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Kelli B. Grant

Senior Consumer Reporter

Jen Wieczner

Reporter

Jeremy Olshan

Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com

AnnaMaria Andriotis

Personal Finance Senior Writer

Most Talked About SmartMoney Stories

Like IPO, Facebook Lawsuit May Disappoint Investors

blogs.smartmoney.com — Even if the Facebook shareholders suing the social network and its underwriters over the handling of the initial public offering win a settlement, history suggests the payout could be small. Three investors filed a civil lawsuit in Manhattan federal court Wednesday alleging that the site and the banks handling the deal failed to disclose crucial information prior to the IPO.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Will the Facebook lawsuit disappoint? Settlement dollars for such suits have been shrinking -- even as filings are up. http://t.co/D6tjG833
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Why Facebook lawsuit, like the IPO, may disappoint investors. http://t.co/iIwaekxp

SmartMoney's Annual Broker Survey 2012

smartmoney.com — Most people seldom hear from their broker; they may get an occasional e-mail here, a letter there, and perhaps the rare phone call. But these days, brokers are doing a new kind of outreach: text messaging, often with a little nudge to trade. And that's just the tip of the tech iceberg.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
For the third year in a row, Fidelity tops SmartMoney's broker rankings. http://t.co/tR8iRVcE

New Of-the-Month Clubs: Worth It?

smartmoney.com — Some send a pair of shoes each month. Others deliver gourmet marshmallows, bacon or baby food. And then there are the personal grooming clubs, which send a month's worth of moisturizer and other skincare products. So-called of-the-month clubs have moved beyond wine, books and fruit baskets.
Kelli B. Grant Senior Consumer Reporter, SmartMoney @kellibgrant
Have you ever tried an of-the-month club? They're seeing a resurgence, but the deals aren't always worth it http://t.co/vqts6Ww1

Facebook Lawsuit (Like IPO) May Disappoint Investors

blogs.smartmoney.com — Even if the Facebook shareholders suing the social network and its underwriters over the handling of the initial public offering win a settlement, history suggests the payout could be small. Three investors filed a civil lawsuit in Manhattan federal court Wednesday alleging that the site and the banks handling the deal failed to disclose crucial information prior to the IPO.
AnnaMaria Andriotis Personal Finance Senior Writer, SmartMoney @AAndriotis
Payouts in shareholder lawsuits similar to the one filed against Facebook Wednesday plummeted in recent years. http://t.co/NpSIZHtL

The Hidden Costs of Public Wi-Fi

blogs.smartmoney.com — For many people, Wi-Fi costs a cup of coffee. But as five major cable operators band together to spread free Wi-Fi across the country, some experts say consumers may end up buying everything from manicures to a pair of jeans in order to get online.
Andrew Kaczynski Politics Reporter, BuzzFeed @BuzzFeedAndrew
RT @RachelEnsignWSJ: The hidden costs of public wi-fi. http://t.co/kQV4ZyhU
Rachel Louise Ensign Personal Finance Writer, Wall Street Journal @RachelEnsignWSJ
The hidden costs of public wi-fi. http://t.co/fa9Ypj4j

Families Lose Sole Perk of Flying With Kids

blogs.smartmoney.com — For all the miseries of flying with small children, families could always count on one perk from the airlines: early boarding. But now, this too seems to be going the way of the free in-flight meal. Families hoping to avoid the crush of passengers and bags during boarding may now need to pay $36 or more for the privilege.
Kelli B. Grant Senior Consumer Reporter, SmartMoney @kellibgrant
Families lose the sole perk of flying with kids http://t.co/rgmjRW0o
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Families lose sole perk of flying with kids: http://t.co/AHlrYNS7

Parents Lose Sole Perk of Flying With Kids

blogs.smartmoney.com — For all the miseries of flying with small children, families could always count on one perk from the airlines: early boarding. But now, this too seems to be going the way of the free in-flight meal. Families hoping to avoid the crush of passengers and bags during boarding may now need to pay $36 or more for the privilege.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Early airplane boarding with your small kids will now run you $36 or more. http://t.co/OQ7fOa6i

