Sep 09 Why buying things makes you happy By Steve Quartz From pop songs to Pope Francis, consumerism is often denounced as a poison that thwarts genuine happiness, hampers political participation and erodes social connections. But is it really that bad?… Continue reading
Sep 09 Am I still covered by Medicare when I travel out of state? By Philip Moeller Original Medicare is national, but most Medicare Advantage plans only cover you for services in their local network. Continue reading
Sep 07 Watch 8:47 How does the fight for $15 affect the labor market? By PBS News Hour Three years since a small group of fast-food workers began protesting in demand of higher pay and better conditions, a minimum wage of $15 an hour is becoming a reality for many across the country. Jeffrey Brown gets two perspectives… Continue watching
Sep 07 How soon after the wedding can I start collecting social security benefits? By Laurence Kotlikoff In most cases, a spouse must be married for a full year before they can become entitled to spousal benefits. However, if a person is already drawing benefits as a divorced spouse, they can become entitled to spousal benefits on… Continue reading
Sep 07 Will picking the right college major land you a better job? By Vikram Mansharamani When it comes to the college major, should passion trump practicality?… Continue reading
Sep 04 What does the August jobs report mean for the Fed? By Kristen Doerer The U.S. economy added 173,000 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent in August — the lowest it’s been since April 2008. Continue reading
Sep 04 Watch 4:18 Is the economy strong enough for an interest rate raise? By PBS News Hour Though unemployment fell to its best place since early 2008, the number of jobs created in August was quite modest, falling below expectations. Combined with the volatility of the market and worries over sluggish wage growth, how will the Federal… Continue watching
Sep 03 A working mom on her employer’s unpaid family leave policy By Diane Lincoln Estes More than 70 percent of employers in the United States don’t offer paid maternity leave. One working mother spoke of the difficulties of a mere 12-week unpaid maternity leave. Continue reading
Sep 02 COLUMN: How raising taxes on the rich could prevent mass shootings By John Komlos Economist John Komlos argues that the United States needs to adopt universal mental health insurance as a way to lower the murder and mass murder rate. Continue reading
Sep 02 The Medicare Maven on a pricey Rx from a doctor who doesn’t take Medicare By Philip Moeller One reader was told her medication will cost more, because it was prescribed by a doctor that does not participate in Medicare. Here's how to avoid such pricey medications. Continue reading