SisterAnn
Recent comments by this user
Booze and the Economy
A Real Solid Suggestion -- If I Do Say So Myself
First we need to stop the 'No Child Left Behind" part where all the childrn do is learn to take tests.
Yes, we need to teach what they need in the real world. They need to learn to type earlier because the young kids are learning the keys when playing games and that is going to mess them up. It would be fun to have stock classes.
They should gather the job requirements of companies, then teach them.
Some may not want us too smart though. How would they take advantage of us?
It shouldn't be we have to give up one class to have another.
We need to know more about other countries too. I we realized they are humans too, maybe genocide would stop happening. posted 07/23/2008 at 21:56:15
Yes, we need to teach what they need in the real world. They need to learn to type earlier because the young kids are learning the keys when playing games and that is going to mess them up. It would be fun to have stock classes.
They should gather the job requirements of companies, then teach them.
Some may not want us too smart though. How would they take advantage of us?
It shouldn't be we have to give up one class to have another.
We need to know more about other countries too. I we realized they are humans too, maybe genocide would stop happening. posted 07/23/2008 at 21:56:15
Long-Term Thinking About Future Health: Seven Trends That Should Concern Us
The medical insurance and some in the health care field are determined it is their time to suck up more of our money. They have already gotten Medicare on the brink of bankruptcy and the first boomers couldn't retire until this year and then they had to 62. They are licking their lips waiting for the boomers to retire.
The insurance companies will cut their payments and raise those of Medicare patients. We will be paying half of the cost plus premiums to them.
Medicare is supposed to give the elderly ,affordable insurance. Make sure they remember it, that is why we have paid in since 1968.
They make everything more expensive than it has to be. They could take a clinic bus with qualified nurses to each town and highly trained nurses can check the elderly. Those who need it can then be referred to a doctor.
They could posted 07/23/2008 at 14:02:23
The insurance companies will cut their payments and raise those of Medicare patients. We will be paying half of the cost plus premiums to them.
Medicare is supposed to give the elderly ,affordable insurance. Make sure they remember it, that is why we have paid in since 1968.
They make everything more expensive than it has to be. They could take a clinic bus with qualified nurses to each town and highly trained nurses can check the elderly. Those who need it can then be referred to a doctor.
They could posted 07/23/2008 at 14:02:23
We Can't Afford to Wait to Regulate Tobacco
There are lots of things that cause cancer. Insecticide is a biggie and it is sprayed freely on our food and on our lawns.
Fungicides are even worse and they don't talk about that.
All the things sprayed like weed killer are carcingens too. All these things wash down into our water and we drink it. posted 07/23/2008 at 14:34:33
Fungicides are even worse and they don't talk about that.
All the things sprayed like weed killer are carcingens too. All these things wash down into our water and we drink it. posted 07/23/2008 at 14:34:33
Don't 20 to 25% of people still smoke? The health field and gov blame cancer on cigarettes even if the smoker didn't smoke.
Microwaves which are in microwave ovens and in all wireless products like Satellite and telephones cause cancer of the brain and other places. They have been banned in some countries.
The stuff they spray between plastic bags in the factory to keep them from sticking together, causes cancer.
The kids won't start smoking, the teachers have taught them that if anyone who smokes around them, there smoke will kill them. They are scared of smokers, even their grandparents.
They just want away to include some more types of tobacco on the tax list.
Just tax the cigarettes and leave smokers alone. They are addicted or they would have quit already! posted 07/23/2008 at 14:32:25
Microwaves which are in microwave ovens and in all wireless products like Satellite and telephones cause cancer of the brain and other places. They have been banned in some countries.
The stuff they spray between plastic bags in the factory to keep them from sticking together, causes cancer.
The kids won't start smoking, the teachers have taught them that if anyone who smokes around them, there smoke will kill them. They are scared of smokers, even their grandparents.
They just want away to include some more types of tobacco on the tax list.
Just tax the cigarettes and leave smokers alone. They are addicted or they would have quit already! posted 07/23/2008 at 14:32:25
Workers Deserve a Rescue Too
Today, they talk like they are going to help some home owners in the new bill that is passing to bail out Wall Street. They are even going to reduce the principal and interest. Some will not be helped. posted 07/23/2008 at 22:00:54
Don't get me started.
They send American jobs overseas and our only choice is to buy Chinese goods, then we are accused of buying cheap Chinese goods.
They don't increase wages then say we charge too much and don't save.
Funny thing is when it started the Chinese were riding bikes and we were driving cars. Now many here are riding bides and the Chinese are driving cars.
