When tariff uncertainty means nixed retirement plans

When tariff uncertainty means nixed retirement plans

From Marketplace Morning Report by Marketplace

April 28, 2026 · 6 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of tariff uncertainty on small business owner Joann Cartiglia's retirement plans and financial situation.

We've talked a lot about the rollercoaster of tariffs. But behind every economic story is a human one, too. This morning, we check in with Joann Cartiglia, who runs a toy and doll shop in upstate New York. She's looking at around $15,000 in tariff refunds. Still, uncertainty, precarity, and debt have put her in "the scariest financial situation" of her life and mean that retirement has “been kind of taken off the table.” But before that conversation: a Federal Reserve meeting and a royal visit with the president.

People in this episode

Host: Marketplace

Guest: Joann Cartiglia

Topics covered

  • tariffs
  • financial situation
  • retirement plans
  • economic uncertainty
  • small business
  • Federal Reserve

Keywords

  • tariffs
  • retirement
  • financial situation
  • small business
  • economic uncertainty
  • Federal Reserve
  • debt

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Federal Reserve

Places: upstate New York

More episodes of Marketplace Morning Report

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Marketplace Morning Report podcast page.