McMansions Fuel New Home Sales

blogs.smartmoney.com — The rise in new home sales is being driven in part by demand for the kind of larger and more luxurious custom-built houses that had fallen out of favor in recent years, builders say. Data released on Wednesday shows that sales of newly built homes rose 3.3% in April from a month prior and 9.9% from a year ago.
AnnaMaria Andriotis Personal Finance Senior Writer, SmartMoney @AAndriotis
U.S. homes are getting bigger. The average size of a new home jumped 5% last year to 2,505 sq. ft. http://t.co/Tz2y05Vj

McMansions Fuel New Home Sales

blogs.smartmoney.com — The rise in new home sales is being driven in part by demand for the kind of larger and more luxurious custom-built houses that had fallen out of favor in recent years, builders say. Data released on Wednesday shows that sales of newly built homes rose 3.3% in April from a month prior and 9.9% from a year ago.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Welcome back, McMansions: Home builders say new home sales are driven by demand for large, custom-built houses. http://t.co/iyA4PQxF

Can New Rules Curb Prepaid Card Fees?

blogs.smartmoney.com — If federal regulators limit the charges levied on pre-paid debit card users, banking officials say the industry will likely just invent new fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Wednesday announced plans to develop new protections for the prepaid cards, which allow those who don't have bank accounts to make purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Why regulating bank fees is like Whack-A-Mole: http://t.co/dgT62NLZ

Retire Here, Not There: Tennessee

smartmoney.com — When it comes to retirement hotspots, advisers say the Volunteer State might as well be the Overlooked State. The neighboring Carolinas tend to get all the attention, with popular enclaves like Asheville, Chapel Hill and Hilton Head. That's good news for retirees, since "popular" often means "pricey."
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Tennessee as retirement haven? Cost of living is 11% below U.S. average, no income tax (except interest, dividends). http://t.co/y9VzM8h5

Does Facebook Wreck Marriages?

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg changed his status to "married" Saturday and received over one million "likes" from his followers. But the site he founded isn't always so marriage-friendly. In fact, lawyers say the social network contributes to an increasing number of marriage breakups.
Anne Torres Segment Producer, Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg News @annefrancia
RT @WSJ: More than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word "Facebook." http://t.co/LCshU6rx Via @SmartMoney
Gillian Shaw Digital Life Reporter, Vancouver Sun @gillianshaw
RT @Mona: Over 1/3 of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook: http://t.co/ZGfU0SYA #yikes
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Thank you, Facebook: Our most-read blog post of all time. http://t.co/jXM7qkxX
Betty Nguyen Anchor, CBS News @Betty_Nguyen
1 in 3 divorce filings contain the word Facebook. Does the site wreck marriages? http://t.co/6z5Js57n
Dan Nguyen Web Journalist, ProPublica @dancow
"Facebook" mentioned in 1/3 of divorce filings, according to some UK firm's report http://t.co/qpGpX8Ni
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The Return of the Seller’s Market

blogs.smartmoney.com — Is the worst over for homeowners? Data released Tuesday shows that existing-home sales increased 3.4% in April from a month earlier and 10% from a year ago, with market conditions improving in many parts of the country. But more tellingly, say experts, the inventory of unsold homes dropped 21% from a year ago.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Good news for homeowners:14 of the 33 U.S. regions tracked by research firm Metrostudy are now "seller's markets." http://t.co/AW500yfZ

Retire Here, Not There: Tennessee

smartmoney.com — When it comes to retirement hotspots, advisers say the Volunteer State might as well be the Overlooked State. The Neighboring Carolinas tend to get all the attention, with popular enclaves like Asheville, Chapel Hill and Hilton Head. That's good news for retirees, since "popular" often means "pricey."
Catey Hill Freelance Journalist @CateyHill
Move over North Carolina: Tennessee's got some great places to retire! http://t.co/Rrm7YhOF via @SmartMoney

Beware the Dividend Fakers

smartmoney.com — Utility stocks have a reputation for providing investors with plump dividends. Sure enough, the utility sector of the S&P 500 index carries a dividend yield of 4.1%, versus a 2.2% yield for the broader index. On a $10,000 investment, that's the difference between collecting $410 a year in cash payments and collecting $220 a year, not counting future dividend increases.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
Excellent piece by @jackhough on "dividend fakers," companies that pay out cash while diluting their shares. http://t.co/SZDTlC43

