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Three ways consumers are feeling the pinch

Shoppers walk past a delivery truck outside a Family Dollar in Hyattsville, Maryland. Family Dollar has announced it's closing 600 stores this year. Bloomberg / Contributor hide caption

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Bloomberg / Contributor

The Indicator from Planet Money

Three ways consumers are feeling the pinch

Many broad economic indicators are positive, but consumer sentiment is negative. Even with cooling inflation and low unemployment, consumers are still feeling the economic strain. In today's episode, we look at three ways the US consumer is feeling the pinch.

Three ways consumers are feeling the pinch

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Are we counting jobs right? We answer your listener questions

There is a lot of money in 401(k) plans. With a lot going into equities, these retirement investment make up roughly 10 percent of the stock market. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The Indicator from Planet Money

Are we counting jobs right? We answer your listener questions

Listener questions are back! On today's show, we answer whether universities are banks, how — or if — 401(k) contributions affect the stock market, and whether jobs report numbers account for people holding down multiple jobs. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, email us at indicator@npr.org.

Are we counting jobs right? We answer your listener questions

Listen · 9:10
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Autoworkers used to have lifelong health care and pension income. They want it back

United Auto Workers members attend a solidarity rally as the UAW strikes the Big Three automakers on Sept. 15 in Detroit. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images hide caption

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Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

UAW vs. the Detroit Big 3 automakers

Autoworkers used to have lifelong health care and pension income. They want it back

Retirement security remains a sticking point in the ongoing talks between the United Auto Workers union and the Big 3 automakers. The union wants to see a return of pensions and retiree health care.

Fidelity will start offering bitcoin as an investment option in 401(k) accounts

A Bitcoin logo is displayed on an ATM in Hong Kong in 2017. More workers may soon be able to stake some of their 401(k) retirement savings to bitcoin. Kin Cheung/AP hide caption

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Kin Cheung/AP

Your Money

Fidelity will start offering bitcoin as an investment option in 401(k) accounts

Fidelity said it has signed up one employer that will add the offering to its plan later this year. The U.S. government has warned the industry to exercise extreme care when offering cryptocurrencies.

Older Americans Are Increasingly Unwilling — Or Unable — To Retire

Bob Orozco, 89, has been in fitness his entire adult life. He began working for the Laguna Niguel YMCA in 1984 and leads the Silver Sneakers Club, a free fitness program for Medicare beneficiaries. "I probably will work until something stops me," Orozco says. Morgan Baker for NPR hide caption

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Morgan Baker for NPR

On Aging

Older Americans Are Increasingly Unwilling — Or Unable — To Retire

People age 65 and older make up the fastest-growing group of workers in the U.S. Some want to work; some have to work — and their numbers are changing how we view retirement.

Republicans Scrap Rule For Small-Business Retirement Plans
Gary Waters/Getty Images/Ikon Images

Business

Republicans Scrap Rule For Small-Business Retirement Plans

The Obama-era policy allowed states to offer retirement savings plans. Retiree and worker protection groups say the state-designed plans benefit employees of small businesses that lack 401(k) plans.

Republicans Scrap Rule For Small-Business Retirement Plans

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Trump Moving To Delay Rule That Protects Workers From Bad Financial Advice

The exterior of the New York Stock Exchange on Feb. 10. A lobbying battle is being waged over a rule requiring financial advisers to act in their clients' best interest in retirement planning. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images

Your Money

Trump Moving To Delay Rule That Protects Workers From Bad Financial Advice

A lobbying battle is being waged over a rule requiring financial advisers to act in their clients' best interest in retirement planning. It pits financial firms against consumer and retiree groups.

Trump Moving To Delay Rule That Protects Workers From Bad Financial Advice

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When High Fees Stink Up Your 401(k), What Can You Do?

Many Americans with 401(k) plans don't know if they're paying any fees. Pay too much, and it could take a chunk out of your nest egg. Annette Elizabeth Allen/NPR hide caption

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Annette Elizabeth Allen/NPR

Your Money And Your Life

When High Fees Stink Up Your 401(k), What Can You Do?

Many Americans with 401(k) plans don't know if they're paying any fees. Pay too much, and it could take a chunk out of your nest egg. If your plan's too costly, complain to your employer, experts say.

When High Fees Stink Up Your 401(k), What Can You Do?

Listen · 4:34
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Is Wall Street Eating Your 401(k) Nest Egg?

High fees are eroding the retirement savings of millions of Americans, but employers who shop around can often find much better options for their employees' 401(k) plans. Annette Elizabeth Allen/NPR hide caption

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Annette Elizabeth Allen/NPR

Your Money And Your Life

Is Wall Street Eating Your 401(k) Nest Egg?

High fees are eroding the retirement savings of millions of Americans, but employers who shop around can find better options for their 401(k) plans. A small Minnesota firm offers a dramatic example.

Is Wall Street Eating Your 401(k) Nest Egg?

Listen · 6:32
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Business

Boeing Case Is Latest Targeting 401(k) Plans With Excessive Fees

The aerospace giant is moving to settle a suit accusing it of mishandling its plan. The case is part of a legal assault by an attorney to stop firms from offering workers high-cost retirement plans.

Boeing Case Is Latest Targeting 401(k) Plans With Excessive Fees

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