Business Columnist Eric Grunder's Headlines

Taxes a shock the first time

Sat, 26 May 2012 12:38 EST

You didn't tell me how MUCH they would take out in taxes.

Port will dig deeper

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:03 EST

San Joaquin County projects won nearly $9 million in funding Thursday from the California Transportation Commission, part of $1.7 billion in allocations for transportation projects statewide.

Keep lid on student loan debt

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:59 EST

During a recent online discussion, lots of people had questions about student loan debt. Here is one I didn't get a chance to address.

Can you buy a good car for cash?

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:36 EST

You can buy a car with cash.

Inpatient care can be costly

Sat, 19 May 2012 13:44 EST

If you find yourself in a hospital for more than a few hours, make sure you find out if you have been admitted for inpatient care or if you are merely considered an outpatient under what is called "observation care."

Some good advice for new grads

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:13 EST

Every year, I like to provide advice to college graduates.

Your input sought on new rules

Tue, 15 May 2012 22:13 EST

If you're as busy as I am, asking you to weigh in on yet another request for comment from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is likely to be greeted with a well-understood "humph."

Strapped borrowers gouged by insurance

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:03 EST

As if homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments don't have enough woe, it now appears that some are being gouged by insurance policies their loan servicers are taking out on their homes - and obligating them to pay for.

Money games for kids

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:18 EST

Your kids loved rolling the dice and snapping up real estate and railroads. They argued over who got to be the banker and hand out the money. Perhaps they even dreamed of living the life of a tycoon.

Urging saving in workplace

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:56 EST

On my first day as a full-time journalist, I called my grandmother, Big Mama, to tell her what it was like.

Young man has some old wisdom

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:25 EST

I vividly recall the 1978 television documentary "Scared Straight" about inmates serving 25 years to life trying to scare juvenile delinquents. The intervention was raw. It was scary.

Long-term insurance for care is available

Sat, 05 May 2012 16:47 EST

My column a few months back about qualifying for Medicaid drew lots of reactions. While many thanked me for the tips, others pointed out that I should have been more clear about the great variation in regulations from state to state. Still others felt...

Fed class teaches finances

Fri, 04 May 2012 20:49 EST

Josh Atkinson is a high school senior and class valedictorian with a passion for filmmaking and skateboarding. The 17-year-old also is a quick study in the tactics of Ben Bernanke and fellow Federal Reserve economic titans.

Death reminds us that preparing a will, other documents is crucial

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:40 EST

My brother Ross recently died of complications from lung cancer. He was 40.

Military financial hardships are deep

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:19 EST

It is no secret that those serving in our armed forces and their families often face significant financial hardship. Military families are almost twice as likely as other Americans to have credit card balances of more than $10,000, according to USA...