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 4, 2012
Thinking about savings and debt
I've got a bunch of student loans, all at relatively low rates (3.5 percent and lower). I have just under $35,000 at this point. I've been auto-transferring money into my savings accounts — for "emergency funds" as well as future goals such as a down payment, wedding, etc. I have around $48,000 total in savings (between those funds). That money is sitting in savings at less than 1 percent. Mathematically, it makes more sense to pay down the debt. But I'm not comfortable with decreasing my savings that much. How to I choose? Stephanie, Medford, MA
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Jan 4, 2012
Good news on U.S. savings bonds
Treasury says it will keep the current $20,000 annual maximum on savings bonds purchases.
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Jan 3, 2012
What are you? A stock? A bond? Something else?
The uncertainty is unavoidable, but you can come to a more reasoned savings decision by starting from a different place than market history and investing insight. Forget about investing and asset allocation. Think about your job and your career instead. Are you a stock or a bond?
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Jan 3, 2012
A New Year’s resolution: Eliminate debt
My husband and I have made pretty bad and spontaneous financial decisions that have brought us a lot of debt. Our plan for 2012 is to get out of debt and start saving more, since we depleted our savings in the past 2 years. I would like to know how to start getting rid of this debt in the smartest way and how to save significantly at the same time. Carla, Boston, MA
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Dec 30, 2011
Got the Roth IRA: Now what?
I'm 25. After listening to your show, I decided, Hey, I ought to start saving for retirement, so I opened a Roth IRA. Now my question is: Is that it? Do I just put money in there and it grows? Or is this the type of thing where, once it's created, I then have to allocate the money in there to various investments? If it's the latter, what the HECK should I direct my first investments toward? Love the show, cheers! Sam, Concord, NH
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Dec 30, 2011
What low inflation means for the economy
Low interest rates and low inflation will help play into policy decisions, such as the future of the Federal Reserve.
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Dec 29, 2011
Bookshelf recommendations
What's a good book to give to a loved one in his late 20s who just doesn't get personal finances? I keep suggesting that he listen to Marketplace Money, but I think maybe I'd do better getting him a book. Any suggestions? Marion, Philadelphia, PA
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Dec 28, 2011
A law degree and student loans
I have both private and federal student loans from undergrad and law school… I was wondering if you have any advice as to how best to manage this debt? I'm 28 and single so my financial obligations are otherwise relatively minimal for now, but due to my debt-to-income ratio, I've been unable to really lay away much in the way of personal savings in the 3+ years I've been out of school, let alone start saving for retirement. I'd really appreciate any advice you might be able to give to someone in my situation. Thank you! Kira, New York, NY
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Dec 27, 2011
A retirement savings catch-up
I am a 58-year-old female, currently employed. I've got approx $100,000 saved in a 401(k) plan. I've had to take out a student loan to cover the cost of one year toward my MBA, which I have completed. Because of the student loan, I've decreased the 401(k) contribution — normally 25 percent of my pay — to 6 percent. I'll have the student loan paid off by April 2012. Since I am worried sick that I won't have enough when I retire, do you have suggestions about how to catch up? Danica, Houston, TX
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Dec 27, 2011
A sad personal finance end to 2011
The U.S. Treasury unveiled today its online 76-year timeline for U.S. savings bonds. It's a fun look at an historic program. U.S. savings bonds rank among the great brand names in American finance.
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