Mac's Seafood in Wellfleet, Mass., has been serving up eats to hungry beach-goers since 1995. For our Hot Jobs series, we stopped by to talk to one of the servers, who says the whole place really cooks.
Private-equity firms invested just $50 billion in the U.S. in the first half of this year, compared to $300 billion last year. Private equity is a notoriously private business. But Amy Scott got a rare look at how one firm is adapting.
Tens of thousands of new consumer products hit American store shelves every year. About 90% fail. A Michigan consulting company collects many of those products, and companies pay big bucks to get inside and have a peek. Dustin Dwyer reports.
Some consumers are pushing their carts away from more expensive natural and organic brand names. So the Safeway grocery chain is offering its cheaper organic label — even for competitors' shelves. Renita Jablonski reports.
If you've redeemed frequent flier miles lately, you may have found airlines are adding fees to them. The idea behind frequent-flier programs was to build customer loyalty. How long can the fees continue before the loyalty disappears? Alisa Roth reports.
UBS says it will buy back $19 billion-worth of auction-rate securities from its customers. With billions of losses already on its books, can UBS afford it? Bob Moon reports that maybe they can't afford not to.
Fannie Mae announced a $2.3 billion loss for the quarter that ended in June, which makes some wonder what's next for the housing market and the American economy. Steve Henn reports.
What to do if you show up at the gate and hear that dreaded word: "overbooked?" Host Tess Vigeland talks to Scott McCartney about how to cope — and how you can even cash in with a little luck.
There's an unlikely event taking place at Gillette Stadium this week: A foreclosure prevention workshop. What happens when personal finance meets pro football? Commentator Dan Drezner brings us the play-by-play.
Going vegetarian has got a lot of buzz these days, but what does it take to get acclimated to an entirely new diet, both for your stomach and your wallet? Cash Peters reports.
In this edition of Getting Personal, Chris and Tess talk about cashing out stock, when to start contributing to an IRA, market dislocations and changing financial priorities after a new baby.
We're taking you back to the basics with our summer refresher course on finance terms. Today, learn how one bad financial decision can snowball thanks to universal default.
Blogs and websites about personal finance are popping up all over the web. What drives someone to open their wallet to the world? Host Tess Vigeland asks three personal finance bloggers.
Buzz is picking up that the housing market is headed for another cliff. Economics editor Chris Farrell sets the story straight on what's ahead for the ailing housing market.
How did prime borrowers end up in the same boat as subprime borrowers? Host Tess Vigeland asks real estate investor Jeremy Brandt what was behind the push towards adjustable-rate and interest-only loans.
Many with good credit took out the same kinds of loans behind the subprime mess and those borrowers are starting to feel the same pain. Host Tess Vigeland talks to a listener with good credit and an interest-only loan.
Insurance companies have a high-tech way of looking at an applicant's prescription drug usage before granting coverage, a move that has many concerned about the privacy of medical data. Steve Henn reports.
High gas prices have caused a significant increase in train ridership. But with more passengers comes train car crowding and a need for more upkeep. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports where Amtrak might need to boost its service.
NBC plans to air 3,600 hours of this year's Olympics across eight networks — more air time than all of the previous summer Olympics combined. Stacey Vanek-Smith talks broadcasting with Variety's Mike Speier.
Today, Toyota will be halting production of the Tundra, its full-size, gas-guzzling pick-up. Sales of the vehicle are down 15 percent and the production suspension could last for months. Renita Jablonski reports.
Oil may be down at the moment, but in a study out today, a British energy expert is warning crude oil prices could swoop back up to recent highs. Stephen Beard reports the world could be facing an oil crisis very soon.
The over-the-counter market is like the Wild West of stocks, but there are ways to differentiate the good from the fraudulent. Amy Scott looks into the development of the Pink Sheets and how they can be useful to investors.
Barack Obama is trying to get his supporters to help Hillary Clinton get out of campaign debt. But even Obama's backing isn't getting her much. Steve Henn reports why Clinton is a tough sell to almost any buyer.
