Marketplace

Recession spurs saving trend

Americans are saving an average of 5% of their incomes--up from zero a year ago--now that credit is tight and layoffs are looming. Joel Rose reports.

Straight Story

Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell talk about whether or not the new savings trend will continue and how this recession is different from those in the past.

Scraping by while unemployed

The national unemployment rate has reached a depressing 9%, but states like Oregon and South Carolina have it even worse. We talk to unemployed workers from these states to see how they're making ends meet.

Job fairs: all work and no pay?

There may be job fairs popping up in every major city, but many are offering only internships or volunteer positions and few paid jobs. However, working for free now could put you ahead down the line. Lisa Napoli reports from UCLA.

Dave Ramsey on our love of debt

Being in debt used to be a social stigma, but now it seems to be the American way. Tess Vigeland talks to Dave Ramsey, author of "Total Money Makeover," about how America became a nation of borrowers in love with credit.

Getting Personal

Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' pressing questions about debt settlement companies, the state of GM's pension funds, how closing a bank account affects FICO and much more.

Family takes frugality to the extreme

Many people living in comfortable surroundings are now embracing a frugal-chic attitude. Maine-based author W. Hodding Carter and his family are experimenting in being ultra-frugal for an entire year.

The new stocks on the Dow Jones block

General Motors and Citigroup were booted from the Dow Jones index this week. So what's it like for the new kids, Cisco Systems and Travelers? Our Marketplace Players imagine a possible classroom scenario.

Part-time is better than no-time

We've reported on the unemployment rate, but what about those who are underemployed? Many people are having difficulty finding jobs offered full-time. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

What's a recent college grad to do?

Graduating college is usually a celebratory experience. But saying goodbye to university and hello to real life can be a real burden during a recession. Vigeland talks to author Beth Kobliner about the advice she has for the class of 2009.

Fallout: America's Financial Crisis