Inflation continues to dominate economic news as it appears to be heating up again. The rest of this week's list includes some useful explanations of payment apps, geographic differences in credit scores, housing market woes, and more.

Economics

• For an interesting discussion of the conflicting views on inflation, you might want to listen to the first 10 minutes of this Economist podcast “The Intelligence.” 
• Watch Steve Liesman of CNBC walk through the minutes of the January FOMC meeting. (CNBC Twitter)
• Fourth quarter revisions came out this week for several key economic indicators. (BEA)
• The PCE price index (total and core) was up 0.6% last month (4.7% year over year), hotter than recent months, and consumer spending increases sharply. (CNBC) (Reuters)

Banking

• Here is an explanation of how Zelle differs from Venmo, PayPal and CashApp. (CNBC)

Managing Credit

• Why are credit scores lower in southern states? (WAPO-subscription may be required)

Career

• In order to have your earnings keep pace with inflation, you need to get a new job. (Money)

Housing

• The aggregate value of homes in the US fall by $2 trillion, the biggest drop since 2008. (CBS)
• Rise of corporate landlords is driving up rental pricing (and taking housing out of the supply for buyers too.) (CNBC) 

Parenting

• This looked like an interesting and potentially helpful article on an important skill parents can teach their children. (CNBC)

Advocacy

• New bills requiring personal finance classes for high school graduation have been introduced in Vermont (Times Argus) and California (KCRA) recently.

About the Author

Beth Tallman

Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her first career working in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint overseas. She took advantage of an involuntary separation to try teaching high school math, something she had always dreamed of doing. When fate stepped in once again, Beth jumped on the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now spends her time writing on personal finance and financial education, conducts student workshops, and develops finance curricula and educational content. She is also the Treasurer of Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.