As a reporter for Marketplace, my job is to show people how the ins and outs of the economy are relevant to their lives. That has meant explaining things like how a mall closure can gut a town's budget, how drug shortages are making it harder for doctors to treat patients and how a typo in the new tax law is causing retailers to hold off on store renovations. I'm also interested in the psychology behind the economic decisions we make.

What was your first job?

Summer camp counselor to a bunch of 5-year-olds.

In your next life, what would your career be?

I think I would still want to create things. Maybe I'd be a chef. Or an interior designer. Or I'd write for a TV show.

Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______.

Financial stability, which is a good start.

What’s the favorite item in your workspace and why?

My stash of chocolate.