http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Personal_FinanceFind stories, videos, and photos about Personal Finance from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Wed, 22 May 2013 01:52:02 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120817021151-roosevelt-ssn-wall-4-tease.jpghttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Personal_Finance14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Personal Finance from CNN.com.http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/17/politics/btn-social-security/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/17/politics/btn-social-security/index.htmlRetiring baby boomers are cashing out on their decades of paying into Social Security. The problem? Social Security is no longer running a surplus, worrying many that the entitlement program is in trouble.Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:37:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/15/politics/romney-medicare-counteroffensive/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/15/politics/romney-medicare-counteroffensive/index.htmlThe fight to define Paul Ryan is getting more heated by the day. But days after defending against an offensive against his running mate, Mitt Romney's campaign appears to be mounting a counteroffensive.Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/us/embed-america-arkansas-health-care/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/us/embed-america-arkansas-health-care/index.htmlJanet Copeland and her husband, Richard, both say they agree almost all the time, with one exception: The Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's health care legislation.Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:38:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/29/politics/congress-highway-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/29/politics/congress-highway-bill/index.htmlCongress gave final approval Friday to a giant transportation funding bill as part of a package that includes a measure holding down interest rates on federal student loans.Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:12:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/obamacare-what-we-learned/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/obamacare-what-we-learned/index.htmlThe U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark ruling Thursday upholding the controversial, massive reform of health care coverage initiated by President Barack Obama.Fri, 29 Jun 2012 01:36:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/06/28/pf/taxes/health_reform_new_taxes/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/06/28/pf/taxes/health_reform_new_taxes/index.htmIt walks like a tax and talks like a tax. Therefore it is a tax.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 22:42:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/opinion/seffrin-health-reform-cancer/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/opinion/seffrin-health-reform-cancer/index.htmlThursday is judgment day for the Affordable Care Act, with the U.S. Supreme Court expected to release its long awaited ruling on the constitutionality of the law. Whichever way the Court rules, the decision will be instantly framed in the political context. Its potential impact on the presidential race, on the upcoming Congressional elections and on the trajectory of the political parties will be the subject of endless analysis and debate.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/health/countries-health-care/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/health/countries-health-care/index.htmlThe U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's sweeping health care legislation Thursday in a narrow 5-4 ruling that Obama says will provide up to 30 million additional Americans with health care.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:06:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/health/heath-care-roundup/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/health/heath-care-roundup/index.htmlWhile many changes to Americans' health care outlined in the the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act don't take effect until 2014, a Supreme Court ruling expected this month could stop those changes from coming at all.Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/politics/obama-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/politics/obama-student-loans/index.htmlWith time running out for Congress to prevent a doubling of interest rates on federal student loans, the White House and Republican leaders exchanged accusations Thursday on who was to blame for the lack of an agreement.Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:55:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/06/11/news/companies/health_reform/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/06/11/news/companies/health_reform/index.htmThe nation's largest health insurer promises to continue offering some key mandates of health care reform -- such as coverage of adult dependents up to age 26 -- regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on the health care law.Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlThe Senate, in the latest round of political maneuvering on a popular campaign issue, Thursday rejected competing Democratic and Republican proposals to prevent student loan rates from doubling to 6.8% in July.Thu, 24 May 2012 21:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/05/15/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/05/15/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmFor student borrowers, that pricey college education is going to cost a bit more next year.Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/opinion/walker-retirement/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/opinion/walker-retirement/index.htmlSharon Edwards of Salem, Oregon, may have to move to Mexico, where the cost of living is cheaper, so she can afford her retirement.Wed, 09 May 2012 13:09:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/student-loans/index.htmlWith federal student loan interest rates set to double July 1, the Senate failed Tuesday to get enough votes to take up a bill to extend low 3.4% rates for another year.Tue, 08 May 2012 16:48:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/opinion/bennett-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/opinion/bennett-student-loans/index.htmlThe threat of increasing loan rates on future college students has become the newest political cudgel. It shouldn't be. Lowering interest rates on subsidized student loans does little to address the real problems of higher education: rising tuition costs and diminishing returns.Thu, 03 May 2012 16:19:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlThe White House said Friday that President Barack Obama would veto a Republican measure passed by the House to extend lower interest rates on federal student loans because it takes money from a health care fund that benefits women.