Monthly Archives: April 2011

Ryan budget plan relies on discredited supply side economics

The Bush tax cuts were the last foray into supply side economics, which led to wage deflation, job stagnation and astronomical deficits.
supply side economics

Paying kids for grades | Capitalism in action

Should parents pay kids for getting good grades? If accompanied by lessons on the value of money, it can help produce a shrewd capitalist.
A young boy is filled with boundless happiness because someone has given him a $20 bill.

Oil and gas destined to fall as prices pinch consumer demand

Despite rampant speculation, oil and gas prices are expected to stabilize when consumers reach the point that they refuse to pay the price.
gas prices

Payday loan APR Fees and How They Compare To Other Financing Rates

A fee of $32 on a $100 bounced check can have an APR as high as 2,336%. You would be surprised to see how other fees measure up.
A fee of $32 on a $100 bounced check can have an APR as high as 2,336%. You would be surprised to see how other fees measure up.

Credit bureau Experian accused of fraud in California lawsuit

Experian, one of the three credit reporting bureaus, is being sued for fraud for selling credit reports information that is worthless.
Court

Doing the math on urban farming

Some enterprising individuals are turning urban gardening into urban farming -- trying to turn backyard gardens into profitable farms.
Urban garden

March retail sales increase comes with many investor caveats

After being expected to register the first decline since 2009, retail sales surprisingly increased in March, but stiff headwinds lie ahead.
U.S. retailers

Installment Loans Online and How They Differ From The Average Payday Loan

One of the most liked features of installment loans is being able to pay them back over a much longer period of time then normal loans you may find locally.
One of the most liked features of installment loans is being able to pay them back over a much longer period of time then normal loans you may find locally.

Consumers opting to pay credit cards over mortgages

Underwater mortgages have encouraged consumers to pay credit cards instead, according to a recent study by the TransUnion credit bureau.
A man poring over his bills contemplates a Post-It note that reads “Pay off credit cards!”

How to remove a co-signer from a student loan

If you've co-signed on a student loan but want out, there are a few things you can try to have your name removed from the paperwork.
A graduate mortarboard cap and diploma, as well as a male hand that is handcuffed to a stack of money, are visible.

Reading between the lines of a hedge fund industry comeback

Billions are pouring into the hedge fund industry, but most firms have yet to reach high water mark and performance numbers may be skewed.
high water mark

The Ease and Convenience of Short Term Loans Needs To Be Managed In A Smart Way

It is not wise to go crazy with short term loans just because you can get them online with no credit checks, no collateral and without having to fax in tons of documents.
It is not wise to go crazy with short term loans just because you can get them online with no credit checks, no collateral and without having to fax in tons of documents.

Legal spat over financial protection bureau continues

The legal battle over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau continues, as legislators try to gut the agency before it starts operating.
Hearing

International Monetary Fund calls for changes to mortgage lending

The International Monetary Fund, in studying the housing market, has determined that the government needs to get out of the lending business.
For rent

Wireless payment network to debut in Salt Lake City

A wireless payment network is going to be unveiled in Salt Lake City. People with phones that have NFC technology will barely need a wallet.
Smartphone

What You Need To Know To Keep From Getting Trapped By Cash Advance Addiction

Cash advances are not a long term financial fix for spending spree addictions. Using them should be done so responsibly and in a realistic manner.
Cash advances are not a long term financial fix for spending spree addictions. Using them should be done so responsibly and in a realistic manner.

City of San Francisco grants Twitter a payroll tax break

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has voted in favor of granting Twitter and other technology companies a sizable payroll tax holiday.
The “dead Twitter” graphic, complete with dead whale and lots of Twitter birds covering the carcass.

Rent beginning to rise nationwide as fewer buy homes

As fewer people are able to buy real estate, more people are moving into rental properties. Rent is starting rise nationwide as a result.
Apartments

Transocean execs donate safety bonus after firestorm of criticism

After bad media coverage for doling out safety bonuses for 2010, Transocean executives donated cash to victims of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
2010 gulf oil spill

No Credit Check Personal Loans From The Comfort Of Home - A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Personal loans are so easy to get it worries some consumer groups. Like anything on the internet it pays to be informed before you pursue any online transactions.
Personal loans are so easy to get it worries some consumer groups. Like anything on the internet it pays to be informed before you pursue any online transactions.

Bizarre tax deductions to brighten your tax day

Here are some of the more bizarre tax deductions ever attempted in the United States. File under “Don't try this at home.”
An infant dressed in a white onesie. Text on the chest reads “tax deduction.”

Ryan budget plan: Medicare reform to offset tax cuts for the rich

The GOP plan to cut spending by $5 trillion in 10 years includes cutting Medicare and making the Bush administration's tax cuts permanent.
ryan budget proposal