Chris Farrell

Columnist
Your Money
Chris Farrell is economics editor for American Public Media's weekly "Marketplace Money" show and author of "The New Frugality." He answers reader questions on most Sundays. Send questions to cfarrell@mpr.org and put "Your Money" in the subject line.

Latest from Chris Farrell

Unfounded attacks on Social Security Administration could impact retirees

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficency have targeted the most successful social policy program in modern U.S. history.
March 22, 2025

Many workers also become caregivers, so plan for it financially

In a recent survey, the majority of employees who are or have been caregivers have made at least one work-related adjustment, like missing days of work or reducing hours.
March 15, 2025
Elizabeth Wolf, right, leads her mother Nancy Brood to bed, at their home in Haddonfield, N.J., Jan 5, 2016. In 2010 Wolf, along with her husband, moved back into her childhood home to help her parents, who both suffer from dementia, expecting to arrange caregiving help and then return home to Vermont: Over five years later, she is still caring for them. (Mark Makela/The New York Times) -- -- NO SALES --

Taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free: How to diversify your retirement portfolio

Smart retirement planning involves taking advantage of the differing tax treatments on accumulated savings.
March 8, 2025

U.S. Treasuries remain safe bet for your money despite economic, political uncertainty

Trust in the creditworthiness of U.S. Treasuries has eroded somewhat.
March 1, 2025
U.S. Treasury Department building in Washington

A financial plan to guide late-life decisions will help weather unpredictable future

Retirement or semi-retirement is a complicated transition involving many financial and lifestyle decisions, and it pays to create a comprehensive plan.
February 8, 2025
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When it comes to AI, invest in education and skills to remain relevant

The personal finance answer to artificial intelligence is to invest in your education, skills and knowledge.
February 1, 2025

There’s no shortage of good ideas for improving the U.S. retirement system

From Jimmy Carter’s administration to a bipartisan proposal in 2023, many lawmakers and economists have tried to help Americans save money for their senior years.
January 25, 2025
FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2014, file photo, a couple walks down the Bacon Gallery at the Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pa. More and more retirement savers have their entire 401(k) account in just a single mutual fund, and investment advisers are fine with it. (Jarid A. Barringer/Erie Times-News via AP, File)

L.A. wildfires another reminder: U.S. needs more affordable homeowners insurance system

The homeowners insurance market totals some $15 trillion, with prices up 74% since the Great Recession after adjusting for inflation, per a Harvard study.
January 18, 2025

A financial plan to guide late-life decisions will help weather unpredictable future

Retirement or semi-retirement is a complicated transition involving many financial and lifestyle decisions, and it pays to create a comprehensive plan.
February 8, 2025
.

When it comes to AI, invest in education and skills to remain relevant

The personal finance answer to artificial intelligence is to invest in your education, skills and knowledge.
February 1, 2025

There’s no shortage of good ideas for improving the U.S. retirement system

From Jimmy Carter’s administration to a bipartisan proposal in 2023, many lawmakers and economists have tried to help Americans save money for their senior years.
January 25, 2025
FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2014, file photo, a couple walks down the Bacon Gallery at the Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pa. More and more retirement savers have their entire 401(k) account in just a single mutual fund, and investment advisers are fine with it. (Jarid A. Barringer/Erie Times-News via AP, File)

L.A. wildfires another reminder: U.S. needs more affordable homeowners insurance system

The homeowners insurance market totals some $15 trillion, with prices up 74% since the Great Recession after adjusting for inflation, per a Harvard study.
January 18, 2025
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