Families begin the new year without child tax credit payments

Jan 14, 2022
The one-year program increased payments and expanded eligibility to the poorest families. Congress has not moved to extend those changes. 
Child tax credit payments, a temporary part of President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan, ended in December. Congress has not acted to renew the payments.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

A family’s struggle with the costs of coronavirus

Jan 14, 2022
“I know I’m not the only one going through this,” said Veronica Coon, a hairdresser in Henderson, Nevada.
The government wants to make it easy to get free at-home coronavirus tests, but there are costs to isolating after receiving a positive result.
Photo by Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images

How 4 families are adjusting their budgets for the holiday season

Dec 21, 2021
Many Americans are in better financial condition this year but remain cautious, says Wall Street Journal reporter Veronica Dagher.
For many Americans during the holidays this year, there can be a disconnect between how they are doing financially and how they feel about the economy or how freely they spend.
Mario Tama via Getty Images

The pandemic has changed how some parents talk to their kids about money

Jul 19, 2021
“There were a lot more opportunities to have some of these conversations," one dad tells us.
CEO and founder of the Disparity Trap board game, Christian Telesmar, explains what led him to create such a game and how business is going.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

How women raised the median family income

Apr 11, 2017
A listener asks whether we can compare the median family income in 1980 to the present, since more women are in the workforce.
As women have entered the workforce in greater numbers, they've also contributed more to family income.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images

What happens when two bank accounts get married

Apr 10, 2015
A couple discusses their financial approach to tying the knot.

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How to successfully ask family members for a loan

Aug 16, 2013
Economist Diane Lim offers callers advice about family loans, inheritance, and helping your parents deal with their finances.

Can we afford kids? Talking about the steep pricetag of parenthood

Aug 16, 2013
One of the most difficult financial realities to face is the decision to delay having a family for people who want children. A pair of listeners share how they talk with their partners about the cost of children -- and the choice to put off parenthood.

Financial advice from your family

Aug 16, 2013
Listeners share their families' advice about money.