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msnbc.com: Answer Desk
Msnbc.com is a leader in breaking news and original journalism. © Copyright 2008 msnbc.com
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Cracked Tees
The debt legacy
This week a 13-year-old reader from Topeka wants to know: What is the government going to do about paying down the gigantic national debt? We wish we had a better answer.
  Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:37:36 GMT
Time to end oil tax breaks?
Should the oil industry get to keep tax breaks intended to spur more production? And why can’t the government reset variable rate mortgages to the rate that homeowners can afford?
  Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:30:03 GMT
A 401(k) urban legend
On top of the high economic anxiety we’re all slogging through these days, recent reports of congressional plans to “do away with 401(k) plans” aren’t helping.
  Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:40:14 GMT
How low can stocks go?
The stock markets wild gyrations show no signs of letting up. As market indices rack up huge losses, a Florida reader is wondering: what happens if it just keeps going down?
  Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:54:26 GMT
Who made this mess?
As the global financial turmoil shifts from full-blown panic to widespread anxiety, a lot of readers are also getting angry. And they're taking names: “Who’s responsible for this mess?”
  Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:02:27 GMT
Where did the money go?
The financial market collapse of the past few weeks has destroyed trillions of dollars in wealth. So where, exactly, did all that money go?
  Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:24:37 GMT
Can’t we put the bums away?
The government's $700 billion plan to rescue the creaking financial system has prompted readers to ask, why can't we just arrest the CEOs responsible for this mess?
  Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:33:53 GMT
What's your take on bailout?
This week we're asking for your take  on the financial crisis and the government’s emergency bailout. Log on to Newsvine and join the conversation. The Answer Desk
  Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:06:29 GMT
The financial mess and you
An extraordinary week in the financial markets brought a flurry of questions from readers about their personal finances. The Answer Desk
  Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:25:03 GMT
Why no bailout for homeowners?
The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has left some readers wondering: What about families who have lost their homes — or are still at risk of foreclosure?
  Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:50:40 GMT
Are W-4 changes a good idea?
With costs rising and paychecks flat, readers are looking for ways to make ends meet.  The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 8 Sep 2008 15:42:43 GMT
Who cares about Fannie, Freddie?
If most mortgages are being paid on time, just why is everyone so worried about mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?  The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Tue, 2 Sep 2008 12:06:57 GMT
Is it better to save or pay off debt?
If you’re saving for a house, is it better to pay off student loans first or put everything toward a down payment? The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:43:19 GMT
Placing a heating oil bet
Is it better to sign up for one of those pre-paid heating plans? Or hope that oil prices will keep falling?  The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:47:36 GMT
How far will gas prices fall?

One analyst says gas prices could drop another 10 to 20 cents a gallon.It's hard not to notice the recent drop in gasoline prices . Which has a lot of readers wondering: How much lower are they headed?  The Answer Desk, by John Schoen.
  Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:49:47 GMT
When nest eggs get fried
The gyrations in the stock and credit markets have forced some retirees to face choices they may not have thought about when financial markets were calmer.  The Answer Desk
  Mon, 4 Aug 2008 15:55:28 GMT
Is my money safe in a bank?

About 10,000 depositors at IndyMac Bank recently learned about the limit the hard way; they’ll lose about half the money in their accounts above that $100,000 limit. The failure of IndyMac Bank last week — and news that some depositors didn’t get all their money back — has a number of readers wondering: is my bank account safe?
  Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:36:29 GMT
Is it time to tap U.S. oil reserves?

The U.S. stores millions of barrels of crude oil at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Bryan Mound, Texas.With gasoline prices showing no signs of easing, a number of readers are wondering why the U.S. doesn’t tap into the millions of barrels it has stored up in case of an emergency. If this isn’t an emergency, they’re wondering, what is?  The Answer Desk.
  Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:55:06 GMT
Is this economy worse than past recessions?

So far, the economy has avoided some of the shocks of the 1970s. Unemployment is still roughly half where it was then. And unlike these drivers in 1973, you can still get gas for your car. How does the current downturn stack up against recent recessions? So far the current event seems fairly mild. But there are worries about a "double dip." The Answer Desk.
  Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:48:51 GMT
Who owns my mortgage?

