Marketplace Money Stories

We hear all the time about how expensive adopting a child can be — but what can prospective parents really expect when they start the process?

You've heard about the glass ceiling. But what about a "glass floor"?

Answering listener questions about retirement investing.

My wife and I are in the planning stages of a garage project that will net us an apartment to reduce our living expenses when we move in and rent out our home. Not accounting for returns, we can save the funds needed in about two and half years. We're currently trying to figure out where to put this money (the account and fund type). We want something low risk, but with higher returns than a savings account, and tax implications are important. We're considering using three Roth IRAs for this and withdrawing the base to complete the project, leaving the gains in the accounts when we do so. What would you recommend we do with the money?

In the last few years, current and former employees have taken their companies to court over workplace retirement accounts.

Many workers and soon-to-be retirees live by a set of rules they were told would let them live comfortably. But a new report shows one of those major guidelines might need a revision.

I have two friends who have new brand new babies in their families. My best friend is a grandmother to a new baby; and my niece has a new baby. I would like to give them a small gift — $25 to my friend and $50 to my niece — to start or add to a college fund for the new babies. I am 65 years old, and don't want to control the fund once I give the gift. Education is very important to me, and I want the money securely held for college expenses for these babies and not available for anything else. I suspect my niece (she's a PA and her husband an engineer) already have a college fund established. But I suspect the daughter of my best friend (who's very financially responsible herself) hasn't even thought of a college fund. How can I do this?

I recently purchased some furniture and in order to build a good credit history, I purchased the furniture on credit. I was unaware I will be issued a credit card for the same. Now I am stuck with a credit card which I do not really see using in the future. I would like to get rid of this furniture credit card and in lieu, perhaps, get another good offer credit card from Marriott which has great perks that I would use. How would this situation show-up on my credit history? Thanks!

Answering listener questions about 529 college savings plans — and 10 tips on things you should know about them.