Paul Krugman hits a nerve with his NYT op-ed, "The Fear Economy," (December 26, 2013). The following day, the S&P, DOW & NASDAQ reached new highs, performing in 2013 like Internet stocks from the late 1990s. The Federal Reserve brags on its website that Americans accumulated over 77 trillion in assets by 2013, (largely controlled by the 0.1 percent.) Have we reached the tipping point? In … [Read more...]
Inherited Apartments: New Property Owner’s Help for Tenant Screenings
The apartment complex you inherited makes you an influential participant in the economic recovery of the nation. Guest post by Sabrina Ames. Property owners, rental agencies, renters and the service providers who keep apartments and rental homes in good repair contribute over one trillion dollars to the economy annually, according to the National Multi Housing Council. Screening … [Read more...]
Consumer Alert: Department Store Marks Up Price by 300 Percent Pre-Discount
Replacing a favorite handbag with a newer model. My handbag is the right shoulder weight and contains all the pockets I require. It was even subjected to the washing machine hot cycle on several occasions. The purse came out perfect with nary a thread exposed. I purchased my first "edition" two years ago at a department store famous for parades. It cost me roughly thirty dollars. Now it was … [Read more...]
Student Debt: Single InfoGraphic Tells a Sad Story
College students today are spending more on their education than ever before. Here's a visual look at the numbers. Guest post and image by graphic artist Maxine Wells (Gryffin.com). Tuition has risen 500% since 1985 and continues to rise each year, making it increasingly difficult to afford college. While a large percentage of full-time students take on a part-time jobs, the extra money … [Read more...]
Holiday Shopping: 5 Ways To Save Money While Shopping This Holiday Season
Save Money This Holiday Season - Avoid the Pain of Your Next Credit Card Bill. Guest Post by David Landry Jr. While joy and good cheer surround holiday shopping, there is little pleasure in discovering that you spent far more than you can afford. The sad lesson comes in opening your credit card statement the following month. To mitigate the pain, or avoid it altogether, here are five tips … [Read more...]
Rallying for the Anti-NSA Rally: Early Media Reports 100 people – Turns Out to be Thousands
With NSA director Gen Keith Alexander calling for restrictions on the media, initial reporting on the October 26 Stop Watching Us rally suggested that the rally was a failure. The Guardian report on October 27 provides a more accurate picture. Are the majority of Americans are disinterested, or just plain worried about being caught in the NSA web? If the Stop Watching Us rally is an indication, … [Read more...]
Patriots & Whistleblower Edward Snowden – Lon Snowdon Letter
Lon Snowden, the father of whistleblower Edward Snowden, wrote an open letter to his son, in collaboration with attorney Bruce Fein. The letter was submitted to the Associated Press and reprinted in the Guardian on July 2, 2013. As regards your reduction to de facto statelessness occasioned by the Executive Branch to penalize your alleged violations of the Espionage Act, the United States … [Read more...]
Wounded Knee: Which Doctor Do You Call When Your Knee Hurts?
Knee Pain? When you're knee(s) hurt, where do you turn? Guest post by Angie Picardo. A knee injury can make you feel a hundred years old, even if you’re only twenty-five. Grounded. Stopped in your tracks. It takes an emotional toll. You watch your days of carefree jogging flash by in the review mirror. Skiing is a distant memory. Tennis looks iffy. You shelve your stilettos in favor … [Read more...]
“Unbanked” and “Underbanked” – How US Banks Fail to Serve Nearly 60 million Americans
"Unbanked" and "Underbanked" - American citizens who lack access to secure banking services. Guest post by John Gower, NerdWallet.com. From the piggy bank to federal student loans, banks touch the lives of almost every American. Yet, nearly 60 million Americans lack access to secure banking services and/or do not have a bank account. Minorities and immigrants, in particular, often rely on … [Read more...]
The World Bank: The Bank’s Role in the Global Economy and Why it Matters
The World Bank is the largest financial backer of international development, particularly of emerging nations. Guest post by Angie Picardo A supremely powerful institution, the World Bank is also frequently criticized for its policies, initiatives and operations. Framed with successes and shadowed by missteps, the Bank has generated significant fiscal and social change for countries around … [Read more...]