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How Americans view the deficit
Frank Newport Aug 15, 2012
Has the attitude about debt and the deficit changed over time?
Islam and money
Tess Vigeland Aug 3, 2012
The first in our series about money and religion, we look at how Muslims view and deal with money. Learn more about Islamic law regarding debt, investments and tithing.
Eliminating debt, all in a day -- and night's -- work
Krissy Clark Aug 3, 2012
A banker doesn't listen to her own advice and falls deep into credit card debt. She takes on a blue collar job to get herself back in the black.
A bleak household financial picture
Chris Farrell Jun 11, 2012
The financial toll on families from the dreadful economy of recent years is enormous.
Making college costs easier to understand
Amy Scott Jun 5, 2012
With interest rates on some student loans about to double, the Obama administration joins with colleges to provide clearer guidance on the real price of school.
Time to attack credit card debts
Chris Farrell May 31, 2012
I received a large bonus, and I'm going to use it all to pay down credit card debt. I have many cards. They all have about the same outstanding balances and about the same interest rates. At one time, most of the cards were "maxed out," which was bad for my credit score. Should I pay off a couple cards entirely, or should I make larger-than-usual payments to all of them, bringing down the outstanding balances substantially below the credit limits? Thanks. Henry, Chicago, IL
The scratching, burning, socially embarrassing financial crisis
Heidi N. Moore May 31, 2012
A satirical video from political cartoonist Mark Fiore brought down the house at a conference on the risks of debt to the global financial system.
Why I wouldn't tap retirement savings to retire student loans
Chris Farrell May 30, 2012
I returned to graduate school and accrued about $45,000 in federal student loans. The interest rate on these 10-year loans is 6 percent, with repayment beginning in 2013. I also have a 401(k) worth about $100,000 (roughly $60,000 of my contributions and $40,000 of employer contributions). I realize that an early 401(k) withdrawal would result in a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty and that any withdrawal would be considered taxable income. This would effectively reduce the amount the 401(k) would need to earn in order to be the better investment. Still, it can't be much less than 6 percent, can it? Is there anything about my assumptions that are wrong, or is there anything I am overlooking? Derek, Chicago, IL
U.S. Treasury yield hits 60 year low
Stacey Vanek Smith May 31, 2012
As investors cope with uncertainty in Europe, the interest on the 10-year Treasury note, the benchmark cost of U.S. debt, hit a record low of 1.6 percent.
Yes, take advantage of a rollover IRA
Chris Farrell May 24, 2012
My wife and I have taught in Alabama public schools for the past 2 years and have made (forced) contributions to the state retirement system in that time frame. Together, we've got around $8,000 invested in the state retirement system. Realizing the limited income prospects for career teachers, we both applied and were accepted to a top 25 law school on full-tuition scholarship. My question to you is this: For my retirement account, I have the option of either a) taking a lump-sum payment of the $8,000, minus 20 percent in federal income tax, or b) rolling it over into a 401(k), IRA, or similar long-term savings plan. Should I take the money and run, or should I start building a retirement nest egg while I'm financing the rest of my life with borrowed money? Alex, Montgomery, AL
