Friday, May 8, 2009
In this show. . .
How stressed banks affect you
Many of the largest banks still don't get passing grades in U.S. government stress tests and must raise billions of dollars before they can pass. How does this affect the consumer? Reporter Jeremy Hobson has some answers.
Few jobs in rural Wilcox County
Unemployment continues to plague cities across the country. But Wilcox County, Ala. has suffered severely due to the closure of a large lumber mill. Now one in four residents can't find work. Tanya Ott reports.
Straight Story
Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell talk about the current state of the economic crisis and how it compares to financial crises of the past.
Financial advisers step up their game
Investment firms are on the prowl for new customers. Those still in the green have the opportunity to snatch up new business after the downfall of companies like AIG. Andrea Gardner reports.
Is bigger actually better?
Now that some large investment firms have been shuttered by the economic fallout, consumers have a tough choice: stay with a large firm or seek out a smaller, independent one. Bob Moon reports.
Update: 30-day financial makeover
Last week we introduced you to Gail George, one of our listeners who agreed to let us track her finances for 30 days. Gail checks in with Tess Vigeland for an update.
Getting Personal
Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' pressing questions about paying off mortgages by retirement, what to do when companies stop 401K contributions and how to choose a financial planner.
Understanding student loans
High school grads heading to college face difficult decisions about how to pay for tuition and expenses. Many will turn to federal and private student loans. Lauren Asher of Project for Student Debt discusses the student loan process.
Still stumped by FICO?
The FICO score is still something many people don't fully understand. Tess Vigeland talks to MSN personal finance columnist Liz Pulliam Weston about where to find your score and how to avoid falling into marketing traps.
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
- 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 »
