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Things That Will Be More Expensive in 2012
Want to know what you are going to be spending your money on in 2012? Dealnews.com researched and listed price adjustments that consumers can expect to see in 2012. Some increases seem almost customary, like ever-rising gas prices, while others, like a potential 25% hike on tap water, are bit more surprising.
Airfare
Greater demand and fewer available airline seats will likely lead to higher ticket prices for flights next year.
Digital Cameras
Smartphones have quickly replaced budget friendly point-and-shoot cameras, so manufacturers and… More »
19 Scary Facts About Getting a Job
We all know getting a job isn’t easy in today’s economy, but is it even worse than most of us think?
Conducting interviews on this topic is the #1 New York Times bestselling author and the Senior Managing Director in the Financial Services Group at Gilford Securities as well as a senior staff writer for WND.com, Dr. Jerome Corsi. Check out the latest from Corsi’s newsletter, RED ALERT.
Business Insider has published “19 Scary Facts About Getting a Job in America.”
1) If… More »
Employment Data Shows Small Improvement
Apparently, many employers were not prepared to lay off workers during the holidays. Whether the spirit of giving prevailed, or whether many companies just needed the extra seasonal help, the fact remains that the latest ADP payrolls data, just released, shows that job loss is slowing. While the unemployment rate remains high, the pace of job losses has been slowing, and there are hopes that things could turn around solidly, with the economy adding jobs overall, by the end of… More »
Some Tax Breaks Expiring Soon
In an effort to help taxpayers during the recession, a number of tax breaks were introduced to ease matters, as well as help stimulate the economy. However, some of these tax credits will be expiring sooner than you think. The California Society of CPAs, sent to me via email, has an overview of some of the tax breaks that will soon be expiring:
COBRA Extension Benefits: If you are eligible for this tax break, you pay only 35% of your COBRA… More »
Employment Picture Shows Improvement
The jobs market is showing some improvement overall right now. While things have been a bit disappointing lately, the monthly figures from November show that things are moving in the right direction. The unemployment rate dropped back to 10% from 10.2%, and states are starting to add jobs. However, it is true that this is a small improvement, and that true recovery in the jobs market is a ways off. But it’s a nice start.
There are hopes that other economic… More »
Jobless Claims Rise, Stunt Economic Growth
Yesterday, Ben Bernanke talked about the fact that the jobs market appears to be stabilizing as part of the policy statement from the Federal Reserve Board. However, today the news isn’t so rosy. Initial jobless claims rose unexpectedly this past week. Initial claims are still below 500,000, and that is encouraging, but it underscores the fact that there is still quite a ways to go in terms of economic recovery.
Indeed, there are some that think that a double dip recession… More »
U.S. Unemployment Rate Drops
The big news from the world of finance today is that the U.S. unemployment rate dropped in November. In the wake of a jobs summit at the White House, the latest numbers for the employment picture are in. And in November, it looks as though the economy only shed 11,000 jobs. This is opposed to the 125,000 that many expected the economy to shed in November. The news also meant that the unemployment rate dropped to 10%
Of course, this positive… More »
Happy Thanksgiving!
Even though it is good to be grateful all year, I think that it is a good thing that we have a day devoted to giving thanks and reflecting on our blessings. Probably most of us don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about what we’re thankful for, but most people seem to take at least a few minutes to express their thanks.
There are many things I am thankful for. Here are a few things that I feel glad… More »
Tier-1 Lease Pricing with Lower Credit
In these times of economic turmoil, one of the biggest casualties has been personal credit. Many people are seeing a drop to their credit scores, and finding it difficult to get the best rates on a number of products and services. This includes car leases, for those who prefer to lease their cars. And, if a double-dip recession becomes a reality, this problem could continue. Those with credit that is good enough to lease may find that they are not… More »
U.S. Unemployment at 10.2%
In a rather dour Friday morning surprise, the U.S. unemployment rate hit 10.2%. There have been predictions for months that the unemployment rate would exceed 10%, but as the economy started showing signs of life, hope was emerging along the lines of thinking that maybe that psychologically important level could be avoided. This morning’s non-farms payroll data destroyed all such thoughts.
However, even though the news sent stocks a little lower initially, they are inching up, desperate to remain in the… More »
FIU Cuts Cheerleading and Band Programs
One of the best parts of a college football game is the “team spirit” atmosphere. Whether your team is good or bad, it’s fun to scream on the top of your lungs with the cheerleaders or sing The Hey Song with the band. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen at Florida International anymore.
FUI has recently reported that they’d be cutting the band program, and following that announcement, they decided to cut the cheerleading program as well. They have one the… More »
Media Days are the Next to Go…
I already mentioned here how the economy is causing a number of schools to cut or consider cutting printed media guides from their budget.
While this decision does make sense, since the information is readily available online, many conferences are now looking at other ways to save money. One thing that’s on the chopping block? Media Day.
Media days, usually held in summer or early fall, give reports the chance to meet players and coaches, have lunch with key staff members, and… More »
Recession in the Internet Age
I started thinking this evening about the current economic situation in the United States and wondering about the impact of technology and the Internet on the current recession. Is it possible that the powers of technology and the Internet could help keep businesses and individual more productive and efficient?
My thoughts were just wondering if the features and benefits of the World Wide Web and Internet provide a little bit more of an opportunity for cushion on the ups and downs… More »
Lower Ticket Prices – A Sign of the Times
It’s a sign of the times when ticket prices for college football games are actually going down, but that’s exactly what’s happening in some places – and for some schools, it isn’t a moment too soon. Michigan and Michigan State both announced slight decreases in ticket prices, which is good news considering that this state is leading the pack in unemployment.
For the record, Ohio State is also lowering their ticket prices, and although I haven’t heard anything official, I’m sure… More »
In These Dark Times of Layoffs
The economy is taking its toll on all industries, all countries. It is like a ripple effect where all points are disturbed sooner or later, if not shook up. It’s my turn now. Again. I completed college and joined a job only a year and a half ago and in this short period, I have survived a couple of layoffs, including this one, but never felt fortunate.
When a person you daily see has to leave, is forced to leave, there… More »