Jean's Blog

Money 911: Loan modifications and HARP

This morning on Money 911, we fielded questions about loan modifications and refinancing mortgages. To see our answers — and to hear about the federal refinance program that can help you if you’re underwater — check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Newsweek: The cost of unpaid internships

In spite of ongoing headlines about legality issues and claims of slave-like labor, today’s college students are pursuing internship opportunities with unparalleled vigor — more than half of the class of 2011 had one, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. And nearly half of these students were not paid for their work.

But here’s a dirty little secret about unpaid internships that colleges and employers alike aren’t telling you:  these aren’t just zero-sum deals. Many of these unpaid internships require that the student receive credit at his or her university. But in order to get credit, you have to pay — and pay a lot, in some cases.

In my latest piece for Newsweek, I delve into the ins and outs of these unpaid internships — and provide some tips on how to afford them.

New York Daily News: Your kids and financial literacy

Think your kids don’t pay attention to you?  It turns out they may be absorbing more than they let on — at least, when it comes to money. A recent study from the University of Arizona and the National Endowment for Financial Education found that parents are the most important factor in building financial capability for their children. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to your kids and money, check out my my latest  New York Daily News column — I tell you how to set a good example and help your children’s financial literacy. 

Money 911: Finding a renter for your second home

This morning on Money 911, we heard from a woman who is trying to decide what to do with her second property — should she sell it, or try to find a reliable renter? To see what we told her, plus tips on how to find a good C.D, check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

New York Daily News: The return of the 401(k)

During the economic downturn, many companies reduced or eliminated their 401(k) match programs. Two years later, 401(k)s finally seem to be coming back strong. This means that it’s time to maximize your own 401(k) and take advantage of any new benefits that are being offered. In my latest  New York Daily News column, I give you a rundown of some of these new benefits.

Money 911: Should you dip into your IRA to pay off debt?

This morning on Money 911, we heard from a woman who wanted to raid her retirement account to pay off credit card debt.  To see what we told her — as well as whether it’s better to get a fixed or variable rate student loan — check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Manners and Money: Can one affect the other?

Something has been bugging me recently. A few months ago, I came across a study that said the salaries of mean people are higher than the salaries of nice people. It essentially confirmed the “nice guys finish last” proverb, noting that mean men earned nearly $10,000 more than their nice-guy counterparts, and the “Mean Girls” of the office are earning nearly $2,000 more than their agreeable female coworkers.

Then, just a few weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal came out with an article saying that bad manners can actually cost you — in a retail setting, that is. (I’m not surprised. My friends who have worked as hostesses and sales reps say that they go out of their way to help customers who are pleasant and treat them with respect.)

But I was confused. Which helps your wallet more — being mean or being nice? I reached out to a few manners and career experts, and found that my gut (and what I’ve been telling my children all these years) is right: Please and thank you can go a long way, and you can be assertive without being mean. I was reminded of some good tips during these conversations (and heard some new ones, too), and would like to share them with you. Here are some good things to remember that will help your reputation and your wallet:

• There’s a difference between opportunity and obligation: Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute reminded me that “there’s no such thing as the thank-you note police. But it’s an opportunity to cement the relationship, and express gratitude.” Senning said the effects of this are hard to quantify, but sending thank you notes and expressing gratitude within the workplace can develop your reputation in a positive way — one that might help you out later on.
• Etiquette offenses can be fireable: Senning noted that in a survey of managers, the majority said they’d fire an employee for an etiquette offense, with foul language and gossip topping the list of most offensive behaviors.
• Don’t sir and ma’am to death: “Don’t always put yourself below people. Anyone could overdo please and thank you, and could cultivate a submissive personality.” Senning said. However, he was quick to add this: “But they’re effective tools and to abandon them, you do so at your own peril.”
• Don’t model your behavior after the 1 in 300,000,000: In talking to career expert Don Asher, I mentioned Steve Jobs — a man of remarkable accomplishment who, it has emerged, was less than civil towards employees at times. Asher said that while Jobs is an “interesting example,” he was that 1 in 300,000,000. Typically, the strategies that work for the “unusual” don’t work for the rest of us.

Today’s Money: Hidden bank fees

Banks may have decided not to implement debit card fees, but there are still other areas in which they are charging you extra. To hear about the fees associated with minimum balances and overdraft protection — as well as how much the banks stand to profit from reducing your interest rate by just 1/100 of a point, check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

New York Daily News: The ins and outs of disability insurance

A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about disability insurance, and many of you had follow-up questions. In my latest  New York Daily News column, I tried to answer those questions and provide some insight into the process of getting disability insurance.

Today’s Money: How to switch banks

With monthly debit fees on the way, many consumers want to switch banks. But do you know where to begin? This morning on Today, I spoke with Natalie about the things you need to do to make the switch. To hear how to find a better bank, plus why you need to check your last four bank statements, check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy