This episode of Maxed Out is about Sondra and Ashton, a couple who has been living together for about a year and share careers in counseling but have opposite money habits. Sondra is 28 years old and Ashton is 25, and while he is taking trips with the money he's saved she is tinkering on the edge of bankruptcy.

Ashton's saving ways have put him in a good financial place but Sondra's spending tendencies have put her $56,000 in debt. Find out more about their situation and Sondra's plan to get out of debt when you read more

Seventy percent of you think smoking isn't a work-related issue and that employees' private habits shouldn't be the business of their employers. The discussion about company policies trying to intervene in the smoking habits of workers is a far cry from the smoke-filled office on Mad Men. Cigarettes are permanent fixtures in the hands of employees on the show: They smoke in personal offices, during hallway conversations, and in meetings no matter how long or short.

Today's workplaces aren't exactly welcoming of smoking, particularly during work hours. The stigma around smoking has made it a habit employees keep to themselves, but there's no denying the scent of a recent cigarette. Do you know which co-workers smoke?

Photo courtesy of AMC

Workers on the CNN National Desk are embarking on a week long experiment working 10-hours a day four days a week. Utah has already introduced the four-day work week to its public employees, but by-the-clock public service jobs have much different requirements than a 24/7 news environment.

Most of the workers are optimistic about the experiment helping them save on gas and commuting time, but there is some concern about how the arrangement would affect scheduling in the unique news environment. Eighty-percent of you said that a four-day work week would suit you. Do you think your boss would go for an experiment of implementing the longer hours, less days schedule? Would it be worth a shot to ask?

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In a matter of a few months, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Filene's, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue will be giving away $175 million in free cosmetics including makeup and fragrances. This isn't a gesture of generosity but the terms of a class action settlement.

According to The Boston Globe, the department stores and cosmetics companies "conspired to sell products at the manufacturers' suggested price only - never at a discount. It also alleged that special promotions were coordinated in a way that ensured there would be no competition among stores."

The giveaway is projected to begin in January 2009, and consumers can get up to $25 in free merchandise after signing a form stating they purchased products at the particular store between May 29, 1994 and July 16, 2003. No receipt or proof of purchase is necessary and you'll have to get your goods on a first-come, first-served basis. Find a list of product lines available in the giveaway and additional settlement details at the settlement's official website.

Will you be showing up to receive free stuff at the beauty counters?

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