Jul
9
The Stimulus Payment Was a Ridiculous Political Stunt
July 9, 2008 | 4 Comments
Now that most of the payments have been sent, we can analyze the Economic Stimulus Package of 2008. Was the economy stimulated? Did the payment really help people? Was it all worth it?
I've answered so many questions about the stimulus payment that I've quite frankly gotten sick of the whole thing. It's ridiculous how much confusion it caused.
We'll never know what kind of impact the stimulus …
Comment by jimb: I think the stimulus payment was a joke. Bush …
Jul
1
The Economy, Happiness and the Media
July 1, 2008 | 1 Comment
… stories about how unhappy Americans are. We're told that even though we are wealthier now then ever, we're more unhappy than ever. Don't fall for this old media trick.
Newspapers and magazines sell bad news. That's their business. They need to scare people into buying their product. The old media has to keep people in a state of fear in order to continue to sell their product.
It's no wonder the new media, especially websites and blogs, is quickly replacing the old …
Comment by Jeff: … "Don't Worry about the Economy" section, but I would add …
Jun
24
Flood Insurance For Renters
June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… is only for home owners. However, renters are just as vulnerable to flood damage. Here are the reasons renters need flood insurance too.
How much would it cost you to replace everything you own right now? Try to estimate the dollar amount in your head or on a piece of paper. Now compare that number to the amount of money you have in your checking and savings accounts. Do you have enough money to replace everything you own right now?
Most people don't, that's why they need …
Jun
23
Do I Need Flood Insurance?
June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Every year floods damage property and homes. Not all of the damage occurs in flood zones. Find out why FEMA says that you should have flood insurance coverage even if you don't live in a high risk flood area.
Flood insurance is only for people living in Florida or on the banks of the Mississippi river right? Wrong. According to FEMA 25% of flood claims come from areas that have low to moderate flood risk.
The NFIP
Congress …
Jun
18
Americans Are Mad About Sale of Budweiser
June 18, 2008 | 5 Comments
Are Americans mad about political shenanigans on Capitol Hill? Are they upset about dirty deals on Wall Street? No, Americans are fired up about the possible hostile takeover of Anheuser-Busch (maker of Budweiser ) by the Belgian company InBev. Americans love their beer.
Usually when a company is sold to foreign owners, the reaction is mild. When the Germans bought Chrysler, there was some discontent but most realized if someone didn't buy Chrysler, it …
Jun
17
What Is Flood Insurance?
June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Every year people and property are devastated by floods. Floods can strike anywhere. The government established National Flood Insurance Program ( NFIP ) to help deal with the financial cost of flooding. Find out how the flood insurance works.
Even with modern management techniques, floods happen every year. Look at the recent Katrina disaster or the flooding in the Midwest as examples.
Before 1968, the government tried to control flooding with dams and …
Jun
16
IRS Withholds $842 Million in Stimulus Payments
June 16, 2008 | 14 Comments
If you're missing your stimulus check, you're not alone. The IRS is withholding $842 Million from stimulus payments. How do you know if you're stimulus payment will be withheld?
According to this CNN/Money article, stimulus payments have been withheld from 1.5 million people. Over 50% of the money has gone for back child support .
About 54% of the cash intercepted will be funneled to states for child support, according to Dean …
Comment by Chris: … have to contact the IRS for that information. See …
Jun
13
The economic stimulus payment program has been a fiasco. Hundreds of readers have shared their horror stories. You'd think the government could figure out how to get checks to people. Put the check in the mail, what's so hard about that? When government gets involved, simple things get complicated fast. If the government can't mail a check right, why would we let the government take over …
Jun
10
6 Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Money
June 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
By now a majority of Americans have received their stimulus payments from the IRS. If you're wondering what to do with that money, I have some suggestions.
Start an Emergency Fund.
Everybody needs an emergency fund. Dave Ramsey recommends at least $1,000 until you pay off your debts then you need 3 to 6 months of income. I recommend you put as much as you can into an emergency fund. In reality $1,000 is a good …
Jun
7
Nassim Nicholas Taleb got rich on a day when many many people went broke. He predicted the sub-prime fiasco and the crash of 1997. He didn't really predict these events, he just predicted some kind of event, a black swan, could happen.
The Times Online has a new interview piece with Taleb.
An interesting article. Worth your time if you're interested in economics, investing or banking. I'm going to get around to reading both his books. He's a fascinating …