Even central banks are buying stocks, chasing better returns in this low-rate environment. Should you join them?
Decision Making
Retirement Gamble: Frontline’s Powerful Case for Taking Control of Your Financial Future
As if you needed reminding, the last dozen years have exposed the 401(k) as a deeply flawed primary retirement savings mechanism. A PBS special takes you through the gory details.
More Young Couples Commit — To Homeownership Before Marriage
First comes love, then comes … mortgage? A new study indicates that young couples in committed relationships have been far more likely than older generations to purchase homes before getting married.
Can You Afford to Start Parenting at Middle Age?
Advances in reproductive technology and a trend towards marriage later in life have led to an increase in older parents. But do these old fogies know what they’re getting themselves into, financially speaking?
Dunk City & Dollars: Florida Gulf Coast Bandwagon Means Big Bucks
A nation of fans is currently fascinated with an entire team—Florida Gulf Coast, the first No. 15 seed to ever make it to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. And the impact goes well beyond soaring team apparel sales.
Communication Breakdown: If You Think You’re Talking About Money, Your Kids Don’t Hear It
Parents and kids can’t seem to agree on whether they are even discussing personal finance, a new survey shows. That’s OK. Actions are what matter.
Expert: Paying Kids Allowance Is ‘Cruelty’
The great allowance debate has reached a new level with financial-education pioneer Lewis Mandell asserting that unconditional weekly payments are so detrimental as to constitute “cruelty”
Coming Soon: New Standards for Teaching Kids about Money
In coming weeks and months, a new comprehensive set of guidelines for what kids should know about money–and when–will land in your school district.
Millennials Are Paying Off Debt — but That’s Not Necessarily Good News
A new study suggests that millennials are getting serious about paring down their debt. But a closer look at the numbers shows some troubling signs
How to Master the Allowance Question and Prepaid Cards in One Shot
Virtual family banking site FamZoo has introduced a prepaid card that actually makes sense–for kids and parents.
How a $54K-Per-Year School Is Deemed a ‘Best Value College’
The private universities listed in a new “Best Value Colleges” roundup run $54,200 annually for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. That sounds pretty expensive, and it is. Could it also represent a good value? What if students actually paid less than half the list price?
Cash Leaking Out of 401(k) Plans at Alarming Rate
A quarter of money socked away for retirement comes out early, much of it subject to penalties and income taxes. For many, the venerable 401(k) is just too darned inefficient