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A bleak household financial picture
Chris Farrell Jun 11, 2012
The financial toll on families from the dreadful economy of recent years is enormous.
Why cash may be king -- for now
Chris Farrell Jun 6, 2012
I have $30,000 and want to know where best to put it. Ultimately, I want to put it away for my three boys' futures. I want it to make something, however slowly, without risk. But, 0.4 percent? Is that really the best I can do? Joanna, Hammond, IN
To sleep, perchance to dream... about money
Tess Vigeland Jun 13, 2012
Psychologist Michael Lennox discusses the meaning of money in your dreams.
The mobile Internet economy
Chris Farrell May 31, 2012
The troubled Facebook IPO is casting a pall over high tech (wrongly, I think). The signal moment for the emergence of an even larger digital economy wasn't Facebook. It was Apple's iPad. It's the visible symbol of the rapid embrace of wireless data -- video, images, content, data and communication -- throughout the global economy. A safe forecast: The mobile Internet will transform personal finance.
How military spouses hold down the home front
Tess Vigeland May 25, 2012
Military families have some unique financial challenges compared to civilians. But citizens can learn a thing or two from the foresight these families apply to their finances.
Emergency Fund 101
Chris Farrell May 21, 2012
How do you recommend investing funds in an emergency savings account? Peter, Cherry Hill, NJ
Cash flow liberated by refinancing
Chris Farrell May 18, 2012
My wife and I recently refinanced our home. We paid off the home equity line and the existing mortgage, and now our monthly payments are $500 less than they were previously. What should we do with these savings? Thank you. Jeff, Amherst, MA
Advice on combining finances for couples
Chris Farrell May 17, 2012
I am getting married next year and would love a good book idea about combining finances with a spouse. Nate, Cincinnati, OH
Letters: Creating a paper trail
Paddy Hirsch May 14, 2012
Our weekly dive into the mail bag, and L.A. Times personal finance columnist David Lazarus helps a caller with a question about record-keeping.
Savings strategies after locking in a low rate
Chris Farrell May 11, 2012
My husband and I just refinanced our house at a great rate (15-year fixed mortgage at 2.875 percent). Our house payment is low and we can afford to pay more each month. Would the best use of our money be to pay down the principal on this low-interest loan or put extra away for retirement or for our children's college fund? We have two young children and are in our late 20s/early 30s. Thanks for your help! Katie, Helena, MT
