Week of May 11th, 2009

One of the essentials of the traditional American Dream has been to have a secure, happy retirement in your 60's. But unlike the Depression Era generation, many baby boomers haven't saved enough. And that's forcing them to rethink what it means to retire. Sam Eaton reports.

Kai Ryssdal goes through this week's news with Mike Mandel, chief economist for Businessweek, and Megan McArdle from The Atlantic's Business Channel.

Amaral Motors in Newtown, Conn. was a five-star Chrysler dealer. But after finding itself on the automaker's 800-dealer cut list, the generations-owned family business has to come up with a new plan. Amy Scott has the story.

The recession has been a wake-up call for Americans who weren't preparing adequately for retirement. Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, talks with Kai Ryssdal about the changing picture for older workers.

Yesterday, the Treasury Department revealed six insurance companies are eligible for about $22 billion in taxpayer bailout money. John Dimsdale explores the companies' reasoning for asking for the money.

Mexico sends more immigrants to the United States than any other country. But stricter border enforcement and fewer jobs in the U.S. are tarnishing its allure. Former Mexican Foreign Secretary Jorge Castaneda talks with Bill Radke about the consequences.

Gail George signed up to have us track her finances for 30 days. She talks with Tess Vigeland about what she learned in Week 2.

High school students in Burbank, Calif., tell reporter Andrea Gardner how they're scaling back on prom because of the recession.

Our economics editor Chris Farrell thinks about retirement a lot, and gets a lot of questions about it. Here's his assessment of the next American Dream for retirement.

Ever since Google started selling ads above its search list, competitors have been able to place themselves above searches. But businesses may be able to use trademark confusion as legal means to stop the practice. Janet Babin reports.

It's time once again for After the Bell, my weekly podcast on what the heck happened in business and the economy. This week, I tie into the theme…

The government's sending out 52 million stimulus checks to Americans on Social Security. Unfortunately, some of the people getting checks have…

When states and counties cut their budgets, school districts usually lose funding. And of course, that's happening across the country right now. …

Stricter border enforcement and fewer jobs are tarnishing the allure of the U.S. for Latin American immigrants. Princeton sociology professor Douglas Massey talks with Steve Chiotakis about the possible consequences of this shift in the American economy.

PNC Wealth Management's Bill Stone talks with Steve Chiotakis about what the fall in industrial production indicates for the economy, and what the lousy retail numbers mean.

In the next month or so, the New York Times is expected to make a decision about how it will charge people for content. At a meeting this week,…

Gas prices are up 12% in the last three weeks. Could be a sign of demand bouncing back? I'm skeptical. There are too many other signs of demand…

The Eurozone economy shrank much more than expected for the first quarter. And Europe's largest economy suffered an even bigger drop due largely to tumbling exports. Stephen Beard reports.

Delegates from 64 countries have signed a new agreement regulating how old ships are recycled for scrap metal. Sam Eaton reports.

Today General Electric will begin dredging toxic chemicals called PCBs from the upper part of New York's Hudson River. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

The Treasury Department is extending bailout money to life insurance companies. Jeremy Hobson reports on why insurers need a lifeline.

The grass is arguably greener for German retirees, compared to their American counterparts. But it may not be for long. Stephen Beard reports.

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, May 15, 2009

Marketplace for Friday, May 15, 2009

It may seem a little off-key to play "We're In The Money" when the markets go up slightly right after a big collapse. But Nate Dimeo explains why the song actually fits right in with our current economic problems.

When Jim and Ginger Buford got factory jobs right out of high school in Toledo, Ohio, they were told they'd have it made until retirement. But the factories closed and they've had to learn new skills — not easy at middle age. Sarah Gardner reports.

For years, Americans considered a college education the stepping stone to a well-paying job and secure future. But that stepping stone may not be as rock-solid as it once was. Sarah Gardner reports.

Bob Horton, manager of a tool library in Springfield, Mo., talks with Steve Chiotakis about whether we all really need our own stuff. His organization loans out everyday tools like power drills and lawnmowers.

Some unlikely political allies are pushing a piece of legislation that calls for a full-scale audit of the Federal Reserve and its 12 regional banks. Steve Henn reports what would be involved in a stress test for the Fed.