In the turmoil that followed the collapse of the housing boom, some lenders went out of business or were bought up by bigger lenders — and the loans from those defunct lenders changed hands. Homeowners with mortgage troubles get similar advice wherever they turn: contact your lender. But, for many, that's not as easy as it sounds.
  Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:16:36 GMT
How bad are consumers getting squeezed?
Rising gas prices are just the latest in a series of blows that have consumers tightening their belts. The Answer Desk.
  Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:35:42 GMT
Would more offshore drilling help?

There’s likely more oil to be found offshore both U.S. coasts, especially in deep water where it has only relatively recently become technically possible and economically viable to extract. And it could take a decade to do so.The White House call for increased oil drilling in the U.S. is a great idea. Unfortunately, it won’t provide relief at the gas pump for millions of Americans struggling with the cost of topping off their tanks.  The Answer Desk.
  Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:48:11 GMT
Economic forecast ABCs
Where is the U.S. economy headed? Is the current downturn going to follow a V-shape - or maybe a U? Economists have come up with an alphabet soup of forecasts lately.
  Sun, 8 Jun 2008 21:14:16 GMT
Why do U.S. refiners export fuel?
With gasoline prices zooming toward $4 a gallon - a beyond - readers are looking for relief - and explanations. If fuel is in such short supply, how come U.S. refiners are shipping some of it out of the country?  The Answer Desk.
  Sun, 1 Jun 2008 21:23:38 GMT
Why not ban oil speculation?
The recent spike in oil prices has been blamed on, among other things, speculators  trying to make a buck. So why can’t we just put a stop to all this speculation?  The Answer Desk.
  Mon, 26 May 2008 16:41:48 GMT
The candidates on gas prices
The summer driving season isn't even here yet, and the issue of rising gas prices is heating up on the campaign trail. So what would the presidential candidates do?  The Answer Desk.
  Sun, 18 May 2008 22:30:54 GMT
Are we in recession — yes or no?
This week readers are looking for a straight answer to what seems like a simple question. Is the U.S. in recession or not?  Yes. It is simple question. After that things get a little more complicated.  The Answer Desk.
  Mon, 12 May 2008 21:13:03 GMT
Gas tax 'holiday' a bad idea

May 6: CNBC’s Steve Liesman and a panel of experts discuss the economics of a gas tax ‘holiday.’ (CNBC)With two of three presidential candidates proposing a gas tax “holiday,” some readers are wondering why the government can't do more to cut energy prices. The Answer Desk.
  Tue, 6 May 2008 15:33:42 GMT
If things are so bad, why are stocks rising?
With all the gloomy economic news out there, from a nasty housing slump to a weakening job market, some readers are wondering: Why are stock prices rising? The Answer Desk.
  Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:32:06 GMT
Oil surcharges are killing my business
The record run in crude oil prices is really beginning to pinch businesses with heavy shipping costs. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:04:53 GMT
Why bail out homeowners?
As Congress moves ahead with efforts to fix the mortgage mess a lot of readers are wondering: Why should homeowners who got in over their heads get government help?
  Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:11:12 GMT
Is China paying for U.S. taxpayer rebates?
As millions of Americans figure out how they’re going to spend their tax rebate checks, some readers are wondering: Just where is this money coming from?
  Sun, 6 Apr 2008 23:09:33 GMT
Just how bad will the economy get?
The events of the past few weeks  have rattled readers. Some are wondering: Just how bad is the economy going to get?
  Tue, 1 Apr 2008 04:24:12 GMT
What if I can't pay my mortgage?
With defaults and foreclosures rising, readers are wondering: What if I can't pay my mortgage?  The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:19:27 GMT
Honest answers on oil prices?
Readers are looking for some honest answers on the reasons behind the recent spike in oil prices. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:26:21 GMT
How bad is the economy?
The latest news on inflation and unemployment point to some bad weather ahead for the economy. Just how bad is the storm going to be? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:26:39 GMT
Why are mortgage rates jumping?

If the Federal Reserve is busy cutting interest rates, why are mortgage rates jumping? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:26:59 GMT
A hostile takeover playbook
If Microsoft has the cash to buy rival Yahoo, why can’t it just call up a stock broker and  buy  all of Yahoo's stock? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:27:19 GMT
Tax rebate riddles
As readers sit down to the annual brain-teaser of filing their income tax returns, this year offers a new enigma. Will I get one of these tax rebates from the government?
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:27:42 GMT
How much will my rebate be?
What could be simpler than handing out tax rebates? Alas, with all things related to the U.S. tax code, the question of who gets what turns out to be not so simple.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:28:07 GMT
Not a win for tax dodgers
Actor Wesley Snipes' recent acquittal on tax fraud charges is being taken as a victory by a band of tax "protesters." But, they are overlooking a key fact: Snipes still faces jail time.
  Tue, 5 Feb 2008 19:03:12 GMT
How much will I get from the stimulus plan?
Now that the dust has settled on the government's plan to spend $100 billion on tax rebates, readers have  one question in mind: how much do I get?   The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:07:00 GMT
Why is the Fed so worried about inflation?
If the U.S. economy is slowing down, why is the Federal Reserve  still worried about inflation?   The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:29:08 GMT
Which businesses hold up well in a recession?
A reader wonders which businesses do well when the economy heads south.  The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:29:29 GMT
Are we already in a recession?
Economists debate whether the economy may be headed for recession, but many readers believe we are already in one.  The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:29:56 GMT
Questions we didn’t get to in 2007
We get all kinds of business and financial questions at the Answer Desk. Here are some we didn’t get to in 2007. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:16:50 GMT
Can I hedge the impact of the falling dollar?
Some consumers are hit a lot harder than others by the slide in the value of the dollar. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:54:55 GMT
Which is worse: foreclosure or bankruptcy?
Based on our mail, the financial squeeze that’s left millions of Americans falling behind on their mortgage payments doesn’t seem to be letting up. For some, that presents a stark choice: is it better to lose your house to foreclosure or file for bankruptcy protection?. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen
  Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:19:48 GMT
How you can prepare for a recession
While many economists say they don’t see a downturn on the horizon, it doesn’t hurt to consider the possibility that a recession may be coming. Think of it like getting ready for a storm: you may wind up with some extra batteries on hand if it doesn’t hit. But you won’t be left in the dark if it does. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen
  Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:51:52 GMT
Should we be worried about the falling dollar?
The dollar touched an all-time low against the euro on Monday, extending its biggest three-month decline in three years.  Just what’s behind the Great Dollar Decline? What does all this mean for U.S. consumers? And what happens if the dollar keeps sliding?? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen
  Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:13:25 GMT
Should Congress bail out borrowers in trouble?
With Congress  talking about ways  to help borrowers with adjustable mortgages who risk losing their houses because they can’t afford higher payments, some readers  are asking: why should taxpayers bail out these borrowers? If they signed up for an adjustable rate, shouldn’t they be prepared to deal with the consequences?  Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 9 Sep 2007 21:48:55 GMT
What is the deal with hedge funds?
The financial storm that swept through the credit markets in the past two weeks involved a cast of characters that included a somewhat mysterious entity known as a hedge fund. Which left many readers wondering: What exactly is a hedge fund? Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:38:07 GMT
How does Fed ‘inject’ money into the system?
On Friday, the  Federal Reserve  pumped money into the global credit markets to head off a developing panic.  So just what happens when the Fed pumps money into the system? Whose money is it – and where does it go when the pumping starts?  Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:38:53 GMT
Will housing mess drag down economy?
As the U.S. housing market continues to grind through its worst slump in over a decade, some readers, like M.H. in Columbus, are wondering how long it will take before the U.S. economy starts to slump along with it.  Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 5 Aug 2007 20:32:08 GMT
How appraisal fraud costs you money
