No COLA for Social Security in 2011: Here’s Why

October 11, 2010

No COLA for Social Security in 2011 is the headline, then there’s the back story.  First off, COLA is the “cost of living adjustment” that recipients generally expect from their Social Security benefits.  Most years, there’s an increase, since inflation tends to increase enough each year to justify said increase.  However, when inflation, as measured […]

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100 Year Bonds – Great Yield or Sucker’s Game?

October 11, 2010

I’ve been seeing longer duration bonds being issued in various formats and I’m starting to wonder if this is the pinnacle of the bond bubble.  Kind of like when Blackstone took private equity public at the top, is this a sign that corporate and sovereign debt is being issued one last time to the suckers […]

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Middle Class Squeeze – Who’s Fault is it Really?

October 9, 2010

We are seeing the demise of the middle class but one has to wonder how much of this is self-inflicted.  I mean, I grew up in a 1000 sq ft, 2BR, 1 bath home.  I shared the bedroom with my brother who was 5 years older than me, so when he was older and had […]

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Evolutionary Articles of the Week – Crazy Interest Rate Edition

October 7, 2010

This week has simultaneously seen record high gold prices and record low interest rates, which is good news for homeowners and prospective buyers alike.  Trouble is, the lending standards have tightened up so much and equity in homes has tanked so much that there aren’t that many people able to take advantage of the crazy […]

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Mortgage Rates Break New Records – How Low Can They Go?

October 7, 2010

Today, the benchmark 30 Year conventional rate fell to a fresh low of 4.27%, down from 4.32% last week.  Meanwhile the 15 Year rate was down to 3.72% from 3.75% last week.  This data comes from Freddie Mac each Thursday and the averages include points, usually in the 0.6-0.7 point range. What’s Driving These Insanely […]

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It’s Election Time – Who Owns Your Political Party?

October 6, 2010

With election time coming, it’s worth taking a look at just who the special interests are that are influencing your politicians.  Ever wonder why Democrats push so hard for pro-Union agendas even though the higher costs and lack of flexibility are paid for by you?  Ever wonder why Republicans are viewed as so Business-Friendly and […]

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