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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
Rising use makes food stamps a target
Krissy Clark Jun 6, 2012
The recession has boosted the number of Americans on food stamps to 44 million.
Economic woes go global
David Gura Jun 4, 2012
May's jobs reports has worried investors worldwide about their short-term prospects. But there are more acute fears of a global slowdown, caused by what’s going on in Europe and emerging markets.
Your economic predictions: Shadow or no shadow?
Adriene Hill May 28, 2012
Last Groundhog Day we asked a couple economists to predict the economic future. Today we asked them to do it again.
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
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
A college graduate and savings
Chris Farrell May 9, 2012
I am a 25-year-old college graduate with approximately $27,000 of student debt. I have been unable to find a job since graduating and am making $1,000 a month, give or take. I now have $1,500 in my checking and $1,000 in savings. This is the most money I have had at one time and am unsure how best to utilize it. My savings account is for emergencies. My budget allows for $150 a month of disposable income. Should I contribute what remains of my disposable income to the loans, save it or try to invest it? I am currently paying $100 a month to the loans to maintain activity. Thank you for your time. Nathaniel, Raynham, MA
Are Americans saving or spending?
Frank Newport May 4, 2012
Gallup reports on its latest findings: What Americans are doing with their money.
