Friday, August 1, 2008
In this show. . .
Housing bill 101
The long-fought-over housing bill has become law. Host Tess Vigeland asks Chris Mayer at Columbia University to explain what the bill does, then helps listeners get answers to their questions.
Straight Story: How do we pay for it?
As Americans are struggling to balance their budgets, the government announced it's going to be short by $490 billion. Economics editor Chris Farrell sets the story straight on the meaning of the shortfall.
Is a reverse mortgage right for you?
Another change from the new housing bill: Easier and safer reverse mortgages for America's seniors. Still, it's a better option for some homeowners more than others. Lenora Chu reports.
Powering up students' job prospects
Students are facing a tough job market at the same time as public utilities are bracing for a wave of retirements. In Los Angeles, schools and industry are working to make a match. Amanda Becker reports.
Getting Personal
In this edition of Getting Personal, Chris and Tess talk about lazy investing styles, lending to family, consolidating retirement accounts and foolproof investments.
Day in the Work Life: Window washer
On this week's "A Day in the Work Life," we get a clearer view with a professional window cleaner.
How consumers stay bound to brands
It's just an extra label or logo, but we're willing to pay big for it. Host Tess Vigeland asks journalist Rob Walker how marketers keep us so obsessed with name brands.
Summer School: Credits & deductions
We're taking you back to the basics with our summer refresher course on finance terms. Today, the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction and what it means for you come tax time.
Charge it to my retirement account
It's easier than every to borrow against your nest egg with 401(k) debit cards, but everyone from the SEC to Congress is railing against the cards, with one senator even proposing a ban. Jeremy Hobson reports.
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 »
