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.

Contact

EMAIL
cfarrell@mpr.org

Latest from Chris Farrell

Business

Continuing to invest in your human capital will boost your finances later in life

More people in the second halves of their lives are embracing late-life jobs and careers, which can bring both income and meaning.
December 21, 2024
Business

What aging parents can do now to help their adult children care for them later

About one-quarter of U.S. adults belong the sandwich generation, according to Pew Research Center. This group has to juggle caring for children and older parents all while still working.
December 14, 2024
istock family generations
Business

Conversations with family, friends are critical to estate planning

Your will, estate plan and end-of-life wishes will communicate to your loved ones what to do with your assets after your death.
December 7, 2024
Business

Employ ‘creative thoughtfulness’ to avoid overspending this holiday season

Two out of every three surveyed in Thrivent’s 2024 Holiday Spending Survey expressed concerns about how they’ll manage their holiday expenses this year.
November 30, 2024
Economy

Assess your financial risk before new policies affect the economy

The Trump administration comes into power with many policy goals, including economic initiatives like enacting significant tax cuts; imposing broad-based and significant tariffs; sweeping raids, mass deportations and tighter immigration controls; and slashing federal government regulations.
November 23, 2024
FILE -- President Donald Trump signs the tax reform bill in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Dec. 22, 2017. Republicans are pouring government stimulus into a steadily strengthening economy, adding economic fuel at a moment when unemployment is low and wages are beginning to rise, a combination that is stoking fears of higher inflation and ballooning budget deficits. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
Business

Consider charitable giving or volunteering this holiday season

Gifts at the end of the year might qualify for tax benefits.
November 16, 2024
DAVID JOLES • djoles@startribune.com - Dec. 18, 2010-Eden Prairie, MN-] A Salvation Army bell ringer who grew up playing in the Salvation Army band, Erik Sundman credits with the Salvation Army introducing him to the two loves of his life, music and his wife Lynnea (he met her at Salvation Army camp). Now a professional musician, Sundman and his wife are committed to give back by sharing his music as a volunteer at holiday time and year round. In this photo:] As Lynnea rang th
Business

More employer benefits supporting workers with student loans could ease stress

Student loan debt totals more than $1.7 trillion, with some 92% in federal loans across 43 million borrowers.
November 9, 2024
Irregular hours, layoffs and fluctuating incomes can influence one's ability to repay student loan debt.
Business

How sustainability leads to frugality

When exploring how to live more sustainably, being more frugal with money is often the answer.
November 2, 2024
Economy

Assess your financial risk before new policies affect the economy

The Trump administration comes into power with many policy goals, including economic initiatives like enacting significant tax cuts; imposing broad-based and significant tariffs; sweeping raids, mass deportations and tighter immigration controls; and slashing federal government regulations.
November 23, 2024
FILE -- President Donald Trump signs the tax reform bill in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Dec. 22, 2017. Republicans are pouring government stimulus into a steadily strengthening economy, adding economic fuel at a moment when unemployment is low and wages are beginning to rise, a combination that is stoking fears of higher inflation and ballooning budget deficits. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
Business

Consider charitable giving or volunteering this holiday season

Gifts at the end of the year might qualify for tax benefits.
November 16, 2024
DAVID JOLES • djoles@startribune.com - Dec. 18, 2010-Eden Prairie, MN-] A Salvation Army bell ringer who grew up playing in the Salvation Army band, Erik Sundman credits with the Salvation Army introducing him to the two loves of his life, music and his wife Lynnea (he met her at Salvation Army camp). Now a professional musician, Sundman and his wife are committed to give back by sharing his music as a volunteer at holiday time and year round. In this photo:] As Lynnea rang th
Business

More employer benefits supporting workers with student loans could ease stress

Student loan debt totals more than $1.7 trillion, with some 92% in federal loans across 43 million borrowers.
November 9, 2024
Irregular hours, layoffs and fluctuating incomes can influence one's ability to repay student loan debt.
Business

How sustainability leads to frugality

When exploring how to live more sustainably, being more frugal with money is often the answer.
November 2, 2024
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