Marketplace Money for July 24, 2009 | Marketplace From American Public Media

Friday, July 24, 2009

In this show. . .

Merchants take a swipe at card fees

Every time you charge your Big Gulp at 7-Eleven, a credit card company swallows part of the profit. But Slurpee slingers have had enough of the merchant fees. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Arbitration case helps credit card users

Consumers who sign up for credit cards usually sign away their right to sue for unfair charges. Host Bob Moon talks to Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson about why she sued arbitration firms, why they backed down, and what the results mean for consumers.

Straight Story: Your net worth

Marketplace's Economics Editor Chris Farrell says we should stop obsessing about our credit scores and worry about another number: our net worth.

Unbiased stock info may get scarcer

After the dot-com bust, regulators made Wall Street firms start proving why they pushed certain stocks by hiring independent research firms. But the money for that research is running out, meaning there'll be fewer voices to guide investors. Amy Scott reports.

Older employee works with younger employee

States use Work Share to limit layoffs

Several states are trying to reduce layoffs with a program called Work Share. When companies cut work hours, the states make up the difference in employees' paychecks by tapping unemployment benefits. Cathy Duchamp reports.

Getting Personal

Host Bob Moon and Marketplace Economics Editor Chris Farrell tackle listeners' questions, including the best time to buy a house and how much you really save by paying more than the regular monthy mortgage payment

Young people hiring housework help

Hiring a housekeeper may not seem like a budget item for the under-25 set. But a growing number of less-than-wealthy young people are hiring maids, despite the recession. Sally Herships reports.

What's at root of LendingTree slogan

The LendingTree.com slogan "When banks compete, you win" has given way to "You to the rescue." Host Bob Moon talks with the company's CEO and a wealth manager about whether the change indicates a new approach consumers' are taking with their finances.

He enjoys life in the frame he's created

Comic book writer Joshua Dysart has been nominated for a top prize for his "Unknown Soldier" series. He explains what he enjoys about being a creative freelance writer and living without an alarm clock.