Pages
What's up, Europe? Ireland votes on EU treaty
Kai Ryssdal Jun 21, 2012
It's a gray day in Dublin, as the Irish vote on the European Union's fiscal stability treaty. Will a yes vote really solve Ireland's problems?
The scratching, burning, socially embarrassing financial crisis
Heidi N. Moore May 31, 2012
A satirical video from political cartoonist Mark Fiore brought down the house at a conference on the risks of debt to the global financial system.
Time to attack credit card debts
Chris Farrell May 31, 2012
I received a large bonus, and I'm going to use it all to pay down credit card debt. I have many cards. They all have about the same outstanding balances and about the same interest rates. At one time, most of the cards were "maxed out," which was bad for my credit score. Should I pay off a couple cards entirely, or should I make larger-than-usual payments to all of them, bringing down the outstanding balances substantially below the credit limits? Thanks. Henry, Chicago, IL
Euro banking union could reduce Spanish burden
Andrew Walker May 30, 2012
The European Commission recommended today that Europe bring its banking system into closer union, so that stronger parts of the EU can help out weaker links without disrupting individual governments.
Government debt costs soar in Spain, slump in U.S.
Heidi N. Moore May 30, 2012
Spain now pays more than 6.6 percent on its 10-year bonds. The U.S. pays just over 1.6 percent. Eurozone debt, however, may yet hurt both sides of the Atlantic.
Obama sends economic adviser to Europe
Christopher Werth May 30, 2012
With borrowing costs spiking for Spain and Italy, the Obama administration has sent a top treasury official to Europe to encourage European leaders to take decisive action on their financial mess.
What's up, Europe? Brussels muddles through the crisis
Kai Ryssdal Jun 21, 2012
The big story in Brussels, as it has been for the last two years, is the eurozone crisis. So is any progress being made?
Why I wouldn't tap retirement savings to retire student loans
Chris Farrell May 30, 2012
I returned to graduate school and accrued about $45,000 in federal student loans. The interest rate on these 10-year loans is 6 percent, with repayment beginning in 2013. I also have a 401(k) worth about $100,000 (roughly $60,000 of my contributions and $40,000 of employer contributions). I realize that an early 401(k) withdrawal would result in a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty and that any withdrawal would be considered taxable income. This would effectively reduce the amount the 401(k) would need to earn in order to be the better investment. Still, it can't be much less than 6 percent, can it? Is there anything about my assumptions that are wrong, or is there anything I am overlooking? Derek, Chicago, IL
U.S. Treasury yield hits 60 year low
Stacey Vanek Smith May 31, 2012
As investors cope with uncertainty in Europe, the interest on the 10-year Treasury note, the benchmark cost of U.S. debt, hit a record low of 1.6 percent.
European Commission recommends banking union
Christopher Werth May 30, 2012
The European Commission has recommended today that banks in the eurozone create a union to help regulate and bolster failing banks.
