Economy
- Economy
Can an agency protect consumers from making bad decisions about their finances? We meet one military family whose situation seems tailor-made for the mission of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Neither a borrower, nor a lender
The politics of protecting consumers
View Comments
Are we slaves to debt?
The debate over what to do about debt is nothing new, according to anthropologist David Graeber. Alison Stewart talks with Graeber about our misconceptions about debt and why it plays such a large role in history.'Debt' and forgiveness
Anthropologist and author David Graeber tackles the topic du jour in his new book, “Debt: The First 5,000 Years.”
Loans on the line
In Missouri, there’s an effort to put an initiative on the ballot this November that would cap payday loan interest rates. But will capping rates mean no credit at all for some Missourians? Stacey Tisdale reports.
American Voices: Cy Richardson
The National Urban League’s Cy Richardson on how to put money into the hands of those who have historically been shut out.
Gary Rivlin on the high cost of poverty
Journalist Gary Rivlin talks to Jeff Greenfield about the need for affordable, non-predatory credit in poor communities.
Making it in America
This week, Need to Know travels to Atlanta to understand the impact that immigrant entrepeneurs have on the region’s economic success.
Silicon Valley and immigration
Rep. Zoe Lofgren talks to Rick Karr about technological innovation and job creation in Silicon Valley — and the visa complications that might put all that to an end as foreign entrepreneurs decide to take their businesses and jobs overseas.
The view from Main Street
John Larson reports from Sumner, Wash., on how people in one small town are getting by despite frustration over the economy and the war in Afghanistan.
Poll: A referendum on the economy
What do you think of the Obama administration’s economic policies? Tell us in our weekly poll.
Poll: Waiting for Superman
Is there one person who can turnaround our economy? Vote in our poll.
Reihan Salam: ‘There is good job creation and there is bad job creation’
Reihan Salam of The National Review argues that private initiatives, not federal subsidies, are the way to get the country back on track.
Staying on the job: A program in Rhode Island helps businesses keep people employed
As part of our Help Wanted series, we report on one job-saving initiative that seems to be paying off: A program in Rhode Island helps businesses keep workers employed.
Self starters: Going from unemployed to entrepreneur
In most states, jobless benefits are there to cushion the blow while you look for work. But Oregon does something different, using the benefits to encourage people to start their own businesses.
Poll: The jobs crisis
Who’s best equipped to solve the jobs crisis? Vote in our poll.
