Legacy Topic: Your Money

Personal finance expert Chris Farrell and host Scott Jagow look at the dizzying success Warren Buffett has had as an investor and why he's so tough to copy.

It's time once again for economics editor Chris Farrell to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the Straight Story. This week, Warren Buffett gifted $30 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chris says even Americans of humble means can learn a lot about charitable giving from the Wizard of Omaha.

Life is hard enough without having to decipher everything. Each week, Marketplace Money brings you a word or a phrase that has bubbled to the top of the news. For instance, zombie debt. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?

As we speak, recent college grads are getting acquainted with "the real world." You know, the world where health insurance is costly and getting costlier. Tess talks with Georgetown University's Karen Pollitz about health care options for grads -- and the tradeoffs involved.

Personal finance expert Chris Farrell and host Scott Jagow discuss the likely impact of today's Federal Reserve meeting.

Investor enthusiasm for ethanol-maker Aventine's IPO this week might be even bigger than rival VeraSun's recent public stock offering. Janet Babin reports.

A major hedge fund is being investigated by the SEC for insider trading, while an SEC rule governing the funds has been thrown out by the courts. Amy Scott reports.

The first ever pure gold coin has been unveiled by the US Mint. It goes on sale tomorrow and buyers are already lining up get a piece of history or just a good investment. Alex Cohen reports.

Oil is the most-traded commodity on the planet, but until recently there weren't many good strategies for the average investor who wants a piece of the action. Doesn't mean it's not risky though. Andrew Haeg explains.

It's time once again for economics editor Chris Farrell to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the Straight Story. This week, report after report points to gloomy financial prospects for retirees. But Chris sees blue skies, for those willing to work a bit longer.