Investors are adjusting the way they manage their money, but those hoping to retire soon don't have time to build back wealth. Tess Vigeland talks to financial planner Stuart Ritter about what soon-to-be retirees can do to weather the storm.
Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell answer listeners' questions about whether you can have multiple IRA accounts, student loans, and how COBRA health insurance works for recent college grads.
Just because you're shopping in a corporate retail store doesn't mean you can't bargain down a price. Reporter Ashley Milne-Tyte proves that bargaining may be easier than you think.
Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell answer listeners' pressing questions about stock values, buying vs. renting and what we mean when we talk about income.
Foreclosure scammers aren't the only ones preying on the vulnerable. Online scammers, or phishers, are also prowling the Web for unsuspecting victims. Tess Vigeland talks to Jorgan Wouters of Consumer Reports about how to avoid being scammed.
People facing foreclosure are becoming vulnerable to scammers promising to help modify loans. Reporter Rachel Dornhelm reports on one such scam in Oakland, Calif. and asks experts what consumers can do to stay safe.
The IRS recently announced that victims of the Madoff scandal can claim up to 95 percent of their losses on their taxes. Tess Vigeland and Chris Farrell discuss what implications this decision has on the tax code and on victims of future Ponzi schemes.
Tess Vigeland talks to New York Times columnist Ron Lieber about how some of the old rules about investing and managing money don't make sense during the current financial climate.
The money market industry is proposing changes that would lower yields, improve safety and place restrictions on certain funds. But should you choose a money market account over a savings account? Reporter Tamara Keith asks the experts.
With unemployment benefits soon to run out for 500,000 laid-off workers, the federal government is encouraging states to sign up for more funding. But some governors don't want the money. Mitchell Hartman reports.
AIG's $165 million in bonuses with bailout money dominated headlines this week. Kai Ryssdal talks with The Wall Street Journal's Heidi Moore and John Carney of Clusterstock.com about how the story stirred emotions.
To get consumers traveling again, airlines are slashing fares to compete with low-budget carriers like Southwest. As Tamara Keith reports, the low fares aren't hurting airlines as much as you may think.
An effort to turn one of Baltimore's most-neglected neighborhoods into a biotech hub has stalled due to the recession, leaving developers and a community in limbo. Cathy Duchamp reports.
Congress is moving toward legislation to tax bonuses that companies receiving federal bailouts paid to employees. Is this a good way for government to do business? Steve Henn reports.
With the TALF program, the Fed is lending money to investors so they can buy asset-backed securities to get the credit markets moving again. But the companies likely to profit are the very ones that got us into this mess. Jeremy Hobson reports.
Next week, a U.N. panel may recommend that the world's central banks drop the dollar as their top reserve currency. Janet Babin explores whether the U.N. has an influence over countries' decision to diversify.
China's influential Southern Metropolitan Daily ran a strong editorial today criticizing the latest U.S. move to inject $1 trillion into its economy. Scott Tong explores why Beijing is now losing faith in the dollar long-term.
As rain fall slows and the Earth heats up, companies have started monitoring their water usage more carefully. Caitlan Carroll reports what large-scale businesses are doing to monitor their water footprint.
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights meets today to examine civil rights issues stemming from the mortgage crisis. Reports show some minorities may have been pressured into mortgages they couldn't afford. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
E.U. leaders wrap up their meeting today on European financial reform, and two plans are competing for power over banking regulation. Christopher Werth reports where Britain may be at odds with the rest of Europe.
The International Franchise Expo kicks off today in Washington, D.C., and companies from everywhere will be looking hard for franchise buyers. Mitchell Hartman reports why this might be a good time to get into a franchise.
The South By Southwest music festival generates $100 million for the city of Austin and provides a valuable experience to indie musicians and entrepreneurs. Steve Chiotakis talks to Austin music journalist David Brown.
The IRS has set aside tomorrow to help ease tax filers' anxiety and answer questions. IRS employees have even undergone special training to insure "Super Saturday" is a success. Amanda Aronczyk reports.
Prices for commodities are on the rise in response to the Fed's move to buy U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities. Janet Babin explains why tangibles are on an upswing with mounting fears of inflation.
Kellogg's CEO David Mackay is urging Congress to improve government regulation on food safety. His company lost nearly $70 million in recalled products after the salmonella outbreak in peanuts. Steve Henn reports.
A new Justice Department policy on medical marijuana could lead to the drug becoming a regular source of tax revenue in states where it's legal. Jeff Tyler reports.
One day, hopefully sooner rather than later, we'll look back at this time in history of economic troubles and call it… something. Commentator Justin Wolfers offers a few suggestions.
The government is spending a lot of money on programs aimed at getting the economy back on track. Bob Moon speaks with Morgan Stanley economist Kevin Flanagan about where the money's going and how it may help.
The Federal Reserve's plan to pump $1 trillion into the economy initially had its intended effect on the mortgage market, where interest rates dropped. But it also spawned concerns of inflation. Jeremy Hobson reports.
European Union leaders are meeting today at a summit in Brussels. They're expected to increase the E.U.'s emergency fund for its members in central and Eastern Europe, the areas worst hit by the economic crisis. Christopher Werth reports.
Blockbuster releases fourth-quarter earnings today, and shareholders are distracted by the company's $850 million in bond and loan debt. But Blockbuster could still keep from going bankrupt. Amanda Aronczyk reports.
