Inflation has been kept at bay, relatively speaking. But many, including the Federal Reserve, fear that inflation could rear its ugly head and present yet another obstacle to a recovery. Consumer prices only rose 0.1% in December 2009.
The U.S. economy's total capacity to produce goods fell 1% from a year earlier, the single largest decline since 1967, when such records were first recorded. This is exactly the type of trend that could encourage inflation. On another front, unemployment continues to hover around 10% further reducing consumers ability to spend.
The Federal Reserve, according to some experts, will stay with the current course. Mortgage rates may go up in the future but most believe it will a relatively small increase. The Feds continue buying troubled mortgages in large numbers and it will be interesting to see how or when it slows that process.
The easiest time to enroll in Medicare is when you turn 65. If you begin collecting social security you are automatically enrolled.
But what happens if you elect to continue working past age sixty five and remain on your employer's health plan? That is where the issue surrounding Medicare becomes tricky for seniors.
Medicare has a rule that says you must enroll within 8 months of leaving a job. That means a senior citizen who decides to continue working and using a employer sponsored health insurance plan could temporarily find themselves without health insurance after they officially retire. And that is a major issue for a senior citizen.
Medicare has dates for enrolling and dates when coverage takes effect. Failure to plan properly and accordingly could leave a person without medical coverage. There is an effort in Congress to close this loophole.
If you are older and nearing retirement, just keep in mind the eight month Medicare rule. Generally speaking, this applies to Medicare Part B. Those missing the deadline could face higher premiums as a result.
AZ Insurance
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Forrest Research asked over 4,000 bank customers the following question: "My financial provider does what's best for me, not just its own bottom line."
Not surprisingly, the results put many banks, such as HSBC, Chase Bank, Capital One, Bank of America and others in a bad light.
Most respondents replied that their bank looks after their own interests, besides the customer. Helloooo! Of course they do. That's what every big business does. A big business often does what is in their customers interests but also will make decisions that are better for its bottom line. After all, they are in business to be successful and profitable.
When you ask a loaded question that is asked in such as way that you expect a certain answer, exactly what other answer did they expect?? Banks and most other big business in America today are constantly being bashed by President Obama, Congress and even much of the media. Big business have become easy targets for what ails America. Anytime they make a profit it is reported as something negative.
Is it fair? I don't think so. It is almost as if it is bad to be successful and profitable. Do we want every bank to fail and be unsuccessful? Of course not. Then why the constant criticism of banks and other big business? Because they are easy targets. Politicians find it easy to do that versus tell America the truth about other more pressing issues in this nation.
Too bad many consumers listen to what the media and Washington politicians have to say versus listening to others with more reasoned approach.
An anti-photo enforcement group fell short of finding the signatures needed to get their proposal on November ballot. Their goal is to have Arizona voters approve the ending of camera's used at intersections to catch red light runners.
In a 2009 poll 80% of Arizonan's polled favored having intersection camera's, which are designed to catch red-light runners. Tucson claims that the camera's have reduced excessive speeding at some intersections by up to 90%.
Similarly, Mesa has seen red light violations decrease by 45%. Near one Mesa Junior High School the city has seen speeding decrease signifincantly. Prior to the camera's installation, violators were allegedly traveling well past posted speed limits in the school area.
There is little doubt anti-camera groups will continue their efforts to have the measure put before voters. That may happen, but not in 2010.
Arizona Home Insurance
Yes, that is a gas pump hanging from the tank
Up against a rock
Between a boat and a hard place
Feeling squeezed
Tippy Toes
