Let cooler heads prevail

In this time of uncertainty, Tess turns to financial heavyweight John Bogle for some common sense advice on weathering this economic storm.

A tough lesson in the lending industry
Student loan rates may reset to new lows in July, but as Stacey Vanek-Smith explains, deciding to consolidate now or after the rate change involves rolling the dice.

Steering clear of the bookstore
The average college textbook bill is pushing $1,000 a year. Jill Barshay tells us how students and professors are dodging high prices.

Day in the Work Life: Salon owner
On this week's "A Day In the Work Life," we meet Deb Cage, a hairdresser with a unique salon that helps those for whom a haircut is usually out of reach.

Hitchin' a ride online
Life's tough for the carless and gas prices are stinging car owners. Brendan Newnam learns how both sides can get a bargain by turning to Craigslist.

The downside of DIY travel
The Internet lets us manage our own travel plans, but it's not always that easy or cheap. Tess asks Scott McCartney when it's best to leave things to the professionals.

Letters
Tess reads your letters. This month: Greenspan bashing, walking away from mortgages, a bad night in Vegas and revisiting the "magic age."

ALL MARKETPLACE MONEY STORIES

CONSUMER CONSEQUENCES
How many p***ts would it take to sustain humanity if everyone lived like you? Play our "Consumer Consequences" game and find out.