A Look Ahead
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January 4, 2003
This week on Sound Money, a Washington insider talks about tax cuts, prescription drugs, and other issues on the congressional agenda that can affect your pocketbook. Economics editor Chris Farrell shares his economic predictions for 2003. IRA expert Ed Slott says you can use your retirement accounts to get through tough times penalty-free. Plus Erica Whittlinger tells us how to start the new year on the right path: take control of your finances. All this week on Sound Money.

• INTERVIEW #1: Sound Money economics editor Chris Farrell shares his economic outlook for 2003.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: This week, our in-house investment expert talks about the importance of taking control of your finances at the beginning of this new year.
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• INTERVIEW #2: Business Week magazine’s Capitol Hill correspondent Alexandra Starr joins Chris Farrell to talk about the congressional agenda this session.
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• INTERVIEW #3: If you’ve fallen on tough times, it is possible to use the money you’ve saved in your retirement account without facing a penalty. IRA expert Ed Slott tells us how.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Chris Farrell answers listeners' questions. Are exchange-traded funds better than index funds? Find out during this call-in segment.
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• COMMENTARY: Writer Betsy Howie says it’s important for kids to learn what money is worth. Maybe charging them for life’s necessities is the way to teach them.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Here's to the New Year
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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Tax Planning
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January 11, 2003
This week on Sound Money, how President Bush's economic plan could change your tax bill this year and next. Erica Whittlinger tells us what chocolate, sex, and stocks have in common. And personal finance writer Eric Tyson shares innovative tips for creating a budget you'll actually stick with in 2003. All this and more on Sound Money.

• INTERVIEW #1: Tax expert Donna LeValley talks about how the tax cuts included in President Bush's proposed economic plan might affect your tax bill this year and next.
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• INTERVIEW #2: It's not fun, but developing a budget is very important if you wish to reach your financial goals. Besides tracking your spending, what should you do? And how can you develop a budget that you’ll actually stick with? Personal finance writer Eric Tyson has some innovative ideas.
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• INTERVIEW #3: Where can you find $300,000 vehicles alongside pick-up hybrids and cars with washable rubber interiors? At the North American International Auto Show. Csaba Csere, editor in chief of Car and Driver magazine, tells us all about it.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: This week, our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger tells us what chocolate and stocks have in common when she describes the field of neuroeconomics.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Where do you put money for retirement if you can't contribute to your new employer's 401(k) for a year? Chris Farrell has an answer.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Will President Bush's Economic Plan Change Your Investment Strategy?
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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Stock Options for All
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January 18, 2003
On the next Sound Money, find out how stock options for everyone would save companies money. Erica Whittlinger talks about creating a model stock portfolio. Plus we learn the pros and cons of annuities.

• INTERVIEW #1: Joseph Blasi, author of the new book In the Company of Owners: The Truth About Stock Options, talks about how stock options for all employees could actually save companies money.
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• INTERVIEW #2: Wouldn’t a fixed income from your investments be nice during these uncertain economic times? Certified Public Accountant Paul Grangaard talks about where annuities fit into a portfolio. He’s the author of the new book, The Grangaard Strategy: Invest Right During Retirement.
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• INTERVIEW #3: Jeremy Siegel, author of Stocks for the Long Run, talks about why he supports President Bush’s proposal to eliminate the double taxation of dividends, but doesn’t believe individual investors should get the tax break.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: This week, our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger explores various recommendations for a model stock portfolio for 2003.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Do you have a sixth grader at home who wants to be a financial guru? Chris Farrell has some advice for financial gurus of all ages.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Why You Should Consider Stock Speculating
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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Survival Strategies, Winter Getaways
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January 25, 2003
Want a cheap winter vacation? Then listen to Sound Money when travel expert Rick Steves says to forget about those warm vacation spots and head to London or Paris. A new book by Morningstar shares survival strategies for the bear market. And if you have a burning question about your finances or the health of the economy, this is the week to call in. Both Erica Whittlinger and Chris Farrell will answer questions. All on the next Sound Money.

• INTERVIEW #1: Worried about the spreading talk of a fourth down year for the stock market? Sound Money economics editor Chris Farrell speaks with Morningstar Funds editor Christine Benz about bear market survival strategies. Benz is one of the editors of the new book Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds: Five Star Strategies for Success.
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• INTERVIEW #2: With record low temperature readings around the U.S., wouldn’t it be nice to find a cheap winter getaway to a tropical island? While you may find a deal on a warm vacation spot, travel expert Rick Steves says the place to find fantastic value is in Europe.
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• ERICA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS: This week, our in-house investment expert Erica Whittlinger answers questions about owning a bankrupt company’s stock.
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• LISTENER QUESTIONS: Chris Farrell answers listener questions. Find out if it’s a good idea to have your parent co-sign your mortgage.
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• THE NEWS AND VIEWS WITH CHRIS FARRELL: Take a Pass on the Super Bowl Theory
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• RESOURCES: Books and Web sites mentioned on this week's broadcast
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