Chris Farrell

Chris Farrell is economics editor of Marketplace Money, a nationally syndicated one-hour weekly personal finance show produced by American Public Media. Chris is also economics correspondent for Marketplace, the largest business program in broadcasting and chief economics correspondent for American RadioWorks, the largest producer of long-form documentaries in public radio. He is also contributing economics editor at Business Week magazine. He was host and executive editor of public television’s Right on the Money. He is the author of two books: Right on the Money: Taking Control of Your Personal Finances, and Deflation: What Happens When Prices Fall. Chris is a graduate of Stanford and the London School of Economics.

Latest from Chris Farrell

Apr 12, 2012
Learning about reverse mortgages
It's worth learning about reverse mortgages. The homeowner gets access to their home equity without moving.
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Apr 11, 2012
Funding an IRA when retired
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
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Apr 10, 2012
Yes, participate in a 401(k)
I have a Roth IRA, a retirement account from a previous job and a mutual fund. Shall I also begin a 401(k) with my new employment? Ivy, El Paso, TX
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Apr 10, 2012
Social Security and the job outlook
Social Security claims came down last year, an intriguing sign that older workers are feeling better about their job prospects.
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Apr 9, 2012
Credit card trends
The credit card business is settling down, and no, the sky didn't fall following the Credit Card Act of 2009.
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Apr 9, 2012
Parents and graduate school
What do you suggest is the best way for middle-income baby boomers to support their children's post-bachelor's degree educations? Anne, Burlington, VT
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Apr 6, 2012
Financial literacy and low-income families
Low-income families don't have money to waste. Financial literacy is all about reducing that cost.
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Apr 6, 2012
Will Writing 101
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
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Apr 6, 2012
Manufacturing a bright spot in U.S. economy
Over the past two years, the U.S. has added over 400,000 factory jobs, making a major contribution to the economic recovery.
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Apr 5, 2012
Thinking about a living trust
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
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