From the category archives:

Recent News

The authors of the recently released study, Downward Mobility from the Middle Class: Waking up from the American Dream” challenge the widely accepted idea that the economy is improving to the point where the  next generation of the world’s population has a high chance of living better than their parents. This may be, at least in part, due to decisions made by parents. [click to continue…]

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I have a hard enough time spending $200 on a phone and over $100 each month on our cell phone bill.  That’s well over $1,200 each year on cell phones!  Now, think about $25,000…that just seems absurd.  But it’s not that far off if your living in China and you want an iPhone. [click to continue…]

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Reduce Government Debt by Putting Lawmakers on Commission

January 24, 2011

As an Illinois resident, I am intrigued by newly-inaugurated Rep. Dwight Kay’s recent proposal (HB0110) to cut state lawmaker’s salaries by 10-percent.  Although Kay’s motives are not clear, I am assuming that he either wants to make a name for himself or punish those responsible for Illinois’ massive debt problems.  Probably some of each.

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Should Senior Citizens Become Cry Babies Over Social Security Freeze?

October 18, 2010

Have you read the reactions of Seniors on the news that Social Security increases won’t happen next year? Here is a sampling:

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New Laws Rock the Debt Settlement World

August 18, 2010

About the writer: This guest post was written by Garrett Driscoll from Debt Eagle.   Give Garrett a visit if you need help with credit card debt, debt management, or bankruptcy. Debt Settlement world has been under scrutiny The debt settlement industry has been under a mountain of scrutiny as the U.S. economy continues to slump. [...]

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Why Don’t the Economic Experts Tell Us the Truth?

July 5, 2010

The book “Aftershock” by Weidemer, Weidemer and Spitzer documents economic predictions by people who should have known better but didn’t. Here is a sampling: Prediction: “A very powerful and durable rally is in the works. But it may need another couple of days to lift off. Hold the fort and keep the faith!” Richard Band, [...]

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Five Upcoming Tax Hikes and What They Mean to You

April 19, 2010

photo credit: alancleaver_2000 I know. Tax season just concluded and the last thing you want to hear about is taxes. I understand, but think of it this way – right now, while this stuff is fresh in your mind, is the best time to start considering what the future holds. So…are you ready?  Take a [...]

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The New Health Care Bill: A Prescription for Diminished Health Care

March 31, 2010

photo credit: Brett L. Allow me to preface this post by referring you to some other great posts on the health care legislation.  The Amateur Financier gives a balanced look at the legislation and what it means to us.  Other bloggers who have weighed in are Financial Samurai who is in favor,  Darwin of Darwin’s [...]

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Four Ways to Cope With Rising Gasoline Prices

March 29, 2010

It is starting again. According to CNN Money, gas prices are up 45% from last March and still rising. Prices may not reach the record high of $4.114 per gallon as reported by AAA on July 17, 2008, but people are nevertheless rumbling, “Gas prices are rising through the ceiling and there is nothing I [...]

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Credit Card Marketing Banned on Illinois College Campuses

August 17, 2009

photo credit: Andres Rueda Also banned: Selling of students’ personal information I applaud the Illinois lawmakers and Governor Pat Quinn for passing legislation which bans the gimmicky marketing of credit cards to college students. The bill, which won’t take effect until January, could impose fines on colleges and universities if they allow credit card companies [...]

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CASH FOR CLUNKERS: IS IT FOR YOU?

July 16, 2009

photo credit: Matti Mattila President Obama recently signed into law the “Cash for Clunkers” legislation, a bill intended to boost the sagging auto industry while rewarding people for purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles. Here is how it works: you trade in your old car (it must be less than 25 years old, drivable and get [...]

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