why federal Pell Grants are reaching so few potential students . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The largest share of second-home purchases closes from fall to early in the new year. But along with the dream of family memories and rental incomes, vacation homes carry financial and emotional risks. WSJ personal-finance reporter Veronica Dagher joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss the highs and lows of buying a second home, and how to lay the foundation for a good buy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A record 19 million taxpayers asked the IRS for more time to file . Wall Street Journal personal finance reporter Ashlea Ebeling joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why so many taxpayers are filing late, and how to avoid steep penalties for missing the Oct. 17 deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans’ credit-card balances are way up, and inflation is only part of the reason. WSJ personal-finance reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Daniella Cheslow to discuss why impulse buying (including her own) is up, and whether splurging might actually be worthwhile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the U.S. savings rate on the decline, some financial apps are offeringprizes and other incentives to encourage consumers to put money away. WSJ contributor Cheryl Winokur Munk joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the incentives work, and what financial experts have to say about their role in a savings plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The competition among home sellers has increased this year as mortgage rates have risen to nearly 6%. WSJ “Mansion” section senior editor Kerry Barger joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss a new series of stories focused on helping homeowners prepare their house for a sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As stocks have flirted with bear-market territory this year, many people have invested in a type of exchange-traded fund known as a “buffer fund” to protect against potential steep declines. WSJ markets reporter Eric Wallerstein joins host J.R. Whalen to explain how buffer funds work and how well they have performed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mortgage rates are roughly double where they were a year ago, and that is leading some people who are ready to buy a house to consider renting instead. WSJ economics reporter Ben Eisen joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss the tradeoffs of buying versus renting in the current housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After several failed attempts over the past year to bring workers back to the office, companies are making a stronger push for a return to in-person work. WSJ workplace reporter Chip Cutter joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss what is different this time, and how workers can make the most of a return to their office desk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices