Your Money

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., are proposing to forgive student debt for most Americans. They greet each other at a Democratic primary debate in July.

Forgiving Student Debt Would Boost Economy, Economists Say

11:32am November 25, 2019

by Chris Arnold

Democratic presidential candidates want to obliterate student debt. Economists say that could help with income inequality, but it would come with a big price tag and risks.

Queue Listen Now

2020 Affordable Care Act Health Plans: What's New

2:04pm November 21, 2019

by Shefali Luthra

ACA plans for 2020 are cheaper than last year — premiums lower, on average. And in some areas, people who qualify for federal subsidies could end up with no monthly payment. But read the fine print.

A demonstrator celebrated outside the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 after the court voted to uphold key tax subsidies that are part of the Affordable Care Act. But federal taxes and other measures designed to pay for the health care the ACA provides have not

Want New Taxes To Pay For Health Care? Lessons From The Affordable Care Act

2:53pm November 19, 2019

by Julie Rovner

When passing the ACA, Democrats touted the fact that they had included many measures to pay for the bill's expanded coverage. But nearly 10 years later, Congress has eliminated many of those taxes.

One rule announced by the Trump administration Friday puts pressure on hospitals to reveal what they charge insurers for procedures and services. Critics say the penalty for not following the rule isn't stiff enough to be a an effective deterrent.

Trump Wants Insurers and Hospitals To Show Real Prices To Patients

9:47pm November 15, 2019

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Two regulations announced Friday take aim at health care prices. One, to affect patients by 2021, addresses hospital rates. The second, a proposal, would require more upfront clarity from insurers.

Queue Listen Now

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has argued that "borrower defense" is too lenient.

Betsy DeVos And The High-Stakes Standoff Over Student Loan Forgiveness

10:52am November 15, 2019

by Cory Turner

The Education Department narrowly avoids a subpoena in a fight with House Democrats over forgiving the loans of defrauded student borrowers.

Queue Listen Now

The Military Lending Act caps annual interest on loans to military members at 36% and offers other safeguards. Now, lawmakers are proposing to extend that protection to veterans and others.

A Ban On High-Cost Loans May Be Coming

12:46pm November 07, 2019

by Chris Arnold

Some payday loans carry interest rates of 100% or more. The Military Lending Act limits rates on loans to service members. Now, a bipartisan bill aims to extend that protection to all Americans.

Queue Listen Now

Most Of Nation's Top Public Universities Aren't Affordable For Low-Income Students

10:47am November 05, 2019

by Alexis Marshall

Public flagship universities are critical for low-income students because they serve as engines for upward mobility. But a new report finds they're often out of reach financially.

A sales clerk speaks with a customer in front of Microsoft Corp.'s display at an electronics store in Tokyo. Microsoft's division in Japan says it saw productivity grow by 40% after allowing employees to work for four days a week rather than five.

Microsoft Japan Says 4-Day Workweek Boosted Workers' Productivity By 40%

6:12pm November 04, 2019

by Bill Chappell

Employees at Microsoft Japan worked four days a week, enjoyed a three-day weekend — and got their normal, five-day paycheck. As part of the trial, the company also capped meetings at 30 minutes.

Laura Hart says that if she had gotten a five-year loan instead of a seven-year loan, she wouldn't have let the dealer talk her into buying an extended warranty, and maybe she would have bought a less expensive car.

Economy

The 7-Year Car Loan: Watch Your Wallet

3:29pm October 31, 2019

by Chris Arnold

Americans are buying more expensive cars — nearly $38,000 for new cars, on average. And longer-term loans are enabling many people to make the payments, but at a cost.

For the third year in a row, the percentage of companies that offer high-deductible plans as the sole health insurance option will decline in 2020, according to a survey of large employers by the National Business Group on Health.

Firms Seeking Top Workers Find They Can't Offer Only High-Deductible Health Plans

4:48pm October 29, 2019

by Michelle Andrews

Big firms are again offering more generous health plans alongside or instead of policies with sky-high deductibles. Why? They need to do so to stay competitive and recruit top talent.