Segments From This Episode

• Letters: It’s my first time negotiating a salary!

  by Marketplace Contributor

  L.A. Times consumer columnist David Lazarus tackles trip insurance, low income housing, first-time salary negotiations and why on earth someone would still choose to still pay bills by check (we're looking at you, Tony Cox!).

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• Advice for investors ahead of the fiscal cliff

  by Chris Farrell

  A lot of investors are on edge about what's going to happen with the fiscal cliff. Economics correspondent Chris Farrell says take a deep breath and don't make any rash decisions.

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• What’s helping the housing market bounce back?

  by Marketplace Contributor

  Things are looking up in the housing market. People are starting to buy houses again. Mortgage rates are at an all-time low and there's lots of inventory. Or is there?

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• Lifeguard: A dangerous job in paradise

  by Ann Heppermann

  For lifeguards on Hawaii's North Shore, the office is beautiful, the work is dangerous, and the pay is surprisingly low.

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• After all those foreclusures, not so many houses for sale

  by David Weinberg

  Some cities with high foreclosure rates actually have housing shortages now, not a glut of foreclosed houses on the market. President Obama's mortgage-relief plan has helped, but another factor is hedge funds investing in houses to rent out.

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• The financial reality of investing for women

  by Helaine Olen

  We often hear that women are more risk averse than men. Commentator Helaine Olen says yes, male and female investors may approach risk-taking differently, but that's not why women have less money to put away.

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• The economics of gift giving

  by Marketplace Contributor

  Not sure what to give your Secret Santa? Here's some advice on how to re-think the gift-giving process so that everyone is left satisfied.

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• Uncorking what keeps independent liquor stores afloat

  by Marketplace Contributor

  Conventional wisdom says that big-box stores and supermarket chains offer cheaper alcohol than independent shops. But private liquor stores offer something big retailers can't.

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