american economy

Given recent economic news, more and more investors are turning to gold as a way to preserve the value of their financial portfolio. Gold has traditionally been considered a safe haven for investment, since it tends to maintain its value during times of economic crisis and upheaval. Gold is an especially good hedge against inflation [...]

Many Americans find themselves in quite the situation financially these days.  Their situation is nothing short of bondage.  They are completely trapped because of years of borrowing money to finance a lifestyle that was unattainable without debt.  They aren’t the only guilty party.  The government has encouraged it and the banking system was more than [...]

When it comes to shopping this holiday season, many people are probably thinking of sticking with cash. With concerns about the economy prompting many to cut back on spending and avoid adding to their debt, it is little surprise that credit cards are out of favor right now. However, credit cards aren’t all evil. There [...]

There is a tug of war going on over your money right now.  When you sit down and think about it, you know that you should save your money, pay off your debt and provide for your future.  Unfortunately there are other forces coming after your money.  Not only do you have to deal with [...]

The first-time home buyer tax credit extension cleared a hurdle in the Senate today with a 98-0 vote, and it could be a done deal if approved by the House this week. All over the U.S., there is an increasingly heated argument over the benefits of the First Time Home Buyers Credit and this extension. [...]

Welcome to the 76th edition of Money Hacks Carnival. In this edition, I’ll be presenting some interesting and fun facts about money along with the submissions. For editor’s picks, please look for entries noted with (EP).

Money Fact #1: $1 bills wear out in about 17 months. Bills of larger denomination last longer because they are [...]

Despite the rise in unemployment rate and many states are extending their unemployment benefits, there will be no second stimulus checks for now. In his weekly radio and Internet address, President Barack Obama dismissed the idea the U.S. might need a second stimulus to pull the economy out of recession and urged Americans to be [...]

I’ve never owned a vehicle. It’s awfully inconvenient to not be able to drive around. My commute takes twice as long via bus than if I were to drive. Going to grocery store is a pain, and I have to align buying toilet paper with the generosity of friends. Going out for dinner with my [...]

Now that we know Obama is the next president, we can evaluate his proposal regarding 401k plan more closely.  If you recall from my last article, I didn’t like his proposal that would allow people to early withdraw from their retirement funds — i.e., 401k and IRA — without penalty (McCain’s plan was even worse). [...]

In face of the current economic crisis, both Obama and McCain are proposing changes to the IRA and 401(k) rules hoping that it will help restore economic stability.  Although we usually take these retirement plans as certain, we are reminded that rules governing IRA and 401k are malleable and not set in stone.
Obama’s Proposal Versus [...]