Columnists

Berko: Thumbs-up for H&E Equipment Services

December 2, 2017, 6:00am Business

Dear Mr. Berko: My 83-year-old dad can no longer manage his $565,000 stock and bond portfolio, so it has become my responsibility. I am an accountant and familiar with the stock market. My dad and I, having read your column for nearly 35 years (I’ve been a reader since I… Read story

Singletary: We must all fight to defend a key watchdog for financial fairness

December 1, 2017, 6:00am Business

I am an unapologetic advocate for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was created in the wake of a crippling financial crisis that I fear is becoming a distant memory. Read story

Singletary: When you know better, you’ll be better

November 29, 2017, 6:00am Business

What’s more inspiring than the testimony of someone who faced adversity and triumphed? Read story

Brunell: Finding balance in professional licensing

November 28, 2017, 6:00am Business

Recently, the Institute for Justice determined state licensing barriers for lower-income workers and aspiring entrepreneurs not only hurt people trying to establish themselves in a profession, but annually drive consumer prices up by $203 billion. Read story

Harney: Equifax breach taking a toll on consumers

November 27, 2017, 6:00am Business

The scenario that personal finance and credit experts feared most about the heist of consumer data from Equifax may already be underway: Criminals are using the stolen information to apply for mortgages, credit cards, student loans, tapping into bank debit accounts, filing insurance claims and racking up substantial debts, according… Read story

Berko: Advice on biotech stocks, selecting a brokerage firm

November 26, 2017, 6:00am Business

Dear Mr. Berko: I am 32 and recently got a doctorate in French history. After 14 years of attending classes, I will apply for my first ever job at UCLA, which would pay me about $55,000 a year. But first I will take nine months to go on a needed… Read story

Berko: ‘Disruptive technology’ can be wise investment

November 25, 2017, 6:00am Business

Dear Mr. Berko: Back in the summer of 2009, you told me to buy a company called Universal Display for my individual retirement account. The company has thousands of patents for the development of organic light-emitting diode technology, which is used in various solid-state lighting applications. It sounded good, so… Read story