From This Collection

Data mining pushes marketing to a new level

Jul 26, 2010
Every time you swipe one a rewards card at a store, that data goes somewhere to get analyzed. Marketplace's Stacey Vanek-Smith takes a look at the multi-billion dollar data mining industry -- how it has evolved and where it will go.
Woman holding credit card.
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Unemployed stay afloat on credit

Nov 27, 2009
As employment benefits run out, more people are turning to credit cards to make ends meet. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Visa credit cards.
Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Banks draft changes to overdraft fees

Sep 25, 2009
If you ever spent more with your debit card than was in your account, your bank may have paid the amount but then slammed you with a big overdraft fee. Banks impose such policies as "protection plans." But now, as Stacey Vanek-Smith reports, you'll have a choice of whether you want one.
A Wells Fargo customer enters a bank branch in San Francisco, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Painless spending can hurt pocketbooks

Sep 25, 2009
Using a credit card is easy. Writing a check is more time consuming. Host Tess Vigeland talks with personal finance columnist Jason Zweig about how different ways of paying can affect how much we spend.

Congress looks to limit debit card fees

Sep 21, 2009
As more consumers are using debit cards for purchases, banks are seeing a decline in late fees and interest charges on credit cards. So they're looking to make up the difference -- and lawmakers have noticed. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Bank customer uses ATM machine.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Credit card companies try new tactics

Sep 15, 2009
With consumers defaulting and newfound scrutiny from lawmakers, credit card companies are in a tough place. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports that's got companies trying a new tactic.
Credit cards
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Compulsive debtors turn for help

Aug 28, 2009
We've all heard about Alcoholics Anonymous. But Debtors Anonymous? Marketplace Money profiles three members.

For public good, not for profit.

No credit card for my college-bound son

Aug 28, 2009
It's that time of year again: young adults are schlepping off to college, many of them for the first time. How are parents handling the whole money conversation? Commentator Harriett Brackey tells her story.

Is credit counseling good for you?

Aug 21, 2009
During these tough economic times, a lot of folks are reaching out for help with their credit cards. Marketplace Money listeners chime in on whether credit counseling has worked for them.

Credit card reforms only do so much

Aug 21, 2009
Commentator Jill Schlesinger says that although the government has passed new rules regarding credit cards, real credit card reform will only come when individuals change their spending habits.
Jill Schlesinger
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