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What are you? A stock? A bond? Something else?
Chris Farrell Jan 3, 2012
The uncertainty is unavoidable, but you can come to a more reasoned savings decision by starting from a different place than market history and investing insight. Forget about investing and asset allocation. Think about your job and your career instead. Are you a stock or a bond?
Keeping an eye on your assets
David Brancaccio Jan 2, 2012
To retire right these days, pension expert Olivia Mitchell encourages clients to look at the bigger picture.
Got the Roth IRA: Now what?
Chris Farrell Dec 30, 2011
I'm 25. After listening to your show, I decided, Hey, I ought to start saving for retirement, so I opened a Roth IRA. Now my question is: Is that it? Do I just put money in there and it grows? Or is this the type of thing where, once it's created, I then have to allocate the money in there to various investments? If it's the latter, what the HECK should I direct my first investments toward? Love the show, cheers! Sam, Concord, NH
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
A retirement savings catch-up
Chris Farrell Dec 27, 2011
I am a 58-year-old female, currently employed. I've got approx $100,000 saved in a 401(k) plan. I've had to take out a student loan to cover the cost of one year toward my MBA, which I have completed. Because of the student loan, I've decreased the 401(k) contribution -- normally 25 percent of my pay -- to 6 percent. I'll have the student loan paid off by April 2012. Since I am worried sick that I won't have enough when I retire, do you have suggestions about how to catch up? Danica, Houston, TX
Retirement and creative spending
Chris Farrell Dec 19, 2011
We often forget how creative people are at coming up with solutions to problems. Retirement is no different. Many retirees find that they can make significant cuts in expenses without slashing their standard of living.
More Baby Boomers choosing not to migrate
Chris Farrell Dec 16, 2011
Many are now realizing they'll have to work through their retirement years, which means staying in the areas where they have their career networks, instead of moving to warm states like Arizona.
Thinking about tax-exempt bonds
Chris Farrell Dec 16, 2011
My wife and I are in our early 60s, with a son in college. We have Roths and 401(k)s. I will get a pension from the state of North Carolina when I retire in a few years -- not so for my wife. What I need to know is: Is there a reason not to put so much of our savings in munis? (I would take the money out of some of our mutual funds.) I would not get munis from states with problematic economies; I would most likely get them from N.C. Also, what is the best way to purchase tax-free munis? Thanks! Stephen, Durham, NC
Getting Personal: Power of attorney, hemorrhaging 401(k)s
Dec 16, 2011
Tess Vigeland and Marketplace's economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' personal finance questions.
Time to consolidate accounts
Chris Farrell Dec 13, 2011
I have been very fortunate to stay almost continually employed despite three layoffs in 10 years. I have also contributed regularly to my employers' sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plans. In the process, I have acquired several accounts managed by Fidelity, including one at my current employer. (Some employers set up three or four accounts.) Is there any downside to rolling over accounts linked to a specific employer to one Fidelity account? I'm just looking to simplify managing my accounts. Thanks! Kathy, Warrenville, IL
