Marketplace Money for June 25, 2010

Almost two years after the U.S. financial system found itself on the brink of collapse, Congress has reached a compromise on a financial overhaul bill. Congressman Barney Frank helped shepherd the bill through the House. He talks with Tess Vigeland about whether the bill is strong enough to prevent another crisis and what he thinks is missing from it.

Scott Talbot of the Financial Services Roundtable gives Tess Vigeland the banking industry's perspective of the compromise financial reform bill.

The Gulf of Mexico provides families in the area with two significant economic opportunities -- oil and fish. And right now, with the BP oil spill, the future of both are in question. That's straining some communities in places like Boothville, La. Adriene Hill reports.

The Los Angeles Times' David Lazarus and Tess Vigeland take your questions on managing school debt, and how much cash you should have available on hand in preparation for a catastrophe. Lazarus also weighs in on debt-settlement companies

Sales of new homes fell 33 percent from April to May. Of course, April's figures got a boost from the government's federal tax credit. But signs of a housing comeback are mixed. So what's with all the construction going on around Phoenix? Peter O'Dowd reports.

The government says its Home Affordable Modification Program, or HAMP, has only helped about 340,000 people. Reporter Stacey Vanek-Smith talks with Tess Vigeland about why more people have dropped out of the program than have gotten their loans modified, and other options people may have.

A pilot program is underway in Baltimore that offers the convenience of a cash advance loan at a fraction of the price. Cathy Duchamp reports.

Tess Vigeland examines the latest financial scams with consumer finance columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sheryl Harris.

Tess Vigeland talks with Bankrate.com's Greg McBride about the Federal Reserve's new bank overdraft protection rules.