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Posts Tagged ‘economy’

In what could be viewed as a strategic move designed to orchestrate a complete banking takeover, the Bank Stress Test Results were released, showing that an overwhelming majority of our nation’s banks “need” more capital to survive. Nevermind that most of these banks are saying they don’t need the money… that doesn’t seem to matter! Is Obama hell bent on Socialism in America, but without the guts to just straight out admit it? Maybe… it seems he continues his “hope and change” ideas while a majority of America still basks in the afterglow of the promise of a new direction.

However, most Americans could not tell you SPECIFICALLY what that new direction is.. they just wanted something new. Not that I blame them for the feeling or desire for something new… I agree. But did we want this direction? Scared yet? Concerned?

So let’s review… Banks that don’t need money are Forced to take money (BOA is just one example), the Government gets a stake in the banks, tells the banks you “can not pay us back yet” and then creates a new test that most of them fail. Given that most Americans are tired of the “bailout” scenario, the new idea is to convert the TARP money to stock (government owned stock!). So the banks, which don’t want more money from TARP, now get a large portion of their stocks taken over by the government.

“But the government will get out as soon as they can!” Sure about that? Please tell me the last thing the government took over that it decided to give up? Should we go so quietly?

This is a conspiracy theory, right? Maybe… but the one area in which Obama is being blatant is student loans. He wants to cut out any lenders that are in business to provide them and make them direct loans to the government… As some see it, Obama wants college kids indebted directly to Uncle Sam! That could mean major control over someone’s life!

Agree or disagree? Tell me how you see all this….

Ideas for your Stimulus Check

If you haven’t heard, most Americans will be getting a check either in the mail or deposited directly into your account over the next few weeks and months. These checks will range from $600 to more than $2,000 for qualifying families. The idea is that you might spend the money right away and get the economy going again.

Many people have said they plan to save the money. While that sounds good, with more than 90% of Americans having very little savings, it can best be assumed we will spend the money rather than save it or pay off debt. So with that in mind, here are a few things you can do that will satisfy the “spender” in all of us while ultimately saving you money!

If you are only getting the $600, consider using part of that money to upgrade the light bulbs in your home. I know that sounds a bit silly, but going from traditional incandescent lights to the new compact fluorescent bulbs can save you hundreds of dollars in both energy and replacement of bulbs. These bulbs use a fraction of the energy and last much much longer!

If you are getting $1200, maybe spring for a good digital thermostat or replacing a worn storm door. You may also want to consider upgrading an older appliance that may save on your energy bill as well. New water heaters, dishwashers and refrigerators can save you a ton on your energy bills.

Getting over $2,000? If you rent, use it as part of a down payment to buy a home. If you already own a home, consider putting it towards a new HVAC system. The newer, more efficient heating and air conditioner units can save you so much money that you could end up paying for it in savings alone in no time!

The bottom line is that you can spend part of the money to stimulate the economy, while still making a positive impact on your own! With the right research, you can find the right upgrades that will help your house run smoother and more efficiently.