Personal finance news - CNNMoney.com

5 reasons banks don't get it

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:07:23 EST

You might think your bank would be rolling out the red carpet for you right now. Barely a year ago the biggest players nearly obliterated themselves and the economy with freewheeling lending practices and needed your tax dollars to bail them out. And with investment banking and commercial lending shaky for now, banks need your retail business more than ever.

Are emerging markets the next bubble?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:53:09 EST

Question: I'm considering investing in emerging markets mutual funds. But do you think that's a good idea, or are they just going to be the next investment bubble? -- Mario, Atlanta, Georgia

Dump the dollar! Buy gold!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:35:55 EST

Back in 1988, long before Louis Bacon became the secretive hedge fund billionaire atop Moore Capital, he was walking the trading floor at Shearson Lehman when he spotted Chris Pia, a burly 21-year-old recruit.

5 ways to pump up your income

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:38:32 EST

Wish you had a little more money in your wallet these days? Who doesn't?

Money's new More Money blog

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:48:50 EDT

Buffett's big bet: Trailing behind after lap one

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:51:56 EST

Remember "Buffett's Big Bet", in which the noted investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway maintained that an S&P 500 index fund would outperform five funds-of-hedge-funds over 10 years? Well, the results for the first lap, the agonizing year of 2008, are finally in, and the funds-of-funds soundly whipped the index. Vanguard's S&P 500 Admiral shares, the index fund "bought" by Buffett, were down 37%. On the average, and net of all fees, costs, and expenses, the five funds-of-funds backed by Buffett's opponent, Prot�g� Partners LLC, a New York money-management firm, delivered -- 23.9%.

Best gifts for the outdoorsy type

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:44:52 EST

Your favorite nature lover will appreciate these affordable woodsy offerings.

Best gifts for the foodie

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:42:16 EST

Choose one of these culinary gift ideas for the kitchen lover in your life.

A brief introduction to bond investing

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:22:12 EST

Question: I'm 26 and want to set up a diversified portfolio for retirement. I'm almost totally invested in stocks, but I know that I should put some money into bonds. I really don't understand how they work, however, and I don't feel comfortable investing in something I don't understand. For example, I think I get the basic idea of a bond, but when I see bond yields fluctuate, I get confused. Aren't they supposed to have a consistent interest rate? --John, Portchester, New York

7 tips for buying foreclosures

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:21:13 EST

Foreclosures are dominating the housing market. Right now, there are 1.5 million such homes for sale, and more are expected to be available soon. That provides both opportunities and pitfalls for bargain hunters.

Best holiday gifts for the gadget geek

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:14:17 EST

Looking for the perfect present for that tech-savvy someone in your life? Try one of these affordable gadgets.

Best gifts for the fashionista

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:29 EST

Review: iPhone navigation apps

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:55:47 EST

Nic Cage spent too much: Ex-manager says

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:39:53 EST

Nicolas Cage brought about his own financial ruin with a spending spree that included two castles, 15 palatial homes, a flotilla of yachts and a squadron of Rolls Royces, his former business manager said.

50 Best Jobs in America

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:49:56 EDT

Money looked for careers with great pay, superior growth prospects, intellectual challenge, flexibility and more.

Retired early ... and getting scared

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:08:20 EDT

Question: I had the good fortune to be able to retire early at age 52, but last year's market meltdown has made me rethink the decision. I may still be okay, but I don't have the same level of certainty I once had. My question is this: How will Social Security be calculated for me and how does the fact that I haven't worked the last few years fit into the calculation? --Jack Ford, West Newbury, Mass.

How much you'll need in retirement

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:27:07 EDT

Question: I always heard that you will need 80% or so of your working salary to live on in retirement. But is that a percentage of your gross income or your take-home pay? --Mary Taylor, Chalfont, Pennsylvania

Leaving your job? Don't forget your 401(k)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:04:01 EDT

Question: I'm in my 30's and have a 401(k) from a previous job, 75% of which is invested in a variety of stock portfolios. Although my stock holdings have recovered a bit recently, I'm still down about $7,000 from my peak balance. I'm planning to roll over this old 401(k) into either the 401(k) at my new job or into an IRA account, but I'm wondering whether I should do the rollover now while stocks are still cheap or wait until the market has recovered and then do it. What do think? --Todd Gerecke, Lynden, Washington

Fixing a stock-heavy retirement account

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:25:37 EDT

Question: I'm 55 years old and have my entire retirement savings plan at work invested in a total stock market index fund. I'm worried, though, that my account is too heavily skewed toward equities given my age. Any suggestions for how I might take a more balanced approach? --Ray K., Oakland, California

An early start on good saving habits

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:18:39 EDT

Question: My 21-year-old daughter makes $80,000 a year working at a large firm. She has very low expenses, so I'd like to see her sock away a huge amount of money. I told her that if you get used to spending a lot each month on "fun" stuff, it will be much harder to save down the road. I'd also like to see her bypass the high-end investment firms in favor of less expensive alternatives. What do you suggest? --Tom F., Chatham, Illinois