Mary Childs

Mary Childs, a seasoned financial journalist and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, breaks down the intimidating world of investing. She discusses the importance of understanding retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs, emphasizing the benefits of employer matching and tax strategies. Childs explains how index funds often outperform actively managed funds and the role of diversification, including the classic 60/40 stocks-to-bonds ratio. She also touches on ethical investing and how to manage short-term goals with brokerage accounts, making finance accessible and engaging.

Mary Childs, a Planet Money reporter, sheds light on the controversial tolls of the Panama Canal amidst U.S.-Panama tensions. She discusses how tolls are structured based on ship size and type, not nationality, and the implications of President Trump's comments. The conversation dives into the effects of recent toll hikes and a new proposal for an auction system aimed at enhancing fairness. Childs also highlights the canal's strategic importance for U.S. shipping and the challenges posed by low water levels and infrastructure plans for the future.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of 'The Bond King', dives into the intricate issues surrounding the national debt. She discusses why current concerns about fiscal deficits demand attention, contrasting them with historical precedents. The conversation reveals the political fallout from Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head, highlighting the trust crisis in economic data. Finally, they explore Tesla's hefty incentive package for Elon Musk and its implications for corporate governance.

Mary Childs, a journalist and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, breaks down the intimidating world of investing. She clarifies the basics of employer retirement plans like 401(k)s, and the tax implications of traditional versus Roth IRAs. Mary emphasizes the benefits of index funds for most investors and stresses the importance of diversification to manage risk. She also explains the role of bonds in a portfolio and the significance of starting early to benefit from compounding returns. Plus, insights on ethical investing options make this a must-listen!

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and an NPR Planet Money reporter, dives deep into the life of Bill Gross, the legendary "Bond King" and PIMCO founder. She discusses his transformative impact on the bond market and the internal conflicts that led to his dramatic exit. The conversation also touches on the emotional paradoxes faced by top investors, revealing how success can be both a blessing and a curse. Childs shares insights into the toxic financial culture that can shape a career, providing a captivating look at ambition and downfall.

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, delves into the life of Bill Gross, the pioneer of bond trading and founder of PIMCO. She highlights Ed Thorpe's early influence on Gross and how they navigated the financial crisis while forging a unique bond with the government. The conversation also covers the dramatic events leading to Gross's decline at PIMCO, including a pivotal miscalculation and the personal challenges he faced, painting a vivid picture of the complexities behind 'The Bond King'.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of "The Bond King," dives deep into the complexities of stock market predictions using the Fama-French model. She highlights the shifting nature of financial numbers and the clash between empirical finance and legal perspectives. Discussions also include the historical performance of value stocks versus growth stocks, challenges in creating reliable datasets, and philosophical questions about the reality behind financial numbers. Childs' sharp insights make this exploration of finance both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Mary Childs, host and reporter for NPR's Planet Money and author of The Bond King, joins to discuss the fallout from USAID cuts on humanitarian efforts. They delve into the struggles faced by organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA as they tackle critical funding gaps, the complexities of delivering aid in conflict zones, and the emotional weight of decision-making in life-saving grants. The conversation also explores the nuances of private philanthropy, discussing effective giving strategies and the pressing need to balance immediate relief with long-term solutions.

In this insightful discussion, Mary Childs, a seasoned economics journalist and host of Planet Money, dives into the aftermath of USAID funding cuts on humanitarian efforts. She reveals the scramble faced by organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA to adapt to the vast funding gaps. Mary highlights the emotional toll of funding decisions, the challenges in conflict zones, and the balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of effective altruism and practical ways to contribute meaningfully this holiday season.

Join Mary Childs, a host at Planet Money and an insightful journalist, as she delves into the aftermath of USAID funding cuts on humanitarian initiatives. Mary discusses how organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA are grappling with the urgent demand for aid. Discover the heart-wrenching decisions made by charities, the emotional cost of determining who gets saved, and how effective altruism struggles against the backdrop of limited resources. Learn why now may be the perfect time to maximize your philanthropic efforts.