With losses continuing to mount at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the big question is whether we're headed toward a government bailout. Steve Henn reports it's looking likely the government will come to the rescue.
Wholesale ice is a nearly $2 billion market in the U.S. and it's controlled by just three companies. Now federal prosecutors think they may be working together to control prices. Amy Scott reports.
Harvard regularly puts out free office furniture so students can comb through and find whatever they need. But lately, organizers are seeing a different group of people taking advantage of the offer. Hammad Ahmed reports.
Governor Deval Patrick is asking major universities and the state pension fund to pitch in to save the state's college loan program. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Boston Globe reporter Casey Ross what the reaction has been.
John McCain has a new ad out that tries to distance him from big industries. Commentator and economist James Galbraith says he's been seeing a lot of this kind of repositioning among conservatives lately.
The Olympic Games officially get going tomorrow. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Diana Nyad about the financial ramifications success at the games could have for some U.S. athletes, both known and unknown.
A new site called YouNoodle launched an application to help you calculate the potential success of web startups. Rico Gagliano takes the service for a test drive.
The Environmental Protection Agency denied Texas's request for a reduction in a federal ethanol mandate. Who gains and who loses from the decision? Janet Babin reports.
After some nudging by authorities, Citigroup says it'll buy back billions of dollars worth of auction-rate securities to settle accusations of fraudulent sales. Bob Moon reports.
The retail numbers are out and it's not a promising kick-off for the back-to-school shopping season — or our wardrobes. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports a lot of stimulus money went to food and gas, but not to our threads.
London brides are protesting outside HSBC in London. They're upset because a wedding gift service called Wrapit declared bankruptcy and didn't deliver their gifts. Scott Jagow talks to James Hall with the Daily Telegraph about why they're mad at HSBC.
Amidst profit losses and billion in write offs for Barclays, analysts are still seeing a possible light at the end of the crisis for banks. But Stephen Beard reports confidence remains brittle.
A survey found that 80 percent of Americans believe the current health care system needs an overhaul — from lower costs to better doctor communication and availability. Steve Henn reports.
You would think that as gas prices continue to climb, gas station owners would be raking it in. But times are just as tough on the side managing the pump. Alisa Roth reports many station owners are just getting by.
From tech to oil to real estate, investors have loved pouring money into inflating markets. So where might the next bubble be? Scott Jagow speculates with economics correspondent Chris Farrell.
Recession is hurting profits across the board in the casino industry, with a particularly bad effect on fly-in markets. Rico Gagliano reports these days, gamblers aren't as much about flying into big gaming destinations.
They may be called dollar stores, but they can't stay afloat if they don't raise prices. Renita Jablonski reports how the 99 Cents Only chain is using flexible pricing strategy to balance out costs.
Demand for sawdust has grown tremendously, with prices in some parts of the country doubling. But the housing slump means there's less of this unlikely commodity to go around. Nina Keck reports.
So far, 2008 has been a roller coaster year for commodities. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Financial Times columnist John Authers about the role speculation played in the wild prices.
While the world watches the speed of its athletes, China's economy continues sprinting on as well. Now economists are trying to determine just how fast it's going. Scott Tong reports.
Protests have already begun near Olympic sites in Beijing in anticipation of Friday's opening ceremonies. Commentator David Frum wonders if a slumping economy might be the key to opening up Chinese society.
First, the $100 laptop. Now, computers as inexpensive as $12. An MIT team hopes to create the low-cost machines by looking to technology from the early days of computing. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
America's largest private prison operator is preparing to report its earnings and analysts are wondering how the for-profit prison industry will cope with a down economy. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Rising costs have driven Archer Daniels Midland, the world's largest grain processor, to plan a move away from corn as the primary component in its ethanol production. Dan Grech reports.
Freddie Mac posted its fourth-straight quarterly loss, signaling continued gray skies in the housing market and reminding investors of the firm's uncertain future. Alisa Roth reports.
