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Education

An Argument Against Going to College

If you didn't get into college — or maybe can't afford to go — could it be a blessing in disguise? Joe LaMacchia runs the website BlueCollarandProudofIt.com. He says college isn't for everyone, and provides resources for kids headed into the trades.

An Argument Against Going to College

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Economy

Treasury to Propose Overhaul of Financial Oversight

On Monday, the Treasury Department will unveil a sweeping plan to change the way the government oversees the nation's financial industry. From what we know, the plan focuses more on oversight and less on tighter regulation.

Treasury to Propose Overhaul of Financial Oversight

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Election 2008

How Will Our Next President Fix the Economy?

All three presidential candidates gave major speeches this week on the economy. And while they all touched on similar themes, they drew some pretty different conclusions, according to NPR's Economics Correspondent, Adam Davidson.

How Will Our Next President Fix the Economy?

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Economy

Pessimism Is Pervasive Among Consumers

Data released Tuesday shows that consumers are becoming more pessimistic. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index has fallen to a five-year low. The survey also found that consumers expect conditions to get worse, not better. Another index that looks to the future, the Expectations Index, was down at a level not seen since 1973. Chris Arnold

Pessimism Is Pervasive Among Consumers

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Economy

Consumer Confidence Declines Sharply

Consumer confidence numbers released Tuesday were down sharply. The Conference Board reports that Americans expectations for the future fell to a 35-year low. People in three cities across the country explain how personal the economic downturn is for them.

Consumer Confidence Declines Sharply

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Opinion

Does Bear Stearns Bailout Set a Bad Precedent?

By orchestrating the survival of Bear Stearns and subsidizing its marriage with JPMorgan Chase, the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department have removed some of the loss from the profit and loss system. But without the potential for loss, is reckless risk-taking more likely?

Does Bear Stearns Bailout Set a Bad Precedent?

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The Color of Money

Consumers Hounded by Debt Collectors Have Rights

Debt collectors get more complaints filed against them than any other professional. Consumers complain about abusive treatment and false threats of lawsuits. But even a person who owes money has some rights. Michelle Singletary covers the rules that debt collectors are supposed follow.

Consumers Hounded by Debt Collectors Have Rights

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Business

Giant Gas Fields in Eastern U.S. Spark Land Debate

Geologists have long been aware of a natural gas reservoir called the Marcellus Shale Formation. New technology suggests it may be big enough to double the U.S. output. Now people in small towns from New York to West Virginia face a rush to tap their land.

Giant Gas Fields in Eastern U.S. Spark Land Debate

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World

U.N. Issues Emergency Appeal for Food Funds

In the face of rising food and fuel costs, the U.N. World Food Program is making an extraordinary appeal for donations. According to reports, at least 37 countries face food crises, and 20 have imposed some sort of food-price controls.

U.N. Issues Emergency Appeal for Food Funds

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What's the Best Way to Protect Your Wallet?

The housing market is in shambles, oil and food prices are skyrocketing, and the U.S. dollar is slouching. But the financial choices you make can safeguard your checking account — even in tough economic times. Author and economist Julianne Malveaux offers big-picture financial advice.

What's the Best Way to Protect Your Wallet?

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The Impact of War

Why the Dollar Is No Longer the World Standard

The yen, euro and pound have taken long strides past the dollar in recent weeks. Wall Street Journal reporter Craig Karmin says it's news that shouldn't come as a surprise — or a reason to forecast doom for the U.S. economy.

Why the Dollar Is No Longer the World Standard

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Business

Bankruptcies Soar Across the Country

In Northern Virginia, Chapter 7 filings have tripled over the past year. Bankruptcy attorney Tom Gorman, who represents small businesses seeking Chapter 7 liquidation in the region, talks to Liane Hansen about the epidemic.

Bankruptcies Soar Across the Country

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Business

Feds Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Appraisal Fraud

A federal agency is working to combat appraisal fraud. James Lockhart, director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, talks to Liane Hansen about the agency's efforts to strengthen the independence of the appraisal process.

Feds Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Appraisal Fraud

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Economist Answers Questions from Regular Joes

The economic news this week was troubling and confusing, particularly to the average person who is not an economist. Carnegie Mellon economics professor Marvin Goodfriend talks to Andrea Seabrook about how the economic news affects ordinary Americans.

Economist Answers Questions from Regular Joes

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