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A Mobile Wallet: Cash, Credit, Or ... Cellphone?

Google already offers a way to pay for lunch or groceries using its "Google Wallet" on an Android phone — cell providers and banks aren't far behind with payment systems of their own. Analyst Gilles Ubaghs talks about how coupons and convenience might persuade customers to make the switch.

Planning Your Insanity-Free, 'Practical Wedding'

Couples planning their weddings are forced to make scores of difficult decisions — managing the guest list, the cost and family expectations. In her new book, Meg Keene helps couples focus a little more on the meaning of marriage, and a little less on the flowers and cake.

How To Avoid 'Bill Shock' From Smartphone Use

Americans who've been traveling abroad are all too often stunned by the size of their mobile phone bill. Even if they aren't actively using their phone, they can rack up hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars in charges as data streams to their phone over foreign networks.

Consumer Protection Bureau Takes On Payday Loans

The recently created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau went on the road to hold its first public hearing. The bureau traveled to Birmingham, Ala., to talk about payday lenders. In Alabama, there are four times as many store-front payday businesses than there are McDonalds.

How Property Taxes Climb, Even If Home Value Drops

Millions of homeowners are finding out that their property taxes are either holding steady or rising. Their houses, however, may be worth much less, and there may not be much they can do about it. The economic downturn, state laws and property appraisals have created some surprises.

Suze Orman Discusses Her Prepaid Debit Card

Audie Cornish speaks with financial expert and author Suze Orman about her new prepaid debit card, Approved.

Early Tips For Tax Day

As many people begin to receive their W-2 forms, host Michel Martin and accountant David Baldoza discuss tips on getting a head start on filing taxes.

Layoffs Hit Wall Street As Financial Needs Change

Big banks announced around 60,000 job cuts in 2011. With businesses and consumers still focused on reducing debt, there isn't the same need for financial services as there was before, says one banking analyst. The outlook in the years ahead is for a smaller, more stable and less profitable industry.

Luxury Tractor Makes Debut At Detroit Auto Show

Craftsman's CTX is fast, powerful and loaded with automobile-inspired features, including cup holders. The company hopes its new line of riding lawn mowers will appeal to consumers of luxury vehicles.

Romney's Success Sparks GOP Debate Over Capitalism

An interesting thing has happened on the way to the GOP presidential nomination: A fight has broken out over the meaning of capitalism. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is drawing bright lines between private equity and industrialists. He sees it as the difference between looters and inventors.

Credit Card Arbitration Trumps Lawsuits, Court Says

Consumers who sign credit card agreements that feature an arbitration clause cannot dispute fees or charges in court, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The 8-to-1 ruling is drawing fire from consumer advocates.

Alternative Money Tools From Suze Orman, Wal-Mart

Suze Orman introduced her prepaid debit card this week, promising low fees and unlimited credit reports. And Wal-Mart is offering various financial services, such as check cashing and bill paying. Host Michel Martin and personal finance expert Alvin Hall discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these new, non-traditional options.

Why Millions Of Prescriptions Will No Longer Be Filled At Walgreens

Starting this year, many Americans may be surprised to find that their local Walgreens or Duane Reade is no longer in their insurance network. That's because of a dispute between two health care giants. If the back of your insurance card says Express Scripts, you are affected.

U.S. Is 'Land Of Opportunity' No More?

Unemployment dropped in December 2011, but can Americans still count on moving up? Recent reports say America now lags behind Canada, Britain and some Western European nations in terms of economic mobility. Host Michel Martin talks with public policy analyst John Bridgeland and Brookings Institution economic expert Isabel Sawhill.

Pained By Prices At The Pump? They're Likely To Go Even Higher

The U.S. average price for a gallon of gas was a record $3.513 in 2011. Stronger demand, tensions with Iran and other factors are expected to push the average up further in 2012.