May 30 Why did my Medicare premiums go up? By Philip Moeller The issue here is government failing to take steps to help restrain the prices that we all pay for drugs, hospitals, medical equipment, and doctors, writes columnist Philip Moeller. Continue reading
May 29 Analysis: Today’s Italian bond crisis, explained By Paul Solman Here’s an answer, which is, I hope, of some use to news consumers who find themselves baffled by bonds. Continue reading
May 28 Watch 10:08 Does a basic guaranteed income decrease the need for social services? By Paul Solman, Sarah Clune Hartman The idea of a basic guaranteed income is getting a trial run in a Canadian province for three years. Four thousand randomly selected Ontario residents will get thousands of dollars a year, and in exchange, they give up some social… Continue watching
May 25 Senior advocates say new draft guide to Medicare distorts facts. Here’s what you need to know By Philip Moeller Medicare advocacy groups are concerned that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is improperly putting its hand on the scales to tilt them further in favor of private Medicare Advantage plans. Continue reading
May 24 Watch 7:10 Why our financial decision-makers need ‘skin in the game’ By Paul Solman Economic contrarian Nassim Taleb warned of a coming financial crisis more than a decade ago. Now he believes there’s a big con going on, and that the Federal Reserve’s response to the 2008 crash is part of it. Economics correspondent… Continue watching
May 24 Beware ‘faux experts’ who don’t pay for their actions, Nassim Taleb says By Paul Solman To Taleb, the "no-skin-in-the-game class" is made up of decision-makers who "can drag you into policies that cosmetically feel good, but eventually, somebody pays a price and it's not them. "… Continue reading
May 23 Column: Not sure what to make of Trump’s drug prices plan? Here’s where to start By Philip Moeller Rushing to judgment is misguided. There are no quick fixes here, and while the Trump proposals are viewed as fatally flawed by many experts, they also include some worthy ideas. Continue reading
May 21 Analysis: Student loan debt and an astonishing number no one’s talking about By Paul Solman Do student loan defaults pose a systemic threat analogous to the subprime default wave that helped trigger the Crash of ‘08?… Continue reading
May 17 Watch 7:44 Why we should be more like cats than dogs when it comes to social media By Paul Solman Computer scientist and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier doesn't mince words when it comes to social media. In his latest book, "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now," says the economic model is based on "sneaky manipulation."… Continue watching
May 17 Jaron Lanier’s argument for getting off Facebook By Paul Solman In his new book "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now," author Jaron Lanier makes his case for the problems with social media. Continue reading