Oct 12, 2023

The endless hamster wheel of inflation

Irina Orlova/Getty Images

The fight against inflation sometimes feels like we're running in place. Are we on the right track? Plus, savings bonds and hire-a-mom.

Segments From this episode

Inflation rates have been a little stuck lately. Is that a bad thing?

by Kristin Schwab

Oct 12, 2023

Waiting it out might just be part of the journey to cool inflation.

At this point in the journey to cool inflation, it can feel like we're running in place. Is that such a bad thing?

Getty Images

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Would-be used-car buyers could be in for a rude awakening on dealers' lots

by Henry Epp

Oct 12, 2023

While prices slipped last month, they're still significantly higher than before the pandemic — and headed higher.

Used car prices are dropping. But if you haven't been in the market for a used car since before the pandemic, prices might still shock you.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Got old savings bonds lying around? Good luck cashing them.

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Oct 12, 2023

New York Times reporter Rob Copeland dug into why it's become "so impossible" to cash a savings bonds these days.

To cash in a savings bond, you can either try a bank branch or mail it in to the U.S. Treasury.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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Passengers opting for more airline frills push carrier profits up

by Savannah Maher

Oct 12, 2023

After pandemic lockdowns, many passengers want to feel a little spoiled — and are paying good money for that.

After some tinkering, airlines seem to have figured out what travelers are willing to pay for premium economy seats.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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Exxon is shelling out $60B to double its Permian production. Why there?

by Elizabeth Trovall

Oct 12, 2023

The Permian Basin, which runs through West Texas and New Mexico, produces more oil than most countries.

If the Permian Basin were its own country, it would be among the top five oil producers in the world, said Karr Ingham with the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. Above, an oil pumpjack in Odessa, Texas.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Mom concierge services are springing up on college campuses

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Oct 12, 2023

No need to miss mom while you're away at college when you can rent one for $49 per month.

Mindy Horwitz, founder of MindyKNOWS, and friends get the word out about the business.

Courtesy Mindy Horwitz

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Music from the episode

Rififi Rococo Chris Jones

Afternoon Soul Gramatik

Memories Blue Lab Beats

3 on E Vulfpeck, Antwaun Stanely

Cruise Astronautica

Stay a While The Cactus Channel

Heartbreaker Crazy P

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

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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