Jennifer's Compass

In Focus: Green Investing

(NECN) - Investing in America's Green Future. President Obama says renewable energy and green jobs are key elements to America's economic future. Is it time to add "green" to your portfolio?

Ask Jennifer: Tips for young people to get ahead (and other great NECN viewer questions)

(NECN) - Worries about job security today seemed to offset enthusiasm about rising home values and stocks. It's no surprise that it's hard to be enthusiastic if you're starting your first job in this market.

Viewer questions this week included Sarah (a ONEin3Moneyr) concerned about getting started on $20,000 a year.

Susan, who's trying to decide between buying a new or a used car. And Micheal whose managing cash flow and expenses for his children's nanny.

ONEin3Money.org - Helping 20- to 34-year-olds to be money savvy

About one-third of Boston's residents are between the ages of 20 and 34. These folks are our city's future professional and civic leaders, our workforce and our consumers, so we want them to stay and build their lives here. Last week, the city launched an initiative called ONEin3Money.org to increase the financial savvy of this important demographic. 

I was honored to emcee the launch party. Here are some of the questions participants' were asking.

Click the link below to view the segment

Getting the best of your employee benefits

(NECN) - As we head into fall, we are getting closer to open enrollment season -- the time when many of you will have the chance to pick your health and other benefits for 2009.

Layaway for the holidays instead of credit

Shopping for gifts doesn't need to mean massive bills come January. Layaway plans are back and for good reason: reasonable fees, locked-in purchases and easy budgeting. Plus, they hide the gifts for you. What could be better?!

So the market is back on track (sort of): Here's how to update your college and retirement plans.

(NECN) - The economy has been through a lot in the past year and the market is up a bit since the lows in March. Are the old assumptions about asset allocation and stocks for growth still true?

Planning for Money Smart Holidays

(NECN) - The holidays are still a couple of months away, but there's no time like the present to start planning. Here are the best ways to have fun without running up your credit card bill.

Viewer questions on transferring money after a divorce, annuities in IRAs and where to get reasonably priced investment advice

Jim in Lawrence asks: As part of my divorce agreement I owe my ex-wife $30,000. Can I give her money from my IRA without paying taxes?

Jan in Waltham asks: I'm rolling my pension over to my IRA because of change in lump sum calculation. We've consulted a financial planner and are considering placing at least half of the sum in a fixed annuity and the remainder in investments such as mutual funds and bonds. What's your opinion of this investment decision?

Ann in Boston asks: My client will be receiving about $60,000 from a life insurance policy and needs financial planning advice about what to do with the money. Are there free or low cost financial planners that could help?

NECN Viewer questions: How much for an estate plan, figuring the taxes on unemployment, and index funds v shares

Great viewer questions Friday morning.

NECN Ask Jennifer: Picking a broker, estate planning and bi-weekly mortgages

NECN viewers ask about ING Direct's new brokerage offering, how much lawyers charge for a complex estate plan, and whether or not a bi-weekly mortgage payment is a good idea.