Oct 27 When refinancing helps the poor, and everyone else By Simone Pathe Economists know that lower income households most commonly refinance their mortgages and tap that equity when home values rise. But a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that when those households have extra cash on hand,… Continue reading
Oct 24 This is why the recession still hurts By Simone Pathe The American economy is still feeling the effects of the 2008 financial crisis. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research analyzes the largest components of America's declined output -- from lost investment to lower labor force participation… Continue reading
Oct 23 Earning more? Thank immigrant STEM workers By Simone Pathe Even opponents of open immigration often support temporary guest workers entering the U.S. on the H1-B visa program. But do immigrants skilled in science and technology undercut wages for U.S. workers? Quite the contrary, according to a new paper from… Continue reading
Oct 22 How to find a Medicare Part D drug plan online By Philip Moeller Medicare's prescription drug plans change what drugs they offer and how much they charge every year, with plans differing by geographic region. But just looking at premiums, which some drug-plan guides do, is not going to tell you much about… Continue reading
Oct 22 How are Medicare Part D drug plans changing in 2015? By Philip Moeller Upwards of 40 million people have Medicare Part D drug plans, and while reviewing your plan is less than fun, Making Sen$e's Medicare Maven, journalist Philip Moeller, explains how taking the time to review your plan during open enrollment could… Continue reading
Oct 21 Petition takes aim at Toys ‘R’ Us over ‘Breaking Bad’ action figures By Justin Scuiletti It has been more than a year since "Breaking Bad" ended its run on television, but Walter White has now taken up residence on the shelves within Toys "R" Us stores -- a decision that prompted a Florida parent to… Continue reading
Oct 20 Watch Will Apple Pay phase out the wallet? By PBS News Hour From wristwatch to wallet, the cell phone is absorbing more and more forms of personal technology. How does Apple Pay, a new financial transaction service from Apple, affect consumers and how we pay for things? Hari Sreenivasan explores the launch… Continue watching
Oct 20 Yes, Social Security can cancel your benefit. This is how By Laurence Kotlikoff Expecting your Social Security check after paying FICA taxes for years? You may be disappointed. You won't receive your own Social Security benefit if you receive a survivor benefit, for example, that is larger. In other words, you cannot receive… Continue reading
Oct 20 After medical legalization, what are the costs of getting high? By Simone Pathe The legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes has increased its abuse and dependence, as well as binge drinking, in Americans over 21, according to a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Why do economists care? Productivity loss. Continue reading