Empty Shelves? Long Waits? Blame the Labor Shortage
The struggle to find and keep enough workers is the new normal for many employers these days, as are the frustrations of customers impacted by the fallout.
Stories I edited at The Balance
Are Student Loan Payments Too Broken To Bring Back?
Two years ago, the clock stopped for at least 37 million people with federal student loans. Their stories reveal why many are now questioning the entire lending system.
Number of the Day: Saving Rate Falls to Lowest Since Great Recession
4.4% - That’s how little income Americans saved in April, the least for any month since 2008 and a clear sign of how hard inflation is hammering budgets.
Economy Adds 428,000 Jobs, Chugs Toward Full Recovery
At this rate, it won’t be long before the job market is back to where it was before COVID-19 changed everything, government data showed Friday.
Federal Reserve Uses Entire Arsenal on Inflation
The Fed wielded both major tools for fighting inflation Wednesday, raising its interest rate by an unusual half percentage point and making plans to cut asset holdings.
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Off the Charts: Could the Hot Housing Market Have Hit a Tipping Point?
Higher mortgage rates might be bringing some balance back to the real estate market, a new poll suggests. A chart marks the potential turning point.
Seeing Is Believing: 2021 in Charts
For the U.S. economy, 2021 was full of contrasts and extremes, recoveries and setbacks. See all that in 12 of the most compelling metrics we could chart.
Maybe Banks Don’t Need Overdraft Fees After All
Some banks are walking away from overdraft fees as government regulators turn up the heat on a practice that disproportionately impacts lower-income customers.
Public Servants Released From Student Debt ‘Sentence’
Changes to a loan forgiveness program for public servants are transforming lives overnight. Teachers and lawyers say they can finally retire or save for a home.
Federal Reserve Dictionary: Your Guide to the Jargon
As the economy changes, the Federal Reserve’s role is more relevant to consumers and their bottom line. But the Fed’s jargon is dizzying. Here’s what the key terms mean.
Is the US Economy Headed for ’70s-Style Stagflation?
Consumer prices for gas, food, and housing are surging even as the economy appears to be slowing. For some, it’s conjuring fears of 1970s-style stagflation.
Buyers ‘Take a Deep Breath’ As Housing Market Calms
After a year of frenzied competition and desperate tactics, the housing market is starting to look a bit more normal as supply and demand rebalance.
Can Memories of Grandma Help Win Home Buying Battles?
Looking for ways to stand out in a crowded housing market, more buyers are trying personal letters to sellers.
Why Student Loan Forgiveness Is a Step Closer
A provision in the latest stimulus package makes any student loans canceled through 2025 tax-free, removing an obstacle to Biden authorizing forgiveness on his own.
More Stimulus Is Great, But Will It Fan Inflation?
More stimulus may give a much-needed boon to the U.S. economy, but some economists are warning to be careful what we wish for.
Pandemic Creates Test Case for Universal Basic Income
Universal basic income, the provocative idea from former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, sounds a lot less outlandish now than it did a year ago.
Is the PPP Helping Small Businesses as Intended?
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is designed to help small businesses keep employees on the payroll. But is it working? Read our analysis.
