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

Jan 31, 2012
Naming your IRA beneficiary
I live in New York State. Can I have my son as the beneficiary for my IRA and Roth IRA account? If yes, what do I need my husband to sign? Thank you. Wendy, Lockport, NY
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Jan 30, 2012
Thrift is in
People are still trying to save more.
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Jan 30, 2012
Putting a priority on savings goals
I recently bought a house for the first time. I am in my early 50s and have a son in high school. I don't have life insurance. I have been receiving lots of advertisements in the mail telling me I should have life insurance or mortgage insurance. Should I buy term life insurance to protect my son? It is very hard for me to save money, and I'd rather save what I can for future college bills and my retirement. Thank you, Erika, Salisbury, CT
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Jan 27, 2012
The role of airports in building the economy
If the United States wants to continue to be the major player in the global economy, it needs an efficient, robust aviation system.
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Jan 27, 2012
The time to purge receipts
I have recently started purging old files of financial information (statements, bills, receipts, etc.). I have heard that I should keep credit card statements for 7 years, but I was wondering: If the accounts are closed and there are no discrepancies on the credit reports, do I really need to hang on to these statements? Thanks for your insight. Alicia, Indianapolis, IN
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Jan 26, 2012
Savings options for college
My son is 7 (will be 8 soon) and I need to start saving for his college — fast. I know I should have started sooner but here we are now with fewer than 10 years to go. What are some avenues to saving for college and get a good return? DoVeanna, Tuscaloosa, AL
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Jan 25, 2012
Get mass refinancings right this time
The devil is in the details, but hopefully the administration has finally figured out how to help homeowners with underwater mortgages.
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Jan 25, 2012
I-bonds are a worthwhile investment
There was a time that Marketplace Money was very pro I-bonds. I haven't heard them mentioned in years. This year, when I submitted my tax return, I was given the option to purchase I-bonds with my refund. Thoughts? Rebekka, Los Angeles, CA
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Jan 24, 2012
Term isn’t for life
My husband and I have had term life insurance since we married. Now that our children are on their own, I'm considering canceling my life insurance. Is this "penny wise and pound foolish"? We no longer depend on my income to pay bills. What other reasons are there for keeping term life insurance? Jane, Shorewood, WI
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Jan 24, 2012
Hedge funds aren’t so good after all
"If all the money that's ever been invested in hedge funds had been put in Treasury bills instead, the results would have been twice as good," says Simon Lack. Oops.
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