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 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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Apr 5, 2012
Homes and the demographics of aging
Housing an Aging Population: Are We Prepared?
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Apr 4, 2012
Qualified expenses and 529 plans
We have a 529 plan and also the option to take out a subsidized Stafford loan. Does it make sense to take out the loan and leave the 529 money alone, then pay off the Stafford loan after graduation? (I'm thinking that the 529 would still collect interest for a few more years, while there is now interest on the loan for a few more years.) Thank you! Gabrielle, St, Paul, MN
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Apr 3, 2012
The trade-off: Savings vs. mortgage
When I look at the interest rates on various savings accounts, they are all way lower than the 4.6 percent I'm being charged on my mortgage. I do recognize my condo as providing me with a service, and my minimum payment now is actually less than the rent I was paying on a studio 4 years ago! But, if I think of the equity I gain as a sort of savings account for a future upgrade, I'm just not sure how to compare my options. The simplified thought process I currently go through is that any extra I pay on my mortgage saves me 4.6 percent in interest that I would have to pay, while that same money would only earn me maybe 2 percent in a savings account, so it is better to save 4.6 percent by never having to pay it. Am I totally off? Erin, Boston, MA
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Apr 3, 2012
Pension assets are coming back, sort of
Yes, public pension plans are ripe for reform. But overhauling these plans is an opportunity to improve pension design for everyone.
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Chris Farrell

Latest from Chris Farrell