Aug 22, 2023

Real wages rebound, while low-income earners play catch-up

Scott Olson/Getty Images

After losing ground to inflation, low-income households are struggling to catch up. Plus, a reporter's diary of her plastic use.

Segments From this episode

The dollar's falling back to Earth as other countries raise their own interest rates

by Justin Ho

Aug 22, 2023

A year ago, U.S. exporters were complaining that the dollar was too strong. Not anymore.

A weaker U.S. dollar could help companies that export, while importers might have to pay more for the products they bring in.

Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images

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"Date the rate, marry the house": The lure of refinancing when buying a home

by Matt Levin

Aug 22, 2023

Mortgage rates are still high, but some real estate agents have been citing an old refrain: "You can always refinance." Except, others say, when you can't

Even if mortgages get cheaper, so might homes, which would complicate refinancing, said Sacramento real estate agent Erin Stumpf.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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Are American malls back from the brink?

by Kristin Schwab

Aug 22, 2023

While the "malls are dying" narrative has has been prevalent for a while, foot traffic is up at shopping centers serving more affluent consumers.

Malls in more affluent, suburban settings are thriving, thanks in part to an influx of luxury brands.

Scott Heins/Getty Images

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My Economy

Fly fishing was her passion. Now it's her business.

by Sarah Leeson

Aug 22, 2023

Dylan Demery opened Colorado-based She's Fly with two friends to provide outdoor clothing and gear that were comfortable for women.

Dylan Demery loved fly fishing but often couldn't find gear suitable for women.

Courtesy Demery

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Even as real wages rebound, low-income households are playing catch-up

by Mitchell Hartman

Aug 22, 2023

Average hourly earnings are now rising faster than prices. But two years of high inflation have left many low-income people in a financial hole.

Inflation can take a heavier toll on low-income workers because a large proportion of their pay goes toward necessities like food.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Keeping a diary of plastic use can be "a little horrifying"

by Kai Ryssdal and Livi Burdette

Aug 22, 2023

What a reporter learned by cataloging all the plastic products around her.

Once plastic products are created, they don't ever decompose — and we keep producing more. "More is getting into our environment, but more doesn't necessarily need to be there," said Susanne Rust, an environment reporter for the LA Times.

Yasin Akgul/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Merci Cory Wong

Hard to Say Goodbye Washed Out

Toad Lick East Forest

Can I Kick It? A Tribe Called Quest

Pumpkin Islands

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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