Aug 17, 2012

Marketplace Money for Friday, August 17, 2012

Host Tess Vigeland visits one Los Angeles neighborhood, where the impact of the foreclosure crisis is more than just financial. Plus, seven years after Hurricane Katrina, a jazz musician reflects on life after losing everything. And New Orleans native Wendell Pierce -- you may still call him "The Bunk" -- updates us on his dreams of a Big Easy grocery store.

Segments From this episode

Who is responsible for foreclosed homes?

by Tess Vigeland

Aug 17, 2012

An LAPD police officer gives a tour of his precinct in Watts and the blight foreclosed homes have wrought upon the neighborhood. The City of Los Angeles says the banks who own the homes should be responsible for the upkeep of the foreclosures.

LAPD Officer Eric Young views the trash-strewn backyard of a foreclosed home in Watts, California.

Tess Vigeland

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Commentary

Baby Boomers will drive this economy

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 17, 2012

As Baby Boomers age, younger generations are fearing the day they'll be shouldering the burden to pay for Boomers' Social Security benefits. But one senior says Baby Boomers will help boost the economy, not drain it.

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More credit unions adding and raising fees

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 17, 2012

Credit unions used to be a banking oasis free from fees. But slowly, credit unions are starting to charge for checking accounts and raising minimums to avoid fees.

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Sound of Money: Back-to-school shopping

by Millie Jefferson

Aug 17, 2012

In a few weeks, students will be heading back to school. How much are they spending so that they're ready to hit the books?

A customer shops for back to school supplies at a Target store.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Hello lover: Women and their shoes

by Tess Vigeland

Aug 17, 2012

A survey showed that more women remembered their first pair of heels but not the name of their first love. Author Rachelle Bergstein examines the history of the relationship between women and shoes in her book "Women from the Ankle Down."

A dramatic pair of heels by French shoes designer Christian Louboutin.

JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/GettyImages

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Establishing a life post-Katrina

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 17, 2012

A fisherman's son escapes Vietnam to New Orleans, only have to have to escape again.

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New Orleans' housing market recovery

by Tess Vigeland

Aug 17, 2012

A long-time real estate agent in New Orleans talks about the strides made and the challenges being faced in the housing market there.

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Bringing fresh food to all of New Orleans

by Tess Vigeland

Aug 17, 2012

Actor Wendell Pierce gives an update on his goal of bringing a chain of fresh food grocery stores to New Orleans.

Actor Wendell Pierce is bringing a chain of fresh food grocery stores to New Orleans.

iStockphoto

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How to talk about money every week

by Tess Vigeland

Aug 17, 2012

Financial planner Jude Boudreaux doesn't think it's enough for couples to talk about money once a month. He thinks they should discuss finances every week.

Financial planner Jude Boudreaux advises couples to talk about their finances once a week.

iStockphoto

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A musician comes home

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 17, 2012

A New Orleans bassist lost everything he owned through Hurricane Katrina. He talks about how his life has progressed since 2005 and what he learned while picking up the pieces.

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Host Tess Vigeland visits one Los Angeles neighborhood, where the impact of the foreclosure crisis is more than just financial. Plus, seven years after Hurricane Katrina, a jazz musician reflects on life after losing everything. And New Orleans native Wendell Pierce — you may still call him “The Bunk” — updates us on his dreams of a Big Easy grocery store.