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Straight Story: Unemployment and inflation

Jul 20, 2007
The vast majority of economists say a 4.5 unemployment rate is great. Chris Farrell says it's much too high.
Economics editor Chris Farrell
APM Photo

Mailbag for Friday, July 20, 2007

Jul 20, 2007
This week, Chris Farrell debunks the myth around engagement ring math. Should it really be two months' salary?
Chris Farrell answers your financial questions.
Photo: Vince Winkel

Straight Story: Boomers, watch your savings

Jul 13, 2007
Americans over the age of 65 have a collective $15 trillion in the bank. Economics editor Chris Farrell says the retiree motto for financial advice should be "caveat emptor."

Budget to Buenos Aires and beyond

Jul 13, 2007
Want to travel, but need to save money? Stephen Hoffman flew to Buenos Aires with his wife, ate, shopped and explored the local terrain on a shoestring. And then told us how to also do that elsewhere.

Mailbag for Friday, July 13, 2007

Jul 13, 2007
This week, Chris Farrell offers his advice on dealing with a debt collection agency, serving as a shareholder and choosing a health savings account.

When unclaimed becomes unclaimable

Jul 13, 2007
If you have unclaimed stock or property waiting for you somewhere, watch out -- some states can seize or sell it off without you even knowing it. Steve Henn brings us this story of an investor who found out the hard way.

Mailbag for Friday, July 6, 2007

Jul 6, 2007
Are you ready for the speed round? In this fast-action mailbag, economics editor Chris Farrell takes on five listener e-mails in five minutes.
Chris Farrell answers your financial questions.
Photo: Vince Winkel

For public good, not for profit.

Mailbag for Friday, June 15, 2007

Jun 15, 2007
This week, we get advice from Chris Farrell on saving for graduate school, starting a retirement account and rolling over a 403b.
Chris Farrell answers your financial questions.
Photo: Vince Winkel

Chuck wants to bond with investors

Jun 15, 2007
Charles Schwab is revamping its bond fees and even lowering the price for most investors. Will this make the bond-trading market more transparent? Tess Vigeland talks about the benefits of the move with Marketplace's Janet Babin.
A Charles Schwab sign
Darren McCollester, Getty Images

Why do I have to keep checking my checks?

Apr 6, 2007
It seems like you deposited that check ages ago and it still hasn't cleared. There's a reason. Tess finds out why with Jean Ann Fox of the Consumer Federation of America.