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Social Security Debate

Life Before Social Security

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.

Life Before Social Security

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Health Care

Medicaid Program Targets Expensive Illnesses

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.

Medicaid Program Targets Expensive Illnesses

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Opinion

New Coverage: ID Theft Insurance

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.

New Coverage: ID Theft Insurance

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Education-Earnings Gap Widens

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.

Education-Earnings Gap Widens

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Economy

Inflation's Impact on Industries and Finances

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.

Inflation's Impact on Industries and Finances

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The Risks and Benefits of Buying a Home for Zero Down

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.

The Risks and Benefits of Buying a Home for Zero Down

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Consumer Choice: Pros and Cons

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.

Consumer Choice: Pros and Cons

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Economy

Energy Costs Drive Key Price Index Upward

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.

Energy Costs Drive Key Price Index Upward

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Take Two: Life Changes

Diving Into Work, from an Aquarium to Coffee

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.

Diving Into Work, from an Aquarium to Coffee

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The Color of Money

Spending Your Tax Refund Wisely

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.

Spending Your Tax Refund Wisely

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Politics

Complex Tax Season for Mass. Gay Couples

Athena Desai of member station WBUR in Boston reports on challenges confronting some gay couples in Massachusetts who are filing their first joint tax forms. The marriages are recognized by the state, but not by the federal government -- making for a complicated tax season.

Complex Tax Season for Mass. Gay Couples

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