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

Business

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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Business

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
Economy

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)
Real Estate

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
Business

Improve your credit score post holiday splurge with these tips

A good credit score can help you qualify for loans and find housing.
January 11, 2025
File - Credit cards as seen July 1, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. A low credit score can hurt your ability to take out a loan, secure a good interest rate, or increase a credit card spending limit. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Business

Time is a scarce resource, so choose a resolution worth the effort

The dawn of the New Year is an irresistible time for retrospection and prognostication.
December 28, 2024
FILE — Confetti falls as people celebrate the new year in New York's Times Square, Jan. 1, 2017. Crowds will once again fill New York's Times Square this New Year's Eve, with proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for revelers who want to watch the ball drop in person, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)
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

Improve your credit score post holiday splurge with these tips

A good credit score can help you qualify for loans and find housing.
January 11, 2025
File - Credit cards as seen July 1, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. A low credit score can hurt your ability to take out a loan, secure a good interest rate, or increase a credit card spending limit. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Business

Time is a scarce resource, so choose a resolution worth the effort

The dawn of the New Year is an irresistible time for retrospection and prognostication.
December 28, 2024
FILE — Confetti falls as people celebrate the new year in New York's Times Square, Jan. 1, 2017. Crowds will once again fill New York's Times Square this New Year's Eve, with proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for revelers who want to watch the ball drop in person, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)
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
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