Mar 30, 2021

Inflation is about more than a number

Energy and food prices can fluctuate rapidly, so "core" inflation strips those prices out. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

There's a difference between how policymakers look at inflation and how it feels to consumers. Also on today's show: Home prices have been rising at the fastest clip in 15 years, and why some businesses are struggling to figure out their taxes.

Segments From this episode

Inflation isn't just about higher prices

by Kimberly Adams

Mar 30, 2021

There’s how the government looks at inflation, and then there’s what inflation feels like for you and me.

Gas prices are a key statistic when it comes to inflation, especially for people who do a lot of driving.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

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Home prices have been rising at fastest clip in 15 years

by Samantha Fields

Mar 30, 2021

Prices climbed 11% year over year in metro areas, driven by the limited number of homes for sale and low mortgage rates.

Booming home prices, driven by limited inventory and low interest rates, can frustrate potential buyers.

Matt Cardy/Getty Images

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Estimated taxes might be harder to figure out this year

by Justin Ho

Mar 30, 2021

Estimated taxes are usually predictable, but not this year because many businesses' 2020 income was so erratic.

Although the deadline for individual taxpayers was deferred, many businesses have to pay their quarterly estimate by April 15, and this tax season has been unpredictable.

Joaquin Corbalan/Getty Images

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Diaper banks have been struggling to keep up with demand

by Erika Beras

Mar 30, 2021

Diaper banks provide free diapers and often other infant supplies to parents who need them. This year, they're busier than ever.

Kids use anywhere from five to 12 diapers a day (or more) for the first three years of their lives. That’s an expense of at least $80 a month. And that doesn’t include wipes.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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Pandemic pushes big-city dreamers out of Shanghai

by Jennifer Pak

Mar 30, 2021

Workers from rural China came to Shanghai in search of better lives, a challenge even in good times. Then the COVID-19 lockdown hit.

Parents boast about their unmarried children's achievements on handwritten notes taped to umbrellas at Shanghai's People's Park. The ads bring China's urban-rural divide into sharp focus.

Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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Music from the episode

Confessions Sudan Archives

Orchids Monster Rally

A Mineral Love Bibio

Tej The So Ons

Someday The Strokes

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

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