Question: We are both 54 years old, professionals, still working. We own our home and have no debt beyond $30,000 in a home equity loan from…

One of the signatures of the Marketplace programs is, of course, the music that's played when we do "the numbers." If the Dow, the Nasdaq and the…

As California voters prepare for a special election next week to try to balance their state's budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing putting a few state landmarks up for sale. Jennifer Collins reports.

General Motors has about two weeks before it reaches a government deadline to get smaller or file for bankruptcy. So what's the plan? Kai Ryssdal talks to General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson.

The Preakness Stakes filed for bankruptcy in March ahead of its 134th running, and where the race will take place in the future is anything but a sure bet. But Maryland officials are taking the uncertainty in stride. Joel Rose reports.

Doodlers and tinkerers, take heart. Design has moved from a decorative sideshow to center stage in the business world and, says commentator Kay Hymowitz, career opportunities abound.

The American Dream is grounded in the idea that all hard-working people can climb the ladder to a better life. But commentator John Morton says that today too many Americans, particularly those on the bottom rung, remain stuck.

America may be called the Land of Opportunity, but growing disparities between rich and poor now limit economic advancement. Alan Milburn, a British government adviser on social mobility, talks with Bill Radke about how the U.K. is dealing with similar concerns.

Yeah, I thought you could use some cheering up. Clusterstock ranks the most depressing towns and cities in slideshow format. It's not one of…

A couple months ago, Congressman Ron Paul introduced a bill that called for the Federal Reserve system to be audited. At first, there wasn't much…

The Obama administration has announced a new plan to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. Jeremy Hobson discusses the details with Bill Radke.

If you really, really, really want to be a blogger, the Huffington Post has a deal for you. HuffPo is auctioning off a 2-3 month internship at one…

Earlier this week, Massachusetts announced a $60 million settlement with Goldman Sachs over the bank's "involvement" in subprime loans. …

Standard & Poor's senior economist Beth Ann Bovino talks with Bill Radke about jobless claims and the rise in food costs.

Oh, for crying out loud. California wants TARP money. The S and P says the banking crisis has "merely entered a new phase" and might go on until…

Financial analyst Juli Niemann talks with Steve Chiotakis about whether the automakers' restructuring will affect the pile up of jobless claims, and where people are shopping in this downturn.

The Treasury Department is expected to announce a plan that will help ease the burden of foreclosures on a borrower's credit record. Jeremy Hobson reports.

The Treasury Department is expected to announce a plan that will help ease the burden of foreclosures on a borrower's credit record. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Sony is reporting its first annual loss in 14 years, to the tune of a billion dollars. The electronics giant expects to see more red ink next year. Scott Tong reports.

Chrysler is expected to announce it's cutting around 800 of its dealerships, and GM may soon follow suit. Is this a good idea for the carmakers? Rico Gagliano reports.

Delaware's governor is expected to sign a bill legalizing sports betting, which could bring in over $50 million a year to the state. John Dimsdale reports.

U.S. demand for oil has been low for the past few months. But with the price of a barrel of crude near $60, what will that mean for gas prices? Jennifer Collins reports.

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, May 14, 2009

Marketplace for Thursday, May 14, 2009

Question: I am trying to decide between two different graduate schools: a state school and a private college. Both have good, well respected…

Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the American economy, so news of falling retail sales isn't exactly good. Ashley Milne-Tyte explores how economic indicators are affecting the way we shop.

Home developers are morphing designs to match the needs of homeowners in a new economy. Kai Ryssdal talks to Elizabeth Moule, an architect in Pasadena, Calif., who's using the subprime crisis as an opportunity to re-think how homes are built.

The Africa Development Bank says millions of Africans are at risk of a substantial income drop. The collapse in the price of commodities could deprive every African of $250 a year. Stephen Beard delves further into the potential crisis.

A growing number of young families are rethinking the traditional American Dream of owning a home in the suburbs. They're now considering the advantages of renting a place in the city. Sam Eaton reports.

Dinesh Mohan, a transportation expert at the Indian Institute of Technology, talks with Bill Radke about his country's embrace of the car and what lessons Americans might take from it.

The E.U. hit chip-maker Intel with a $1.5 billion antitrust fine for alleged illegal sales tactics, which was good news to competitor AMD. But Intel denies the practices were illegal, and says it will appeal. Janet Babin reports.

You don't want this to happen. Seven workers at an AT&T office in downtown San Jose were hospitalized because one of their co-workers finally…

The Obama administration has been counting on big revenues from its climate change plans from selling permits for carbon emissions. But commentator David Frum says the way Congress works, the money will end up in utility companies' coffers.

Today, the Connecticut attorney general said Craigslist will get rid of its "erotic services" ads. Instead, there will be a new adult category,…

The private automobile helped build suburbia. But cars generate about one quarter of all man-made greenhouse gases. Dick Messer, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, loves his alternative ride — and it's not electric.

Delaware is about to become the only state east of the Mississippi to offer legal gambling on sports. I have a feeling Delaware's neighbors (and…

It's been a while since we talked about AIG, but there's plenty to talk about today. First, CEO Edward Liddy testified before Congress this…

Anyway who is geneuinely worried about inequality, poverty, equality of opportunity and economic growth has to focus on two primary issues:…

This morning, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner told a group of community bankers that the government will take the bailout money repaid by big banks…

Retail sales stink. What else is new? Well, foreclosures are ridiculously high. I said, what else is new?…

Jim Dunigan, chief investment officer at PNC Wealth Management, talks with Steve Chiotakis about retail numbers and signs of recovery in the economy.

The French Senate is expected to pass a law cracking down on Internet piracy. It could result in the loss of an Internet connection for up to a year. Stephen Beard reports.

Home foreclosures in April hit a record high for a second straight month. Why? Jennifer Collins reports.

The Obama administration is considering sweeping changes to the way financial industry employees are compensated. Jeremy Hobson talks with Bill Radke about the reforms, and why they might affect more than just bailed-out banks.

Today is the deadline for nations to file claims on continental shelves extending beyond their coastlines. But without signing a treaty, the U.S. could be losing out on some potentially vast oil reserves. Sam Eaton reports.

Macy's is one of several retailers reporting first quarter earnings today. Most are expected to post a loss. But are things starting to change? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Marketplace for Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Former Madoff investors continue to try recouping some of the billions they fed into the Ponzi scheme. Kai Ryssdal talks to Frontline correspondent Martin Smith, who looks into the "feeders" of the Madoff Affair.

More than 32,000 advertising jobs have been wiped out from targeted Internet ads and the recession. To get back into the job market, some are pitching risky. Steve Henn talked to one male copywriter who exposed his talent for shock value.

Frito-Lay company is trying to cash in on the trend towards local eating. A new marketing campaign unveiled today pitches Lay's potato chips as locally-made. Joel Rose investigates how local the chips really are.

An important new study looks into homeownership, minorities and immigrants over the past decade and a half. In Through Boom and Bust: Minorities,…

Ford Motor Company took advantage of a recent rally in its stock price today and sold close to 300 million new shares. A few banks are also hitting up the markets for cash, and so far investors are biting. Amy Scott explains how it works.

Trustees for Social Security and Medicare reported today the recession has taken a toll on the long-term financial viability of both programs. John Dimsdale explores options the programs have for fixing their finances.

Kathy Journeay, a health-care administrator near Boston, talks with Steve Chiotakis about her experiment with a different kind of suburban living called "cohousing."

The earned-income tax credit is the country's most successful and largest anti-poverty program for working families. For instance, the EITC is…

On an encouraging note, recessions do tend to inspire creativity, tenacity and a little bit of healthy (?) marble-losing. Case in point, out-of…

A Senate committee is hearing proposals that would help pay for the President's $1.2 trillion health care plan. As you may have heard, one of them…

The federal government loses money in April. The budget had its first April shortfall since 1983. For the first seven months of the fiscal year,…

Question: WE OWE 3 mortgages at 5.3755% 6.25% 6.98% for three different homes. Would we be qualified to refi under the HOME AFFORDABLE REFINANCE…

A list revealing British lawmakers' expense claims is causing some embarrassment. The list was leaked to Britain's Daily Telegraph, and includes some questionable items. Christopher Werth reports.

We're broke. Let's fix it. That's the catch phrase for a new project called Indebted from MTV U and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The goal…

Today, Marketplace launches a special report, "The Next American Dream." We're looking at four pillars of the American Dream and how they're…

The stock market is kind of eh, so far this morning, after yesterday's big sell-off. The question people are asking is — has this been a sucker's…