State of the Union/State of the Economy
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February 1, 2003
This week on Sound Money, what the State of the Union says about the state of our economy. Also on the program, find out how budget deficits across the nation are hurting pre-paid state college tuition plans. We have the results of a new study that says just because a mutual fund has the Morningstar five-star rating doesn't mean it will outperform similar funds. Plus the best cell phone service according to Consumer Reports magazine. All on this edition of Sound Money.

• INTERVIEW #1: Wells Fargo Chief Economist Sung Won Sohn shares his reaction to the economic elements of President Bush's State of the Union address.
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• INTERVIEW #2: So you've chosen your portfolio based on the Morningstar ratings system. Wise choice? Well, a new study from Pace University's business school says that mutual funds who rate well with research companies like Morningstar and Value Line don't always outperform other funds.
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• INTERVIEW #3: In a recent survey, Consumer Reports magazine found that one-third of their subscribers were so dissatisfied with their cell phone plan that they were willing to switch carriers. Deputy editor David Heim tells us why.
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• COMMENTARY: Author Ilyce Glink says despite the prevalence of credit cards and bank machines these days, it's important not to retire the concept of "mad" money.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: This week, our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger talks about how states' budget crises are hurting pre-paid college tuition plans around the country.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: What should you do with an inheritance in this market? Chris Farrell has some advice.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Destiny of the Dollar
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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War and Uncertainty
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February 8, 2003
If the United States goes to war with Iraq, should your investment strategy change? This week on Sound Money, we talk to CFP Ross Levin about what he's hearing from his clients and the financial decisions he's making in this uncertain economic period. James Grant, founder and editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer, tells us what he thinks about the performance of stocks, bonds, and commodities. Erica Whittlinger helps us prioritize our finances. And The Splendid Table host Lynne Rossetto Kasper stops by the studio to teach Chris how to make an inexpensive but inspiring Valentine's Day meal.

• INTERVIEW #1: Certified Financial Planner Ross Levin talks to Stephanie Curtis about managing financial portfolios during a period of uncertainty. How does the possibility of war with Iraq and a double dip recession affect his decisions?
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• INTERVIEW #2: James Grant, financial writer and editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, shares his thoughts about how stocks, bonds, currency, and commodities are performing so far in 2003.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: If you’ve maxed out your 401(k) and have some extra money saved, listen up. This week, our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger helps us with our financial priorities.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: A Better Way
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Does it make sense to pay off your fixed rate mortgage with a home equity line of credit? Chris Farrell has some advice.
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• INTERVIEW #3: Chris Farrell talks with The Splendid Table host Lynne Rossetto Kasper about how to make a memorable, but inexpensive Valentine’s Day feast.
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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Franchising
February 15, 2003
So... you hate your boss, but you love donuts. Does that mean you should quit your job and open up a Krispy Kreme? Before you do, make time for Sound Money, as Stephanie Curtis and Chris Farrell go over the questions to ask before buying a franchise. Our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger shares what she thinks of owning real estate in your 401(k). And if you're curious about the history of the U.S. dollar, be sure not to miss Chris Farrell's interview with Jason Goodwin, author of Greenback: The Almighty Dollar and the Invention of America.

• INTERVIEW #1: Ever dreamed of owning your own business, but not sure what that business would be? There's always the option of buying a franchise. Entrepreneur magazine's Rieva Lesonsky tells us the questions to ask before getting into a franchise business.
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• INTERVIEW #2: Why is Alexander Hamilton on the ten-dollar bill? Is the "Wizard of Oz" a story about the battle between gold and silver? Find out when Chris Farrell speaks with Jason Goodwin, author of the book Greenback: The Almighty Dollar and the Invention of America.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: Sick of watching your 401(k) value plummet? Then listen when our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger tells us what she thinks about a little-used option of owning real estate in your retirement savings plan.
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• COMMENTARY: Financial journalist Charlie Wheelan says he doesn't want to take on the transportation infrastructure or question our country's reliance on Mid-Eastern oil, he just wants to ride his bike to work.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Does it make sense to pay off your fixed rate mortgage with a home equity line of credit? Chris Farrell has some advice. Plus a listener is so distraught about his stock market losses, he's literally singing the blues.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Tax Reform the Wrong Way
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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Home Equity Buzz
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February 22, 2003
Seems like everyone these days is taking out a home equity loan or line of credit. This week on Sound Money, find out what you need to know about home equity before you decide to pay off debt or remodel with home equity. We also talk about the strength of the U.S. dollar and how it affects the global economy. Then Erica Whittlinger brings us her portfolio pep talk. She says, despite lousy stock market performance, you'd better keep investing in your retirement savings plans.

• INTERVIEW #1: Home equity loan interest rates are at record lows. But does that mean you should borrow against your home to build an addition, pay off credit card debt, or make large purchases? Find out what to consider before taking out a home equity loan or line of credit when we talk with www.bankrate.com Senior Financial Analyst Greg McBride.
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• INTERVIEW #2: Yianos Kontopoulos, chief global foreign exchange strategist at Merrill Lynch, talks about the health of the U.S. dollar, and how it impacts the global economy.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: Why should you keep investing in your 401(k) when each quarterly statement brings more bad news? Our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger makes a convincing argument.
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• COMMENTARY: Financial author Ilyce Glink explains why it’s important to have credit in your own name.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Would a national sales tax simplify our tax system? Chris Farrell shares his ideas. Plus find out if it makes sense to use an IRA to pay off a car loan.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Expect Five Percent for the Future
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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