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Marketplace Money for Friday, Dec. 9, 2011
Dec 9, 2011

Marketplace Money for Friday, Dec. 9, 2011

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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.

Segments From this episode

Banks are part of the solution

Dec 9, 2011
Banks' reputations have taken a beating since the financial crisis. But one bank CEO says the banking industry can help turn the economy around -- just not all by itself.

Piggy Bank Award: An homage, in oils

Dec 9, 2011
One fan expressed her love for our show, and hopefulness about the economic future, in a painting.
"Bacon and Eggs: A Recession Painting" by Suzie Baker
Suzie Baker

Building a digital legacy for your children

Dec 9, 2011
One father discusses why he bought a digital trust fund for his newborn daughter.
Creating a "digital trust fund" may help junior in an increasingly wired world.
Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

The economy, then and now

Dec 9, 2011
Long-time L.A. Times financial columnist Tom Petruno shares what he has learned about economics and personal finance in his 30-plus years covering the markets.
A trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Austere living in Ireland

Dec 9, 2011
Ireland has been in an economic decline since before 2008 and is gearing up for a second round of austerity cuts. We talk to an Irish family about how they're coping in the slumping economy.
Penny and Brendan Fogarty with their children Andrew and Emma. They live in Dublin.
Courtesy of the Forgarty family

Are brick-and-mortar bank branches still necessary?

Dec 9, 2011
With more people banking online, banks are closing branches. But some community leaders say banks that provide face-to-face interactions are still important.

This week: The Postal Service, the CFPB (non) confirmation

Dec 9, 2011
We talk to one of our Washington reporters about what happened in the news this week.

How to explain Santa's budget to your kids

Dec 9, 2011
Learn tips on how to explain to children why they didn't get everything on their wish lists.
Money Producer Stephen Hoffman and Baby Miles
Courtesy of Stephen Hoffman

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.