A different outlook

In “The Big Bing Blog” on Fortune Magazine’s Web site, author Stanley Bing writes about the SkyMall catalog in relation to the recession. He is of the opinion that people buying things from said catalog is a sign that the economy will stabilize.

“I still believe that in the end we’re all going to be all right. If people are buying meerkat gang sculpture for their yards and living rooms, can recovery be far behind?”

You can order your very own Harry Potter wand from the SkyMall catalog. (Warning: Wand does not actually contain magic.)

But are people doing that? Bing argues that the SkyMall catalog, and the marketing business in general, makes us think that we actually need things like cigar humidors and slippers with built-in night lights.  I admire Bing’s optimist, and I understand that his blog is meant to be humorous. Still, I can’t help but wonder if Americans are still making frivolous purchases like these.

Cold, hard facts

Statistics indicate that they are not. The Commerce Department has released its official report on just how dismal holiday sales were this season. Wall Street had predicted that the decline was about 1.2 percent, but final  figures show that sales fell 2.7 percent.

Before you go thinking that maybe Americans did their holiday shopping early this year: It was the sixth straight month of decline. I’m no financial guru, but it seems to me that if people were going to be making frivolous purchases, they would have done it for the holidays, even if they had to take out payday loans to do it.

Aftershocks

In the wake of these reports, some major retailers are announcing big changes. California department store chain Gottschalks is up for sale, and it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Famous luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc. says it is going to cut 375 jobs. Macy’s department store is closing 11 stores, which will affect 960 employees. So between those two companies, I can safely assume that at least 1,335 people out there will be even less likely to be making discretionary purchases.

Job loss leads to job loss

So, because consumers aren’t spending enough on retail, employees from retail store are out of a job. If (when) those employees go on unemployment, their incomes will be slashed by more than 30 percent, leading to even less spending and more … well, you get the picture.

Thus, it comes as no surprise to me that Federal Reserve says this low-spending trend is continuing and worsening this month. An AP reporter says “job cuts, sinking home values and cracked nest eggs have made American consumers wary of spending.”

Ahem. I think that by “wary of spending” she means “unable to spend.”

A slow fix

The only way I can see to change this trend is for employers to start hiring instead of firing. American consumers aren’t going to suddenly start spending money they don’t have, especially considering the credit crunch going on.

So Obama has the right idea by including programs that create jobs in his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. You see, the government will spend money it doesn’t have to hire people to work on roads and bridges and alternative energy sources. Then perhaps those Americans will start ordering antique-style gumball machines from the SkyMall catalog and all will be well again. Perhaps.

The future of the American way

Are we changed forever? Americans, especially those who have lost their homes, have learned some hard lessons in the past year. When this is all straightened out, will Americans really go back to maxing out their credit cards at luxury department stores?

No one can tell the future, but it’s always fun to make predictions. So, what do you think? Will Americans start using payday loans because they absolutely must have that UV-ray-blocking beach canopy right now?

Jordan Sparks

With the instant success of past American Idols, you can be sure that this year’s winner will be living a life of luxury, leaving the need for payday loans behind. The reality TV show boasting amazing talent and ridiculously funny—and awful—auditions began its seventh season this week. The same great judges (Randy, Paula, and Simon) along with newcomer Kara DioGuardi, the same entertainingly quirky host (oh, how we love Ryan Seacrest), and the thousands upon thousands of Idol hopefuls are back in action!

Idols, Fame, and Fortune

Although not all American Idol contestants and winners have made it big, many have left their ordinary lives behind in exchange for fame and fortune. There are a number of former American Idol contestants that became stars overnight and are now household names like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Jennifer Hudson just to name a few.

New Faces

Kara DioGuardi

One of the most evident changes to the American Idol show this year is the addition of judge Kara DioGuardi. DioGuardi joins veteran judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell to help determine this year’s winner. Kara DioGuardi is most famous for her songwriting. DioGuardi’s songs have been recorded by many successful artists like Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, and former Idol contestants like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. DioGuardi has received numerous awards because she has written the most songs aired on the radio. She will also never need payday loans.  Kara DioGuardi is not the only new face this season; DioGuardi is accompanied by the thousands of people who tried out for American Idol Season 8.

Familiar Faces

All the judges, including DioGuardi, and TV viewers are pumped for this year’s show because every year thousands of people audition for American Idol, and each year the competition gets fiercer. People are even willing to take out payday loans just to get a shot at the auditions! Out of the thousands of people that audition, only one can be named the American Idol. American Idol has definitely lived up to its name by creating real-life American Idols—creating familiar faces out of nobodies. The following are just a few of American Idol’s familiar faces:

•    Kelly Clarkson: The first American Idol. Clarkson broke Billboard records and won Grammy’s for her work on her albums Thankful and Breakaway.
•    Jennifer Hudson: Hudson was eliminated in Idol’s third season, but she won an Academy Award for her role as Effie White in the movie Dreamgirls.
•    Carrie Underwood: Underwood has become one of country music’s biggest stars after winning the fourth season of American Idol. She is a multi-platinum recording artist and has won multiple Grammy Awards.

There Can Only Be One

As all American Idol hopefuls are aware, there can only be one American Idol. Many hopes and dreams are crushed and contestants are forced to go back to their every day lives, back to the reality of working that 9-5 job and paying the bills each and every month. The next American Idol probably won’t have to worry about paying their bills because they’ll have ample cash from their new hit record. Since we can’t all be the next American Idol, payday loans can help when there are bills that need to be paid.

President-elect Barack Obama won’t need payday loans to welcome the incoming First Dog, whether it’s a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog. Of course, he’s going to need some assistance to keep the leash judicious in the White House.

