washingtonpost.com - Michelle Singletary Personal Finance Newsletter Archive

Let's Chat Today

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:22:05 EDT

Join me today at noon for a live online discussion about mortgages. The current housing market has sidelined many would-be buyers, who are worried they'll buy before the market hits bottom. Meanwhile, mortgages rates are rising and qualifying for a mortgage is more difficult.

A Parent's Prodding

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:36:28 EDT

I often get notes from parents telling me that they have passed along my columns to their adult children with financial issues. Or that they use my column to help keep their children informed about various personal finance issues.

Is Leasing Like Shacking Up?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:47:08 EDT

Steve Eber of Eber Capital Management in Coral Gables, Fla., thinks leasing a vehicle is like trying out marriage by cohabitating.

Does God Want You To Be Poor?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:23:33 EDT

Op-Ed Columnist Michael Gerson attacks the prosperity gospel movement in his column this week Faith's Real Riches.

Working Hard on Fun

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:09:05 EDT

Lighten the long summer days at your J-O-B by picking up a copy of this month's Color of Money Book Club selection, "The Levity Effect" (Wiley, $22.95) by Scott Christopher and Adrian Gostick.

A Must Read

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:17:52 EDT

I'm giving you a reading assignment and I want a short report afterward. I'm serious.

Come Chat With Me

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:34:13 EDT

Join me today at noon ET to talk about your personal finance crisis or the one imploding outside your home.

Laughing All the Way to the Bank

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:33:16 EDT

How fun is your workplace?

Honeymoon or Bust

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:56:48 EDT

I may have been married almost 17 years, but I'm not too old or too married to know that too many couples marrying these days are the worst kind of beggars.

Realtor, Not a Real Friend

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:36:53 EDT

With just about everyone and their mama wanting to become an entrepreneur it's likely that you have a friend or family member opening a business. It's also likely he or she will solicit you to patronize that business or ask you for referrals. So what happens if you like the friend but not his or her business acumen?

Reader Questions

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:23:31 EDT

As always, there were quite a few questions left over from my last online discussion. So here are my answers to some of them:

Gas Making Some Go Green

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:25:35 EDT

I'm betting former Vice President Al Gore isn't all that unhappy about soaring gas prices. Gore, this century's champion for the environment, is probably pleased that high gas prices have people thinking green, including buying cars that have better fuel economy.

Survivor: The Economy

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:41:14 EDT

Economy got you down? Struggling to pay bills? Let's talk about your options or maybe you just want to vent. That's OK too.

Mortgage Predators: Less Talk, More Action

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:23:11 EDT

We may be a long way from the right solutions to avoid another mortgage meltdown. But one thing officials can do now is prosecute those who have engaged in unlawful activities.

Money, a Taboo Topic

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:33:16 EDT

How much do you make? How much do you spend? How much do you owe? Are those questions too personal? One book challenges the idea that money should be made and spent but never discussed.

Did Mama Know Best?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:32:18 EDT

According to Janet Bodnar, a deputy editor with Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine, her mother did. Bodnar writes about how her mom taught her to save, invest and bargain hunt. Bodnar pays a tribute to her mom, who recently passed away. And what better time than Financial Literacy Month to share her memories in What We Learned From My Mother (Apr. 10).

Debt Collection Tops FTC List

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:46:05 EDT

Given the current economic downturn, it probably won't surprise anyone that one industry experiencing a lot of growth is debt collection. Unfortunately, with that growth has come an increase in complaints from consumers on how they are being treated by the companies or attorneys trying to get them to pay up.

Is the Economy Really Going to be 'Just Fine' ?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:34:17 EDT

Watching our economy tank over the last few weeks makes me want to holler. More specifically, I want to holler at our government leaders.

Mortgage Meltdowns Continue

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:04:55 EDT

Bad news continues to roll out from the mortgage industry as major players in the financial industry and government officials attempt to salvage what remains and prevent homeowners nationwide from going to the poorhouse.

America...the Broke

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:23:40 EST

My selection for March's Color of Money Book Club drew quite a bit of mail. If you missed the column, read it here. The book is an interesting look at why Americans can't hold on to their money. Many of you had an opinion about why.

