Good To Know

Investing Small Amounts

A viewer asks: I am 55-years old and will begin receiving a small pension from one of my old jobs. The amount will be only $55 per month until I die. What would be the smartest thing to do with it? Pay down credit card debt, invest it, sock it away in the bank as a rainy day fund? I lost 85% of my portfolio when the stock market tanked and have very little left for retirement, so I'm afraid to get back into mutual funds. Does anything else look good these days?

What Is Your Money Quotient?

Every so often it's a good idea to do a little self-examination. So we thought that you might enjoy a simple money quiz. You won't need a calculator. Not even a pencil or paper. Just a few minutes to find out your "money quotient." You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself. Let's try the first question.

Stop That Debt Collector

A Viewer writes: I had an outstanding judgment against me for $1,000 to pay off an apartment lease that was broken when my ex-husband and I divorced. The total amount owed prior to the judgment was $1,700. The third-party collector who's been calling me insists that I pay that amount. The court said I owe $1,000, which has been paid in full. What can I tell the collector to make him go away?

Finding Financial Advisors

A viewer asks, "A financial corporation offered a class on money and how to properly use it. I sat through their spiel and asked questions. Of course they offer the full array of services from investments to mortgages. All of this sounds good during the presentation. But it has always been my understanding that no one is willing to do something for you without getting something in return." Can you tell me what you think of these corporations and what they are offering? Is there a catch? How can I tell who is reputable and who is just going to take me for a ride? Thanks.

Using ROI At Home

A Viewer asks: I once read about using ROI to determine whether a certain purchase was saving time, energy, or money. Could you write up a story with the ROI formula and how to use it?"

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