A Promise Obama Can Make Good On

The Obama family has been on a dog search since the November 4th Presidential Election. “This has been tougher than finding a Commerce Secretary,” Barack Obama told the ABC News. During his victory speech, Obama acknowledged his family’s support and contributions to the campaign and brought up the promise he made earlier to his daughters; getting a new puppy, win or lose, payday loans or no payday loans. This may just be the first time in history that an animal has been referenced in a presidential victory speech.

History of Labradoodles

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a standard Poodle. They are considered to be very intelligent and are great guide dogs. Labradoodles are known to be friendly, loyal, and energetic. Much like payday loans, this dog breed has become very popular worldwide.

Their story begins in Australia. It all started from a visually impaired woman who wanted a guide dog that wouldn’t cough up an allergic reaction. Poodle hair and saliva samples were sent to Hawaii to test for allergy friendliness. In result, none of the original samples proved successful.

The credit goes to Wally Conrad who first discovered the crossbreed between 1988 and 1989. Following the failure of the sample, Conrad suggested crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. His focus was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the mildness and intelligence of the Labrador, and form a Guide Dog suitable for people with serious allergy problems.

The Manager of the Australian Guide Dog Association granted approval and soon after his first litter produced three puppies. One of Labradoodle puppies from the initial mix was considered hypoallergenic. Samples were then sent back to the Lab for testing. This time, the samples from a puppy named Sultan were successful! Wally Conrad gave the crossing breed the name still in use today – Labradoodle.

As Superior as their Owners

Labradoodles are great for companion purposes and provide the best of both worlds as some may say.

Anyone could be a proud owner of a Labradoodle. Sir Donald Campbell was one of the first Labradoodle owners. Jennifer Anniston has one and Golfer Tiger Woods owns two Labradoodles named Yogi and Riley. Even Vice President-elect Joe Biden owns a Labradoodle he named Brother. Apparently, the president-elect will also be bringing a German shepherd puppy with him to the White House. The puppy will be trained and housebroken for the meantime and delivered after the Jan. 20 inauguration. Joe Biden’s grandchildren have named the family’s new dog Champ.

Importance of Understanding: Labradoodles to Payday Loans

If you are looking for Labradoodles for sale or would like to adopt a Labradoodle from a Labradoodle rescue, make sure you are understand as much as you can about the dog breeds. Every breed is different. It’s almost like getting payday loans or any other type of loan. It’s important you understand the terms and conditions of the loan before making an agreement. You must also understand the importance of proper money management and carry out whatever you need to do to prevent future financial hardships.

Wendy's is putting a two-year hiatus on breakfast at up to 475 stores.

Well, it appears as though nothing is safe. Even though recent studies have shown that fast-food places are virtually recession-proof, according to CNN Money at http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/13/news/companies/wendys_arbys.reut/index.htm?postversion=2009011310, up to 475 Wendy’s restaurants are preparing to stop serving breakfast.

In 2007, when Arby’s bought Wendy’s, Wendy’s added breakfast to the menu in hundreds of locations. The recent decision represents yet another casualty of the recession. The odd thing is, as with payday loans, demand for fast food is increasing, not decreasing.

Adding hunger to injury

Official financial reports for the company won’t be released until March, but in November the company posted losses. This is an exception among fast-food places, most of which have seen improving or steady sales as Americans seek ways to save money.

Wendy’s plans for this to be a temporary situation. The company’s CEO says Wendy’s breakfast will be relaunched in 2011. He said the recent decision is part of an effort to cut costs by $60 million. He said the company is also aiming for overall growth of $100 million.

Helping out the competition

McDonald’s is currently the nation’s leading fast-food chain, financially. It credits breakfast with increasing sales in the United States. No doubt even more customers, faced with decreasing choices, will be spilling through McDonald’s doors in the morning.

Curiously, during November, the month that Wendy’s/Arby’s reportedly posted losses, several fast food companies saw gains. McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell all reported growth.

Eating our way through the recession

Wendy’s move to reduce breakfast service strikes me as a strange one. Fast-food chains in general are doing better because of the recession. Another industry that is reportedly doing well is the “comfort food” industry. Inexpensive grocery items like Spam and macaroni and cheese are selling very well.

Other studies show that people tend to gain weight during a recession because they turn to less expensive, and also less healthy, foods. All the cultural indicators out there seem to say that now is the perfect time to beef up a cheap breakfast menu, not pare it back.

Future losses

I highly doubt people are just going to skip breakfast until 2011. They will simply go somewhere else. And we all know what that means in America, a land filled with creatures of habit. Customers will develop brand loyalty for other restaurants. Who knows if they will ever come back?

Sure, some people might be ready for a change when Wendy’s relaunches breakfast in two years. But who knows what the economy will look like then? Americans may go back to their old ways of hitting up the corner diner and shelling out $10 for breakfast by then.

For the time being, I expect to see sales increase at fast-food places that do offer breakfast. With Americans taking out payday loans to pay for basics, I predict they’ll continue to eat up offers of $1 breakfast sandwiches until the economy straightens out.

Ericka Andersen of “The Confabulum” blog draws our attention to the potentially seamy underbelly of the Center for Responsible lending in her post “The Center for Shady Lending?” She calls them a “predatory lending” organization that is “unethically funded” by a big business that benefits from the policies the CRL wishes to enforce.

And you say payday loans are exploitative, CRL? Really?

Andersen reports that the Consumer Rights League points to numerous ways in which the Center for Responsible Lending “attacks competing loan products” and takes undeserved legal action against borrowers. All the while, their own top brass operate organizations that benefit by sopping up consumers they’ve managed to rip away from payday loans or who are reeling in their absence (depending upon the state).

