Nov 18, 2011

Marketplace Money for Friday, November 18, 2011

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.

Segments From this episode

Commentary

The high price of running

by Jen Miller

Nov 17, 2011

For commentator Jen Miller marathon training is totally worth the sweat, blood and tears -- and the money. She says it's a different kind of investment.

To buy or not to buy refurbished?

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Nov 17, 2011

Marketplace's Nancy Marshall-Genzer looks at the pros and cons of buying refurbished items, as she shops for a new (or refurbished) phone.

Can you handle a credit card?

by Tess Vigeland

Nov 17, 2011

They look like innocent pieces of plastic, but high interest rates and fees can ravage your wallet and your credit score. We talk to a financial expert about how to deal with credit cards responsibly.

Financial expert Carmen Wong Ulrich says credit cards aren't bad -- until you start looking at them as free cash.

iStockphoto

A Simple way to bank

by Tess Vigeland

Nov 17, 2011

The new website Simple wants to consolidate all your financial products -- like checking and savings accounts, CDs -- to help you avoid fees and maximize interest rates for savings.

simple.com

'Cash Mobs' try to boost small businesses

by Tess Vigeland

Nov 18, 2011

A group in Cleveland is organizing crowds to ambush local businesses with sales.

A close-up of the front of a U.S. 20-dollar bill lit with an ultra-violet light. $20 was the weapon of choice for a "cash mob" in Cleveland.

Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images

Makin' Money

Holiday shopping: Will you choose debit or credit?

by Gerri Detweiler

Nov 18, 2011

The debate over credit versus debit has been raging for years. Guest blogger Gerri Detweiler gives three reasons on each side of the argument.

San Francisco tries to take the headache out of parking

by Casey Miner

Nov 18, 2011

The SFpark app will help drivers find parking in a city where spots can be hard to come by.

Ask Money

Getting Personal: Social Security checks, choosing how to save

by Marketplace Contributor

Nov 18, 2011

Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland and David Lazarus, consumer columnist for The Los Angeles Times answer listener questions.

Piggy Bank Award

Piggy Bank Award: Dumpster diving for diamonds and platinum

by Tess Vigeland

Nov 18, 2011

A husband slogs through a dumpster to recover a lot of monetary and sentimental value.

Anna McGuinn's hand and her 1.5-carat diamond engagement ring.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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.

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