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Your Money

Wednesday

Rate Hike: End of Cheap Money

Federal Reserve plans for a small increase in short-term interest rates mean an end to the four-year period of falling interest rates. With the economy heating up, the Fed wants to keep inflation in hand. If the Fed raises the interest rate from 1 percent to 1.25 percent, it is expected to be the beginning of the end of a period of historically low interest rates. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

All Things Considered: Fed Raises Rate

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Health

The Marketplace Report: 20 Million Can't Pay Med Bills

NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Tess Vigeland of Marketplace about a new study that says one in seven American families can't pay their medical bills -- that's about 20 million families.

The Marketplace Report: 20 Million Can't Pay Med Bills

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Health Care

Study: Companies Hiked Drug Prices Before Reform

A new study finds that pharmaceutical companies boosted prices significantly in the months before the new Medicare drug benefit became law. The study, from the American Association of Retired Persons, used data provided by drug companies. Drug makers say that other studies, based on government data, are more accurate. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports.

Study: Companies Hiked Drug Prices Before Reform

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Economy

Looming Interest Rate Hike Spurs Higher House Prices

With the Federal Reserve expected to start the first of several interest-rate hikes Wednesday, the housing market is already preparing for the impact. As the era of historically cheap mortgages closes, the prospect of higher interest rates is creating a sense of urgency among would-be buyers. Hear NPR's Jack Speer.

Looming Interest Rate Hike Spurs Higher House Prices

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Business

Gauging Impact of Federal Rate Hike

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Cary Leahey, senior economist at Deutsche Bank Securities, about the implications of the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee recommendation about raising interest rates.

Gauging Impact of Federal Rate Hike

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Tuesday

Business

Fed Rate Hike Expected

Members of the Federal Reserve's Open Market committee begin a two-day meeting in Washington. Analysts predict the Fed will raise a key interest rate, as a report finding strong consumer spending raises fears about inflation. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and David Wessel of The Wall Street Journal.

Fed Rate Hike Expected

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The Color of Money: Penny-Pinching Contest Winners

NPR's Alex Chadwick and syndicated personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary announce the winners of the Day to Day penny-pinching contest and go over the best money-saving tips from listeners. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post and is author of the book 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life.

The Color of Money: Penny-Pinching Contest Winners

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Friday

Education

Community College an Alternative to High Tuition Costs

With college costs squeezing many applicants out of the traditional market, community college is seen as an economical first rung on the higher education ladder. Anthony Brooks reports.

Community College an Alternative to High Tuition Costs

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Thursday

Opinion

Business

The Marketplace Report: Salary Boost Same as Last Year

NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Tess Vigeland of Marketplace about the latest Conference Board study showing American workers can expect an average salary increase of 3.5 percent this year -- the same rate as last year.

The Marketplace Report: Salary Boost Same as Last Year

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Tuesday

Opinion

Business

The Color of Money: Investing in the Stock Market

Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary offers tips for individual investors who are interested in buying stocks. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post and is author of the book 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life.

The Color of Money: Investing in the Stock Market

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Monday

Children's Health

Stores Overcharge for Food in Children's Aid Program

The federal government may be paying too much money for a nutrition program known as WIC that serves nearly half the nation's infants. Across the country, stores have opened that cater to low-income women and children on the program, but they charge higher-than-market prices for milk, eggs and other staples. NPR's Laura Sydell reports.

Stores Overcharge for Food in Children's Aid Program

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Friday

Business

Bill Puts More Scrutiny on Car Donations to Charities

A little-noticed provision in a corporate tax bill passed by the House Thursday would require individuals who plan to donate a vehicle to charity to have it appraised before being allowed to file for a deduction. An estimated 43,000 U.S. charities have some kind of vehicle donation program, but the IRS says the programs are rife with abuse. NPR's Jack Speer reports.

Bill Puts More Scrutiny on Car Donations to Charities

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Thursday

Tuesday

Opinion

From Our Listeners

Listener Questions

Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary is back to answer more listener questions. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post and is author of the book 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life.

Listener Questions

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