Your Money

Kaitlyn McCollum, pictured here in 2018, was teaching high school in Tennessee when her federal TEACH Grants were turned into more than $20,000 in loans.

More Than 6,500 Teachers Have Had Unfair Student Debts Erased

1:33pm August 22, 2020

by Cory Turner

After an NPR investigation led to an overhaul of the troubled TEACH Grant program, the U.S. Department of Education says teachers have had nearly $44 million in loans turned back into grants.

A drop-off at a day care last month in the Queens borough of New York City.

Day Care, Grandparent, Pod Or Nanny? How To Manage The Risks Of Pandemic Child Care

5:47pm August 21, 2020

by Katherine Harmon Courage

At least two-thirds of U.S. families are struggling to find safe and affordable child care as the pandemic rages on. NPR asked infectious disease experts to help sort the health risks of each option.

Beware of scammers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask you for any sort of payment or seek other financial information or your Social Security number.

How To Tell A Real COVID-19 Contact Tracer's Call From A Scammer's

9:47am August 20, 2020

by Julie Appleby

A loved one's health could depend on the truth if you get a call from a real contact tracer about your exposure to the coronavirus. But beware impostors who ask you for payment or to click on a link.

A sale sign is seen in front of a home in Miami. FHA loans are used by many minority, lower-income, and first-time homebuyers because the low down payments make homeownership more affordable. But this demographic is more likely to be hurt financially duri

Loans For 1st-Time Homebuyers See Record Delinquencies

3:17pm August 18, 2020

by Chris Arnold

It's a sign that minority, lower-income, and first-time home buyers are getting hit hard financially amid the pandemic. But a vast majority are protected by Congress from foreclosure.

Lisa Vrooman with her boyfriend John Rock, dog Umar and cat Mochi. They love the high ceilings in their 650-square-foot apartment, but keeping it cool is costly.

Pandemic Electric Bills Are Searing Hot, As Families Stay Home

10:47am August 17, 2020

by Scott Horsley

With lights out in many offices and millions of people plugging in at home, residential power bills are soaring, even as overall electricity consumption slumps during the recession.

The Federal Reserve has helped push interest rates to record lows, which allows millions to consider refinancing. But a new fee from Fannie and Freddie could introduce an obstacle, critics say.

Want To Refinance Your Home Loan With Record Low Rates? Get Ready For A Hefty Fee

5:20pm August 14, 2020

by Chris Arnold

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will start charging an extra upfront fee in September ... as much as $1,500 for a $300,000 loan. Lenders are upset and blame the Trump administration.

Queue Listen Now

California Assembly member Monique Limón (foreground) introduced a bill to create a financial watchdog agency for the state.

New California Financial Watchdog Would Take Aim At Predatory Lenders Amid Pandemic

10:40am August 14, 2020

by Chris Arnold

California may be on the cusp of creating a watchdog agency. Proponents say federal regulators aren't doing their job, leaving leaving millions of Americans vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

Queue Listen Now

How are you doing financially as the coronavirus economy drags on into fall? We're listening.

Tell Your Story: How Are You Coping In The Coronavirus Economy?

4:39pm August 11, 2020

It's been about five months since our economy ground to a halt. How has the pandemic affected your job, your finances and your family?

Stock trading has become easier and cheaper than ever. But have venues like Robinhood made it too risky for inexperienced investors?

Economy

Millions Turn To Stock Trading During Pandemic, But Some See Trouble For The Young

10:25am August 11, 2020

by Jim Zarroli

Stock trading has become easier and cheaper than ever. And people stuck at home during the pandemic have flocked to it. But have venues like Robinhood made it too risky for inexperienced investors?

Queue Listen Now

Staff at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores turned off a 30-foot waterfall and collected all the coins visitors had thrown into the water while making wishes. After cleaning them off, they'll put the money toward the aquarium's expenses.

Economy

Aquarium Is Washing Old Wishes To Pay Bills During Pandemic

4:50pm August 10, 2020

by Camila Domonoske

No coin shortage here: While it's closed for the pandemic, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores has drained a 30-foot waterfall and cleaned off 100 gallons of pocket change.