Social Security Debate Life Before Social Security March 30, 2005 • Many believe that Social Security helped eliminate poverty among the elderly. But existence without the program wasn't necessarily all that terrible. A look at what life was like before Social Security was created.
Opinion From Our Listeners Listener Questions March 30, 2005 • Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary is back to answer questions from our listeners.
The Color of Money Listener Questions March 29, 2005 • Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary answers personal finance questions from listeners.
Health Care Medicaid Program Targets Expensive Illnesses March 29, 2005 • A new Medicaid program can help cut costs for those who spend thousands treating their illness. It targets people with illnesses that are the most expensive to treat, such as diabetes. If the plan works, it can mean better care and more benefits for patients.
News Education-Earnings Gap Widens March 28, 2005 • The earnings gap between high-school and college graduates continues to widen, the Census Bureau says. On average, college graduates now earn just over $51,000 a year, almost twice as much as high-school graduates. And those with no high-school diploma have actually seen their earnings drop in recent years.
Opinion New Coverage: ID Theft Insurance March 28, 2005 • You can already insure your house, your car, your possessions, and your health. But that's hardly good enough for the threats of the 21st century. Now you can insure your Identity. At least, that's Metlife's new strategy to attract customers.
Economy Inflation's Impact on Industries and Finances March 27, 2005 • The Federal Reserve suggested this past week that the pressures of inflation are picking up. But the industries that might be most affected -- and what to expect in the future -- remain a subject of debate. Sheilah Kast speaks with Brad DeLong, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley.
Technology Internet Fraud Taps Transactions March 27, 2005 • Sheilah Kast talks to Sudan Grant, Director of the National Fraud Center/Internet Fraud Watch, about methods used to scam customers on the Internet.
Economic Terms for Special Occasions March 25, 2005 • In this week's installment on using economic know-how, author Charlie Wheelan tells us how referencing the Consumer Price Index may boost your standing with a police officer.
The Risks and Benefits of Buying a Home for Zero Down March 25, 2005 • Forty percent of first-time homebuyers don't put any money down when they buy their homes. This is a big change from the days when a 20 percent down payment was standard. A look at why the change is attractive -- and risky.
Consumer Choice: Pros and Cons March 24, 2005 • Barry Schwartz, a psychology professor at Swarthmore College, says quality of life can suffer when people have too many options. Russell Roberts, a professor of economics at George Mason University, believes consumers benefit by having choices.
Economy Energy Costs Drive Key Price Index Upward March 23, 2005 • Rising energy costs are pushing up the official inflation gauges. The consumer prices index was up sharply in February and gas prices have continued rising since then. According to the Energy Department, the average price for gas is now $2.10 a gallon.
Take Two: Life Changes Diving Into Work, from an Aquarium to Coffee March 23, 2005 • For seven years, Lisa Keyte has been a curator at Newport's Oregon Coast Aquarium, former home of Keiko the killer whale. But all that's about to change, as Keyte is set to dive into her new job -- as a coffee roaster.
The Color of Money Spending Your Tax Refund Wisely March 22, 2005 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary about how to spend a tax refund wisely. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money," for The Washington Post and is the author of Spend Well, Live Rich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have.
Economy Fed Expected to Raise Interest Rates March 22, 2005 • Economists expect the Federal Reserve to raise short-term interest rates by a quarter percentage point Tuesday. That would bring the benchmark federal funds rate to 2 3/4 percent. The Fed has been gently reining in the nation's money supply in an effort to keep inflation in check without choking off economic growth.