Marketplace Money

This weekend, we're talking about what we spend our money on, what we save it for, and who we give it to. More than 88 percent of households in the U.S. donate to charity, but all that money may not be going where you think it is. We offer a look at America's worst charities. Plus, how important is mindful consumption to you? We speak with two consumers who put their money where their morals are. Also, what's the cost of helping your kids stand out? Some parents are willing to spend anything. We explore the costs and benefits of investing in kids. And for the bargain shoppers: More dollar stores are popping up everywhere these days. But what's a good buy for a buck and what's not? Finally, a letter encouraging financial independence from a dad to his son in honor of Father's Day.

Retirement is on our minds. Is it on yours? It's never too early to think about retirement, as we offer advice to some of our younger listeners about saving for their future. Also, new research from Pew shows that retirement accounts are making a comeback. Has yours fully recovered to pre-recession levels? And retiring doesn't necessarily mean that your work life is over. Some retirees are getting a second-act... career. Plus, a chat with Wall Street analyst Meredith Whitney about an economic power shift in the U.S., a preview of the new movie "The Internship," and a look at life in Jefferson County, Ala., which reached a deal this week to avoid bankruptcy.

If you're not at home, you're likely at work.  Or vice versa.  So, we're paying close attention to how the housing market is doing and ways to make workplace relationships healthier. First, mortgage interest rates rose from historic lows this week and that's giving some home shoppers pause in their decision to purchase. Should a few percentage points matter? And how has home buying changed in recent years? The paperwork hasn't gotten any less complicated, that's for sure. Now onto the office: Is it true you need to be a self-serving, aggressive employee to get ahead at work? There's new research about givers and takers on the job. Also, how do you handle a mean, moody boss or an inappropriately dressed coworker? Maybe send them a snarky e-card and they'll get the message. The co-founders of Someecards.com talk about laughing away workplace woes.

It's time to take control of your finances -- and take control of your life. This week we talk with a young man looking for a way to get out of his parents' house and explore the financial burden parents face when their adult children live at home. And meet a listener who has finally found a job after six years of unemployment, but needs help handling her paycheck. Also, if you have questions about money -- as so many of you do -- it could be time to seek professional help. We answer all of your questions about hiring a certified financial planner. Plus, we check in on Moore, Okla., to see how the town is doing after it was devastated by a tornado and explore how difficult it could be for residents to navigate the insurance claims process and start rebuilding.

Debt. Don't let it ruin your life. Even if you feel like you're swimming in student loans or can't get ahead of what you owe to credit card companies, we've got some advice on what to do when you've got a mountain of debt.  One tip: as much as you'd like to, don't hang up when a bill collector calls.  And don't take your personal relationships for granted when money enters the mix. Debt doesn't have to destroy your ties with friends or family. Plus, a special report on why struggling military families opt to do business with risky payday lenders over low-interest government loans.