Friday, January 16, 2009
In this show. . .
What to consider in brokerage merger
Troubled financial giant Citigroup is merging its Smith Barney brokerage arm with rival Morgan Stanley. It'll be the largest brokerage firm in the world. What should you do if one of those firms manages your funds? Dan Grech reports.
Rethinking what 'long term' means
If your investment portfolio took a big hit in 2008, you'd be forgiven for wondering if the markets aren't just a big Ponzi scheme. Roger Lowenstein explored that sentiment recently in The New York Times. He talks with Tess Vigeland.
Straight Story: Frugal or cheap?
During these tough economic times, Economics Editor Chris Farrell is looking for ways to stretch a dollar just like the rest of us. Tess Vigeland wants to know where he draws the line between being cheap and being frugal.
Falling into triple mortgage trouble
Nearly 10 million U.S. homeowners are having trouble making their mortgage payments. Tanya Ott profiles one Birmingham, Ala., family that has that problem, times three.
How to seek a loan modification
If you're having trouble repaying a loan and are looking to modify the terms, what should you do? Mary Ellen Nicol, a certified housing counselor in Atlanta, has some tips on dealing with your lender.
Getting Personal
Economics Editor Chris Farrell answers listener questions about where to put emergency savings, how a person could best stimulate the economy, what that Turbo Tax term means, and more.
Day in the Work Life: Music therapist
Therapist Holly Miller explains how she uses music to help children and adults deal with psychological and developmental problems.
Tax advocate: Simpler is better
National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson, who recently issued her annual report on the tax system, talks with Tess Vigeland about changes she'd like to see in the Internal Revenue Code.
Letters: Your opinions of the show
Listeners tell us what they think about our comments regarding Illinois Gov. Blagojevich, student loans, personal finance resolutions, and the sorry state of Chris Farrell's office.
Families pay for answers in autopsies
Hospital cutbacks and slimmed-down insurance coverage have reduced the number of autopsies. For many families, finding out why a loved one died now comes at a price. Caitlan Carroll reports.
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.
Music From This Show
- Move by Yourself Donavon Frankenreiter Buy
- Rockit Herbie Hancock Buy
- Cheap Sunglasses ZZ Top Buy
- Feelgood By Numbers The Go! Team Buy
- My Drive Thru Julian Casablancas, Santogold & Pharrell Williams
- None Shall Pass Aesop Rock Buy
- Sun Walkers Jneiro Jarel Buy
- Crosstown Traffic Barbary Coast Guitar Duo Buy
- 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 China bull
I would like to consider putting a small portion of my retirement (and/or other) investment money in Chinese stocks. Is this a reasonable thing to do and, if so, can you recommend some funds, or a place to investigate potential funds? Thanks, Lyle, Big Horn, WY Read Chris Farrell's answer »