Stock Trek: How to Invest in Outer Space

blogs.smartmoney.com — The launch of the first private spacecraft bound for the international space station on Tuesday heralds a new era of space exploration, funded by the likes of movie director James Cameron and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. But financial advisers point out that you don't need to be a billionaire to invest in outer space.
Raju Narisetti Managing Editor, WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @rajunarisetti
Stock Trek: A @smartmoney Quick Investor Guide to making Money off Outer Space http://t.co/vURVx9cK @wsj
Jonnelle Marte Money and Investing Reporter, SmartMoney @Jonnelle
You don't need to be a billionaire to invest in outer space http://t.co/Pmk5lkRs
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Stock Trek: Backing missions like Tuesday’s rocket launch isn’t just for the Captain Kirks of industry. http://t.co/DxjLo2g9

3 Reasons Facebook Stock Won't Soar

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook (FB) on Monday tumbled 11% to $34.03 - well below last week's $38 initial offering price. Shareholders who had bought the stock for a quick flip must now consider whether to defy all those Facebook skeptics and hold it longer. That has worked out beautifully for anyone who has held Google (GOOG) stock since its 2004 debut.
Jonathan Dahl Editor in Chief, SmartMoney @DahlJonathan
3 Reasons Facebook's stock won't--and hasn't--soared. http://t.co/eAhVilrU #facebook #stocks #ipo

Does Facebook Wreck Marriages?

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg changed his status to "married" Saturday and received over one million "likes" from his followers. But the site he founded isn't always so marriage-friendly. In fact, lawyers say the social network contributes to an increasing number of marriage breakups.
Pete Catapano Managing Editor, amNewYork @pcatapano
"More than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook, " The rest contained Ask Jeeves, I surmise http://t.co/8I3oxIep

The Return of the Seller’s Market

blogs.smartmoney.com — Is the worst over for homeowners? Data released Tuesday shows that existing-home sales increased 3.4% in April from a month earlier and 10% from a year ago, with market conditions improving in many parts of the country. But more tellingly, say experts, the inventory of unsold homes dropped 21% from a year ago.
AnnaMaria Andriotis Personal Finance Senior Writer, SmartMoney @AAndriotis
the return of the seller's market: a 5-month supply of homes defines a seller's market & it exists in several cities. http://t.co/6LldJC41

The Case for Stodgy Stocks

smartmoney.com — It has been quite a ride for a fund composed of the market's tamest stocks. But now, just as imitators are proliferating, some experts think this popular exchanged-traded fund could be sinking back to earth. The ETF, PowerShares S&P 500 Low Volatility, is loaded with stocks any grandparent could love: Kellogg, Coca-Cola (KO) and Procter & Gamble (PG), among others.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
An ETF that owns the market's tamest stocks is up nearly 10% over the past year. Can boring win over the longer term? http://t.co/ECWqYeCq

3 Reasons Facebook Stock Won't Soar

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook (FB) on Monday tumbled 11% to $34.03 - well below last week's $38 initial offering price. Shareholders who had bought the stock for a quick flip must now consider whether to defy all those Facebook skeptics and hold it longer. That has worked out beautifully for anyone who has held Google (GOOG) stock since its 2004 debut.
Jack Hough Columnist, SmartMoney @jackhough
Right after its IPO, Google was half expensive relative to revenues as Facebook is now. http://t.co/a6xV8ENs $FB $GOOG

3 Reasons Facebook Stock Won't Soar

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook (FB) on Monday tumbled 11% to $34.03 - well below last week's $38 initial offering price. Shareholders who had bought the stock for a quick flip must now consider whether to defy all those Facebook skeptics and hold it longer. That has worked out beautifully for anyone who has held Google (GOOG) stock since its 2004 debut.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
@jackhough's 3 reasons why investors shouldn't expect Google-like returns from Facebook. http://t.co/Q723qgaJ

How to Save on 'Free' Airline Tickets

smartmoney.com — Airlines raised the fees on free. In exchange for giving travelers who redeem miles more seats to choose from, carriers are tacking on bigger surcharges. Frequent flyer expect to pay a little in taxes and fees to get an awards seat. But the price tag for free seats has been steadily climbing.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
"Free" airline reward seats often come with hundreds of dollars in fees. @kellibgrant reveals 6 ways to cut costs. http://t.co/1cO6eQ5C