America...the Broke

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EST

America¿the Broke

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:15:06 EST

Fighting to Save A Home

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:24:25 EST

As the mortgage crisis worsens, various plans continue to be proposed to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes.

Swindled by a Sweetheart

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

Recently, I wrote a column on a report by the The National Consumers League warning people about sweetheart scams, "Online, Dear Valentines, The Wolves Talk of Love" (Feb. 14).

Duets and Dollars

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:34:14 EST

As part of your Valentine's Day celebration, make a promise to do better with your finances by reading the first installment of the Color of Money Military Challenge. For the next year, I will help three couples with military ties address their financial issues. Look for the first part in tihs series in Sunday's Washington Post or online at www.washingtonpost.com/business.

Paying His Way

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:46:29 EST

As Valentine's Day approaches it's a good time to look at your love situation from a financial vantage point. For example, last week I asked what advice you would give to a woman who wants to rescue her boo, who is having financial trouble. When she offered to pay for things, he refused. Confused about what to do, she turned to advice columnist Carolyn Hax. I wondered what you might advise the woman. Here's what some of you said:

Can You Spend and Save?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:06:32 EST

I used to be a die-hard bargain shopper. I once spent a month going back to one store waiting for a $200 sweater to go on sale. A few times a week during that month I would use my lunch break to go to the store to check on the price of the sweater. I even hid the sweater (in my size and color) on another rack hoping no one would buy it before the price dropped to the range I wanted to pay. Eventually the sweater went on sale for 80 percent off. I was so proud of that bargain. I told myself I had saved $160.

Recession Nears, Housing Falters

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:07:10 EST

The Mortgage Bankers Association released a survey that said delinquent borrowers were "almost twice as likely to lose their homes as they were to reach an agreement with their lender that would allow them to stay put" reports Renae Merle in "Foreclosures, Lenders' Preferred Fix" (Jan. 18). Foreclosure rates have reached a historic high.

Anatomy of an ID Attack

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:11:37 EST

Personal finance reporter Nancy Trejos doesn't just write about money matters, she also has experience in what can happen when your bank account is in jeopardy. In last week's Sunday Business, she wrote about her close encounter with identity theft in "Identity Theft Gets Personal" (Jan. 13). She nearly became another victim of a crime that has impacted roughly 8.3 million in 2005.

Tricky Money Issues

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:07:38 EST

If you've ever found yourself in an uncomfortable situation involving money and a friend or loved one, then you have to read this month's Color of Money Book Club selection.

Focusing on Finances in the New Year

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:46:46 EST

Welcome to 2008! Have you made your new year's resolutions yet? Does it include adding more pennies to your piggy bank?

Frustrated Givers and Receivers

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:02:58 EST

The Ask Amy column recently addressed an interesting issue about giving that can cause major drama -- and not just during the holiday season.

Making Up for Bad Loans

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:43:45 EST

Still trying to get your head around what's happening with the housing crisis? Then read some of The Post's recent coverage. The big news came late last week when President Bush laid out a bail-out plan for borrowers collapsing under subprime loans. Many, including myself, however, are doubtful the plan will avoid further problems in the mortgage industry.

Mortgage Relief May Aid Some

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:43:06 EST

We can't seem to get away from all the mortgage news, can we? This week, in an effort to head off even more bad news in the mortgage industry, the Bush administration brokered a deal to help homeowners facing foreclosure.

Managing the Holidays in a Period of Economic Uncertainty

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:53:28 EST

If there's a silver lining to all the troubling economic news this holiday season, it's that it may actually temper overspending. As foreclosures, gas prices and bankruptcies climb, the stock market remains volatile and home values continue to plummet, maybe people will spend less and save more.

Budgeting for a Baby and Managing Debt

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:12:03 EST

In my last online discussion, there were many questions I couldn't get to. So here are a few leftovers with my answers:

Economic Earthquake

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:59:12 EST

There are days I can't stand watching the local news. The constant bad news -- shootings, theft, etc. -- just depresses me. But now the business reports are troubling me. Just look at some of the recent business news stories:

Answering Your Mortgage Questions

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:15:02 EDT

If you missed last week's Web chat with David Reed, author of "Mortgage Confidential: What You Need to Know That Your Lender Won't Tell You," take a look at the transcript.