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/politics/gop-strategy/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/politics/gop-strategy/index.htmlFor Republicans and certain presidential nominee Mitt Romney, the best defense appears to be a good offense on issues and themes being pushed by President Barack Obama and Democrats.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:24:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/opinion/kamenetz-obama-higher-education/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/opinion/kamenetz-obama-higher-education/index.htmlThis week President Obama did a swing through some college campuses talking about student loan debt. The immediate issue is the 3.4% interest rate on federal student loans. It's set to double July 1 unless Congress acts. Keeping the rate low in this still weak economy is, as the president said, a no-brainer. Even his opponent Mitt Romney has endorsed it. But the larger problem -- mounting college costs and a cumulative $1 trillion in student loan debt ? remains untouched.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:42:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlThe House will vote Friday to extend current rates on federally funded college loans for one year, Speaker John Boehner announced on Wednesday in what is seen as an attempt to blunt President Barack Obama's momentum on an issue popular with young voters.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:44:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/24/politics/obama-youth-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/24/politics/obama-youth-vote/index.htmlMargo Balboni is cramming college into three years to cut down on the cost of her student loans. As it is, the University of North Carolina sophomore expects to graduate in a few years with $20,000 in debt.Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmOn July 1, the interest rates on student loans subsidized by Uncle Sam will double to 6.8%.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:35:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/20/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/20/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmPresident Obama will use his bully pulpit to urge lawmakers to prevent a doubling of interest rates on federally subsidized student loans.Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:48:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/05/politics/ftc-auto-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/05/politics/ftc-auto-loans/index.htmlAfter years of focusing on home mortgage scams, the Federal Trade Commission is turning its sights on what it calls bogus auto loan modifications. The FTC says fraud artists are moving from mortgage loan modification schemes and targeting consumers who are underwater on their auto loans.Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/02/opinion/frum-government-health-care/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/02/opinion/frum-government-health-care/index.htmlSuppose the Supreme Court does rule that the health care mandate is unconstitutional? What happens then?Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:42:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/opinion/brown-hausner-seffrin-health/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/opinion/brown-hausner-seffrin-health/index.htmlHealth coverage is easy to get if you're healthy. The problem is when you're sick or have a history of illness.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:06:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/opinion/carroll-health-care-mandate/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/opinion/carroll-health-care-mandate/index.htmlOn Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on the individual mandate. This component of the Affordable Care Act, the part that decrees that every American will either buy health insurance or face a financial penalty, is the most controversial part of health care reform.Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/22/opinion/bennett-college-costs/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/22/opinion/bennett-college-costs/index.htmlThe cost of college tuition will continue to rise as long as federal student aid programs continue to increase with little or no accountability.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/politics/house-republican-budget/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/politics/house-republican-budget/index.htmlHouse GOP leaders unveiled a 2013 budget blueprint Tuesday that has little chance of becoming law but draws a clear contrast with Democrats on taxes, spending, and a host of hot-button political issues -- all of which could play a pivotal role in the 2012 campaign.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:41:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/greenberger-health-premiums-gender-gap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/greenberger-health-premiums-gender-gap/index.htmlWomen face shocking disparities when buying health insurance on the individual market: In the vast majority of states, nearly all the best-selling plans charge women more than men for the same coverage, a discriminatory practice known as "gender rating."Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:07:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/03/13/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/03/13/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmWith little more than three months until the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans double, students are pushing lawmakers to help them out.Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:57:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/news/companies/bank_of_america_pension/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/news/companies/bank_of_america_pension/index.htmBank of America announced plans Thursday to freeze pension plans, effective in July, and increase its 401(k) contributions instead.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:30:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/17/retirement/401k_cash_expenses.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/17/retirement/401k_cash_expenses.fortune/index.htmI thought I was clever. Earlier this year I had over half of my 401k assets in cash. I know that investors are terrible at timing the market and I'm way too young not to be fully invested, but I can't get over the fact that stocks look expensive right now.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:34:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/16/news/economy/consumer_bureau_debt_collectors/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/16/news/economy/consumer_bureau_debt_collectors/index.htmFor the first time in history, debt collectors -- the guys who hound you over unpaid bills -- are about to get a tough federal regulator scouring their own books.Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:19:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/06/pf/college/student_loans_fasfa.