L.A. Times columnist Tom Petruno has been writing about the economy for more than 30 years. He shares what he’s learned about economic cycles, human nature and investing. And with Christmas around the corner, we offer tips on how to explain to kids why Santa didn’t get them everything on their wish lists. There is a cheap, but significant gift you can give your child: a digital trust fund. Domain names, social media and e-mail accounts. And when’s the last time you visited a bank branch? More branches are closing down, but some communities are fighting to get them back. Plus, an Irish family discusses what it’s like to experience more belt-tightening.

Military servicemembers are returning stateside to a tough job market. Two veterans share their job-hunting experiences. Time’s a-tickin’ to get those gifts. If you’re short on money, learn some tips on how to make presents that won’t end up gathering dust. If you’re swiping away, Yale researchers are studying how monkeys make financial decisions to gain insight into how humans spend. Plus, it’s Paddy Hirsch’s first show as the new senior producer of Marketplace Money. We read your suggestions for him and the future of the show.  

While you recover from your Thanksgiving feast and Black Friday shopping spree, listen to an inspiring story of one unemployed woman who uses marathon running to stay hopeful about her future. Plus, the holiday shopping season has officially started. We learn about “dynamic pricing” and how to score the best deals with this system. And we look at the psychology behind why couples lie to each other about how they spend their money. We’ve also got tips on how to keep the peace in your relationship using the rules of economics.

Social media have changed the way we do pretty much everything, including spending money. We’ll hear about the birth of “cash mobs” in Cleveland. And, forget those daily deals and sales. There’s another way to get a bargain on that thing you want. Turning old into gold. Plus, if only you could go online and get help finding a parking space before you arrive. Also, we learn how to test whether you can handle using a credit card or not.

In a special partnership with The New York Times, Marketplace Money takes a look at how housing fits into today's American Dream.

We talk to the author of a classic job-hunting book “What color is your parachute?” and offer some job-hunting advice. Plus, find out which city leads the nation in credit scores in this episode of Marketplace Money from American Public Media.

Listen to the latest episode of Marketplace Money with guest host David Brancaccio. This week: Austerity in Europe and the U.S.

This week we try to make a few things clearer for you, looking at the Health Reform Act; how colleges are trying to give prospective students a more accurate price tag; why we cling onto "loser" stocks; Bank Transfer Day; trying to separate mind and heart when it comes to determining whether something is trash or family heirloom. And we visited a free health clinic where both insured and uninsured patients are lining up to have medical procedures done.

Our parents have a huge influence on how we manage our money. Car-sharing services are on the rise. Auto makers aren't shaking in their boots. Occupy Wall Street is comprised of a diverse group of people. A "one-percenter" — investment adviser Josh Brown — explained to the executives of his industry why American citizens are so angry at them.