Seeing Greenbacks in Black and White

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:36:07 EDT

I've received lots of e-mails following my column on the recently released Ariel-Schwab Black Investor survey (pdf).

Unlicensed Mortgage Loan Officers Keep Going and Going

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:30:55 EDT

Recently, I've been reporting on a company that two states - Maryland and Georgia -- have said is operating without a license to originate mortgage loans. Given the current state of the mortgage industry, I think it's important to expose such companies.

Retirement Savings Vs. Paying Down Your Debt

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:42:37 EDT

My e-mail box filled up with quite a number of notes from folks who felt I missed the mark with the advice I gave to a government worker who wants to stop his retirement contributions for three months to get rid of credit card debt. (I wrote about it in this column.)

A Few More Tips for Pinching Pennies

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:10:33 EDT

My grandmother said if you take care of your pennies the dollars will come. Here are some additional entries from this year's Penny Pincher of the Year Contest:

Cut Calories to Cut Debt?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:27:09 EDT

How does debt relate to losing weight? If you read this month's Color of Book Club selection, "Rich and Thin: Slim Down, Shrink Debt and Turn Calories Into Cash," then you already know that authors Deborah McNaughton and Melinda Weinstein believe that obesity also weighs down your wallet in the form of higher health-insurance costs and unhealthy foods (like that daily mocha latte habit you may have).

Penny Pincher Tips

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:21:45 EDT

I received so many entries to this year's Penny Pincher of the Year Contest that I didn't want to waste the good ones that didn't make the final cut. So here are some of the runner ups:

Free Lunch ... No Such Thing

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:58:37 EDT

If you received an investment promotion saying, "Let's do lunch," you might want to say, "Let's not."

Become the Boss of Your Finances

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:19:06 EDT

If you're on your way to college this year, or you have children attending universities, then this year could be the start of something new -- like starting a business!

Strategies for Keeping Financially Cool

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:46:37 EDT

In a turbulent economy, layoffs become more common. Capital One's news this week is one very real example. So in my column today, I offer advice on what to do if you're handed a pink slip.

Market Mayhem Demands Investor Caution

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:08:55 EDT

Join me today at noon ET for a live online discussion. And boy do we have a lot to chat about. The crisis in the mortgage industry continues, with many borrowers now seeing their loan deals fall apart. Dina ElBoghdady reports in today's Washington Post that an increasing number of people are finding that their loans aren't going through because of the troubles in the mortgage industry.

Questioning Home Ownership

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:45:53 EDT

There were two questions from my recent chats that I want to address. The first is about home ownership -- a top issue in the news these days. Here's what the chat participant asked:

Let's Talk Crazy

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:19:20 EDT

Don't forget: I'll be discussing "Crazy Bosses" by Stanley Bing today at noon ET. Bing will be my guest and will take your questions about his book, which was the July selection for the Color of Money Book Club. Join us online and share your stories with others suffering under a crazy boss.

Debt's Not Just Bad for Your Wallet

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:43:35 EDT

If you don't take my advice that debt is bad for your credit score and your financial health, maybe you'll listen now that it may impact your physical health. That's right, stress caused by worrying about those mounting bills can create mental and physical problems, according to a story by former Post staff writer January W. Payne in this week's Health Section.

Second Guessing Finance Advice

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:53:06 EDT

I'm used to readers disagreeing with my advice. So was the case when a recent chat participant wanted to know what to do with a $21,000 bonus. The following are the choices that were presented to me for using the extra money:

Reader Feedback on Bad Bosses

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:07:37 EDT

Last Sunday, I announced my July selection for the Color of Money Book Club. The book is "Crazy Bosses" by Stanley Bing. Ever since, readers have flooded my e-mail inbox with stories about current and past bosses. Here's what a few said:

Bad Loans Putting Us Deeper in Debt

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:33:12 EDT

The loan crisis in America keeps getting worse. Here in the D.C. area, home foreclosures are spreading to wealthy neighborhoods, as The Washington Post's Kirstin Downey reported in "Area Suburbs See Rise in Foreclosures," (June 30).

