Biography
Kathy Kristof's experience in business journalism dates back to her first job after graduation from the University of Southern California in ...
Now may be the time to buy a home
February 13, 2011
If you're into bottom-fishing, now may be the time to start trolling for real estate. At least that's the advice of Michael Corbett, author of "Before You Buy: The Homebuyer's Handbook for Today's Market."
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Cutting the cost of divorce
February 6, 2011
It may seem unromantic, but just about the only people who are busier than florists this time of year are divorce attorneys.
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Is now the time to buy muni bonds?
January 30, 2011
Worries about out-of-control state deficits, underfunded municipal pension plans and rising interest rates have been kicking the teeth out of the municipal bond market lately, with prices plunging and yields soaring.
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Retirement saver's credit could significantly reduce tax bill
January 23, 2011
Saving for retirement may be the last thing on your mind when you get your first job out of college or when you are otherwise struggling to make ends meet. But the federal government offers a special income tax break that could dramatically reduce your after-tax cost.
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Gift-card resale market thrives online
January 16, 2011
If you have a bunch of unused — or partially used — gift cards sitting in a drawer somewhere, you're not alone. Some experts estimate that the average family has $300 in unspent plastic cash.
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Get your finances in order one month at a time, Part 2
January 9, 2011
Here's Part 2 of the month-by-month program to get your finances in order during the new year. Each step will probably take you less than an hour per month, but together they can lead to better investing, more effective financial planning and smarter saving in 2011.
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Get your financial house in order one month at a time
January 2, 2011
Forget New Year's resolutions. Most people break them by February anyway. If you want to get your financial life in order this year, resolve to do just one thing each month.
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This college lets students earn their degrees online
December 26, 2010
Halfway into her junior year, Orleatha Smith dropped out of college. She had been juggling a full academic course load at Loyola Marymount University, a pricey private college near Los Angeles, and a full-time job.
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When debt collectors go after the wrong person
December 19, 2010
If you have a common name, watch out. You could get "tagged" with someone else's debt.
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Sizing up college financial aid packages
April 20, 2008
One of the many challenges of sending a child through school now sits in a pile on Joseph Han's desk.
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Prom night need not break the bank
April 13, 2008
David Lee, 18, figures he'll spend $400 to $450 to participate in an annual rite of spring -- the senior prom. And he's only half of the equation.
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Some college grants on chopping block
April 6, 2008
When Marlene Christine Hurd was young, education wasn't her top priority. She dropped out of college and went to work.
