Consumer spending

Congress has passed the payroll tax cut extension. We take a look at what the means for consumers. We have some numbers for you: Consumer spending grew just 0.1 percent in November, while orders for U.S. factory goods went up 3.8 percent. Plus, what is the most pessimistic country in the world? And find out which professions receive the biggest holiday tips.

A rare treat for listeners! Tess discusses the ins and outs of 2011 with all four of our regulars, Chris Farrell, Kathy Kristof, David Lazarus and Liz Weston.

From July to September, American families purchased more, even as their net worth shrank faster than it has at any time since the worst of the financial crisis.

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

Consumer sentiment and spending numbers have been inching higher in the last few weeks. But the ongoing high price of oil could put a cap on that growth.

NPD Group analyst Marshall Cohen says if debt deal isn't reached, consumers could pull back because of "distractions." But consumers will shop early -- and online.

With a plethora of deals websites like Groupon out there, it's possible you may never have to pay full price for anything again. But comedian Kristina Wong is tired of all the discounts.

Here are today's top headlines from the Marketplace Morning Report and around the web...