Post-Pandemic Travel
Acclaimed TV host and European tour guide Rick Steves joins us this week on Viewpoints to share several traveling tips, including how to get around crowds and stay safe this season.
Jumping Jobs in 2022
In 2021, more than 40 million Americans left their jobs. We analyze how the pandemic changed mindsets on work and discuss some strategies that people who are looking to switch jobs can use.
The Higher Education Conundrum
We talk about why more young people aren’t given greater direction when it comes to choosing post-secondary schooling. Two higher education experts join us to talk through some of the challenges facing programs and how students can make a more informed and cost-effective choice.
The Future of Ethanol
Ethanol is a key additive in the gas that powers our cars and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But with electric cars gaining popularity – how long will this massive ethanol market survive? How are producers making this process more environmentally friendly?
The Economic Squeeze of Inflation
Between January 2021 and January 2022, prices across the board went up by 7.5%. What’s next? Economics professor Dr. Christian Vom Lehn joins us to breakdown what’s fueling these continued price hikes and how the invasion of Ukraine by Russia may make certain goods and services pricier.
Get Your $$$ In Order
If an unexpected $400 charge came up, it’s estimated that 40% of Americans would struggle to pay this amount, according to data published in 2019 by the Federal Reserve. Life happens. Circumstances change. And that’s why it is so important to be financially secure with savings, an emergency fund, investments and more. We speak with financial expert, Emily …
Our Resilient Food System & Supply Chain
20 million people work within the food production industry in the U.S. The pandemic has altered this sector and resulted in many pressures placed on this population. This week – we highlight the people behind these various roles and the changing landscape of this 24/7 food supply chain.
The Mounting Student Loan Crisis
Federal student loan debt has ballooned in recent years. In 2007, debt totaled $642 billion dollars. Fourteen years later, this number has risen to close to $1.7 trillion. More than 43 million Americans have student loan debt, with the average person owing around $39,000.
The Rise of ‘Influence’ in This World
Being an influencer has turned into a career option for some, and today, some college students are pursuing degrees in social media to work within the industry or try their hand at becoming an influencer themselves. We discuss the state of social media education and the larger implications of this shift in modern culture.
The Modern Pet: A Much-Adored Family Member
You may have held out on getting a pet for years and years, but when the pandemic hit, it seemed like an opportune time to add a new furry member to the family. Today, more than 70 percent of Americans own one pet or more, and this number is only set to increase in coming years. We speak with two pet experts this week about the evolving sector and the …
Why Does Keto Continue To Persist
The keto diet, which mainly cuts out carbohydrates, has seen a sustained rise in popularity. Originally used as a treatment for kids with epilepsy, today, thousands of ordinary people follow this regimen as well. This week – we’re joined by registered dietician, Kristen Sedler, and two people who tried the keto diet and both had entirely different …
Negotiating the High Cost of Healthcare
Millions of Americans put off going to a doctor or hospital because they’re afraid of the high cost of care. Depending on your insurance, one MRI scan can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. One trip to the emergency room can mean thousands of dollars in charges that people can’t afford to pay. So, what’s driving these sky-high prices? How can people …
How to Make Your Kid Money-Savvy
All parents want their kids to succeed and live good lives, and part of accomplishing that is raising them to understand the value of a dollar. We talk to Beth Kobliner, a financial expert and author of the book Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even if you’re not) about tips and tricks to help our kids, from toddlers to post-grads, handle money responsibly.
Why Aren’t More Women Financially Independent?
Many women today still have little knowledge on financial planning and how to make their income work for them rather than the other way around. Executive and financial expert Jennifer Barrett joins us this week to shed some light on the importance of becoming financially autonomous and advocating for yourself in your career, relationships and beyond.
The Sky-high Cost of College
Today, the average student graduating from a four-year, public university leaves with $28,600 in student loans. On top of this, students owe interest once payments kick in, and this can range from 3 to 5 percent for federal loans and can go as high as 12 percent for private loans. For some, the large sum of these loans plus interest can take several years to …
End-Of-Life Planning: Have You Gotten Your Affairs In Order?
About 60 percent of Americans don’t yet have a written will in place. People spend a lifetime working hard, saving money, building assets, but often never think about what would happen in case they suddenly passed away. Viewpoints speaks with life planning expert, Abby Schneiderman, about the importance of organizing your life both on paper and online.
Modern Adulthood
Whatever age you are, there’s always certain pressures to hit life milestones by set periods. It can mean moving out, getting married, having a family or even retiring by a ‘normal’ age. We discuss why these external pressures shouldn’t feed into personal decisions and how today’s generations and the challenges they face greatly differ from those of their …
What May Lie Ahead: The Pandemic’s Effect On the Economy
How has a year-long pandemic affected the U.S. economy? Will it bounce back as more people get vaccinated or will there be long-term ramifications? Economist James Rickards joins Viewpoints this week to share his insights on the post-pandemic economy.
How to Make Your Money Work For You
Between the internet, radio, podcasts and books, there’s a wide breadth of information out there on how to get your finances in order. But sometimes the mixed advice and confusing explanations can lead to complete inaction. This week, we speak to a personal finance expert about the starting key steps you can take to build your financial future and prepare …
Holiday Shopping 2020: Do You Need To Buy It?
Compulsive buying disorder affects around five percent of Americans. With prime shopping season fully underway, the number of ads and limited-time deals can lead to several unneeded purchases. We speak with psychologist, Dr. Michael Vilensky about how retailers get you to keep buying and what to do if you feel like you’re shopping is getting to be a problem.
Dot Con: Pranking the Authors of Spam Emails
Author and comedian, James Veitch has made a name for himself by replying to these scams and continuing the conversation, effectively wasting the scammers time as much as they waste ours. We speak with him about his trade and the major telltale signs to look out for in a scam.
Millennial Money: Leveraging Your Worth
Jessica Byrne is a 26-year-old software engineer that has saved more than $300,000 in a short span of time. We speak with Byrne about how she grew her skill base in order to up her salary and then save thousands by smart saving and investing.
The Dire State of Affordable Housing in America
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis as many millions of Americans can no longer afford to pay rent or their monthly mortgage. Viewpoints speaks with two housing experts about why so many people struggle to find affordable housing in the U.S. and one possible solution to the problem.
Overcoming Uncertainty in the Midst of COVID-19
With many unknowns hanging above our heads during this global pandemic, it’s vital to stay present and positive. We discuss small steps you can take each day to find structure as well as the importance of looking at the long-term picture.