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/06/pf/college/student_loans_fasfa.moneymag/index.htmIf you have a child headed off to college this fall, you've got an important item on your to-do list: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can submit as early as Jan. 1.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:38:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/02/pf/rules_retirement_annuities/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/02/pf/rules_retirement_annuities/index.htmThe Obama administration proposed new rules Thursday to help retirees make their savings last throughout their lifetime -- by investing in annuities.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/31/pf/auto_insurance_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/31/pf/auto_insurance_rates/index.htmThe car owners who are least able to afford high auto insurance rates are getting charged the most for coverage, according to a consumer watchdog group.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:37:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/27/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/27/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmMany people think they can plan on spending less later in retirement since they'll become less active as they age. But if their health declines, they may actually shift spending rather than reduce it. Do you think it's risky to plan as if one's expenses will go down later in retirement? --Tim, U.K.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:52:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/pf/expert/401k_withdrawal.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/pf/expert/401k_withdrawal.moneymag/index.htmMy 401(k) is managed by a brokerage firm that was busted by the SEC for fraudulent practices (although those practices weren't related to my 401(k) plan). Still, I don't want to invest my money with, or pay fees to, to a firm I consider unethical. For now, I've switched all of my money into the bond account figuring it's the safest place to invest until I can figure out what to do. But I'd really like to get into another 401(k) plan. Can I do that? -- Michael S.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:31:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/news/economy/federal_student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/news/economy/federal_student_loans/index.htmAttention college students: The interest rate on federal student loans is scheduled to double this summer unless Congress acts soon.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:42:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/expert/retirement_planning_best_money_moves.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/expert/retirement_planning_best_money_moves.moneymag/index.htmI'm 57 and hoping to retire at 68, but I'm behind on my retirement savings. Should I invest as if I were younger and shift more into stocks to help increase my 401(k)? -- Jeff Branstrator, Greensboro, N.C.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:03:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/18/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/18/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmMortgage loan applications surged 23% last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, as record-low interest rates convinced many homeowners it was time to refinance into lower-cost loans.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:53:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/travel/traveling-while-sick/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/travel/traveling-while-sick/index.htmlPat Conroy is a road warrior, rarely getting sick as he travels three to five days per week for his job as head of Deloitte's consumer products division. He works out regularly when on the road and tries to eat right.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:40:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/suze_orman_prepaid_card/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/suze_orman_prepaid_card/index.htmCNBC's outspoken financial adviser, Suze Orman, has a new piece of advice for her viewers: Go pick up her new, self-branded prepaid card.Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/26/pf/taxes/gay_marriage_taxes/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/26/pf/taxes/gay_marriage_taxes/index.htmSame-sex spouses are paying as much as $6,000 a year in extra taxes because the federal government doesn't recognize gay marriage, according to an analysis conducted for CNNMoney by tax specialists.Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:54:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHappy holidays, homebuyers! You just got a very nice present.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:31:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/22/opinion/bennett-health-plan/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/22/opinion/bennett-health-plan/index.htmlThe Paul Ryan-Ron Wyden Medicare reform plan is a political game-changer. Amidst heated gridlock in Washington, Rep. Paul Ryan, a conservative budget hawk, and Sen. Ron Wyden, a respected liberal senator, have reached consensus on vital entitlement reform. Medicare is on the track to insolvency; this could be the bipartisan solution.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:05:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmHow much should I have in a 401(k) or other retirement accounts at various ages relative to my salary so I know I'll eventually enough money to maintain my standard of living throughout retirement? -- K.T., Olathe, KansasThu, 22 Dec 2011 10:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/20/pf/expert/retirement_planning.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/20/pf/expert/retirement_planning.moneymag/index.htmMy fiancé and I are in our late 20s and we contribute to our 401(k) plans. But we'd like to supplement our retirement savings by making additional small contributions (maybe $100 a month) over time. We wouldn't touch this money except in an absolute emergency. Any suggestions? -- M. BarberTue, 20 Dec 2011 10:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/16/pf/congress_student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/16/pf/congress_student_loans/index.htmThousands of college students may soon feel a financial pinch and another 100,000 may not be able to complete degrees after Congress pushed ahead with changes to federal student aid, education experts said.Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:14:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/15/pf/expert/investing_cash.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/15/pf/expert/investing_cash.moneymag/index.htmI have a substantial amount of cash I want to move into stock and bond mutual funds I already own. I'm aware of the concept of dollar-cost averaging, but I'm afraid that as soon as I move the money it will decline in value and take years to recover. My question is not about what to invest in, but how to make those investments timing wise. -- Robert P.Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:32:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/11/politics/truth-squad-social-security/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/11/politics/truth-squad-social-security/index.htmlThe statement: The Social Security payroll tax cut that President Barack Obama is seeking to extend "will cost the Social Security trust fund another $112 billion, and we don't have enough money this year in the Social Security trust fund to put out those checks -- which means we have to go to the general Treasury to get the money." -- Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, at Saturday night's ABC News debate in Iowa. She added that the tax cut "blew a hole" in the trust fund.Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:47:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/pf/expert/fund_expenses/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/pf/expert/fund_expenses/index.htmI'm 31 and dissatisfied with the funds I now own in my 401(k). So I want to shift my money to different funds within the plan. When making this decision, which do you think I should focus on more: the funds' expenses or the returns the funds have earned? - C.H.Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:15:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/08/news/economy/Social_Security_payroll_tax_cut/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/08/news/economy/Social_Security_payroll_tax_cut/index.htmIn all the talk about whether to extend the Social Security payroll tax cut, a lot of the focus is on the economy: Will the recovery suffer if Congress lets it lapse?Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:04:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/pf/expert/401K_ira/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/pf/expert/401K_ira/index.htmThe investment company that manages my 401(k) funds recommends I roll my money into mutual funds managed by a subsidiary of theirs when I retire next year. But I'm wondering whether I would be better off moving my assets to the funds of a different firm. What are your thoughts? -- J. ThomasWed, 30 Nov 2011 15:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/23/news/economy/savings_rate_income_spending/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/23/news/economy/savings_rate_income_spending/index.htmAmericans put more of their hard-earned dough into savings in October and increased their spending only very little.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:48:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/pf/make_money_2012_housing.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/pf/make_money_2012_housing.moneymag/index.htmLast year the economic forecasting firm Fiserv predicted that home values would sink around 5% in 2011, and that prices in three-quarters of the nation's major metro areas would fall. The bad news is, the firm wasn't that far off the mark. The good news: In the coming year, Fiserv thinks 95% of the 384 metro areas it tracks will see prices rise.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:20:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/pf/make_money_2012_savings_credit.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/pf/make_money_2012_savings_credit.moneymag/index.htmLet's face it: 2011 was pretty abysmal when it came to savings rates, and 2012 won't be much brighter.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:44:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/pf/expert/retirement_withdrawal_strategies/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/pf/expert/retirement_withdrawal_strategies/index.htmI'm thinking of retiring this summer. Ideally, I'd like to withdraw a higher percentage of my savings the first 10 years or so of retirement and then step it down as my wife and I become less active. Are there any rules of thumb or planning tools that could help me out? -- Craig R.Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:29:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/04/pf/expert/young_investors/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/04/pf/expert/young_investors/index.htmI'm 23 years old and working full-time. I'm on track to set aside about $10,000 this year. I'm typically very cautious, which makes me unlikely to invest in stocks or anything that is not guaranteed. So my question is: how should I invest my money? -- Laura Hochman, Lawrence, Kan.Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:37:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/02/pf/td_bank_fee/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/02/pf/td_bank_fee/index.htmAs other banks recoil from the customer wrath they faced after attempting to introduce debit card fees, TD Bank is rolling out a brand new fee and hiking others.Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:39:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/28/pf/expert/retirement_savings/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/28/pf/expert/retirement_savings/index.htmMy company doesn't offer a 401(k). I invest the max in a Roth IRA, but I know that won't provide enough for retirement. I'd like to invest another $5,000 a year into some sort of retirement plan. What options do I have? -- Daniel J., St. Paul, Minn.Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/02/pf/banks_debit_card_fees/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/02/pf/banks_debit_card_fees/index.htmJust because debit-card fees are out of the picture for now, don't stop checking your bank statements.Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/01/pf/medicare_plans.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/01/pf/medicare_plans.moneymag/index.htmThanks to Medicare, there's at least one thing you don't have to worry about in retirement: whether you'll have health insurance. How you'll get it, on the other hand, is another matter.Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:36:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/college/college_tuition_cost/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/college/college_tuition_cost/index.htmAlthough more Americans are getting help from scholarships and tax breaks, the net cost of college is eating up a higher share of the typical family's income in 2011, according to a report released Wednesday.Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/college_financial_aid/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/college_financial_aid/index.htmFiguring out how much college is going to cost you is about to get much easier.Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:59:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/25/news/economy/Obama_student_loan/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/25/news/economy/Obama_student_loan/index.htmThe White House announced on Tuesday two new measures the Department of Education will start offering in January to help college graduates climb out of their student loan debt hole.Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:32:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/19/pf/medicare_proposals.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/19/pf/medicare_proposals.moneymag/index.htmThis is the second-part of MONEY's ongoing series on Medicare.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/11/pf/medicare_programs.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/11/pf/medicare_programs.moneymag/index.htmThis Sunday morning, and for every foreseeable Sunday until at least the 2012 elections, the talking-head news shows will be crowded with members of both parties talking about the need to fix out-of-control "entitlements." Politicians like that word. It's safely nonspecific, and we're all a little suspicious of someone who feels entitled.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:27:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/politics/health-care-program/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/politics/health-care-program/index.htmlCiting cost concerns, the Obama administration said Friday it has halted a long-term care insurance program that was part of the massive health care law passed in 2010.Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:55:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/14/pf/expert/life_insurance_investment.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/14/pf/expert/life_insurance_investment.moneymag/index.htmA life insurance broker told me that if I put my portfolio in a variable universal life insurance policy it would be a great investment and tax shelter. I was also shown an illustration that my money will grow at 10% a year. Do you believe that a stock market investment will grow at 10% in such a policy? -- Todd C.Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmMortgage rates have never been cheaper, with the 30-year rate falling below 4% for the first time in history.Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/pf/expert/investment_strategies.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/pf/expert/investment_strategies.moneymag/index.htmI'm terrified of the stock market these days. I plan to retire in April, but I'm afraid I'll lose everything before then. I want to put my money in a safer place, but I don't know where. Should I sell stocks now or wait to see if they go up in value? What do you think? -- GerryThu, 06 Oct 2011 09:52:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/business/mortgage-rates/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/business/mortgage-rates/index.htmlFixed mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Freddie Mac began tracking them, the agency reported Thursday.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:28:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/27/pf/expert/retirement_calculator.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/27/pf/expert/retirement_calculator.moneymag/index.htmI'm more than a little disappointed with calculators. I began saving regularly for retirement in the late 1970s and according to the calculator I was supposed to be pretty well off by now. What actually happened, though, was that I did OK until about 2000 but not very well since then. I'm glad I saved, but the calculator was wrong. --David R., Phoenix, ArizonaWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/27/news/economy/family_health_insurance_cost/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/27/news/economy/family_health_insurance_cost/index.htmThank you, boss?: While the annual cost for employee family health insurance jumped 9% this year, employers shouldered the bulk of that increase, according to a new industry survey Tuesday.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:18:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/09/21/opinion/carroll-poverty-health-care/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/09/21/opinion/carroll-poverty-health-care/index.htmlThese are hard times in the United States.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/02/03/pf/taxes/10taxsavings_money_0603/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/02/03/pf/taxes/10taxsavings_money_0603/index.htmWhen you gather up your W-2s, 1099s and crumpled receipts to figure out your taxes this time of year, you're probably hoping for some shreds of good news. How's this: Because April 15 falls on a Saturday in 2006, you have two extra days to file.Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/08/pf/expert/ira_diversification.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/08/pf/expert/ira_diversification.moneymag/index.htmMy IRA rollover account is already diversified across a wide range of low-expense investments (including some Money 70 funds), but I'm considering diversifying even more, perhaps global bonds, mid-caps, REITs and commodities. How far should I split the atom in terms of diversification? -- K.S.Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:53:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/13/news/economy/census_bureau_health_insurance/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/13/news/economy/census_bureau_health_insurance/index.htmThe number of people who lacked health insurance last year climbed to 49.9 million, up from 49 million in 2009, the Census Bureau said Tuesday.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/07/pf/social_security_benefits_deceased/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/07/pf/social_security_benefits_deceased/index.htmWhile many Americans worry that the Social Security Administration won't have enough money left to pay their benefits when they retire, the agency is doling out millions of dollars to people who aren't even alive.Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:34:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/pf/expert/rollover_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/pf/expert/rollover_401k.moneymag/index.htmI switched employers recently and I want to move my old 401(k) balance into my new plan. But I'm afraid that if I do, I might miss out on gains if the market moves into more bullish territory while the transfer is taking place. Should I make the move now or wait until the market settles down a bit? -- Mike S.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/26/real_estate/hurricane_irene_preparation/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/26/real_estate/hurricane_irene_preparation/index.htmNow that Hurricane Irene has departed, many Americans are left to deal with the damage the storm left behind and whether or not their insurance company will help pick up the tab.Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:40:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/23/pentagon.military.insurance/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/23/pentagon.military.insurance/index.htmlFive years after a law to protect U.S. military personnel from salespeople selling life insurance, a new Pentagon report finds problems continue.