All the programs that worked, until this republican administration, no longer work. Especially any program that was part of FDR's new deal. Fannie Mae was created by FDR because banks wouldn't loan for housing. It was so the middle class could get affordable loans. When the government let it go public, the guarantee ended, but now the banks want the guarantee since they are losing money. posted 07/23/2008 at 09:45:27
They send American jobs overseas and our only choice is to buy Chinese goods, then we are accused of buying cheap Chinese goods.
They don't increase wages then say we charge too much and don't save.
Funny thing is when it started the Chinese were riding bikes and we were driving cars. Now many here are riding bides and the Chinese are driving cars.
All the programs that worked, until this republican administration, no longer work. Especially any program that was part of FDR's new deal. Fannie Mae was created by FDR because banks wouldn't loan for housing. It was so the middle class could get affordable loans. When the government let it go public, the guarantee ended, but now the banks want the guarantee since they are losing money. posted 07/23/2008 at 09:45:27
Gore Surprises Netroots Nation, Says Not Eager To Serve In Obama Cabinet (VIDEO)
This is the most confusing bunch of comments I have ever tried to read. The republican trolls are trying to ruin the comments by all their ignorance.
How about us just saying 'So and So is a troll and not replying to the trolls?
Al Gore is a fine person and had he been president the last eight years, we would not have attacked a country that had not hurt us, and killed people who were innocent. We would be well on our way or maybe even be energy independent.
We would not be hated around the world. Social Security would not be weakened time after time.
Then these trolls get on here and slur him. Pitiful. posted 07/19/2008 at 23:02:50
How about us just saying 'So and So is a troll and not replying to the trolls?
Al Gore is a fine person and had he been president the last eight years, we would not have attacked a country that had not hurt us, and killed people who were innocent. We would be well on our way or maybe even be energy independent.
We would not be hated around the world. Social Security would not be weakened time after time.
Then these trolls get on here and slur him. Pitiful. posted 07/19/2008 at 23:02:50
Starbucks and America's First Taste of the Greater Depression
The banks wouldn't loan during the last depression. That is the reason FDR created Fannie Mae, so the people could borrow money for mortgages.
Another FDR New Deal is biting the dust. posted 07/22/2008 at 00:31:36
Another FDR New Deal is biting the dust. posted 07/22/2008 at 00:31:36
Voting Republican has consequences. posted 07/22/2008 at 00:25:12
Welfare for the rich has consequences. Bail outs have consequences. Our dollars go down in buying power.
Wages have consequences. No money, no buyers. posted 07/19/2008 at 22:40:20
Wages have consequences. No money, no buyers. posted 07/19/2008 at 22:40:20
Starbucks Closure List: All 600 Stores, Searchable
It must be the atmosphere. I haven't been to one. I like my home brew and I like it black, much more thinning that way.
My daughter brought me one to drink , the best selling one, I can't think of the name of it. I thought it was bitter even with all the creamer and sugar in it. But to each his own.
It could be the competition. There are coffee houses near some of them, that aren't as expensive.
It could be the cheap wages and other high costs have kept them from having all the customers they need. posted 07/18/2008 at 23:50:31
My daughter brought me one to drink , the best selling one, I can't think of the name of it. I thought it was bitter even with all the creamer and sugar in it. But to each his own.
It could be the competition. There are coffee houses near some of them, that aren't as expensive.
It could be the cheap wages and other high costs have kept them from having all the customers they need. posted 07/18/2008 at 23:50:31
Seven Marketing Mistakes You Need to Avoid
You are so right . I was with a satelilte company for 12 years. I liked my programming, but then one of their salesmen told us for $75 we could upgrade to a dvr and there wouldn' t be any extra costs. My husband called back to make sure and he was told no other costs. Then they tacked sent back the $75 and tacked a $350 charge onto our yearly bill. I had no programming in that cost. They wouldn't take it back.
Then they started charging extra for local progamming for those who pay by the year. That cut down the savings of paying yearly. There was no talking to them about it.
It was like they were sitting at their computers creating every charge they could muster. I had no choice. I didn't renew my subscription and cancelled both just to be sure. I mailed back their expensive little box. We spent over $900 a year with those people. They would have been ahead not to have been so greedy.
Thank God for competition. I am very happy with the local cable. posted 07/19/2008 at 00:27:34
Then they started charging extra for local progamming for those who pay by the year. That cut down the savings of paying yearly. There was no talking to them about it.
It was like they were sitting at their computers creating every charge they could muster. I had no choice. I didn't renew my subscription and cancelled both just to be sure. I mailed back their expensive little box. We spent over $900 a year with those people. They would have been ahead not to have been so greedy.