This week, Jon in Florida is steamed at the high price of real estate, and he wants to know: where do they come up with these prices? Esther in Nevada is looking for her husband's long-lost pension. And Susan in Michigan is trying to figure out how much student debt is too much. Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:55:16 GMT
If housing's down, why are rates up?
The latest interest rate move by the Federal Reserve — a whole lot of nothing — has some readers, including Alvin in North Carolina, wondering why the central bankers aren't doing more to help the ailing housing market by cutting rates. Hint: They're still worried about inflation.  Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 2 Jul 2007 14:29:57 GMT
When will the housing market recover?
The cold front that has swept through the housing market has hit some areas of the country much harder that others, and a reader from Florida is among many wondering: when will things begin to pick up again? The Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:51:21 GMT
Do unskilled immigrants hurt the economy?
The intense debate about immigration reform stopped the latest effort at passing a reform bill dead in its tracks late last week, sparking a lot of questions from readers. Francelia in California posed one of the most succinct: Do unskilled immigrants hurt the American economy? The Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:46:06 GMT
Where can my kids learn about money?
This week, a Minnesota mom is worried that her kids aren't getting the education they'll need to manage their finances as adults. Though there are a number of organizations that can help, kids still learn most of what they know about money from their parents — the earlier the better. The Answer Desk, by MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Mon, 4 Jun 2007 14:18:08 GMT
How come the dollar keeps falling?
This week, dollars seem to be on readers minds. Tayeb in Algiers wants to know why the dollar is falling — even though the U.S. economy remains fairly healthy. Joseph in California has a different problem: He just ran over $500 in cash with his lawn mower and wants to know how to salvage it. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen
  Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:44:12 GMT
Persistence pays off in battling card fees
Like a lot of credit card holders, Kelly in Pennsylvania was tired of getting dinged with late fees, especially when she felt sure she paid her bill on time. But unlike many, she stuck to her guns. Meanwhile, Peter in Texas is trying to start a small business — from scratch.   The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 1 Apr 2007 22:59:17 GMT
Video: Married or not?
MSNBC.com's John Schoen helps a reader figure out her marital status in this week's Answer Desk Video.
  Thu, 8 Mar 2007 19:42:31 GMT
How can I fight nuisance bank fees?
This week, Bonnie in Georgia is steamed because her bank charged a fee without telling her about it and wants to know what she can do to  get her money back. Deana in Boise is wonder if a 401k retirement plan is still a good bet. Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Sun, 18 Feb 2007 22:02:45 GMT
How do struggling companies survive?
This week's stunner by auto maker Ford that it lost $12.7 billion last year has a number of readers, including Joe in Mississippi, wondering: how can it keep losing all that money an stay in business? By MSNBC.com's John W. Schoen.
  Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:17:46 GMT
Why is my cable TV bill going up so fast?
Erik in Washington state is steamed about increases in his cable TV bill -- and may be getting some help from the FCC.   Elena and her husband are drowning in financial records and trying to figure out what they can toss.   The Answer Desk, by John W. Schoen.
  Wed, 27 Dec 2006 19:11:37 GMT
Who has the right to collect data about me?
Joan is Wisconsin recently had trouble getting a loan because of mistakes in her credit report. She's wondering: Just what gives credit agencies the right to collect files on us anyway? John in Colorado is sifting through the options and trying to figure out the "best" way to invest.
  Mon, 20 Nov 2006 13:03:06 GMT
Who profits from higher interest rates?
With adjustable mortgages and credit card rates rising, Henry in Maryland is wondering where the extra money on his monthly payments is going. Just who profits when interest rates rise?  In Indiana, Nick is feeling a little put out because a collection agency is still bothering him about a 7-year-old debt.  Isn't there some law against this?
  Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:41:45 GMT
When siblings fight over a late parent's will
The death of a parent is a trying time even in the best of circumstances.  Tracy in Wisconsin is coping with the added burden of a squabble over her late father's will.  MSNBC.com's Answer Desk explains.
  Tue, 1 Aug 2006 19:26:14 GMT
Once and for all, am I married or not?
Several Answer Desk readers  discover things can get a little complicated down the road if you’re not entirely clear about your marital status.
  Fri, 23 Jun 2006 22:40:28 GMT

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