The CRL wants to eliminate consumer choice

Throwing their collective financial might behind bans on payday loan products benefits the business interests of the CRL. But did you know that the founding of the organization goes even deeper into dark places? According to Andersen, there was Herb and Marion Sandler:

Herb and Marion created the loan instruments that allowed thousands of Americans to purchase homes they could not afford, and then sold the fruits of their labor in 2006 to Wachovia for more than $24 billion, netting a $2.4 billion payout for themselves…Some of their main initiatives [included] the CRL

Want more nails for the coffin?

Google “Center for Responsible lending corrupt” and see what you come up with. It’s a real eye-opener. The Center for Consumer Freedom puts it well:

The CRL also received a $15 million donation from billion-dollar hedge fund manager John Paulson — the man who reaped the largest windfall in Wall Street history by betting against the subprime market.

The Center for Responsible Lending is a questionable bastion for responsibility, particularly considering their origins in the subprime lending market, which has played a large role in dragging America into its current recession. They’ve done much more damage than payday loans used without proper care have ever done. It isn’t even close.

It must be big

Ready to bust some banks, Barack?

Financial strategist and author David Smick’s recent Washington Post editorial  “Memo to the Banks: Lend or Else” suggests that the President-elect must make bold moves in order to help recapture consumer (and institutional) confidence in the U.S. economy. One of the best ways he sees to accomplish this is via a showdown with the country’s afflicted banking system. Something like this would be much more important (and much less destructive) than cracking down on faxless payday loans that actually aid consumers.

At one time, banks were considered “too big to fail.” Clearly that is no longer the case, though, as massive bailouts from the Bush administration have shown.  Did you know, however, that current post-bailout cash reserves for America’s banks sit at over $800 billion? What are they doing with the money? They’re sitting on it! Smick blasts American banks, for they have shifted from reckless abandon to static safety. The result of this is that they are tightening their belts so much that credit has been unable to flow as it needs to.

The economy suffers

Banks have been doing something with the money. Unfortunately, it’s nothing good. The cockeyed leadership of these financial dumps have taken it upon themselves to send their executives on spa vacations and double their investment in Chinese banks. Common sense or a drive to tackle issues at home head on are nowhere to be seen.

The mortgage crisis is tightly wound up in this, too. Smick points out that giving loans to people who could scarcely repay them was one thing, but the banks made things even worse by burying their errors in off-the-books ventures. We may never know exactly how big a hole the banks dug for themselves, or whether they needed as much money as they received from an all-too-eager government in the first place!

Obama had better bring a shovel

If banks won’t lend, Smick suggests that Obama ride a hard line with these deeply diseased behemoths. He should insist that their Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds be used to buy Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac debt. Since it is now federally guaranteed, bank executives have no excuse. They cannot sit on their freshly manicured hands, they cannot pass Go and they cannot go on any more “team-building” retreats. It’s time to act like big boys and girls now, or else.

Some bankers are saying they’re confused by the government’s efforts, that some are telling them to demand more capital and lend less money, while others say they’re receiving the opposite message. Poppycock. You know that increased lending will improve liquidity and get this economy on the right track again. You want to make excuses, Mr. and Mrs. Bank.

Wow. Now.

America is in a financial crisis. This is not a test, but the real thing. As Smick sees it, Obama’s only move is to take banks to the carpet and make them heel. Busting banks for their misdeeds is what is needed, not punching payday loans in the mouth. Whether or not this will be possible remains to be seen, but what America wants to see is bold moves. They will appreciate the effort and (hopefully) savor the results.

Obama may change payday loan policies by imposing a 36 percent interest rate cap

The industry has been buzzing about whether President-elect Barack Obama will impose a national interest rate cap on payday loan companies. Right now the news is that Obama has plans to place a 36 percent cap on interest rates on payday loans. He also has plans to require companies to provide simplified information on fees, payments and penalties.

Following a trend

In New Hampshire, the interest rate cap has already been put in place. Payday loan companies are not allowed to charge more than 36 percent interest in New Hampshire.

Many politicians have called the interest rates that payday lenders charge outlandish. Some lenders charge an underlying annual interest rate of up to 400 percent. Payday loan companies maintain that in order for them to turn a decent profit and finance their own businesses these rates are necessary. They also argue that capping the interest rate at 36 percent effectively causes the profit on some transactions to be reduced to mere pennies.

Back to the stock market

The market analyst, Henry Coffey Jr., said he decided to upgrade the payday loan companies’ stocks because their prices dropped. He changed his ranking from “Neutral” to “Buy” after the price of the stock fell far enough to be attractive to buyers, he said.

Coffey estimates EZCorp will earn $1.45 per share in 2009. He said he, himself, would buy stock in EZCorp and Cash America International at its current levels.

No  quiet on the payday loan front

Four payday loan companies showed increases in the price of shares today, with differences between two cents and $1.87.

Other states, including Virginia and Ohio, have seen the issue of interest rates on payday loans show up in their courtrooms. In Canada, the Manitoba Court of Appeals struck down the interest rate limits  last week.

On the money

Obama seems to have plenty of plans up his sleeve regarding the nation’s finances. Bush today complied with Obama’s request to ask Congress for access to the remaining bailout money, $350 billion. This means one of Obama’s initial acts when he get gets into the White House will be to decide who that bailout money goes to.

He has also said that he will impose strict regulations that require the use of the money to be tracked. He is also working on an $800 billion stimulus package.

Wild rumors

Besides the likely credible news saying Obama will seek to cap interest rates, there are a few doozies out there that don’t sound quite right. For instance, one common rumor that I have heard is that Obama will try to make getting a payday loan illegal all together.

