Your Money

Health

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

June 30, 2004 • 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.

Economy

Looming Interest Rate Hike Spurs Higher House Prices

June 30, 2004 • 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.

Business

Gauging Impact of Federal Rate Hike

June 30, 2004 • 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.

Health Care

Study: Companies Hiked Drug Prices Before Reform

June 30, 2004 • 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.

Rate Hike: End of Cheap Money

June 30, 2004 • 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

Audio for this story is unavailable.

The Color of Money: Penny-Pinching Contest Winners

June 29, 2004 • 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.

Business

Fed Rate Hike Expected

June 29, 2004 • 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.

Business

Only Half of Consumers Claim Mail-In Rebates

June 25, 2004 • NPR's Wendy Kaufman reports that mail-in rebates can entice many shoppers to buy an item -- but it's estimated that only half the purchasers ever attempt to claim the money.

Education

Community College an Alternative to High Tuition Costs

June 25, 2004 • 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.

Opinion

Business

The Marketplace Report: Salary Boost Same as Last Year

June 24, 2004 • 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.

Opinion

Business

The Color of Money: Investing in the Stock Market

June 22, 2004 • 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.

Children's Health

Stores Overcharge for Food in Children's Aid Program

June 21, 2004 • 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.

Business

Bill Puts More Scrutiny on Car Donations to Charities

June 18, 2004 • 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.

Opinion

Business

Slate's Moneybox: U.S. Bonds a Poor Investment

June 17, 2004 • Slate Dan Gross explains why so many foreigners are buying U.S. government bonds -- and why it's not such a good investment.

Opinion

From Our Listeners

Listener Questions

June 15, 2004 • 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.