How to Protect Your Money

(NEWSER) - The failure of the bailout bill to clear the House has American consumers checking their retirement accounts, their wallets, and even their mattresses as they grapple with the implications of the worsening financial situation. With falling oil prices seemingly the only silver lining for the average consumer, MSNBC offers some advice.

• Make sure investments eligible for FDIC protection actually have that protection.

High-risk model hasn't changed, could lead to new crisis, says Reich

(NEWSER) - Goldman Sachs is back in the black, with trading and stock underwriting revenues at an all-time high—and that should scare you, former Clinton cabinet member Robert Reich writes in Salon. While Goldman's earnings may signal that the current crisis is abating, the bank hasn't modified high-risk strategies that forced the taxpayer to bail it out. And Goldman's latest success will only encourage competitors to do the same. More»

Regulator clashes with Paulson, Bernanke over relief for lenders

(NEWSER) - The FDIC chief is blasting the White House and Congress for focusing the $700 billion bailout on financial institutions and not giving homeowners facing foreclosure more help, reports the Wall Street Journal. Sheila Bair, a Bush appointee, says the government’s insistence that homeowners not profit from its help—while appearing unconcerned about institutional profiteering—has been “a frustration.” More»

20 cinematic escapes when you're feeling the Great Depression

(NEWSER) - Nothing lifts a Great Depression like a visit to the talkies. Gawker recommends 20 films to watch on your iPhone while standing in tomorrow's bread lines—assuming you haven't already sold your iPhone.

• It's a Wonderful Life: How to survive a bank run, and have a Merry Christmas.
• Grapes of Wrath: Your Ugg boots won't help you on that long march.
• Ironweed: Pick up tips on Depression-era love, even if Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep do get a little nasty.

Public should expect some reward for taking on Wall Street's bad debt

(NEWSER) - The impending bailout of beleaguered Wall Street behemoths should give the taxpaying public some protection and accountability, writes EJ Dionne Jr. in the Washington Post. The deal should allow the government to claim a stake in financial firms that make money from the bailout, giving taxpayers the chance to reap some rewards in exchange for taking such a large risk. More»