Friday, April 17, 2009
In this show. . .
Are college students credit-conscious?
College is the place most people first experience using credit. As part of the series Road To Ruin, Tess Vigeland asks students at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. about their credit knowledge.
Autos spurred the credit boom
Americans haven't always had a love affair with borrowing and credit. Stephen Smith reports on how General Motors and the automobile paved the way for consumer credit nearly a century ago.
The power of FICO
Even the smallest change to your FICO score can affect many aspects of your financial life. Janet Babin reports on how a minor credit score drop affected the Diebel family from Winter Park, Fla.
Ditching FICO isn't the answer
Is the FICO credit scoring system fair? MSN personal finance columnist Liz Pulliam Weston says the FICO system might be flawed, but it's better than the old way.
Getting Personal
Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell answer listeners' pressing questions about using a home equity line of credit as an emergency reserve and closing a high balance credit card.
In search of the perfect score
Most Americans have a credit score above 660, but how many have a perfect score? Reporter Rico Gagliano finds out how difficult it is to get a perfect 850.
Keeping ID thieves at bay
Identity theft can be both frustrating and costly for the victims. Reporter Stacey Vanek-Smith visits one couple who is still trying to put their credit back together after eight years of identity theft.
Straight Story
Credit isn't always a bad thing, especially if you're careful and focus on saving when times are good. Economics editor Chris Farrell discusses the pros and cons of credit.
Counseling down credit debt
Banks are reporting better-than-expected earnings this week, but experts say the next problem might involve credit card defaults. Tess Vigeland talks to credit counseler Gail Cunningham about helping consumers work through their debt.
Your credit stories
To conclude our credit-focused episode, listeners offer some thoughts and anecdotes about their experiences with credit cards and the hard lessons they've learned in the process.
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: 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 »
