Friday, June 26, 2009
In this show. . .
Banking on the previously unbanked
A neighborhood bank is hard to find in low-income areas of Los Angeles. But the "Bank On L.A." program is trying to bring people reliant on check-cashing shops into the banking system. Tess Vigeland reports.
Decoder: 'Plain vanilla' products
The Obama administration wants "plain vanilla" to be the standard for mortgages, credit cards and other financial products. But what exactly does that mean? Marketplace's Amy Scott explains.
More reasons to ditch the gas guzzler
A new law is motivating people to trade in their old vehicles for more energy-efficient models. Tess Vigeland braves a car lot in Santa Monica to get the low-down on the Cash for Clunkers trade-in program and tax incentives for new cars.
Getting Personal
Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' personal finance questions about rental car insurance, credit checks for your child and paying down debt while unemployed.
Changes afoot for student loans
Income-based repayment for student loans begins July 1, meaning many borrowers will be able to lower their monthly payments. Tess Vigeland talks to Lauren Asher of the Project on Student Debt about changes to the loan process.
Day in the Work Life: Shoe designer
Kathryn Kerrigan noticed that taller women like her had difficulty finding cute, designer shoes that fit. Now she makes a living designing shoes for women of all sizes.
Where did credit-card junk mail go?
Credit card offers aren't clogging up the mail like they used to. Those that do come in aren't the zero-interest, zero-fee deals of the past. Rico Gagliano reports.
Listener commentary on our coverage
Tess Vigeland and producer Eve Troeh sift through e-mails, voicemails and letters from listeners who have something to say about our recent coverage.
Fee-free National Park check up
Last week, Tess Vigeland talked to park rangers from Oregon and California about how they were preparing for the first of three free weekends at U.S. National Parks. She checks in with them to see how things went.
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 »
