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Marketplace Money for Friday, December 16, 2011
Dec 16, 2011

Marketplace Money for Friday, December 16, 2011

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The holidays are almost upon us! Have you bought all your gifts, sent off your cards, and thrown all your parties yet? If not, you could benefit from Tess’ conversations on throwing a good -- and fiscally responsible -- party. Plus, get advice on whether to re-gift or not, and learn the tech gadgets on everyone's wish lists. Also, we tell you about new ways of paying that may put an end to the wallet -- and why the move to a cashless society doesn't mean the end of the world is nigh. And while many people are out spending during this holiday season, many families have cut back. We check in with one family as they struggle to cope with the holidays.

Segments From this episode

How to have a happy holiday, from the Dinner Party Download

Dec 15, 2011
As we head into the holidays, buying up the store and making big plans for parties... we could all use a little help if we want to make a splash.

Tech toys for the holidays

Dec 15, 2011
From e-readers to video game consoles, find out what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for your tech-savvy friends and family this holiday.

The dog ate my paycheck

Dec 15, 2011
Commentator Rob Walker with an omnivore's dilemma. He doesn't eat everything in sight... but his dog does.

Effortless spending

Dec 15, 2011
Credit cards made spending easy. Now a number of new smartphone apps make it even easier. How to buy, buy, buy, without even reaching for your wallet.
Apps can convert your smartphone into a credit card.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Image

Going cashless isn't the end of the world

Dec 15, 2011
Some people believe that as society uses less cash, we get closer to the End of Days. Tess Vigeland asks a priest whether we should be worried about credit cards and apps that allow you to spend freely without even opening your wallet.
What does the Book of Revelation really say about a cashless economy?
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Cash-strapped Christmas

Dec 15, 2011
Unemployment and foreclosures have forced many more households to cut budgets to the bone this year. How some families are coping with the holidays now that they're no longer middle class.

Getting Personal: Power of attorney, hemorrhaging 401(k)s

Dec 16, 2011
Tess Vigeland and Marketplace's economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' personal finance questions.

Taking the Card Case out for a spin

Dec 16, 2011
Tess takes her newly downloaded Card Case app for a spin into the real world.
Card Case allows you to pay for goods and services without you pulling out wallet.
Courtesy of Square

Piggy Bank Award: For a year of sound advice

Dec 16, 2011
We gathered our regular personal finance advisers to give the gift of saving.
iStockphoto

The holidays are almost upon us! Have you bought all your gifts, sent off your cards, and thrown all your parties yet? If not, you could benefit from Tess’ conversations on throwing a good — and fiscally responsible — party. Plus, get advice on whether to re-gift or not, and learn the tech gadgets on everyone’s wish lists. Also, we tell you about new ways of paying that may put an end to the wallet — and why the move to a cashless society doesn’t mean the end of the world is nigh. And while many people are out spending during this holiday season, many families have cut back. We check in with one family as they struggle to cope with the holidays.