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:58:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/10/pf/will_hidden_traps.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/10/pf/will_hidden_traps.fortune/index.htmDrawing up a will may not be the most pleasant task, but it seems straightforward: You leave behind a legal document that specifies how you want your property doled out when your time on this earth is up. What you may not realize, though, is that much of your net worth can be passed along outside of that will. Without some planning, you could unwittingly disinherit intended beneficiaries, including your children, from significant portions of your estate.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/20/california.sweet.alice/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/20/california.sweet.alice/index.htmlOne savings account at a time, "Sweet" Alice Harris is trying to save youths from the temptations of crime and violence in Los Angeles' notoriously troubled neighborhood of Watts.Sun, 21 Aug 2011 05:24:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/pf/expert/retirement_expenses.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/pf/expert/retirement_expenses.moneymag/index.htmHow can I go about calculating the expenses I should expect in retirement? -- Bozena Thrower, Portland, Conn.Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:52:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/15/news/economy/household_debt/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/15/news/economy/household_debt/index.htmConsumer borrowing fell slightly in the second quarter, as Americans shed more of their debt. A new report released Monday by the New York Federal Reserve -- which looks at mortgages, home equity lines, credit cards, auto loans and student debt held by consumers nationwide -- found that total consumer debt fell to $11.4 trillion in the second quarter of this year.Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:50:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/09/real_estate/debt_downgrade_mortgage/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/09/real_estate/debt_downgrade_mortgage/index.htmAt least one fear was not realized amid Monday's meltdown: the concern that mortgage rates would immediately shoot higher in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities that are the 800-pound gorillas of the mortgage market.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/news/economy/debt_ceiling_students/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/news/economy/debt_ceiling_students/index.htmSome students will start owing more on their loans while they're in school under a last-minute debt ceiling deal to keep the country out of default and reduce deficits by at least $2.1 trillion over a decade.Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:11:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/news/economy/debt_ceiling_medicare/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/news/economy/debt_ceiling_medicare/index.htmHospital and doctor groups warned Monday that the debt ceiling deal could damage seniors' access to health care if it triggers pay cuts to Medicare providers.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:20:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/pf/medical_debt_credit_report/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/01/pf/medical_debt_credit_report/index.htmMedical debts that you paid off long ago can drag down your credit score for years after you've settled them. But recently proposed legislation could mean old doctor bills will finally be erased from your credit report.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:04:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/healthcare_spending_forecast/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/healthcare_spending_forecast/index.htmThe U.S. government will foot the bill for half of all health care costs in the United States by 2020, according to a government report released Thursday.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:52:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/debt_ceiling_social_security/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/debt_ceiling_social_security/index.htmCan the government afford to send out Social Security checks next week if the debt ceiling isn't raised?Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:17:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/pf/social_security_payments/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/pf/social_security_payments/index.htmThe risk of a U.S. default has incited panic among many older Americans, who are now calling the Social Security Administration to find out what's going to happen to their monthly benefits if the debt ceiling isn't raised by Aug. 2.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/23/news/economy/debt_ceiling_safety_net/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/23/news/economy/debt_ceiling_safety_net/index.htmSocial Security payments aren't the only federal lifeline that could grind to a halt if the debt ceiling impasse continues beyond Aug. 2.Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pf/expert/debt_wedding.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pf/expert/debt_wedding.moneymag/index.htmWhen we got married, my husband and I decided to have a big wedding that cost $40,000. To pay for it, we took out a personal loan for $20,000 at a 10% interest rate and put the rest on a credit card that initially had a 0% rate but now charges 12%.Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:16:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/19/news/economy/credit_score/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/19/news/economy/credit_score/index.htmThe credit score you get from an agency might be quite different from the credit score your lender gets, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/pf/expert/401k_investing.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/pf/expert/401k_investing.moneymag/index.htmI'm just starting out in my career and I'm trying to decide how to divide my contributions between my company's regular 401(k) plan and its Roth 401(k). I've heard that I'm better off putting money into the Roth because I'm probably in the lowest tax bracket I'll ever be in. If I contribute 10% of my pay, should I just put 5% in each? Or should I put it all in the Roth 401(k) and switch to a regular 401(k) later in my career as my tax burden rises? -- Derek, Kansas City, Mo.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:47:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/smallbusiness/rewards_credit_cards/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/smallbusiness/rewards_credit_cards/index.htmConsumers love the free flights, gadgets and cash back they get when they pay with their rewards credit cards. But mom and pop stores cringe when they do.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:06:00 EDT