Joan and Jim talk about a number of current events that Kiplinger covers, including the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the economy, the continued impact of the sub-prime mortgage meltdown, presidential politics, and the future prices of postage, oil and the IRS mileage allowance.

Joan and Jim talk about the compressed presidential primary season coming up beginning in January. They move on to talk about the economic issues associated with the sub-prime challenges, and Jim points out how credit card debt could become more of a compounding problem than the sub-prime exposure. They also talk about technology transfer opportunities for small businesses and new state court practices for medical malpractice cases.

What is going to cause a labor shortage in the next five to ten years? Joan joins Jim to discuss this and other topics in this week's <i>Kiplinger Letter</i>

Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about what Jim calls the "schizophrenic" condition of the economy, with some news being very good and some being very bad. They go on to talk about airline fare increases, alternative fuels, and recent state elections and presidential campaigns, among other issues.

Joan and Jim discuss a number of current events, including the strong demand for U.S. agriculture products worldwide, the overall economy, the dangerous direction of oil prices, the current tax legislation being discussed and other important issues.

Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about the impact of record oil prices on the economy, and then about the negative direction Russia is going with Putin at the helm. They continue with a discussion about taxes, immigration and politics.

Over 40,000 women die from breast cancer every year. These ladies have at least three things in common: they are all breast cancer survivors, they are alive today largely because they were diagnosed early, and they're all members of Jim's Brain Trust, . Listen as they talk about how they were diagnosed, how they handled the news, the treatment and their professional lives, and how they feel about being a survivor. The stories are powerful demonstrations of courage and survival.

Joan and Jim talk about the issues most relevant to small business from the recent Kiplinger Letter, including projections for consumer spending, inflation and interest rates.

Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about how things have changed for Wal-Mart and why that's good news for small business. They go on to talk about issues about the U.S. dollar as it relates to other currencies and how that affects our economy. Next they discuss the future of the housing industry and possible opportunities, the healthcare settlement between GM and UAW. And finally, they reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Russian satellite, Sputnik.

Joan and Jim open this interview talking about what is being done by the government to assist the thousands of homeowners who are in danger of loosing their houses through foreclosure. They also discuss some new advances in wireless Internet access in your car and on airplanes. Then the editor-emeritus of the Kiplinger Editors, Austin Kiplinger, joins Jim as they celebrate his 89th birthday and the 84th anniversary of the Kiplinger Letter. Jim considers Mr. Kiplinger to be a national treasure and a witness to the 20th century, so you don't want to miss his perspectives on the current and future economic and political landscapes.