This, of course, doesn’t make much sense to me. Why would Obama bother even talking about regulating the payday loan industry if he had plans to get rid of it? But it is likely that we will see some changes in industry policy and legislation regarding interest rates on payday loans in the near future.

I may not have the same big problems as the Big Three, but I have problems nevertheless.  Although I am not in as deep a trouble as the jet-flying CEOs of these major automakers, I am still in a financial ditch that may just need a jet to get out of.

Regardless of my financial status in society, I have the same rights as any other person. What is available to one person should be afforded to another.  So even if I am a nobody, I am afforded the chance to come right back up to financial success.

Appearance in the Senate: Not Needed

For the time being, a payday loan will suffice for my needs. With the amount involved, a Senate appearance is not needed.

Church Appearance: Not Needed

No, a payday loan is not a sin. So, no confessions will be in order.  I am not required to ask for forgiveness for taking out a payday loan.  To the contrary, in my life, an online cash advance is a blessing that I can be thankful for.

However, if I feel the need of a church appearance, it would be only so I can reflect on my current situation; so that I can be guided on how to use the money wisely. I need to be clear about the direction I will take with regards to my money matters from now on; having this serious thought about my financial condition will also affect every aspect of my life in the future.  I will reflect on the time that I will spend on Personalmoneystore.com, learning about financial responsibility and ways to save money.

Appearance Online or On the Phone:  Needed

Traditional ways of applying for payday loans are a thing of the past.  In this day and age, the Internet has changed the way we do things.  Convenience, ease, comfort, reliable, fast and quick: these are the words you can use to describe when getting a payday loan over the Internet.

With just a click, if I qualify, I may be only a few short hours away from getting that fast cash I can use for my urgent needs.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, can beat this set-up.  From the comfort of my own home, I can do everything it takes to get a payday loan.

Keeping My Promises — Showing the World I Deserved the Bailout

As hard as it may be, I have to follow the plans and strategies I laid out in the first place.  Remember that trip to the church, when I thought long and hard about my direction with regards to my financial matters? I am reminded that I committed myself to the right path.  This means paying off my important debts and bills first, prioritizing my basic needs and being financially wise—so that my decisions in the future will not put me in a financial bind again.

Who knows, by being financially wise, I can proceed from being a nobody to a somebody. And it all started with an online cash advance that turned my life towards the better.  It gave me a chance to bail myself out from a personal financial crisis I thought I had no way out of.

Not Easily Broken:

Not Easily Broken is a new movie starring Morris Chestunut, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, and Jenifer Lewis. It is a story about a couple that has been together for 10 years and finally realizes that they are headed down different paths. They both want different things in life at this point. Dave is a husband that longs for children and Clarice is a wife that is focused on her career. Their paths intermingle when Clarice gets into a car accident and they are forced to see eye to eye as to what they want to do. If  your significant other has had a hard week; maybe he or she didn’t manage to get the payday loans they were looking for in order to pay the bills on time, this would be a great movie to bring him or her to.

Bride Wars:

Bride Wars is a new movie coming out today starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. This is a great movie about two best friends helping one another plan their weddings and the worst thing ever happens! Their weddings are on the same day; this causes much friction and animosity. The two girls then try to sabotage each other’s big days since they can’t join one another on their happy day.  This is definitely one of those films that you only make your boyfriend go to if he has done something wrong recently, otherwise there is no way he is stepping foot into the movie theater. This is a chick flick in its finest hour and will be a funny one with these two leading ladies.

What to choose?

Both Bride Wars and Not Easily Broken are movies that I am interested in watching, but which one should I go see? This really depends on who you feel like hanging out with on your weekend break from a long week at work. Bride Wars is definitely one to go with your girls to see, while Not Easily Broken you are much more likely to get your boyfriend or girlfriend to go see. These are both great movies and eventually I would tell anyone to see both even if you have to drag your boyfriend to see it. These movies are a great way to get away from your problems for awhile, but in the meantime you can use payday loans to get some of those bills paid off that are causing the problems.

Oklahoma Sooners:

Coach Bob Stoops has leaded this team to a great season only losing once in the Southeastern Conference and winning their conference title.  They rank first in the BCS ranking system and are also ranked first in the nation in scoring averaging 54 points per game. Playing for the BCS national championship is nothing new to the sooner’s, this will be the eighth time playing for the title and the first since 2000 and the fourth time under Coach Stoops. Offensively they have a great quarter back in Sam Bradford who just won the Heisman trophy this year and threw a total of 48 touchdowns this season alone. Hopefully this team will pull together in one more great game of this season and show the Florida Gators who is boss.

Florida Gators:

Coach Urban Meyer brought his team to a similar season of only losing one game to the Texas longhorns in the Big 12 standings they won their conference. They came in ranked second for the BCS rankings right behind the Oklahoma Sooners. They are currently ranked third in the nation for scoring at 45.15 points per game coming behind of course none other than the Sooners. This team has fought hard and has kept their standing in their SEC conference, but they too have a Heisman trophy winner from last year tucked behind in the quarter back position Tim Tebow, who this year alone account for 40 touchdowns for his team.  This team is playing in their home state so let’s see who can beat the heat and win at the FedEx BCS national Championship, unlike those who get caught in the heat and need to take out payday loans to cool down.

Who Will Win?

With both teams showing great stride in their own league it is amazing that they are still thriving now. Some could dispute that the Oklahoma Sooners shouldn’t be playing at all and that it should be the Texas Longhorns but who knows with how closely their seasons were intertwined. All that matters now is that both of these teams are ready and rearing to go with the BCS National Championship only a few days away let’s wait and see who can prosper under the hot sun in Miami and win this year’s BCS Championship. With all this talk of heat and winning try to be more prosperous with your finances and only rely on  payday loans when you are in an emergency crunch.