New Credit Protection Laws

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:56:32 EDT

Michelle Singletary is on vacation this week, so we've compiled some of the latest personal finance news and features.

Credit Report Revisions

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:32:15 EDT

Michelle Singletary is on vacation this week and next, so we've compiled some of the latest personal finance news and features, including some reader feedback she received.

Advice for New Grads

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:41:59 EDT

On the first day of my first real world job, I called my grandmother, Big Mama, to tell her how things were going. She only had one thing to say: "Did you do what I said and go sign up to have money taken out of your paycheck for your rainy-day fund?"

Tax Advice Continued

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:34:45 EDT

Steve M. Estill knows that tax time is all year, not just the months leading up to the federal and state filing deadlines. He also knows how important it is to ask for help if you have a tax question, which is why I chose his book "Tax This! An Insider's Guide to Standing Up to the IRS," for last month's Color of Book Club selection. He wasn't able to answer all the questions that came in during our online discussion, so he agreed to answer a few after the chat ended:

Dipping Into Retirement Funds

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 31 May 2007 10:02:09 EDT

In many of my online discussions, someone usually asks about taking money out of a retirement account to pay down debt, buy a car or cover for some other financial need. Simply put, this is a bad idea.

Still Talking Taxes

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:33:04 EDT

Can I be honest?

Answers to Your Money Questions

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 17 May 2007 09:40:44 EDT

During my last online discussion, as with most of my Web chats, there were many questions I just didn't have time to answer. So here are answers to a few of the leftovers:

Housing Numbers

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:25:48 EDT

Last week, I asked for your thoughts about the advice given to a hypothetical couple, outlined in a column by Elizabeth Razzi, The Washington Post's new real estate columnist. The article focused on a hypothetical couple, both public-school teachers, and their effort to find an affordable home in a pricey Washington suburb. For my part, I wondered if the couple could really afford a half-million-dollar house on their combined income of $136,500.

Driving Away Value

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:09:46 EDT

Unlike one of my Washington Post colleagues, Warren Brown, I'm not a car enthusiast. I see the metal box as merely a way to get from point A to point B. So long as it has a decent radio and working heat during the winter, I'm good.

Financial Feedback

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:10:58 EDT

One of the frustrating things about my regular online discussions is not having enough time to answer all the questions.

Tax Time...It's Not Over Yet

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:43:55 EDT

You might be feeling relieved right now. Your tax return is done and now you're ready to put those files away.

Cash and Kids

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:41:43 EDT

I receive a lot of mail from people asking how and when to teach their children about money. My answer: To start as soon as they begin asking for things that cost money.

Family, Friends and Finances

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:44:00 EDT

Trying to figure out how to balance your money with family and friends can be tricky territory.

Is the Mortgage Bubble Popping?

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:16:18 EDT

With all the recent news about mortgage foreclosures and the possible end to easy credit, I hope you will join me today at noon ET for a chat with author and director James D. Scurlock. As the featured author for the March Color of Money Book Club selection, he will answer questions or take comments about his movie and book, "Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders."

House of Cards

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:14:00 EDT

The state of the home mortgage industry is one of the hottest news stories these days. And frankly, it's scaring me.

You Asked About Debt

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:45:00 EDT

I often try to answer leftover questions from my online discussions in this e-letter or in my print column, so today I'd like to explore two topics that I get a lot of questions about -- paying off debt and student loans.

We Are a Credit Card Nation

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST

What is the fate of our nation as we continue to accrue more and more credit?

To Whom Much Is Given

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST

I hope you are able to read the transcript of today's chat about February's Color of Money Book Club selection. Sportswriter William C. Rhoden was my guest for a discussion about his book "Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete."

Bogus Checks Bring Grief

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 05:24:00 EST

Be forewarned: You are responsible for checks you deposit that turn out to be bogus. In Sunday's column, I wrote about the increase in financial scams that involve fraudulent checks.

Love Means NOT Spending

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:06:00 EST

Fess up, did you spend a crazy amount of money for Valentine's Day?

To Whom Much is Given

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:09:00 EST

Sunday's column announcing February's Color of Money Book Club selection resulted in quite a few e-mails.

