Friday, May 1, 2009
In this show. . .
Use caution when condo shopping
Housing prices in Florida have dropped 30% from last year. Condo prices have declined even further. But people looking to invest in a condo should first do their homework to avoid serious pitfalls. Dan Grech reports.
Decoding the home appraisal process
Appraisers wield a lot of power when it comes to naming a value on your property. But how exactly do they come up with that magical number? Tamara Keith reports on how the appraisal process works.
Straight Story
Tess Vigeland talks with economics editor Chris Farrell about what to do with declining interest rates and slow-growing savings accounts.
Is infinite debt to blame?
So who's to blame for the financial crisis? The finger has been pointed at everyone from Wall Street to Main Street. Labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan lays out his theory in the April issue of Harper's Magazine.
Financial strain threatens mental health
Financial hardship can be difficult for anyone, but what about someone suffering from severe anxiety, depression or other mental illness? There are places that offer both legal and medical support during trying times. Amy Scott reports.
Getting Personal
Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell answer listeners' pressing questions about using securities to pay off debt, taking out an equity line of credit and whether veritable annuities are a good idea.
Our 30-day financial makeover
A few weeks ago we sent word that we were looking for a financial guinea pig. Teacher Gail George answered our call enthusiastically and offered to let us to track her spending for 30 days. She explains why she wants to participate.
Balancing love and money
Alana Semuels writes the "Ask Alana" column for the L.A. Times, where she offers readers advice about relationship and money etiquette. Semuels talks about some of her favorite questions from readers.
Getting thrifty at garage sales
With more people looking to turn unwanted goods into cash, yard/garage sales are looking like good alternatives for consumers wanting to save money. Cash Peters visits a garage sale to see what's up for grabs.
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
- 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 »