This just in: Unemployment is really high!

I’m sure most of you have seen the headlines screaming that the U.S. economy lost 5240,000 jobs in December alone. And if you look back four months, it’s almost 2 million. Unemployment is up to 7.2 percent nationally. In December, 11.1 million Americans were unemployed.

“There is no end in sight in terms of layoffs,” said economist Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics.

Laid-off workers attend a “transition orientation” class.

So, 11.1 million unemployed Americans and counting. For some, a layoff simply means they must find a different job in the same field, if one ever opens up. For others, it can be a life-changing experience.

Life after layoff

The cuts being made in the country’s labor force are so deep that people who have invested decades in their careers are losing their jobs. Layoffs leave many people stunned and wondering what to do. For people whose jobs were cut because the industry in which they worked is tanking, they have to stop and ask themselves if it’s time for a change.

It’s a tough choice, and everyone will make it differently. But as I was thinking of the 11.1 million (and counting) Americans who might be going through this, I came across a few articles in U.S. News and World Report that might help get the juices flowing for people looking to make a brand new start. It can take a while to rebuild a life, and it generally takes some capital. During transitional times, payday loans can be a big help when the backup funds are gone. But let’s move on to … your future!

Plan A: Start a whole new life

My roommates  are a good example of this. They have decided that they are going to sell all of their possessions and move across the country.

So, for people looking to make a new start in a different location, here are the seven best states to start a business, in order: Washington, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Utah and Florida. The report used several factors, including economic climate and regulations, to come to this conclusion.

Based on the factors that went into determining this list, I figure these states are not just good places to start businesses, they are good states to work in, too. Plus, if people follow this trend, maybe they will hire you to work for them after they start their business!

Plan B: Start a business

Now that you have decided where your business will be, what kind of business should you start? U.S. News has come up with the 15 best small businesses to start today.

One common sentiment is that starting an online business saves a bundle on start-up costs. The list suggests Online Art Dealer, Online Consignment and Online Farmers’ market as businesses that you can run without having to pay for office space.

Here are some other highlights from the list: Career Counselor, Computer Services, Higher Education Services, Home Healthcare, Tutor.

Plan C: Start a new career

So maybe you were in journalism, manufacturing, the auto industry or one of the other industries that is currently going bust. It might be time to enter a new field. But what field?

Sure enough, U.S. News has the answers. I did some cross-checking and noticed some common themes between the “best businesses” and “best careers” lists. For  your convenience, here is what I found.

Mix and match

The best industries right now appear to be higher education and health care. Now, don’t just think teachers and nurses. There are a lot of jobs that fall outside what you might instinctively think of.

Here are some items from the “best careers” list: Biomedical Equipment  Technician, Curriculum/Training Specialist, Health Policy Specialist, Higher Education Administrator, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant, School Psychologist.

Other industries that have hits on both lists are computer expertise and politics.

Ready, go!

So now you can pick a flourishing industry and a growing state and start your new life! Oh, if only that were easy. But it can’t hurt to know what your best options are.

To keep updated on economic trends, check back with your  payday loans source.

The Troubled Asset Relief Program was meant to aid homeowners in avoiding preventable foreclosures, the panel says, and there is no evidence that the bailout money went toward that effort.

Poor bookkeeping

The $700 billion program, TARP, was approved in mid-October. The oversight panel, headed by Elizabeth Warren, says the Treasury hasn’t even released a strategy for stabilizing the financial system.

“Treasury needs to be clear as to what, if anything, it has done,” Warren said.

Warren says Congress gave $350 billion to the Treasury and specified it was meant to help borrowers refinance their homes. The Treasury set up the system and did not put in place a tracking mechanism to monitor whether it was meeting Congress’ requirements. Homeowners, with mortgages that exceed the value of their homes, may still be taking out payday loans to pay their mortgage so they don’t get thrown out of their houses.

The other half

In order to access the other $350 billion, the Treasury needs congressional approval. Whether the Treasury requests these funds remains to be seen. And whether they receive the funding will be up to the discretion of President-elect Obama’s administration. Obama’s economic team is now overhauling the remaining fund to speed the flow of credit to consumers.

The initial deadline for approval for bailout money was Dec. 31. The Treasury has extended the deadline to Jan. 15, five days before Obama’s inauguration. This gives regulators extra time to process and approve requests, and it potentially gives more financial institutions time to apply for funding. So it will likely be a while before we find out just exactly what the Treasury did with the money.

Hello? Anybody home?

To aid in drafting its report, the panel had submitted 45 questions to the Treasury. Several of the questions were not answered, according to the panel.

A Treasury spokesman gave no comment in response to the panel’s report, which was released today. He said he had not seen it.

Keeping an eye out

The Treasury apparently has nothing to say in response to the report at the moment, but sometimes these things take time. I’ll be watching the news for a response, so check back for updates.

My thoughts? It may be too late for the bailout funds to help average Americans keep their homes. Sure, home foreclosures have gone down since TARP was approved, but is that just because so many people have already been kicked out? The funding still may be able to help some people, but now that the deadline to approve institutions for funds has been extended, there are probably some panicked homeowners out there taking out payday loans so they can pay their overpriced mortgages.

The holidays have come to an end – at least for this year. As people scuttle to pack up the holiday gears and clear up the festival debris, the holiday weight will probably be the hardest thing to put away. All the holiday stress, inactivity and free-flowing sweets combined are enough to throw off a perfectly fit weight.

Watch Out for the Food Monster

Not everyone is fortunate to live in sunny Southern California. Perhaps that would mean that the rest of us are probably confined at home because of the snowy weather. Besides the possibility that you may need payday loans to help makes ends meet because of all the work days you’ve missed, beware; you could easily fall victim to the food monster. Distract your urges to over consume. Catch up on house cleaning, re-organize, or pop in your favorite Pilates DVD. There are so many things you can do to get back in shape; all you need is focus and determination.