Pros Dump 'Balanced' Approach

blogs.smartmoney.com — Is the 60/40 portfolio dead? Is it dying? Or does it just have a really bad cold? For as long as anyone can remember, the standard portfolio has been considered 60% stocks, 40% bonds. That's what you'll get in a typical balanced fund, and it's where most money managers start when they think about constructing a portfolio.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
40% of financial advisers no longer believe the traditional 60/40 portfolio works. http://t.co/Ydm0Vaog

How to Save on 'Free' Airline Tickets

smartmoney.com — Airlines raised the fees on free. In exchange for giving travelers who redeem miles more seats to choose from, carriers are tacking on bigger surcharges. Frequent flyer expect to pay a little in taxes and fees to get an awards seat. But the price tag for free seats has been steadily climbing.
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Airlines raised the fees on free. http://t.co/8WlqBf5h

How to Save on 'Free' Airline Tickets

smartmoney.com — Airlines raised the fees on free. In exchange for giving travelers who redeem miles more seats to choose from, carriers are tacking on bigger surcharges. Frequent flyer expect to pay a little in taxes and fees to get an awards seat. But the price tag for free seats has been steadily climbing.
Kelli B. Grant Senior Consumer Reporter, SmartMoney @kellibgrant
That "free" airline reward seat could cost you a few hundred dollars http://t.co/BVkfR1RK

Pros Dump 'Balanced' Approach

blogs.smartmoney.com — Is the 60/40 portfolio dead? Is it dying? Or does it just have a really bad cold? For as long as anyone can remember, the standard portfolio has been considered 60% stocks, 40% bonds. That's what you'll get in a typical balanced fund, and it's where most money managers start when they think about constructing a portfolio.
Jonnelle Marte Money and Investing Reporter, SmartMoney @Jonnelle
40% of advisers no longer believe 60/40 portfolio is the best way to manage risk http://t.co/ox9DPQQY

10 Things Hollywood Won't Tell You

smartmoney.com — 1. "The real nail-biter? Our balance sheet." Picture it: captains of industry struggling to stay relevant in a world they no longer understand. It may sound like a Citizen Kane-esque cinematic saga, but it's actually the story of today's studio executives, say film-industry watchers. The U.S.
Jonathan Dahl Editor in Chief, SmartMoney @DahlJonathan
Ten Things Hollywood Wont Tell You: #3, product placement have doubled in seven years, now valued at $1.8 billion http://t.co/70bYxvaX

Does Facebook Wreck Marriages?

blogs.smartmoney.com — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg changed his status to "married" Saturday and received over one million "likes" from his followers. But the site he founded isn't always so marriage-friendly. In fact, lawyers say the social network contributes to an increasing number of marriage breakups.
Jonathan Dahl Editor in Chief, SmartMoney @DahlJonathan
Best Facebook stat to date: RT @JeffNash3 More than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook. http://t.co/PD7vTOJ6
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
More than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook. http://t.co/kSs4fUlL

Psychoanalyzing Facebook's 'Like' Button

blogs.smartmoney.com — Despite all the IPO hoopla, academic research suggests Facebook may be making more people crazy than rich. A slew of recent studies found the site causes some people to become depressed. And a new paper contends the site appeals to people with far more serious psychiatric problems. The latest study gives the thumbs down to the ubiquitous "like" button.
Jonathan Dahl Editor in Chief, SmartMoney @DahlJonathan
New research: Using Facebook's "like" button a lot makes people mentally unstable. http://t.co/ywFjM9An

The 5 Biggest Muni Defaults Ever

blogs.smartmoney.com — For munis, it has been a surprising run. Despite grim predictions of a market collapse - kicked off in late 2010 by celebrity analyst Meredith Whitney - the overall number of defaults has been falling. Municipal-bond funds, meanwhile, have gone on to post market-beating returns, even as many stock funds floundered.
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
The 5 biggest muni-bond defaults of all time amount to nearly $22 billion. http://t.co/SGh30GDo

