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Big Brother is everywhere, even watching you shop this holiday season. Karin Price Muller of the Newark Star-Ledger sheds light on those watchful eyes. We often hear about why gift cards are a bad idea. Well, Kendal Perez of HassleFreeSavings.com has10 reasons why you actually should give a gift card.When the "Occupy" occupations were occupying the front pages and the airwaves, we heard a lot about the evils of BIG BANKS and the virtues of credit unions. Casey Bond of GoBankingRates.com takes a balanced look at the pros and cons of those smaller, more locally-focused institutions.

Gabe Treves, Program Coordinator with Tenants Together discussed the effects of the foreclosure crusis on tenents.

Michael welcomes author Paul Sullivan, author of the book "Clutch", who discusses how to "clutch" you money in these hard times, and Kelly B. Graham, from the SmartMoney website.

Michael discusses whether it is better to buy new or used items, plus welcomes special guest Max Levitay, who discusses his consumer review webstite.

Michael welcomes Kate Forgatch, blog editor of CouponSherpa.com, and Jonah Lair, authtor of the new book "How We Decide."

Michael Finney takes calls from listeners on various subjects.

Ken Abbe, Staff Attorney for the Federal Trade Commission discussed the Crack Down on Bogus "Medical Discount Plans" Peddled to the Uninsured, Uninsurable, and Unemployed. Sarah Morgan of SmartMoney.com advised on Debit Card Pitfalls to Watch. Emily Brandon of US News and World Report listed 10 Things You Don't Know About Social Security.

Marc Silverman, the national Timeshare Correspondent for Examiner.com discussed everything you wanted to know and ask about Timeshares. For more information, email timeshare.examiner@gmail.com.

Christopher Walters, Contributing Editor Consumerist.com advised on How To Find Affordable Therapy. There are lots of Census Scams out there, Scott Stephenson of EliminateIDTheft.com gave tips for not Getting Conned While Being Counted. Rick Simonetti, Senior Director of Planning Wachovia, a Wells Fargo company revealed how New Rules May Lessen Your Tax Burden.

Zac Bissonette, writer with AOL's WalletPop blog, warned that , AnnaMaria Andiotis of Smartmoney.com revealed the 10 Things Your Mechanic Won't Tell You.

Shelley Feist, Eexecutive Director of The Partnership for Food Safety Education helped listeners Make Sense of Food Recalls, Tom Willis, Senior Risk and Fraud Analyst with Javalin Research shared the results of a new study that found Identity Fraud Reached New High in 2009, but Consumers are Fighting Back

Congrasswoman Jackie Speier gave details on her new legislation, The Children's Toxic Materials Act, and Sarah Morgan of Smart Money Magazine revealed The 10 Secrets Movie Theaters Won't Tell You, MP McQueen of the Wall Street Journal discussed What Home Sellers Won't Tell Buyers

Congrasswoman Jackie Speier gave details on her new legislation, The Children's Toxic Materials Act, and Sarah Morgan of Smart Money Magazine revealed The 10 Secrets Movie Theaters Won't Tell You, MP McQueen of the Wall Street Journal discussed What Home Sellers Won't Tell Buyers

We invited a variety of consumer advocacy groups to join us to discuss their successes in 2009, and goals for 2010. Community Action Marin. United Policy Holders. The Center for Responsible Lending.

We invited a variety of consumer advocacy groups to join us to discuss their successes in 2009, and goals for 2010. Consumer Action. Turn: The Utility Reform Network. CalPirg: The California Public Interest Research Group.

We invited a variety of consumer advocacy groups to join us to discuss their successes in 2009, and goals for 2010. Consumer Watch Dog. Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights

Dr. Sidney Wolfe, President of Public Citizen, reflected on Senator Ted Kennedy's contributions to consumer issues. David Sturtz, CEO of RepairPal.com helped consumers figure out how to determine what care repair costs should really cost. Ed Farrell, Director of Survey and Market Research for Consumer Reports, shared new indexes that track the state of the American Consumer.

Ellen Rupel Shell, author of Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture discussed How Outlet Malls Have Convinced Shoppers into Thinking They're Getting a Sweet Deal. US News writer Liz Wogelmuth shared the 5 Things to Know when Unemployment Ends. and Mike Barrett, Standards Specialist with the Sonoma County Department of Weights & Measurescommented on a recent judgement against Starbucks for gift card redemptions.

Jeremy Hoover, a financial consultant discussed a new study that reveals more than ¼ of San Franciscans are ready to leave their financial adviser. Mary Pilon, writer with the Wall Street Journal talked about living a Life Without Credit Cards. Ken Lin, CEO of CreditKarma.com explained how to get a free Credit Report Card.