Spending
RSS
Arbitration case helps credit card users
Consumers who sign up for credit cards usually sign away their right to sue for unfair charges. Host Bob Moon talks to Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson about why she sued arbitration firms, why they backed down, and what the results mean for consumers. (07/24/2009)
Merchants take a swipe at card fees
Every time you charge your Big Gulp at 7-Eleven, a credit card company swallows part of the profit. But Slurpee slingers have had enough of the merchant fees. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports. (07/24/2009)
Much ado about TARP profits
As banks start paying back TARP funds, taxpayers are getting about 12.4% return on their investment. Now lawmakers are trying to decide whether to spend that money to help the housing market or to pay down the national debt. Steve Henn reports. (07/22/2009)
Digital med records to take time, money
One way to keep health care costs down is by using electronic medical records. The Obama administration hopes for a fully digital medical world by 2014, but transitioning can be costly. Caitlan Carroll reports. (07/20/2009)
'Daddy helper' makes frugality easier
With no money for camp, Hodding Carter IV is taking his kids' summer entertainment upon himself. That includes helping Dad make mead, an ancient kind of wine, to take the edge off so much quality time. (07/17/2009)
Miami budget cuts a 'wake up call'
States with double-digit unemployment numbers are finding that cuts to local government are inevitable. Miami-Dade county has reached 10.6%, and every county employee is getting at least a pay cut, if not worse. Dan Grech reports. (07/17/2009)
Builder explains spike in housing starts
Millions of homes are standing vacant in the United States. And yet, housing starts are up this month, seemingly defying the laws of supply and demand. Kai Ryssdal talks to home builder Dean Mon to see why housing construction is up. (07/17/2009)
U.S. seeks emissions data from China
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said consumers should pay for the carbon content of the goods they consume, even from other countries like China. One option is imposing trade tariffs, but that proposal has the potential to set off a trade war. Sam Eaton reports. (07/17/2009)
Taking Stock: Rethinking consumerism
The recession seems to have put brakes on over-consumption, at least for now. But how can the economy grow if people don't spend money? Kai Ryssdal talks with Gus Speth, Yale's dean of environmental studies, about how to change our consumer society. (07/13/2009)
Feds shut down small-biz credit firm
New credit regulations take effect next year to insure small-business owners get the credit they need. But one credit company has been squeezing small businesses so much that the government is taking notice now. Steve Henn reports. (07/10/2009)
