"Stop eating out." "Don't buy that $3 latte." You tired of hearing those phrases, yet? Author Ramit Sethi gives us his take on frugality, and explores different ways to improve the big picture. For employees of some companies, that big picture would improve with the shedding of extra pounds -- which can translate into extra cash. Paying for a lighter workforce. Plus, a judge from ABC's "Shark Tank" tells us why sniffing out talent is about more than creative ideas and solid business plans.

Welcome to the new year! Lose 20 pounds, keep your kitchen clean, cure cancer -- Is starting an emergency fund among your New Year's resolutions? We learn of an unusual way to make sure you actually start saving. And if you're planning to start investing this year, you may want to "riskalyze" first. A behavior science expert reveals numerical triggers that affect how we buy. Plus, health care reporter Gregory Warner tells us what health reform laws come into effect in 2012.

It's finally the holiday weekend. We look at two sides of this period of gifting: Giving and getting. We talk to two authors who have opposing views on spending: One doesn't think you can buy happiness and another argues that you can buy happines (and economic growth). All those deals websites make it seem like you'll never have to pay full price again -- but one commentator says she's sick of discounts. Wealthy philanthropists are pouring billions into the public education system. We look at the pros and cons of private money going into public education. And Jennifer 8 Lee shares how the average Joe can still make a big impact on their community too. Some are employing a new strategy: Deals websites. And we got our gang of personal finance experts to make their predictions for 2012.

L.A. Times columnist Tom Petruno has been writing about the economy for more than 30 years. He shares what he's learned about economic cycles, human nature and investing. And with Christmas around the corner, we offer tips on how to explain to kids why Santa didn't get them everything on their wish lists. There is a cheap, but significant gift you can give your child: a digital trust fund. Domain names, social media and e-mail accounts. And when's the last time you visited a bank branch? More branches are closing down, but some communities are fighting to get them back. Plus, an Irish family discusses what it's like to experience more belt-tightening.

While you recover from your Thanksgiving feast and Black Friday shopping spree, listen to an inspiring story of one unemployed woman who uses marathon running to stay hopeful about her future. Plus, the holiday shopping season has officially started. We learn about "dynamic pricing" and how to score the best deals with this system. And we look at the psychology behind why couples lie to each other about how they spend their money. We've also got tips on how to keep the peace in your relationship using the rules of economics.