The Marketplace Decoder
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Decoder: 'Plain vanilla' products
The Obama administration wants "plain vanilla" to be the standard for mortgages, credit cards and other financial products. But what exactly does that mean? Marketplace's Amy Scott explains. (06/26/2009)

Decoder: Meet Ginnie Mae
Most people know about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but what about Ginnie Mae? As Nancy Marshall Genzer reports, she may be a possible model for her siblings Fannie and Freddie. (04/08/2009)

Decoder: First-time homebuyer
First-time homebuyers are entitled to an $8,000 tax credit this year, but how do you qualify? It's not as easy as you may think. Marketplace's Rico Gagliano explains who qualifies in our latest Marketplace Decoder. (03/06/2009)

Decoder: Marking losses in write-downs
Write-downs have been a major player in the recession's ongoing drama with banks' balance sheets. But what are they? Marketplace's Bill Radke explains in our latest Marketplace Decoder. (02/26/2009)

Decoder: The 'multiplier effect'
The Obama administration says the economic stimulus plan's price tag will be worth the cost -- and then some -- because of something called the "multiplier effect." What does that mean? Sally Herships explains. (02/06/2009)

Decoder: The value of 'goodwill'
Rico Gagliano explains what the term "goodwill" means in financial circles. (02/03/2009)

Decoder: Nationalizing banks
Talk about nationalization of the banking industry is increasing. But what does that mean and how will it work? Bob Moon reports. (01/26/2009)

Decoder: Points
In "The Marketplace Decoder," we break down those financial buzzwords making headlines. This week, Marketplace's Ashley Milne-Tyte explains exactly what they mean when they talk about a "point" on the stock market. (01/23/2009)

Decoder: Capital Adequacy Requirement
In order for a bank to be able to keep doing business or lending money, it needs to have a minimum amount of capital. Dan Grech explains the Capital Adequacy Requirement with help from his banker dad. (01/23/2009)

Decoder: Term Auction Facility
Some financial experts would tell you to thank your lucky stars for the Term Auction Facility, which has helped keep the rough economy going. Janet Babin explains how by taking us for a walk on the beach. (01/05/2009)
- Podcast »
Listen to 'After the Bell'
In his weekly podcast, Scott Jagow makes sense of the week in business and the economy. Subscribe now.
- The Whiteboard »
Hostile takeovers
Watch the videoWe all know what a takeover is. That's when one company agrees to be bought by another. But what happens when companies don't agree and the takeover goes hostile? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains. Watch the video.
- Special Reports and Series
Built on Belief »
One year after the fall of Lehman Brothers, Americans' have lost faith in the financial system and learned some hard lessons. Get more.
The Big Shift »
The recession has changed our financial lives. A look at wealth and prosperity in the middle class and how we live now. Get more.
The Borrowers »
How living beyond our means helped bring down the economy. The role of personal debt in the financial crisis, and where we go from here. Get more.
The Next American Dream »
How four pillars of the American Dream are changing. What's in your future?
Taking Stock »
Conversations with individuals who can give us the long view of our economic situation. Get their views.
- Getting Personal »

Q: Income-based student loans
You recently reported on a student loan option that was being offered as part of the government stimulus package, which is based on a person's income.... I was wondering if you could please let me know where to find this information. Thanks. Ethan, Minneapolis, MN Read Chris Farrell's answer »
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