Archive for July, 2009
« Previous Entries Next Entries »A Look At Mortgage Interest
Monday, July 20th, 2009Long time readers of AFM know that I like to look at things differently through the use of spreadsheets. I have kind of gotten away from such posts in recent months. But, after reading comments from various readers I have decided to try to do more spreadsheet posts. They are fun to put together and [...]
10 Economics Blogs The Wall Street Journal Recommends
Thursday, July 16th, 2009There was a very interesting story in today’s WSJ about how economics blogs are becoming popular due to the state of the economy. Attached to the article is a reader’s guide to econoblogs, with a list of 10 of their favorites. Here’s the list: • Calculated Risk • The Conscience of a Liberal (sounds like [...]
Is The Economy Worse Than We Think?
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009Mortimer Zuckerman, chairman and editor in chief of U.S. News & World Report, claims the economy is worse than we think it is and lists 10 reasons why he thinks so. One of his points seems a tad misleading: The number of workers taking part-time jobs due to the slack economy, a kind of stealth [...]
A Different Take on “Government Housing”
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009Check out what I just saw on Reuters: NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) – U.S. government officials are weighing a plan that would let borrowers who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments avoid eviction by renting their homes instead, sources familiar with the administration’s thinking said on Tuesday. Under one idea being discussed, delinquent [...]
My Favorite Thoughts From Thomas Sowell’s “Basic Economics” (Part 1)
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009I have been trying to read Thomas Sowell’s Basic Economics 3rd Ed: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy* for a couple of years now. I have started the book several times but never got past the first chapter until the other night when I picked up the book, started reading, and didn’t put it [...]
AFM Reader Question on 401(k) Loans
Monday, July 13th, 2009I received the following email over the weekend: Hi, Your article on 401(k) loans was very informative. I am trying to decide between 401(k) loan and withdrawal. My 401(k) is not currently active, meaning I do not contribute anything towards it. I have moved to a new employer and my 401(k) was with the old [...]
What the 2011 Federal Marginal Tax Rates Could Look Like – Pure Speculation
Monday, July 13th, 2009I’ve been doing a little reading lately about the taxes. As we all know, the Bush tax cuts expire after 2010. There is talk about leaving the tax cuts alone for the lower brackets but bringing back the 36% and 39.6% tax brackets for taxable incomes of $250,000 and above. Based on that information, I [...]
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