Thank God for competition. I am very happy with the local cable. posted 07/19/2008 at 00:27:34
Fannie's Lesson: The Real Scandals Are Legal
You are right. These men and companies are the brightest in the land. Where we think they have failed at so many things, they haven't. They may have failed us, but they have either made a lot of money for themselves or their cronies or have destroyed another part of FDR's New Deal. posted 07/19/2008 at 01:08:15
According to the history of Fannie Mae, it was started because the banks wouldn't loan money in 1938. FDR set it up to make housing loans. It was a wonderful program, but over the years it was changed. Now you buy stocks in it and can get a 6% dividend plus the growth of the price of the stock when it goes up. The CEOs are the highest paid in the country.
Fannie and Freddie managed to have enough regulation and oversight that they didn't get many bad loans or subprime loans. Paulson tried to push subprime onto Fannie and Freddie a few months ago and no one went along with it.
Fannie and Freddie are in good shape at this time.
Now, paulson is asking them to back all loans that the brokerages sold, which is in all reality the subprime loans. There are a lot of them overseas. They have polluted foreign countries with them.
It was horrifying to see our senators seeming to think that was a good idea.
It will almost double the deficit, it will weaken the dollar which will cause rampant inflation.
On the financial shows, they said when this is over, they will privatize Fannie and Freddie.
Housing is too high. Roll back everyone's mortgage. Have a lower rate for mortgages of those who make a certain amount of income. Just don't cover the subprime loans. We taxpayers have better things to spend our tax money on. posted 07/19/2008 at 01:02:21
Fannie and Freddie managed to have enough regulation and oversight that they didn't get many bad loans or subprime loans. Paulson tried to push subprime onto Fannie and Freddie a few months ago and no one went along with it.
Fannie and Freddie are in good shape at this time.
Now, paulson is asking them to back all loans that the brokerages sold, which is in all reality the subprime loans. There are a lot of them overseas. They have polluted foreign countries with them.
It was horrifying to see our senators seeming to think that was a good idea.
It will almost double the deficit, it will weaken the dollar which will cause rampant inflation.
On the financial shows, they said when this is over, they will privatize Fannie and Freddie.
Housing is too high. Roll back everyone's mortgage. Have a lower rate for mortgages of those who make a certain amount of income. Just don't cover the subprime loans. We taxpayers have better things to spend our tax money on. posted 07/19/2008 at 01:02:21
Bernanke Threw the Dollar Under the Bus
Fannie Mae was started up by FDR. Banks wouldn't loan money so the set up Fanny Mae so people could buy homes.
One of their goals is to destroy everything that was part of Roosevelt's New Deal.
They told on a financial show today, that once this was all over then they would shut down Fanny and Freddie. Banks won't have to compete with Fannie and Freddie.
Look out kids. posted 07/16/2008 at 22:33:56
One of their goals is to destroy everything that was part of Roosevelt's New Deal.
They told on a financial show today, that once this was all over then they would shut down Fanny and Freddie. Banks won't have to compete with Fannie and Freddie.
Look out kids. posted 07/16/2008 at 22:33:56
Stemming A Banking Crisis: Regulators, Managers And Banks Try To Calm Nation
This is confusing, I thought Freddy and Fanny needed money. Now, everyone says Fannie and Freddie have a lot of money, So what happened? Did they use those two to open up borrowing for the other banks? posted 07/16/2008 at 22:27:35
Bernanke: Government Needs More Power To Insulate Economy
Maybe the Fed want to take ownership of everything. The Bush and Cheney gang and the Fed bankers and paulson are control freaks. If they could take control of every brokerage, that would be bad news for all of us.
Sometimes I think about 50 people are determined to own every asset in this country and others. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:18:56
Sometimes I think about 50 people are determined to own every asset in this country and others. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:18:56
You are right, Samnite. It is like they read the book on what caused the great depression and are following it every step of the way.
When they try to hurry something through, you know they know it won't pass under close scrutiny. They all seemed happy to wait until next year to give the FED more power. Odd. Frank was right there agreeing with everything. We need brighter people in office.
Where has all the money went? These same institutions have made big bucks for a long time. Now we as taxpayers are bailing them out. That is like a rich person who has lower income or has a loss going on welfare. ASSETS matter. Meanstesting is used for welfare for the poor, let's use it for the corporations, too. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:13:01
When they try to hurry something through, you know they know it won't pass under close scrutiny. They all seemed happy to wait until next year to give the FED more power. Odd. Frank was right there agreeing with everything. We need brighter people in office.
