High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to manage debt as interest rates increase and prepare for an economic downturn.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for the Washington Post, shares invaluable insights on retirement savings. She emphasizes the importance of starting early to leverage compound interest and secure financial stability. Listeners learn about various investment options and essential savings strategies, including the power of employer matching. Singletary also encourages envisioning one's future to fuel commitment to saving, advocating for a goal of saving at least 15% of income to achieve long-term financial security.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for The Washington Post, teams up with Judith Boivin, a scam victim who lost her life savings. They delve into the painful details of a sophisticated government impersonation scam that exploited trust and manipulated emotions. Judith shares her shocking experience of believing she was involved in a federal investigation and the heartbreak that followed her financial betrayal. The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, emotional impact on decisions, and the need for victims to share their stories to prevent future scams.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist at The Washington Post, and Rana Foroohar, CNN's global economic analyst, join forces to address financial anxieties as 2025 begins. They dive into market volatility and the significance of keeping cash reserves. The duo highlights the disconnect between stock trends and everyday financial struggles while promoting multigenerational living. They also discuss Social Security's future amid reform talks and share strategies for navigating economic uncertainties and retirement savings in challenging times.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for the Washington Post, joins the conversation to dissect the emotional tactics used by scammers. They tell the heartbreaking story of Judith, a 79-year-old who lost $600,000 to fraudsters. Singletary emphasizes the importance of awareness and empathy in scam prevention. The discussion covers various scam awareness strategies, financial security tips, and the need for continuous financial education. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust and the necessary vigilance in protecting our finances.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist and author, shares her expertise on navigating consumer economics, especially with the recent interest rate cuts. Reed Pickert, a Bloomberg News editor focused on the Federal Reserve, discusses how these cuts affect borrowing costs for mortgages and auto loans. They highlight the challenges faced by consumers as inflation persists, offering strategies to manage debt and financial planning in this fluctuating economy. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of making smart financial decisions amidst rising living costs.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist at The Washington Post, delves into the staggering $10 billion lost to scams last year. She discusses the emotional toll on victims who often feel ashamed, emphasizing the need to dismantle stigma surrounding these experiences. Listeners hear heartbreaking personal accounts of deception, highlighting the psychological tactics used by scammers posing as trusted figures. Michelle also calls for community awareness, financial literacy, and government support to help protect against these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Michelle Singletary, a savvy personal finance columnist from the Washington Post, shares her insights on retirement planning. She emphasizes the importance of starting to save early, likening it to learning to swim as a child. The magic of compound interest is a key theme, showing how small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time. Singletary advocates for using retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, promoting automatic contributions and proactive financial management to ensure a secure financial future.

Michelle Singletary, a renowned financial expert, and Rana Foroohar, an insightful economic analyst, tackle pressing economic questions. They discuss the challenges of the current housing market, exploring refinancing options and the impact of rising mortgage rates on families. Innovative solutions like multi-generational living arrangements are proposed to combat housing affordability and student debt. They also emphasize the importance of viewing finances holistically, considering emotional aspects and the need for policy changes to support everyday Americans.

Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary provides last-minute tax advice, discussing filing extensions, utilizing tax professionals, and easing tax season stress. Topics include navigating tax filing, debt resolution, tax refunds, reporting income, and IRS matching system.