Prioritizing Saving for College

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:28:00 EST

The rising cost of college tuition has many families worried about how they can afford it. In "Forget Yale -- Go State" (Jan. 28), Post reporter Kathleen Day provides helpful tips and strategies for laying out a college payment plan.

Debt Dilemma

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:41:00 EST

In last week's e-letter, I asked what you would do if you received a windfall -- pay off debt or go play with the money. Me? I'm a debt-free freak. My goal is to never owe, not even for my mortgage.

Color of Money Discussion Wrap-Up

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:10:09 EST

I had an interesting question during my online chat yesterday. It's a twist to the usual question I receive about paying off one's home.

Financial Peace of Mind: You Have the Power

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:52:00 EST

I ended last year by challenging four people to change their financial lives in 2007. In the Color of Money Challenge, two single women and one couple will work with me to get rid of debt and save for their futures.

Ringing in Financial Resolutions

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:50:00 EST

First, here's wishing you a happy New Year. Now, let's get down to business.

Happy Holidays and Gifting

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:36:09 EST

As 2006 comes to a close, I want to thank all my e-letter subscribers. When I launched this newsletter a few years ago, my hope was to inform you of the many personal finance issues discussed in The Washington Post and elsewhere. This isn't just a forum to highlight my column but to help you stay on top of your financial life. It may be a cliché but it's true that information is power. As humorist Mason Cooley wrote, "Wisdom is dead. Long live information."

Additional Advice on Paying for School

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:10:00 EST

As promised, Mark Kantrowitz answered some leftover questions from my online discussion on financial aid a few weeks ago. Kantrowitz is the author of "FastWeb College Gold: The Step-by-Step Guide to Paying for College." His book was one of my Color of Money Book Club selections for November.

A Good Time Learn From Your Financial Mistakes

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:06:49 EST

The end of the year is a time to look back and figure out what went wrong and what went right.

Teaching Kids About the Value of a Dollar

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:41:32 EST

Every time I speak to a group, a parent will ask, "When should I start teaching my child about money?"

A Time to Feast ... And to Give

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:36:41 EST

This is an abbreviated version of my weekly e-mail newsletter because, well, I'm fixing dinner tomorrow and I haven't bought a thing: No turkey, no stuffing, no fixings. Nothing. Hopefully, your Thanksgiving host is more prepared.

Smart Shopping From Air Travel to Health Care

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 14:43:40 EST

Lots of good advice on how to shop smartly this week. First up: The Holidays

Online Real Estate Help

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 09:29:00 EST

If you're not quite ready to sell your home but want a general idea of its value, you should check out real estate columnist Kenneth R. Harney's most recent column, "Appraising Zillow" (Nov. 4).

Life Insurance 101

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:38:00 EST

Got term life insurance? Feel like a chump because you do? Well don't.

Hunting for Satisfactory Health Care

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EDT

Over the past several weeks I've focused my columns on open-enrollment season. I'll confess that in past years, I've opened my package, double checked that all my dependents were listed and just stuck with my existing plan. But with new options and changes in the health care industry, I can't and shouldn't do that again. And neither should you.

Making Healthy Choices

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 09:38:00 EDT

This year's open enrollment period is sure to leave many people scratching their heads. When you receive your packet, you're likely to find that your choices include a CDHP, which can include an HDHP paired with an HSA or an HRA, along with the tried and true HMO, PPO and POS.

Knock Out Your Debt

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:32:00 EDT

I guess this might be considered Round 4 in my latest battle to defend a debt-free lifestyle. I've been getting quite a bit of mail from readers who disagree with my recommendation that someone significantly pay down a student loan debt with a windfall.

Open Season

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 12:23:00 EDT

It's that time of year again -- open enrollment. In today's column you'll find information about a great resource on how to choose the right health plan.

Becoming Savings Savvy

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 13:17:00 EDT

I'm excited about a new column that debuted in The Washington Post's Sunday business section last week -- "Financial Futures."

Flying Turbulence

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:44:00 EDT

Flying is going to be more frustrating in future months because airlines are overbooking more frequently to make sure they fill all available seats. The result is more bumping, voluntarily and involuntarily, according to a report from the Department of Transportation.