BAD NEWS IS ON THE WAY
Friday, April 10, 2009
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Boy, that's real encouraging isn't it? I wish I could put decorate it and make it sound rosy red, but I can't. I have a naturally positive outlook on life and feel there are a great number of good things, but we are talking about finances and stuff, so I'm just sending out a warning and helpful things to lessen the effect. I receive a number of publications, and I like to share tidbits that may or may not be pertinent to you as an individual. News and information are essential in today's world, and sometimes doesn't make the headlines. So here goes:
- Healthcare is going to be reformed. Probably a modification of the current model, but you'll basically be penalized if you don't have some sort of coverage. I also heard the speech this week, as my company rolled out it's annual healthcare plan, regarding preventive steps (take your vitamins, exercise, eat right). We take care of our cars more than our health, and that was the synopsis. As usual, healthcare costs are going up, so prepare your wallet. It's a 4 percent increase from last year.
- The economy hasn't reached bottom, but it's close to it. Home & car sales are showing minimal improvement. Recession will likely last through mid-summer. The stimulus plans are helping (a combination of W's and Obama's). The Fed is exhausted all options at this point. If another round of stimulus is needed, expect a depression to hit. Seriously.
- In a nut shell, newspapers are out (going out of business), local online malls are the thing, twittering is up (I think it's stupid), more layoffs are coming, state governments are crippled due to lack of funds (watch for state tax increases), and if you are going to go to college or go back for more classes, expect to pay a prettier penny than last year.
- If you hate coupon or deal shopping, I'd urge you to reconsider. Try dealnews.com or slickdeals.net. Make them bookmarks and search them often. I do it before any online purchase, as I've saved hundreds of dollars in discount codes and best deal searches. If you know specifically what you want, go to pricegrabber.com. I've saved over a hundred dollars just in shipping costs because one vendor had it on sale, but I had to pay shipping, while the other was a sale cost, but I didn't have to pay shipping.
- If you haven't seen any statements from your credit card companies, be on the lookout. Just received my notice this week that my APR is going up. Never mind that I've always paid on time. Never mind that I've been a good customer. I'm just supposed to say, "Oh, I understand....The banking companies are suffering, so I'll do my duty and pay you more to help you...." Hogwash. They won't get another dime, and I'll go to the lowest APR I can find. Thanks to their predatory lending practices, we came moments away from our dollar being worthless in October. We've already saved their companies through multiple stimulus plans, and now they want to stick it to the consumer for more? What a joke.
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