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Soaring student loan debt has bankers nervous
Joel Patterson Jan 12, 2012
As the cost of an education rises and students borrow to cover the costs, lenders worry about recouping funds.
The best single investment
Chris Farrell Jan 11, 2012
Parents and their students need to work very hard at avoiding taking on too much debt to earn a college diploma.
Money thoughts for a 'perfectionist uncle'
Chris Farrell Jan 11, 2012
I have a wonderful little 4-year old niece for whom I have been setting aside money. Currently, it is just going into a savings account as I have perhaps been letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. It seems like the 529 plans out there vary in performance and fees quite a bit. I'm having trouble finding any good resources to compare them. I want something that is not going to be overly vulnerable to the whims of the stock market while also not hitting me with high fees. Any suggestions? Jason, Grand Forks, ND
Thinking about savings and debt
Chris Farrell Jan 4, 2012
I've got a bunch of student loans, all at relatively low rates (3.5 percent and lower). I have just under $35,000 at this point. I've been auto-transferring money into my savings accounts -- for "emergency funds" as well as future goals such as a down payment, wedding, etc. I have around $48,000 total in savings (between those funds). That money is sitting in savings at less than 1 percent. Mathematically, it makes more sense to pay down the debt. But I'm not comfortable with decreasing my savings that much. How to I choose? Stephanie, Medford, MA
Eurozone may end up failed currency union
Stephen Beard Jan 4, 2012
The 17 nations sharing the euro as a common currency struggle to keep the eurozone together. Historically, currency unions have a poor track record.
A New Year's resolution: Eliminate debt
Chris Farrell Jan 3, 2012
My husband and I have made pretty bad and spontaneous financial decisions that have brought us a lot of debt. Our plan for 2012 is to get out of debt and start saving more, since we depleted our savings in the past 2 years. I would like to know how to start getting rid of this debt in the smartest way and how to save significantly at the same time. Carla, Boston, MA
Colleges may see a drop in applications
Amy Scott Dec 30, 2011
After years of record numbers, spurred in part by colleges' own marketing, applications may fall as families consider the cost of tuition. Some colleges are even hoping for a drop.
A law degree and student loans
Chris Farrell Dec 28, 2011
I have both private and federal student loans from undergrad and law school... I was wondering if you have any advice as to how best to manage this debt? I'm 28 and single so my financial obligations are otherwise relatively minimal for now, but due to my debt-to-income ratio, I've been unable to really lay away much in the way of personal savings in the 3+ years I've been out of school, let alone start saving for retirement. I'd really appreciate any advice you might be able to give to someone in my situation. Thank you! Kira, New York, NY
Consumer credit hits two-year high
Duncan Wilson Dec 15, 2011
The amount of money consumers owe in credit -- excluding mortgages -- grew by $7.7 billion in October, hitting a two-year high.
Why the ones in power should be held accountable
Jeremy Hobson Dec 5, 2011
In the aftermath of the recent scandals at various universities, there have been calls for the leaders of these institutions to step down. Should higher education officials be held accountable for what happens far down the leadership chain?
