Posts filed under 'economy'
August 27th, 2008
I’m always looking for any sign that the economy is going anywhere but down, and this is good news.
“Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods turned in a second consecutive strong monthly performance in July, a far bigger-than-expected gain led by a huge jump in demand for commercial aircraft,” so says this AP story.
So, what’s its relative importance?
High, according to the Schwab Guide to Economic Indicators.
“This report is one of several key reports monitored by the Federal Reserve in setting monetary policy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “The survey measures current industrial activity and provides an indication of future business trends. Data are used by the Executive Branch of the Government for developing economic, fiscal, and monetary policy; the Bureau of Economic Analysis as components of the gross domestic product estimates; and trade associations, corporate economists, and other members of the business community as an analytical tool for assessing the current and future economic condition of the country.”
July 23rd, 2008
This New York Times opinion piece talks about the culture of debt in America. To sum it up, we need to go back to a Culture of Thrift to right our economic struggles.
Anywho, the current high gas prices and mortgage and lending problems, fueled by our propensity to spend, could force us back into thrifty-thinking, or so the writing goes. You know the saying: “People don’t change when they see the light. They change when they feel the heat.”
What other sayings can help guide us out of our struggles? “Waste not, want not.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” What else?
June 17th, 2008
Trying to save money in this tough economy? Try not changing your oil as often.
I’ve gone to getting a 7,000-mile oil change, but it costs a little more than the 3,000-mile one.
How bout you? 
June 10th, 2008
Americans increasingly fear that the national bargain has unraveled, that their once-steady march toward affluence has derailed, so says a new USA TODAY story. The most recent official data indicate that in 2006, half of all families made more than $58,407 and half made less. That compares with an inflation-adjusted peak of $59,398 in 2000.
This financial stall marked the first time since World War II that the typical family was worse off at the end of an economic expansion than at the start, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a left-of-center think tank in Washington, D.C.And that was before a financial crisis emerged last year from a remote corner of the U.S. housing market to stalk every worker, firm and family.
That’s why I’m feeling so fiscally uneasy. I’m being stalked. Good analogy, I think.
Barack Obama’s style won’t allow him to use Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.”
But he is going after McCain’s economic policies. Wonder what Obama’s coined phrase might be.
Any suggestions?
June 9th, 2008
On “The Today Show” this morning, Ann Curry interviewed a woman who gave advice on cutting costs during harder economic times caused in part by the record-setting $4-a-gallon gasoline set nationally today.
(photo from blogs.chron.com)
Tips included giving up bottled water and paying credit card bills on time so you won’t have to pay a late fee.
I’m not yet to the point where I’ll give up bottled water totally.
What won’t you give up locally in hard times? That delicious fish fry on Friday nights? That trip every week to the raceway? Pedicures?
June 3rd, 2008
Before you tell me how self-centered I am, let me tell you that I learned this principle in journalism school. Readers want to know this about a news story upfront: What’s it mean to me?
So, here’s what the Janesville SUV plant closing announced today means to me. I’m afraid I’ll never be able to sell my 1998 Grand Jeep Cherokee (with only 118,000 miles on it) for much more than a song and dance. (My Jeep looks like this one at offroaders.com.)
GM CEO Rick Wagoner Wagoner said the change in the U.S. market to smaller vehicles likely is permanent. “We at GM don’t think this is a spike or a temporary shift.“
Just to be clear, I do feel for those losing their jobs and for the community.
So, what’s the plant closing mean to you?
