Jennifer's Compass

The Pillars of ETF Investing

(CNBC) Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been gaining popularity in the investing world, edging out old school competitors and providing a sense of flexibility for average investors feeling hamstrung by the rules associated with mutual funds.

Carmen calls ETFs a “money magnet.” Of every $100 invested in the market in 2008, $9 went into ETFs – that’s more than quadruple what it was in 2001.

Great mention for our book "The Complete Idiots Guide to Protecting your 401(k) and IRA"

Thank you Peter! We're pleased you liked the book.
How To Understand Your IRA

Peer-to-Peer lending: Bank alternative

(NECN) - In Focus Tuesday, credit and lending. We've talked a lot about how challenging it has been to find a loan during the recession. In this segment we check in on a topic known as peer to peer lending.

If you're an investor, this could be one way to get a better return than a CD or savings account. Defaults are still high on the loans, but improving with new credit scores screens put in place by the P2P companies.

If you need a loan to move credit card debt off a card, start or grow a business or for other personal sources P2P (or social lending) may be the solution.

Time to take advantage of refinancing?

(NECN) - Mortgage rates are low, and homeowners are taking advantage by refinancing. Its not the easiest process. We've received several viewer questions about it, click the segment below for the answers.

Annuities: Savior or another expensive danger?

(NECN) - With the stock market down and retirement nest eggs hurting, the promise of an "income for life" sounds more attractive than ever. Are annuities the savior of your retirement, or another expensive danger?

Understanding your 401(k)

(NECN) - Today In Focus, understanding your 401(k). The last few years, we've seen a lot of losses, so it's more important than ever to know what you're paying in fees on your investments.

Ask Jennifer: Viewer questions

(NECN) - Financial help during a layoff, and keeping good credit are some of the top issues viewers asked on Tuesday.

Sam in Boston: I lost my job in end of 2008 and my wife's contract abruptly ended last month. With the low current interest rates, we thought of refinancing or modifying our mortgage and approached a few lenders with no success. With both of us out of work can we get some sort of help?

Jean in Canton: Are credit cards allowed to increase the interest rate on their special transfer offers? I have two cards that I transferred higher balances to on a special offer and now these companies are raising the rate. Should I transfer these balances to another card offering a lower rate?

Helen in Boston: My husband and I have quite a few credit cards with no balances. I never use mine, but I'm afraid to close them because I hear that could lower my credit score. On the other hand, I'm concerned that leaving extra cards open is an identity theft risk. What should we do?

NECN: Viewer's questions

(NECN) - Today on NECN, we answered viewer questions focused on the market and 401ks.

Kathryn in Boston: Although market fluctuations can't be predicted, lets suspend reality for illustration purposes. Imagine you're an investor in August 2008, and you had a crystal ball that told you markets would drop 40% through January. Your retirement savings is invested and well-diversified. How would you have cashed out of long-term holdings of stocks, bonds, and mutual Funds to minimize the impact? Are capital-gains taxes the biggest deterrent?

Richard in Princeton, NJ: Your book..."Protecting Your 401k and IRA" has been very helpful. Speaking of the "protecting" part, my question relates directly to preserving capital in my 401(k). I understand FDIC increased their coverage limits but that doesn't apply to my 401k investments. What portion of my current 401k retirement plan assets are really insured, and what, if anything, can I do to make them safer?

Caroline in Boston: Should people invest the same amount into their 401 (k) plans as before? What should people do if their employers suspend matching?

Drew in Somerville: I'd really like to refinance and lower the interest rate on my mortgage. I'm not eligible for a modification because I'm making my payments on time. I have equity, but less than before. The bank tells me that the PMI guarantor has changed its insurance requirements. This is frustrating…when will the banks be ready to offer programs under the new package?

Click below for the answers

In Focus: Tips as tax deadline approaches

(NECN) - There is just about a week to go before the April 15th tax deadline. On In Focus, we offer some tips on meeting the deadline, and a way to save money by contributing to an IRA.