Donna S asked: I know I can use a loan from my 401k towards the down payment. if I have some money left over from the 401k after that, can I use the rest for the closing costs?Question posted courtesy of: Chris
Can money from a 401k loan for a first time home go towards a down payment AND closing costs?

Mortgage rates have fallen quite a bit this year and 30-year fixed mortgages are averaging close to 4 percent right now. These rates are significantly lower than just a few years ago, so those of you who bought a home in the past are probably hearing a lot of talk about refinancing right now. Refinancing can certainly make sense because a lower interest rate means lower monthly payments, and ultimately a lower total cost of the loan. but is the decision to refinance really that simple?
Unfortunately, there’s more to a …

NBR | Extended Interview: Terrance Odean | Your Mind and Your Money | PBS

cluelessblue asked: My mom said her 401K was getting smaller and smaller and she is not sure why. so she was told to cash it in. is that the right thing to do?Question posted courtesy of: Brent
What is a 401K? Once you have money in one, can you loose any of that money do to a failing the economy?

Getting that first job after college or high school is a very exciting, yet stressful event. You’re probably overwhelmed with many new challenges, opportunities, commitments, and have a lot of questions. one of the biggest changes may be in regards to money.
Make the Most of Your Paycheck

NBR | Extended Interview: Terrance Odean | Your Mind and Your Money | PBS

Make no bones about it, gasoline is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. You don’t need to switch to public transportation to cut costs at the pump. There are a few basic things you can do that could considerably save money on gas.
5 Ways to Save on Gas

For some reason, people automatically assume they need to get more conservative in their portfolio when they retire. it?s probably because they read it in a financial magazine somewhere that says all retirees should do it. But, times have changed. People are living longer, healthier lives than their parents did and your money needs to last a lot longer.
Your retirement could last for 2-4 decades and most people severely underestimate their retirement income needs. At the very least, you should maintain at least 30-40% of your money in stocks. …

The final word from the currency pits, with CNBC’s Melissa Lee and the Money in Motion traders.
The Buck Stops Here

Economists have warned savers, whose money is stagnating in accounts with interest rates as low as 0.1 per cent, that it is likely to last for at least another year.
Savers beware as rock-bottom interest rates ‘unlikely to rise before 2013′