Friday, January 2, 2009
In this show. . .
Ringing in the new trading year
As the markets begin the new year, investors want to know: Is there any chance for redemption? Tess Vigeland turns to Vanguard founder Jack Bogle to gauge our chances of a positive trading year in 2009.
Straight Story: Resolutions for 2009
For the first Straight Story of 2009, Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell explore their personal and financial goals for the new year. Among the top priorities: health and organization -- including Chris's office.
Ethanol you can brew at home
If you're done drinking for a while, why not turn your extra libations into fuel? Rachel Dornhelm explores a machine that turns alcohol and sugar waste into food for your car, and whether it can save you money over the long haul.
Which plastic gives you the real deal?
With credit card companies charging out the nose in crisis time, it's hard to decide whether you're getting a deal. Tess Vigeland susses through the better options with Chris Fichera of Consumer Reports magazine.
Getting Personal
Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell help a mom and her successful 8-year-old performer son invest his wealth, explain what a "stretch or legacy" annuity is, and decide the best place to put $30,000 in sweepstakes winnings.
Day in the Work Life: Father Time
A lot happened in 2008, and one man oversaw it all. Meet Father Time, who is the father of time . . . for one year. Wonder what that pays anyway? (If we're talking the year that just past, probably not that much . . . )
Picking up loose change makes sense
Money might not grow on trees, but apparently it's all over the streets. Sally Herships reports on a New York family that's building a nest egg with small change they find just lying around.
What I'm Doing: Ben Valore-Caplan
In the latest of our "Here's What I'm Doing" series, we hear from Ben Valore-Caplan, managing partner of an investment firm, who had a feeling that it was time to strike out on his own.
The pros and cons of child bribery
Cash is usually a pretty motivating incentive when you want to get someone to listen to you. But does it work when parents try it on their kids? Kenny Malone explores whether this is a successful method of behavioral control.
Money Question of the Week
How do you teach your kids about money?
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College Confessions
If you made money mistakes during your college career, you're not alone. Hear Marketplace staffers confess to how they handled their finances.
- 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: A HELOC?
I recently paid off my mortgage ($55,000) and consulted with my local bank about how to best invest discretionary funds now that mortgage is paid. Bank's financial advisor, no fee, advised me to take out a HELOC, home equity line of credit for the maximum... I am 67... Pamela, Providence, RI Read Chris Farrell's answer »
