You may be noticing the economy in the United States slowing down. The slowing of the biggest consumer engine in the world has an impact in the global economy, causing other economies to sputter and stall out too. If we are in a recession, you can thank the tanking of the housing market and the tightening of credit markets for the current conditions. This can leave families strapped for cash with the possibility of less income in the future. That’s why today’s strategy for survival may have more to do with conserving the money you do have, planning ahead for the long haul, and waiting out a tough economic market that might last several years. Read more…

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House depreciation is happening all around the United States. Some markets are getting hit more than others, like Florida. Florida enjoyed the height of price appreciation during the housing bubble, but now finds itself the #2 state highest in foreclosures, just after Nevada. With the glut of housing available on the market, prices have declined substantially over the last year.

The Florida Association of Realtors reviewed the actual declines and estimated that in 2007, the median house price in Florida dropped about 14%. Nationwide, the drop is much less with only a 1.8% drop in the median price which is now about $217,000. In Florida, the median price dropped to about $194,200. Read more…

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After two years of watching and waiting, the Federal Reserve has finally stepped in and made new guidelines that lenders must abide by when writing loans to not only those with shaky credit, but to those with ironclad credit as well. Risky lending became very popular in 2005 and the first foreclosure that was a result of sub prime lending was just the beginning domino in a long curvy line of dominoes that have now all toppled and affected not only the housing market, but the investment market and other financial markets too. Read more…

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During the twentieth century, there were three men whose brilliance, conviction, and great knowledge in economy helped the world survive inflation, economic crisis, and other factors that can affect the financing sector. Read more…

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The whole world definitely knows how mighty the United States is. Its currency is the major source of trade in numerous countries all over the world. There are also many nations who are dependent on them since they can help or even produce basic supplies people need, such as fuel and food.

However, there are trade bans. Under the law, American companies are not allowed to trade their products and services with some countries, such as North Korea and Cuba. These are countries in which the United States has differences with. Yet business still goes on.

How are American companies able to penetrate these banned markets? Read more…

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As recently as 1999, the United States sock industry was thriving as major retailers bought socks from manufacturers in this country for resale. As the 21st century began, major retailers noticed that socks were quite a bit less expensive if imported from countries such as China, Honduras, and Pakistan. The small amount of savings led to massive closings of sock plants in the United States. Read more…

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Texas ranked 9th amongst all U.S. states with a high number of foreclosures in 2007. In September 2007, that number was quoted as being approximately 14,000 homes. As housing markets around the country soften, and sometimes even crash (as in California), the rise in foreclosures can be very frightening to local and state officials who see the aftereffects of foreclosure impact their communities and economy. While a foreclosure will cost one family their home, state and local officials are beginning to realize the tremendous problems that come with having many families lose their home. They are now becoming more proactive at trying to help establish solutions for the homeowner that may find themselves in trouble with their lender or their mortgage. In addition, the media attention has made consumers much more aware that they aren’t alone and there might be a solution out there to their specific problem, if they just take the time to look for one. Investigate all your options from loss mitigation agreements and home equity loans to cash advances to see if any of these can help close the gap. Read more…

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Most people would be very shocked to learn that the dollar is no longer backed by gold. Well, what about all that gold in Fort Knox? They might ask. While the gold in Fort Knox exists, the dollar is not tied to the value of the gold there. In 1913, the dollar became fiat currency, which means it is not backed by gold. This occurred when Congress passed the Federal Reserve Act, which created an independent agency that was allowed to create and regulate the money supply. The dollar became a paper currency that is not tied to the value of gold in hold by the government. This was done in the hopes of stabilizing the economy by having a way to manipulate the market so that fewer economic downturns happened. When they did happen, there were mechanisms in place based in the fiat system like the discount rates that could help to recharge the capitalistic engine. Read more…

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No country that has been looked up to by the entire world more than the United States of America. Jobs are aplenty, the land is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, and there are numerous attractions all over the 50 states. Read more…

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The decline of the dollar may have a lot of people upset, but it can be good for some. A weak dollar can affect the price of goods, labor, and our trading partners. Read more…

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