Prompt Cast
"Borrowing Trends & Foreclosure Shakes Up with Zombie Mortgages"
Generated on February 23, 2026
TLDR Planet Money discusses REI's return policy challenges with customers experiencing poor fit issues; they also cover a borrower facing payments on Argentina’s new flexible student loan plan amidst legal troubles, while zombie mortgages in Massachusetts could lead to thousands of foreclosures despite government intervention.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Heavy podcast listeners who've previously enjoyed sponsor-free episodes are encouraged to support NPR as the number of free sponsored content decreases.
04:00
A customer with an $11,000 spend at REI returned over $3,000 worth of goods due to poor fit.
07:32
A customer returned over $3,000 worth from REI due to poor fit.
11:38
A borrower on the new flexible student loan plan may soon face payments and accrued interest due to legal challenges.
15:30
A borrower on new flexible student loan plan may face repayments due to legal challenges; IBR remains a safe alternative for most.
19:10
A new flexible student loan plan in Argentina, facing legal challenges and increasing costs of living post-recession, remains a safer alternative for most despite negative economic impacts on poverty and homelessness.
23:06
Zombie mortgages threaten widespread foreclosures in Massachusetts; government and media scrutiny prompts a $10 million settlement offering debt relief to thousands of borrowers.
26:20
One company's $10 million settlement may not help borrowers with zombie mortgages, as more states are expected to address this issue.
29:49
Multiple births, particularly twins and triplets, are becoming increasingly common due to the rise in fertility treatments and women having children later in life.
