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Vanilla beans

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)

Ginnie Mae logo

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)

Prospective homebuyers in Denver

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)

Financial buzzwords

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)

Employee adds to growth on bar chart.

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)

A stock trader watches a monitor at the NYSE

Decoder: The value of 'goodwill'

Rico Gagliano explains what the term "goodwill" means in financial circles. (02/03/2009)

A bank sign

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)

The Dow plunges

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)

A bank teller dispenses cash

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)

Trader watching markets

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)

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Getting Personal »
Chris Farrell

Q: Safe savings for children

We have 3 children with CD's... We want an investment timeline for them that takes us to the 18 y.o. mark for each of them. What are good options for continuing short term low risk investments? Mitch and Jeanne Read Chris Farrell's answer »

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