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Learning about reverse mortgages
Chris Farrell Apr 12, 2012
It's worth learning about reverse mortgages. The homeowner gets access to their home equity without moving.
Funding an IRA when retired
Chris Farrell Apr 11, 2012
My wife and I just retired last June. She just turned 60 and I will turn 59 soon. We own our home and cars, we have no credit card debt and our savings (not including retirement accounts) is almost $100,000. Our kids both finished college without accruing debt (thank you very much!). As I completed our taxes this spring, the amount owed is almost $2,400. If we open an IRA for $8,000, the amount owed drops to under $1,200. Does it make sense for us, at this point in our lives, to invest in the IRA for the tax savings? Part of me says it is a no-brainer; the other part says that investing in an IRA when you are already retired doesn't pass the common sense test. What do you think? Mike, Blue Earth, MN
Baby Boomers choosing to retire earlier
Jeremy Hobson Apr 9, 2012
There was one tiny bright spot to March's unemployment report: 164,000 fewer people were looking for work. One particular demographic that has dropped out of the search -- Baby Boomers who are choosing to retire prematurely.
Will Writing 101
Chris Farrell Apr 6, 2012
I recall hearing about an intro book to wills and estate planning on one of the podcasts. Can you let me know the title or refer me to a good introductory book? I'm looking to put a will together soon for my new family. Thanks, Stacy, Norwalk, CT
How to save for the year of weddings
Angela Kim Apr 6, 2012
Going to a wedding can be fun but going to multiple weddings in one year can get expensive. Marketplace Public Insight producer Angela Kim has been to her share of weddings and discusses her experience.
Financial literacy and low-income families
Chris Farrell Apr 6, 2012
Low-income families don't have money to waste. Financial literacy is all about reducing that cost.
Thinking about a living trust
Chris Farrell Apr 5, 2012
There are many DIY software programs for setting up living trusts. Do you recommend going that route vs. utilizing an estate planning lawyer who'll charge full-fee? What is a reasonable fee range for a certified estate planning lawyer to set up a living trust? I am married with three kids. We own a single family home and one rental property. We do not own a business. My wife and I have checking, IRA, Roth IRA and 529 accounts. Thanks, Derek, Stockton, CA
Retirement and working longer
Chris Farrell Mar 29, 2012
"A steadily growing portion of the workforce will continue to work at least part-time well beyond the 'normal' retirement age of 65," says a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation.
Military feels heat on green energy
Scott Tong Mar 27, 2012
Two hearings in the House this week will question whether the Pentagon's efforts to go green are worth the cost.
Home renovation and retirement
Chris Farrell Mar 26, 2012
Middle-aged homeowners should think about adding features that make it easy to age in place with any home remodeling project.