The price of oil may change on the Energy Department's reserve report this morning. But Nancy Marshall Genzer explains how heating oil prices differ from gas and the potential purchasing risks in hurricane season.
The price of crude has reached record per barrel highs just to make sudden startling drops. Stacey Vanek-Smith talks these market extremes with Raymond Learsy, who's written a book about oil and its trends.
Despite critics of fast food, McDonald's is doing surprisingly well in England. So the company is looking to add 4,000 new workers to its staff. But Stephen Beard report "McJobs" still have a nefarious reputation.
British scientists have unveiled a new Arctic map today with hopes of pointing out where some countries may be overstepping their claim to land. Janet Babin reports what's so valuable that they're fighting over.
Touted as the world's cheapest car, the Nano might not be as low-cost as once thought. Scott Jagow talks to reporter Mehul Srivastava about what Tata plans to do to try to keep Nano pushing forward despite price promises.
Bond insurers are some of the biggest casualties of the subprime crisis, and this week we'll find out more about how much damage has been done to companies like MBIA and Ambac. Alisa Roth has more on bond profits.
China is amping up for the beginning of the Olympic games. But commentator Robert Reich says the real competition lurking behind the upcoming Olympics is between democratic and authoritarian capitalism.
Major League Baseball and the FBI are looking into whether some talent scouts have been skimming off the top of the signing bonuses given to young players from the Dominican Republic. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The number of prescriptions and doctors elderly Americans have to keep track of is daunting, which is where geriatric specialists step in. But just as millions head into old age, the number of experts is in decline. Caitlan Carroll reports.
A free trade agreement with Colombia remains stalled in Congress over human rights concerns, but commentator Susan Aaronson says expanding trade may be the best way to help Colombia make progress on rights.
Advertisers are inviting modern artists to reinvent some of their older slogans. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Current TV's Douglas Caballero how product jingles are making their way up the Top 40 charts.
With more Americans paying their credit card bills late or not at all, issuers are clamping down on credit lines. But that's hurting small businesses, which rely on credit to pay their bills. Mitchell Hartman reports.
Prices are shooting up in many parts of Asia, with no sign of slowing. A number of factors may make it difficult for governments to rein in inflation. Lisa Chow reports.
John McCain and Barack Obama have spent the past week talking up their energy plans. But the toll on Americans' pocketbooks from the high costs of fuel have forced both candidates to change their stances on a number of policies. Steve Henn reports.
A barrel of oil costs about 20% less today than three weeks ago. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with energy analyst Peter Beutel about why prices are falling, and if even lower prices could be ahead.
Oil is at $118 a barrel and falling, and might keep falling. So, what's going on? Nancy Marshall Genzer reports increased output and lowered U.S. demand has helped lower cost, but there's more to it.
Yesterday, the FDA finalized stricter rules for doctors who advise the agency and have financial ties to pharmaceutical companies. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports the FDA wants to prevent conflicts of interest.
Beijing authorities have been battling to control an army of pesky locals — from rats to mice to cockroaches. Stephen Beard reports they've hired a British company with impressive technology to help.
President Bush is on his way to China for his fourth and last visit as president, and a lot has changed since his first trip. Lisa Chow takes a look at how economic relations have evolved between China and the U.S.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors wants to get the attention of the presidential candidates by talking about the biggest problems for their cities. Danielle Karson reports crime is a hot topic in today's Philadelphia meeting.
As airlines start charging passengers to check their luggage, shipping baggage to the final destination is becoming a more attractive option. Dan Grech reports costs are similar, but there is a distinct advantage.
The Internet has transformed bargain hunting as we know it, but it's also changed the way thieves unload stolen goods, making fencing hot items easier than ever before. Renita Jablonski reports.
While you're waiting for a flight, you and your wallet are a captive audience for retail shops. Commentator Moira Manion explains how working in the airport can give an employee's conscience a workout.
