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Cash for Clunkers Part 2 – For Semi-Trucks

Woo-hoo good buddy! Looks like Cash for Clunkers Part 2 is right around the corner.  This time it's for our good friends the semi drivers. We have a special affinity for those hardworking drivers who really do make our economy hum.  Just think about, all of those shiny new gadgets, clothes and even food get [...]

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Are you spending more??

The results are in… economic data shows that consumers spent more in October, well at least a little bit. Retail spending was up 0.5% in October. Does this mean that christmas will be better?  Does it mean the economy is rebounding? Are you planning on spending more? "Stronger economic growth helped calm fears that the [...]

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Look it’s a parade…Ooops, nope I’m Just Quitting!

From time to time we all have probably had a daydream or two about quitting our job, and not just quitting, but quitting in a big way. It seems as though when budgets are cut and people are laid off, the remaining employees are saddled with all of the extra work.  This extra work, and [...]

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Poof there goes $120 BILLION from the economy

With the markets spinning out of control, the government not knowing what to do and panic hitting the streets, here's the next major issue that is about to hit the economy. One of the measures taken by Congress last year was to temporarily reduce payroll taxes that added back an average of $1000 to employees [...]

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Black Friday’s just over a week away…is it a good thing?

Ah the joys of Thanksgiving… Huge turkey dinner, falling asleep on the couch and of course FOOTBALL!!!  But there's one more tradition that has us all excited, Black Friday.  The excitement of waking up before the sun just to save a few bucks.  Well this may be one tradition that we want to look at [...]

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It may be a winter wonderland, but I’d like to have lights.

It's that time of the year again, old man winter is making his debut throughout the country.  While it may be beautiful outside, it sure isn't any fun when there is no electricity in the house.  Here's an article on "How to keep the power on during a storm" Have you lost your power during [...]

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Here’s a change…Lowering Tuition Costs?

Whether you agree or not on if an actual college education is worthwhile, I'm sure everyone can agree on the fact that it is just too darn expensive. Well looks like were not alone, here are a couple of University's that are actually reducing their tuition costs.  The real question is whether this is an [...]

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What did you spend last month?

If you read the news or listen to the doomsayers, it looks like the sky is falling.  But there is new data to suggest that consumers actually spent more than expected last month.  I don't know about you, but we still have our hands tightly wrapped around our wallets. Did you spend more last month [...]

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‘R You ready for Black Friday? Toys ‘R Us is…

Toy's 'R Us has unveiled their Black Friday ads, gosh is it already that time again.  We all better get crackin. View the newest ads here, just make sure to do it without your kids in the room

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Not So Fast Seattle – The Bust Is On It’s Way

Oh to all those who thought they sailed through the housing debacle relatively unscathed, it looks like the reaper is on his way. From 2007 to today, we have all heard the horror stories of towns like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the whole of California being drawn down into the quagmire of foreclosure and falling [...]

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Experian To Begin Reporting Your Rent Payments

In a really nice win for us, Experian, has announced that it will begin reporting as a trade-line your rent payments.  This is a great opportunity to add additional positive information to your credit report and help you increase your credit score. Although, they have agreed to report this information, like all trade-lines, it is [...]

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Panning For Gold – The New Retirement Plan??

With the price of gold reaching nearly $1,400 an ounce, wouldn't it be nice to find a little on your own?  There seems to be a resurgence of panning for gold going on around the country as many retirees with depleted savings and a little too much time on their hands turn to Mother Nature [...]

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I Don’t Care If Your Kid Died, Pay Me

Unfortunately, this is the mantra of many student loan providers, but the practice may soon be coming to an end. Generally, when applying for financial aid the lender will require that a parent or guardian become a guarantor, or co-signer on the loan.  Thereby, if there is a default on the loan the lender will [...]

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What’s In Your Light Socket?

Thumbnail image for What’s In Your Light Socket?

Once again, consmers are taking matters into their own hands.  In preparation for one more government intrusion into our lives, some consumers have sprung into action.  This time it's the government's new war on the good old incandescent light bulb.  As part of a 2007 law, next year will begin the phase out of the [...]

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Android Getting The Boot?

When Verizon, the nation's largest wireless carrier, still didn't have the coveted iPhone the door was open and it appeared that Google had kicked it down.  The lack of an iPhone offering had Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and other users singing the praises of the next iPhone killer, Google's Android powered phone. In reality, Android is [...]

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Broke But Still Need To File Taxes? Get Free Help

It's that time of the year again, tax time.  Do you do it yourself, or do you get some professional help preparing your taxes? If you're broke, you would assume the answer would be a no-brainer, you have to do it yourself.  Fortunately, this year it looks like there are a variety of options for [...]

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The New Bread Line – Food Stamps

The images of the Great Depression are still ingrained in our minds.  The photos and accounts of tent cities, and lines around the corner of down on their luck Americans waiting for their rations of bread and soup.  And we all feel their pain. But what about today, we are still in the midst of [...]

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Facebooks New Privacy Settings, The Government Gets To See Everything

As if you didn't know that using Facebook could be damaging in many ways including stalkers and employers, there is an even bigger threat looming…The Government. As detailed in this article from USA Today, the Government is reaching its dirty little hands into one more area of our lives, Facebook.  Asking Facebook to turn over [...]

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Do You Live In One Of The 5 Boom States?

It's that old 80/20 Pareto principle again.  It looks like there is good news in some of the housing markets, but it's very selective. The 5 states listed in this article according to the author and economists have a high likelihood of rebounding in the coming months from the housing melt-down.  Do you live in [...]

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Are You Ready For The Talk With Your Teen?

No, we're not talking about that "Talk" but an equally important one that is just as difficult, the talk about financial responsibility. As parents we are responsible for teaching our kids about right and wrong, as well as giving guidance and inspiration on how to become a better person and productive citizen.  If we instill [...]

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