Okay, so maybe you just cannot get over the delectable taste of chocolate melting in your mouth. There are weight loss programs that provide a way to lose weight just by eating your favorite foods, along with one-on-one motivational support. The Jenny Craig menu is packed with balanced and nutritious meals; like how PersonalMoneyStore.com not only offers payday loans, but also offers tips and guidelines on how to maintain a healthy budget. Jenny Craig Cuisine is high in fiber, moderate in fat and sodium but still has the great taste you love. You get three meals and up to 3 snacks a day so you won’t go hungry without overeating. Just like payday loans, the meals are absolutely convenient!

“Who is Jenny Craig?”

Founded in 1983, Jenny Craig, Inc. is one of the largest weight management service companies in the world. The company brings in annual revenues of more than $400 million and still growing. But who is Jenny Craig? Jenny Craig, whose real name is Genevieve Guidroz, was born in Berwick, Louisiana in 1932. While living in New Orleans, she met Sidney Harvey Craig after he hired her to be the director of the Body Contour fitness salon. Their relationship flourished and the couple was later married in 1979.

In 1982, the couple broke from their other business partners and sold out to a competitor. Because they were legally unable to open a new health center in the U.S. for two years, Jenny Craig and Sid decided to move to Australia. There they generated a new nutrition, fitness, and weight loss program. They returned to the U.S. in 1985 and introduced the Jenny Craig Program. At the same time, the Craig’s opened 14 centers; today their U.S. holdings include 285 centers in 18 states. Over the past 25 years, Jenny Craig has helped many people worldwide learn how to eat a nutritious diet that includes many of their favorite food and achieve their weight loss goals.

Physical Progress, Financial Retreat

Jenny Craig sounds great. However, not everyone can afford many of these weight loss programs. While payday loans can help make ends meet through your journey to weight loss, spending money you don’t have can be financially damaging. There are many other things you can do that are simple and inexpensive that can help get you back in shape; all you need is willpower.

His album, “Tha Carter III” sold over one million copies in the first week of its release. The popular American rapper may possibly bag his first Grammy in February. Lil’ Wayne a.k.a. “Weezy” could be taking home not one, but eight Grammy’s this year. This hardcore hip-hop artist is all over, from music to ESPN.

Not Just a Hip Hop Superstar

Lil’ Wayne is everywhere. He has certainly come a long way from where he started. There’s no doubt he has conquered a massive division of the world of hip hop. Furthermore, it appears he is reaching for far more beyond that point. From Rock n’ Roll to the country, Lil’ Wayne appears to be touching every aspect in the music industry. The rapper is the first hardcore Hip-Hop artist to ever set foot on the Country Music Awards Shows’ stage, performing alongside Kid Rock. You can imagine why he will never need payday loans.

Lil’ Wayne VS Skip Bayless

On January 6th, Lil’ Wayne appeared on ESPN2’s morning show “First Take” to debate with the network’s strongly opinionated and remarkably knowledgeable Skip Bayless on “1st And 10”. Apparently, the young rapper has been taking his knowledge on athletic things a step further by blogging for ESPN the Magazine. Some say the show mined new levels of awkwardness particularly spawned by Bayless, who groveled over the star’s grillz, his career, and his latest album, Tha Carter III.

To top things off, there was even a music video he made which featured two terrible, cheesy white rappers going on about why Skip Bayless is the greatest man alive. Surprisingly, Bayless has a huge hip-hop following. According to insiders, he’s buddies with platinum rappers like Nelly and 50 Cent. But even though Skip may have some odd street credibility, that still doesn’t make up for this one. Conclusively, Skip Bayless will need payday loans if he decides to drop his day job for a career in the music industry.

Dwayne “Lil’ Wayne” Carter

Lil’ Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., was born September 27, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a young aspired rapper, Lil Wayne hungered to become one of the best rappers to ever walk the surface of the earth. At age 11, his ambition and eagerness caught the attention of Cash Money Records co-founder, Brian “Baby” Williams, a.k.a. “Birdman.” Lil’ Wayne recorded his first debut on Cash Money artist B.G.’s (Christopher Dorsey) album, True Story.

In 1997, Lil’ Wayne joined the Hot Boys, a short-lived all-star group on Cash Money Records. The group released their first album “Get It How U Live” in 1997, followed by their second album “Guerrilla Warfare” in 1999. In the same year, Wayne released his first solo debut “The Block is Hot,” which went double platinum and earned him a Source Awards nomination for “Best New Artist.”

Best Rapper Alive

Today, the multi-platinum recording rapper is believed (by the majority) to be the best rapper alive, possibly one of the best rappers ever. Lil’ Wayne has come a long way in his career and as an individual. With all the amount of income he brings in, he could probably afford almost anything in the world. As for the rest of us, be thankful we have access to payday loans for those unexpected financial setbacks.

Latest acquisition had less to do with the team than other factors

While the allure of donning the pinstripes of a Yankees uniform is appealing to some, to Teixeira it was reportedly one of the further things from his mind. According to his agent, the Yankees weren’t the most lucrative of offers, but the deal clincher was that his wife, Leigh, who suggested to him that he should take the offer from New York. She was in favor of  him joining the Bronx Bombers over other teams, especially the Red Sox, who have won a pennant in the last five years.   (They have won two, as a matter of fact.)

The latest acquisition of the New York Yankees has been burning up the headlines in the sports columns across the country, as the Yankees were one of the teams that were competing to secure the services of Mark Teixeira.  Teixeira, a hot property first baseman, came in to free agency at the end of the 2008 season, which he ended with the Anaheim Angels, after being traded mid-season from the Atlanta Braves.

