Friday, December 19, 2008
In this show. . .

A guide to new credit card reforms
This week, federal regulators rolled out the biggest overhaul the credit card industry has seen in decades. What does this mean for the average consumer? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports what will be changing -- and when.

How to steer clear of Ponzi schemes
With so many smart people duped by a seemingly sound investment operation, how can we detect a Ponzi scheme in the future? Marketplace's Mitchell Hartman talks to Tess Vigeland about how to identify a sketchy deal.

Straight Story: Nearing zero
The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates to a legendary new low. Is this good? Economics editor Chris Farrell tells Tess Vigeland the good that can come out of having a Federal interest rate at near-zero.

A changing job market for new MBAs
With careers in investment banking becoming scarce, where should a fresh MBA graduate turn? Sally Herships looked into how the next graduating class is handling an increasingly squeezed job market.

Keeping a retirement income fund
These days, you have to keep the money coming even through retirement. That's the thinking behind starting a retirement income fund. Tess Vigeland talks to Kiplinger's Bob Frick about how the fund works.

Day in the Work Life: UPS driver
Santa's job gets a lot easier when he enlists the help of a few tireless folks in brown polyester uniforms. UPS driver Fred Gourley says he has between 100 and 110 stops on an average work day.

Valuable gifts that don't cost a thing
At the height of your economic frustration, you may have entertained the thought of avoiding debt altogether by not buying any holiday gifts. Some families are making that a reality in very positive ways. Jenee Darden reports.

Helpful tax moves to prepare for 2009
Many of us are looking for helpful tax hints to make up for a dismal year. Tess Vigeland talks to Wall Street Journal tax columnist Tom Herman, who gives us some tips on moves we may want to make to prepare for the next tax day.
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: Income-based student loans
You recently reported on a student loan option that was being offered as part of the government stimulus package, which is based on a person's income.... I was wondering if you could please let me know where to find this information. Thanks. Ethan, Minneapolis, MN Read Chris Farrell's answer »



