Dec 7, 2012

Marketplace Money for Friday, December 7, 2012

With less than three weeks to go until Christmas, what are you dreaming of? Maybe getting the perfect gift, landing the perfect job, or fulfilling your dream of buying a house? This week we take a look at the economics of gift giving, why the perfect job in paradise doesn't pay, and if owning a home is still part of the American Dream. Plus, can an independent liquor store still survive against the big-box retailers? And financial advice for investors worried about the fiscal cliff.

Segments From this episode

Letters: It's my first time negotiating a salary!

by Marketplace Contributor

Dec 7, 2012

L.A. Times consumer columnist David Lazarus tackles trip insurance, low income housing, first-time salary negotiations and why on earth someone would still choose to still pay bills by check (we're looking at you, Tony Cox!).

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Fiscal Cliff

Advice for investors ahead of the fiscal cliff

by Chris Farrell

Dec 7, 2012

A lot of investors are on edge about what's going to happen with the fiscal cliff. Economics correspondent Chris Farrell says take a deep breath and don't make any rash decisions.

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What's helping the housing market bounce back?

by Marketplace Contributor

Dec 7, 2012

Things are looking up in the housing market. People are starting to buy houses again. Mortgage rates are at an all-time low and there's lots of inventory. Or is there?

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Lifeguard: A dangerous job in paradise

by Ann Heppermann

Dec 7, 2012

For lifeguards on Hawaii's North Shore, the office is beautiful, the work is dangerous, and the pay is surprisingly low.

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After all those foreclusures, not so many houses for sale

by David Weinberg

Dec 7, 2012

Some cities with high foreclosure rates actually have housing shortages now, not a glut of foreclosed houses on the market. President Obama's mortgage-relief plan has helped, but another factor is hedge funds investing in houses to rent out.

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Commentary

The financial reality of investing for women

by Helaine Olen

Dec 7, 2012

We often hear that women are more risk averse than men. Commentator Helaine Olen says yes, male and female investors may approach risk-taking differently, but that's not why women have less money to put away.

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The economics of gift giving

by Marketplace Contributor

Dec 7, 2012

Not sure what to give your Secret Santa? Here's some advice on how to re-think the gift-giving process so that everyone is left satisfied.

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Food and Drink

Uncorking what keeps independent liquor stores afloat

by Marketplace Contributor

Dec 7, 2012

Conventional wisdom says that big-box stores and supermarket chains offer cheaper alcohol than independent shops. But private liquor stores offer something big retailers can't.

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With less than three weeks to go until Christmas, what are you dreaming of? Maybe getting the perfect gift, landing the perfect job, or fulfilling your dream of buying a house? This week we take a look at the economics of gift giving, why the perfect job in paradise doesn’t pay, and if owning a home is still part of the American Dream. Plus, can an independent liquor store still survive against the big-box retailers? And financial advice for investors worried about the fiscal cliff.

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