Upon graduation from college, he was drafted again by The Texas Rangers.  He played with the Rangers from 2003 to 2007, Atlanta from 2007 to 2008 and was traded in July 2008 to the Anaheim Angels, and then at the end of his 2008 season entered free agency as one the most sought after free agents.  In his MLB tenure, he’s won two Golden Gloves and two Silver Bats, and can play first and third base as well as outfield.  Oh yeah, and on top of all that, he is one of only five players that hit 100 home runs in his first three seasons; one of the other members of that list is Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio.  With a career like this, one doubts that he would have to get payday loans to cover the move from LA to New York.

Family comes first – along with a truck load of cash

While some will no doubt be mocking the deciding factor in the move, a baseball player who exhibits strong family values is commendable.  The fact that he is a great player on both offense and defense is a bonus. Payday loans can work in much the same way, if you are going to fall short on an upcoming bill, or if a sudden expense throws you a curve, you can apply for payday loans through Personalmoneystore.com to pinch hit or step in to provide relief pitching.

How it is done:

Once you have found the lender the rest is simple.  I choose Personal Money Store for my payday loans.  Get in front of the computer (http://personalmoneystore.com) and fill out their online application form or pick up your phone and call. This simple step could land you the loan. If you have come this far, and you are approved, then you may be only a couple hours away from getting the cash delivered to your bank account. The usual procedure with the lender is for them to transfer the loan amount into your bank account within a short time after the submission of the application. But be warned, such loans are not available to candidates looking for huge financial help or those on the lookout for long term loans. Payday loans with no credit checks are usually available for short term and small amounts but the terms and conditions are not much different from any other loan.

Know where you stand:

You are the master of your finances so make sure that you would not get yourself into deep waters by taking out these loans. Take the loan only if it is absolutely necessary. If you are sure you need this loan then research your lender well. Get quotes on what the final amount of repayment will be from the lender before committing yourself. That should help you get a fair idea on the interest and other charges.

The benefits:

Payday loans with no credit checks can also interest those of you who, though having an excellent credit history, may not like the idea of anyone prying into your credit records or hitting your credit with unnecessary points. These loans can keep you from the embarrassment of disclosing your damaged credit, or from accusing eyes. Most lenders do not even ask you to fax documents. So this is a loan that can be had, usually without faxing or credit checks. You do not have to go through any of the usual procedures or complications for acquiring this loan. That makes it one of the simplest and easiest loans to be had. And the real beauty of it is that all these transactions can take place from the comfort of your home.  So, if you are sure that you need this loan, just go ahead and apply for one.

Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking to fill almost 3,000 slots

The FBI is looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 qualified applicants for a variety of positions.  The openings include field agents, special agents, and a bevy of support staff, such as Information Techs, engineers, doctors, and also electricians and mechanics.  The FBI is also looking for human resource professionals, accounting staff, administration and clerical staff, educators, almost any position they have within the organization, they are hiring for it, and often part of the background check is credit records, which payday loans conveniently don’t show up on.

Keeping up with the War On Terror

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is beginning a large buildup in its staff as a part of the War on Terror in the domestic sector, especially in regards to computer crimes such as hacking and identity theft. They are also looking into other domestic terrorism, such as the recent federal case where 6 immigrants were convicted of conspiracy to commit a terrorist action, when their plot of  a killing spree on an army base was uncovered.  The domestic terror and computer crimes seem to be the highest priority areas, and because of these top priorities, the FBI is practically throwing open its doors to applicants. This is by far the largest hiring spree since the post 9/11 era, where the bureau boosted its employee roster to shift its focus onto the war on terror.

FBI positions are well paying, and as with most government positions, they have an excellent benefits package. There is also an abundance of opportunities for things such as travel, extensive training, and exciting work.  Usually, FBI applicants are an elite group – special agents are the most scrutinized of all.  A bachelor’s degree is amongst the minimum requirements to get a job with the FBI, and usually so is extensive expertise and experience – one of the biggest hiring pools for the FBI is former men and women of military services.

Tough to get in – but a heck of a payday if you do

The entry requirements are pretty tough – the FBI looks at highly qualified candidates, as the enforcement of the rule of law and the security of the United States are their highest priorities.  (It’s what they do, and they are pretty good at it.)  They are looking for more than a few good people for an elite field of work.  If your finances after investigation need a little boost, you can look into payday loans for the war on keeping the bills at bay.

Credit Cards - A funny Animal

Welcome back to personalmoneystore.com’s payday loans money blog and Part II of this series on personal credit.

Yesterday, in Part I we touched on personal credit and how credit is scored by the credit bureaus who track our financial account information.

Today we will continue our discussion. I’ll talk first about the common misconception regarding building credit that often gets consumers into trouble. I’ll also cover the first steps we will need to take in obtaining our personal credit score.

Common Misconceptions About Building Credit

Credit is a funny animal, and to some degree it works contrary to what we as consumers would consider sensible.

Naturally, we have a tendency to think that if we have a credit card and we make purchases and pay the balance off in full each month, we would get a higher credit score ranking from the credit bureaus.

However, by paying off the entire balance in full each month, the credit bureaus don’t see you as really borrowing any money at all. But, if you pay off your balance in monthly installments, the credit bureaus see you as having a debt and making good on that debt. Therefore, they award you points toward your credit ranking.

It Costs To Have Good Credit

It’s ironic that the the process of establishing a good credit score is achieved through the irresponsible practice of obtaining debt and paying it off more slowly than what would be considered financially smart.

