Living in the Phoenix Metro area, I’ve had a front-row seat at the “Greatest Real Estate Show on Earth” over the past 6 years. I watched prices rise spectacularly, saw people throw their money down on the housing craps table, marveled at many of my friends and acquaintances in unrelated jobs take up the professional [...]
Entries from April 20th, 2009
Deflation Could be Here – and It’s Not a Good Thing
April 17th, 2009 · 4 Comments · Economy
On Wednesday, the Labor Department reported that in March the consumer-price index slipped 0.4% below its year-earlier level, the first decline in over 50 years. The “core” CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, was up 1.8%, but it is possible that even people who don’t drive or eat could see price declines in the months to come.
Tags: Ben Bernake·consumer price index·deflation·Economy·inflation·Labor Department·negative inflation
Recession-Driven Employee Benefit Cuts: Temporary or Permanent?
April 16th, 2009 · No Comments · Career, Economy
This question is certainly on the forefront of many American’s minds as we struggle collectively through the current economic crisis. While having stable employment “period” is certainly the most critical achievement for most folks today, many companies are eliminating and reducing the benefits they offer their employees, such as cutting bonuses, pensions, 401(k) plans, or [...]
Tags: benefits cuts·company cost-cutting·Economic Crisis·employee benefit cuts·harris poll results·recession·salary reductions
Direct Deposit Advance Loans – Aren’t They Payday Loans?
April 15th, 2009 · 13 Comments · PayDay Loans
Regional banks U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo & Co. offer “checking account advance” loans that allow customers with direct-deposit accounts to access funds before they are credited to a customer’s account balance. The short-term loans carry annual interest rates of about 120%. Doesn’t this sound familiar? Payday Lenders can also “advance” you money in your [...]
Tags: direct deposit·FDIC regulations·Interest Rates·Payday Lending·US Bank·usuary laws·Wells Fargo
