Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories
  • Chris Farrell answers your financial questions.
    Photo: Vince Winkel

    This week, economics editor Chris Farrell offers us advice on getting out of a timeshare and participating in a debt-managing program.

  • It may be summer, but school's still in session over here. This week, Greg McBride of Bankrate.com teaches us all we need to know about the federal funds rate – and why it affects us.

  • Building of the New York State Supreme Court
    istockphoto.com

    A recent Supreme Court case said an investor's lawsuit could only go forward if there was compelling evidence of the company's intent to rip them off. Tess Vigeland talks to Berkeley law professor Eric Talley about what this could mean for investors.

  • Growing up in the U.S., you may feel more at ease using cash machines and online banking. But for many adult Latino immigrants, learning how to use these financial tools can be complicated. So parents are getting a little help from their kids.

  • It may be rare, but there are companies in the U.S. that offer their employees extended time off with pay. If you don't get a sabbatical, why not ask for one? Jeff Tyler explores how.

  • It's not the title of a summer blockbuster, but it could be coming to a stock market near you.

  • The difference between Wal-Mart and the bank just got smaller.

  • A money puzzle
    iStockphoto.com

    The Pension Protection Act passed by Congress last year allows companies to automatically enroll their employees into a 401k. But regulators still have to decide what plans work best. Tess Vigeland talks to Charles Ruffle of PlanSponsor.com.

  • Holding a cell phone
    istockphoto.com

    You're unhappy with your current cell phone service and you want to switch to another carrier — but then you get burned with a $200 fee. Tess Vigeland talks to Janine Kenney of Consumer's Union about how to get out of your contract without a penalty.

  • Gas prices are hovering around $3 a gallon.
    MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

    Just when you thought it was safe to get a quick, full tank of gas, the credit card companies shut you down. Tess Vigeland talks to the Associated Press's Ieva Augstums about how some consumers are finding out that their cards won't let them fill all the way up.