Today is the deadline for big investors to apply TALF, a government program meant to flush credit markets with cash. Bob Moon explains how the program can act as a financial plumber to a system clogged with old loans.
As the U.S. continues balancing out from thousands of layoffs, some U.S. lawmakers are demanding that H-1B visa holders be the first thing to go. Raymond Thibodeaux reports why highly-skilled workers from India are a target.
Global markets are absorbing the Federal Reserve's move to unleash another wave of cash into the economy. Renita Jablonski talks to Edward Hadas of the financial Web site Breaking Views about why this move is considered aggressive.
Executive bonuses are under strong scrutiny for the unfair ratio between risk and reward. Economics correspondent Chris Farrell tells Steve Chiotakis why we don't get angry when risk-taking entrepreneurs get paid.
While March Madness has been losing TV viewers, it's still a prime place to pitch to a young, well-educated male demographic. Online game viewers are an especially good net. Caitlan Carroll reports.
The Federal Reserve says it will buy U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities to inject $1 trillion into the economy. Homeowners looking to refinance mortgages could benefit. But there are potential downsides. Janet Babin reports.
To quell speculation and build investor confidence, General Electric is holding a meeting in New York to offer a peek into its finance unit. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The Federal Reserve is counting on private companies to use federal dollars to jump-start the credit markets. But are investors balking now because of the AIG commotion? Jeremy Hobson reports.
Investment in biofuels could bring much-needed development to African countries. But locals are still skeptical they'll see any of the benefits. Gretchen Wilson reports.
Tired of dealing with record labels, singer-songwriter Jill Sobule asked her fans to donate money to pay for her latest recording. She talks with Kai Ryssdal about what she's learned from the effort.
Chances are the loan you got for your car or house in recent years ended up being bought by investors in a process called securitization. Some blame that process for or current economic mess and say it shouldn't be allowed to continue. Bob Moon reports.
In retaliation for a ban on Mexican trucks using American highways, Mexico is set to impose tariffs on several U.S. imports. Commentator David Frum says it's the latest sign of the Obama administration's protectionist bias.
Regulators in China have denied Coca-Cola's plan to buy a Chinese juice company. Dan Grech reports the broken deal may signal rising protectionism in China and worldwide.
The $165 million in bonuses going to AIG employees has caused an uproar across the nation. But what are we missing while being distracted by those bonuses? Steve Henn reports.
A delegation of 35 Chinese businesses is meeting in London this week to talk about setting up shop. With the city offering free office space for a year and easy access to advisers, now is a good time. Christopher Werth reports.
Many popular musicians will tell you they didn't learn how to write that perfect pop song in school. But if you still want an official degree on the subject, the University of Southern California has a new pop music major. Eve Troeh reports.
Starbucks has been shedding jobs and offering value meals in order to combat the recession, but some brand experts say this could be hurting their image. Amanda Aronczyk explores why the company may be in danger of devaluation.
Regulators in China have denied Coca-Cola's plan to buy a Chinese drink company for a couple billion dollars, saying the deal would have hurt competition. Scott Tong reports the deal was unpopular in Chinese polls.
This morning, the CEO of insurance giant AIG will answer to a House Financial Services subcommittee about the bonuses paid to company executives. Tamara Keith breaks down why the firm has made so many angry.
Sun Microsystems and IBM are reportedly in talks over a potential $6.5 billion merger deal. Janet Babin explores what the two tech companies have in common and how the deal could help Sun Microsystems gain an edge over competition.
Small community banks that avoided making risky, complicated loans are still feeling the impact of the crisis caused by larger financial institutions. Bob Moon reports which expenses are hurting small banks the most.
The bailout of AIG has claimed $170 billion of taxpayer money, some of which is going to executive bonuses. But commentator Robert Reich says it wouldn't be nearly as awful if the Wall Street bailout was actually working.
Dating is a lot of things — painful, awkward, expensive. You'd think the dating industry would be down in the dumps during this recession. But as Sally Herships reports, a bad economy is good business for love.
Drinking water across the nation is getting more and more expensive. Some say it's the private sector that is pushing those prices up. Elaine Grant reports.
After joining the European Union, Ireland's economy roared to life in the 90's. But today, it's whimpering. Youth Radio's Pendarvis Harshaw reports on the tough choices Irish youth must make to deal with the downturn.
People are cutting back on a lot of things in this downturn, but not on pet needs. That may be one reason why meat producer Tyson Foods is partnering with Freshpet to enter the pet food business. Caitlan Carroll reports.
Home construction for February was up 22%, due in large part to apartment construction. Should we be excited about the numbers? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The Federal Reserve is meeting on interest rates. But with those rates basically at zero, what other tricks does Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke have up his sleeve? John Dimsdale reports.
Bonuses paid out to AIG executives have sparked outrage, and lawmakers are telling CEO Edward Liddy to fix the problem or they will do it for him. But what can the government really do? Steve Henn reports.
AIG CEO Edward Liddy is set to face a House panel's questions on bonuses paid to company executives with federal bailout money. Kai Ryssdal talks with Rep. Barney Frank about what to expect from the hearing on Wednesday.
The bonuses being doled out to AIG employees have clearly touched a nerve, but limiting executive salaries may come with drawbacks that could sting more than just the bonuses. Janet Babin reports.