Psychoanalyzing Facebook's 'Like' Button

blogs.smartmoney.com — A slew of recent studies found the site causes some people to become depressed. And a new paper contends the site appeals to people with far more serious psychiatric problems. The latest study gives the thumbs down to the ubiquitous "like" button.
Brian Morrissey Editor in Chief, Digiday @bmorrissey
crazy people = fb like button overusers. http://t.co/pBI7XY4h
Jeremy Olshan Senior Editor, SmartMoney.com and WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @jolshan
Our story about how over-clicking the Facebook like button may be a sign of mental imbalance has nearly 6,000 likes. http://t.co/tq6pzuBP
Lauren Young Wealth Editor, Reuters @LaurenYoung
Click Facebook "like" button often? You're more likely to show signs of psychiatric problems. http://t.co/IElcfDxW
Dan Bilefsky Roving Correspondent, New York Times and International Herald Tribune, New York Times @DanBilefsky
Facebook causes psychological problems, a new study shows: http://t.co/ZR0hNWEc via @SmartMoney
Catherine Bigelow Society Correspondent, San Francisco Chronicle @MissBigelow
Or didn't they score #FB IPO? via@SmartMoney: FB "like" button users more likely show symptoms of psych problems. http://t.co/SsCGZmHx
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5 Products With Overhyped Health Claims

blogs.smartmoney.com — Shoes that tone legs. Skin creams that induce weight loss. Drinks that fight off colds. Consumers get bombarded with advertisements that sound too good to be true. But Federal regulators say they often can't intervene until customers start complaining.
Tanya Mannes Small Business Reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune @TanyaMannes
RT @SmartMoney Those sneakers won't tone your legs or help you lose weight. Products that are too good to be true: http://t.co/EM3ZOS3G
Jeff Nash Personal Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal @JeffNash3
RT @SmartMoney: Those sneakers won't tone your legs or help you lose weight. Products that are too good to be true: http://t.co/9orrem3g
AnnaMaria Andriotis Personal Finance Senior Writer, SmartMoney @AAndriotis
Shoes that tone legs. Creams that induce weight loss. Drinks to fight off colds. 5 products w/ overhyped health claims http://t.co/f3g6FMIw

Why Social Networks Want Your Photos

blogs.smartmoney.com — The Internet is saying cheese. First Facebook forked over $1 billion for the photo-sharing app Instagram. And now Pinterest, another social photo site, is being valued at $1.5 billion. In the online arms race between Apple, Facebook, Google, and others, control of the world's snapshots is seen as vital - and lucrative, experts say.
Caroline Kim Web Producer, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo! News @c_kim
Why social networks want your photos http://t.co/JvOnmBkz via @SmartMoney
Liz Heron Director of Social Media and Engagement, Wall Street Journal @lheron
Why are your photos so lucrative for Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook? They're "sticky" http://t.co/JYc00hXN
Demetria Gallegos Community Editor, Wall Street Journal @demetria_g
"Why are photos so important to social networks? Like bank accounts, experts say photos are 'sticky.' " And... http://t.co/7oljhmx7

Best Full-Service Brokers

smartmoney.com — You might think the most affluent investors would get the best tech tools. But surprisingly enough, experts say, most full-service brokers are behind the technological curve; their websites lack features that are standard among even run-of-the-mill discounters. Getting wired is a tricky balancing act for the full-service crowd.
J. Alex Tarquinio Staff Writer, SmartMoney @alextarquinio
Full-service websites lag discounters. Web monitor @Forrester says it's time to catch up! @SmartMoney’s Broker Survey http://t.co/9CSXtkT8
J. Alex Tarquinio Staff Writer, SmartMoney @alextarquinio
Getting wired tricky for full-service brokers who "don't ever want technology to replace the relationship." @SmartMoney http://t.co/9CT20UU2
J. Alex Tarquinio Staff Writer, SmartMoney @alextarquinio
A: Smallest full-service broker in @SmartMoney Broker Survey: @RaymondJames (5k brokers). Biggest: @MorganStanley (18k) http://t.co/9CT20UU2
J. Alex Tarquinio Staff Writer, SmartMoney @alextarquinio
Q: 5k? No that’s not a race. Which full-service firm ranks near the top of @SmartMoney’s survey with only 5k brokers? http://t.co/9CT20UU2
J. Alex Tarquinio Staff Writer, SmartMoney @alextarquinio
Full-service websites lag discounters. Web monitor @Forrester says it's time to catch up! @SmartMoney’s Broker Survey http://t.co/9CT20UU2
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