Business New Banking Rule Reduces Float Time on Checks October 27, 2004 • A new federal banking rule reduces the float time on checks from several days to one day, or even just a few hours. The banking industry expects to save billions of dollars by moving from paper to digital imaging, but consumer groups warn customers could face bounced checks and the fees they bring. NPR's Cheryl Corley reports.
40-Year Home Mortgages October 26, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary about the pros and cons of 40-year mortgages. Monthly payments for these loans are less than with traditional 30 year mortgages, but the interest paid over the life of the loan is substantially more.
Opinion From Our Listeners Letters: Home Heating Costs October 25, 2004 • We read a few e-mails and answer some questions from last week's show about home heating costs.
The Marketplace Report: Frequent Flyer Fears October 22, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Bob Moon of Marketplace about how several major airlines are attempting to reassure frequent fliers even while on the brink of bankruptcy.
'Fool' Phones with Dayana Yochim October 22, 2004 • We open up the Fool phones for all of your financial questions and comments. We're joined this week by personal finance expert Dayana Yochim.
Opinion Michael Eric Dyson: Minorities and the Money Gap October 21, 2004 • Commentator Michael Eric Dyson takes a look at the nation's widening economic gap in communities of color.
Credit Bureau Gives Texans a Poor Rating October 21, 2004 • According to figures released by Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, Americans' credit ratings vary significantly by region. South Dakotans boast the best scores, Texans the worst. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Beth Kobliner, author of Get A Financial Life.
Business Insurance Probes Widen in California, N.Y. October 20, 2004 • Probes of the nation's insurance industry widen, as California joins New York in investigating insurance sales practices. California's insurance commissioner plans to ban brokers from steering customers to certain policies in exchange for hidden commissions. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.
Health Care Cardiac Rehab Centers Closing over Funding Issues October 20, 2004 • Hospitals are increasingly closing cardiac rehabilitation centers, reacting to uncertainty over how to pay for treatments. Despite proof that physical therapy and counseling improve survival rates after a heart attack, only one-third of patients receive it. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.
Opinion Women's Group Organizes 'Buycott' October 19, 2004 • Thousands of women are being asked to shut their purses and refuse to shop in an effort to demonstrate the inequality between women's purchasing power and their representation in boardrooms. The national "buycott" was called for by the group 85 Broads. Commentator Lori Gottlieb notes that it's not an easy protest to join.
The Color of Money Bringing Up Baby October 19, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick speaks to Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary about how to prepare financially for a new baby. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post, and is the author of 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life.
The Marketplace Report: Social Security Adjustments October 19, 2004 • NPR's Noah Adams talks to John Dimsdale of Marketplace about this year's adjustments in Social Security benefits, and how the presidential campaigns have addressed the issue.
Health Care High Drug Costs: Industry Perspective October 17, 2004 • NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with Dr. Paul Antony, chief medical officer for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. He offers the drug industry's perspective on the rising costs of prescription drugs, and responds to charges made Saturday by Dr. Marcia Angell, who accuses pharmaceutical companies of spending too much on advertising and making undue profits.
Health Doctor's Book Targets Drug Industry October 16, 2004 • Dr. Marcia Angell is the author of The Truth About Drug Companies. Angell, former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, disputes drug firms' claims that prices are high because profits are used for research and development. Hear Angell and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.
Games & Humor Let's Play 'Motley Fool Marital Mayhem' October 15, 2004 • With all the talk about weddings, we thought it would be fun to challenge you to a game about money and marriage that we're going to call "Motley Fool Marital Mayhem."