Marketplace Money for Friday, September 23, 2011
Segments From this episode
It's a great time to buy a house
by Chris Farrell
Sep 23, 2011
Foreclosures, declining home prices... The housing market seems gloomy. But commentator Chris Farrell thinks this is the best time to buy a house.
Maps - Car culture
Why are used cars so expensive?
by Phil Reed
Sep 23, 2011
We get an update on the state of the used car market from Phil Reed of Edmunds.com. He was -- and still is -- in favor of buying used, but now has a few caveats.
Fed's Operation Twist nothing to shout about
by Nancy Marshall-Genzer
Sep 23, 2011
The Federal Reserve announced that it would lower long-term interest rates to try to encourage consumer spending. But the plan may have limited impact on the economy.
Eating ethically -- it's complicated
by Adriene Hill
Sep 23, 2011
You're trying your best to choose the most ethical, environmentally-friendly apples and chickens, but here are some more factors to consider before you decide to eat local.
Ireland plans bankruptcy reform
by Christopher Werth
Sep 23, 2011
Ireland is still rolling in tough economic times. Many citizens may want an exit from their crippling debts, but the country's brutal bankruptcy laws prevent them from filing.
What's in your wallet, Alan Mosley?
by Marketplace Staff
Sep 23, 2011
A member of the International Rescue Committee talks about an emergency card he keeps in his wallet.
Are credit scores fair?
by Tess Vigeland
Sep 23, 2011
Matt Haughey says he's in his best financial condition yet, but his credit score is still low. John Ulzheimer of SmartCredit.com says credit scores need a little elbow grease to maintain, but are a fair assessment of a person's finances.
Getting Personal: Franchises, budgeting in uncertain times
by Marketplace Staff
Sep 23, 2011
Tess Vigeland and David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times answer listeners' personal finance questions.
How to ensure a fair home appraisal
by Marketplace Staff
Sep 23, 2011
The glut of foreclosed homes is dragging down home appraisals. We learn from a professional how to make sure you get the fairest assessment of your home's value.
Piggy Bank Award
Piggy Bank Award: Three cheers for being debt free!
by Marketplace Staff
Sep 23, 2011
This week's little blue piggy goes to a listener who just made the final payment on $21,480 worth of credit card debt with the help of his family.