Money Matters

When Money Matters first aired on KPLU some 7 years ago, we were speculating about whether the housing bubble was going to burst, and wondering if we were heading into a recession. It's certainly been a wild ride since then. All good things must come to an end, and it's time to bid farewell to financial commentator Greg Heberlein. For our final show, we leave you with some advice to keep in mind going forward.

No matter how financially savvy you are, there’s always room for improvement.

It is said the stock market climbs a wall of worry. Well, it was a really, really, big wall this year. Financial commentator Greg Heberlein groups the worries into three categories: Economic, Political and Market.

Have you been swept up in bitcoin mania? Bitcoins purchased at the beginning of this year were valued at $13.50. As of Dec. 9, they were trading at close to $900. That’s a rise of more than 6000 percent! Many folks are eyeing the virtual currency as an easy way to make huge profits. But KPLU financial commentator Greg Heberlein urges caution. Bitcoin prices may very well continue their march into the stratosphere. Or the bubble could burst.

In the Center of the Universe, Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, stands Tableau Software . Tableau is 10 years old and has been a publicly owned company for just six months. It’s growing fast. In just the past three years, employment has gone from fewer than 200 to more than 1,000. Financial commentator Greg Heberlein says Tableau is a company that local investors should keep their eyes on.

When Microsoft holds its annual meeting Nov. 19, shareholders will finish voting for the company’s board of directors . Usually it’s a straightforward affair, but this time, the candidacy of John W. Thompson will be closely examined. Recently, a company that advises major shareholders on corporate governance urged shareholders to vote against Thompson .

It’s not uncommon for heirs to stumble across old stock certificates when disposing of an estate. What should you do with them? If the stock is for a recognized company that’s still in business, your task is relatively easy. If there’s no cancellation stamp on the certificate, any brokerage can cash it in for you (but you’ll need to provide the necessary paperwork proving you inherited it). If you don’t recognize the company name and can’t find it online, then you have some work to do. We’ll

If a financial adviser offers you a quick way to double your money, should you go for it? Hold on to your wallet! The bigger the promised return, the more skeptical you should be. On this weeks Money Matters, Greg Heberlein looks at Ponzi schemes and how to avoid them.

Are U.S. savings bonds still a worthwhile investment? KPLU financial commentator Greg Heberlein thinks so. Even with all the government shutdown shenanigans in Washington, D.C., Greg says savings bonds are still one of the safest investments you can buy. In addition to safety, savings bonds are ideal for savers of modest means who need to sock a few dollars away each month. You can buy a savings bond for as little as $25.

You've worked hard to fund your golden years with an Individual Retirement Account ( IRA ). But what happens to that money when you die? Well, since you won't be around, maybe you're not worried about it. But financial commentator Greg Heberlein says a little planning now can make things easier on your loved ones down the road.