Nonetheless, don’t let this become a crutch. Some consumers fall into the trap of justifying large credit purchases on behalf of their pursuit to obtain that elusive credit score.

Many other things will be addressed throughout this series that will help you strategically build your credit without falling into financial snares that will leave you entrapped in debt.

Many of our customers borrow payday loans just to avoid the late payment penalties on debts they have accrued by making decisions with good intentions but bad financial planning. Don’t let that be you!

The End of the Road for Bad Credit

It's a Hard Road

At this point you may not even know if you have good credit or bad credit. Surely you have some assumptions. After all, nobody pays your bills but you, so you must ask yourself, “Have I been diligent about making my payments on time?”

If so, I would expect at least a fair credit rating, but really there is only one way to find out: obtaining a copy of your credit report.

Obtaining Your Credit Report

Obtaining your credit report is free the first time you request it each year. Each additional request, however, will cost you a little extra money, but the price is usually quite small and affordable.

You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the the three main credit bureaus. The first step to achieving or maintaining good credit is to download all three of your credit reports from each of the three main credit bureaus. One may report things about you or your credit history that may be inaccurate and will need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Once your credit is in good standing, you can download free reports from the bureaus individually. That means you can check your credit score every three months, allowing you to monitor your report for discrepancies without having to pay a dime.

To Be Continued…

That concludes Part II of our series on credit. Keep your eyes open for Part III on the payday loans money blog, where we will show you how to obtain your credit reports and understand them.

Credit repair takes a little time, but considering the effects it has on your financial opportunities, it is time well spent.

See you soon!

Try positive thinking.

Make yourself believe that the recession is not going to hit you, and then see if it works; that you are not going to be hit.

Caution with money is prudent at these times

Of course, caution is prudent at times when salaries are plummeting and unemployment is soaring but you may remain untouched if you do not overdo things. Do not give way to sentiments when spending your money, instead concentrate on expenses that are absolutely necessary.  Do the best you can to get out of financial tangles, one tangle at a time.

Easy Option

Opting for payday loans can help. Get in front of your computer or get on the phone and apply for the loan at Personal money Store.  If you qualify, you can get money transferred to your bank the very same day.  There are no hidden charges either.  It will be what is agreed and signed upon at the time of applying for the loan. With these types of loans, the lenders usually do not bother with the credit records or document issues. It is a very short term loan, so there is no time to waste over such rigmaroles. This can also help you if you are a very private sort of person and are not comfortable with anyone prying into your privacy–even into your financial records for your own benefit. Look at the convenience of the loan.  If approved, it will be credited to your bank account, usually in a single day, all the while sitting at home. Make sure that you make use of the money in the right way, only to solve that particular issue for which it was meant and be sure that you will have the funds to pay it back.

Do all you can to keep your job

Do all you can to keep your job.  Even if things are terrible all around you, you need not lose hope as long as you can hold on to your job, because then you will have the option of payday loans to fall back on whenever you are in need of money fast and easy. Obviously be cautious.  Recession is hitting people hard.  But if payday loans can save you from losing your home, avoid a late fee on your rent or overdraft fees or pay for something important, go ahead and do what has to be done.

Earlier I wrote about the Paradox of Thrift, a situation in which something that looks good on the surface, saving money, is actually harmful to a shrinking economy. An article from CNNMoney.com explains what I like to call the Paradox of Deflation.

The good news

Wikipedia says deflation is

“a persistent decrease in the general price level^[1] of goods and services only when annual inflation is below zero percent resulting in an increase in the real value of money – a negative inflation rate.”

Sounds good to me. Prices are lower. Money is more valuable. Payday loans go further. From where I’m sitting that sounds like a dream come true. And those are good things, for consumers. But dig a little deeper, and it starts to get dark.

Deflation’s dark side

So the prices of homes and goods are going down. But so is the price of labor. Yep, that’s your salary. Business cut their prices to stay competitive. Eventually the prices get so low that the business has to cut production. Not only can it not afford its current work force, it doesn’t need all of it. Cutting production equals cutting jobs.

Hello, unemployment rate. My, how you’ve grown!

Far from a fairy tale

So now more people are out of jobs.  That means they have less money. So if businesses want people to buy their stuff, they have to lower prices. Eek. I don’t like this story. It doesn’t sound like it has a happy ending.

Don’t despair … yet

Don’t start writing your “just in case” cover letter for that fast food joint quite yet. There is no deflation going on right now. What we are experiencing currently is called disinflation: “When the inflation rate slows down (decreases, but remains positive).”

Bernard Baumohl, executive director of The Economic Outlook Group, says there is a 30 percent chance we will experience deflation in 2009. Hey, that’s not so bad! That’s still a “probably not.” But wait. Last month Baumohl said there was a 10 to 20 percent chance. So if the likelihood of deflation goes up 15 percent per month …

Isn’t it sensational

So, at this point there is a minor threat of deflation that most economists argue is very unlikely. So are these reports about the looming horror of deflation just the sensational media being paranoid? Perhaps. But here is the thing about economics: it’s all theory. My college economics professor made sure we were clear on that.

People can make very educated guesses about which direction the economy will head from here. Pretty much every “expert” out there is saying the economy will continue to get worse. But who knows? Maybe all my coworkers and I will take a company trip to Hawaii and it’ll turn the whole situation around. OK, OK, that wouldn’t work. But, hey, I’m not an economist.

Paradoxonomics

So saving is good except when it’s bad. Deflation sounds good, but it’s actually bad. So what is the solution? Well, like I said, I’m not an economist. Perhaps Obama’s stimulus plan really will do the trick. But until things change, payday loans will be there to help  you through the rough patches.

Related Articles

• Is Deflation a Risk in 2009?
• Deflation poses economic threat
• The growing threat of deflation