Where has all the money went? These same institutions have made big bucks for a long time. Now we as taxpayers are bailing them out. That is like a rich person who has lower income or has a loss going on welfare. ASSETS matter. Meanstesting is used for welfare for the poor, let's use it for the corporations, too. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:13:01
FDR won 4 terms in office and that was because he did right by the average American.
Many people were angry and were turning toward communism. People can say what they want, but if not for FDR, we would probably be a different America, if not for FDR.
He told tthose with money to turn loose of it or else. So they did. posted 07/11/2008 at 07:57:43
Many people were angry and were turning toward communism. People can say what they want, but if not for FDR, we would probably be a different America, if not for FDR.
He told tthose with money to turn loose of it or else. So they did. posted 07/11/2008 at 07:57:43
How to Balance the Federal Budget
Because you did not get your high income by yourself. You did it because we have spent a lot of money for protecting businesses and the rich...consider the securities exchange, the military, the FDIC, our judicial system, the patent office, student loans.
Without knowing what you do and how you got into the higher brackett I can't really say, but I guarantee you that you cost a lot of money in a subtle form. posted 07/11/2008 at 14:38:28
Without knowing what you do and how you got into the higher brackett I can't really say, but I guarantee you that you cost a lot of money in a subtle form. posted 07/11/2008 at 14:38:28
Yes, quit borrowing from grandma and the kids. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:35:58
I have often thought of figuring the federal budget as if it were my home budget. At times, balancing the federal budget may have seemed simpler than balancing our personal budget.
Try using the tried and true rules of sucessful budgeting.
On of the main things is to avoid debt.
Another is to try to increase the income.
Raise taxes and pay off the debt. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:35:03
Try using the tried and true rules of sucessful budgeting.
On of the main things is to avoid debt.
Another is to try to increase the income.
Raise taxes and pay off the debt. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:35:03
Many have told me they pay a little more taxes in those countries, but they get their medical, schools etc.for tree.
We can't work for less money because it costs us so much to live even a simple no frills life.
Switzerland is the one they say is doing great. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:32:24
We can't work for less money because it costs us so much to live even a simple no frills life.
Switzerland is the one they say is doing great. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:32:24
That tells me the privatizers have invaded their country. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:26:48
It is sad that so many give to their colleges, but the colleges invest it instead of using it to pay for college expenses for many. They are setting on billions, while overcharging the younger generations.
It seems if the government comes up with a good program, like student aid, after awhile it is abused.
It may be they should stop student aid except for local or community colleges. That would teach many lessons. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:23:29
It seems if the government comes up with a good program, like student aid, after awhile it is abused.
It may be they should stop student aid except for local or community colleges. That would teach many lessons. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:23:29
Social Security doesn't go into deficits until 2041 or so. That is using the worst case scenario. Others have looked at the figures and said that it will never be in deficit. Anyway, our world could be totally different by then.
If you mean when the surplus ends and the government has to start paying us back, there are many ways. First, there will probably be a lot of people who don't retire until later because they don't want to and others won't retire because they can't afford to do it. Raising the cap on the higher paid earners would help, so would dedicating the boomer's 401k tax. A small surcharge on those who make over $250,000 on federal taxes would help. Using all three methods would not create a burden on anyone.
Medicare would be fine, if there wasn't a law forbidding bidding and we would get rid of the for profit insurers and self fund the supplementals and require generic drug use.
Medicare has became a big teat for the insurance companies. They are sucking it dry. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:18:48
If you mean when the surplus ends and the government has to start paying us back, there are many ways. First, there will probably be a lot of people who don't retire until later because they don't want to and others won't retire because they can't afford to do it. Raising the cap on the higher paid earners would help, so would dedicating the boomer's 401k tax. A small surcharge on those who make over $250,000 on federal taxes would help. Using all three methods would not create a burden on anyone.
Medicare would be fine, if there wasn't a law forbidding bidding and we would get rid of the for profit insurers and self fund the supplementals and require generic drug use.
Medicare has became a big teat for the insurance companies. They are sucking it dry. posted 07/11/2008 at 13:18:48
I meant to say:
As far as sales tax, they could issue a rebate card and keep track of what you spend. It could be put on your driver's license. Once you reach your limit, then you have zero sales tax. posted 07/11/2008 at 12:46:00
Do not put Social Security surplus in the market. They are taking any profits people have made back now. Those who were ahead are losing their rears if they stay in.
Retirement is too important to risk it in the market. We just need an honest government that won't refuse to pay it back.
As far as sales tax, they could issue a rebate card and keep track of what you spend and you
If the stock market does good, so will the economy and we will have a lot of money in the general fund. posted 07/11/2008 at 12:43:45
Retirement is too important to risk it in the market. We just need an honest government that won't refuse to pay it back.
As far as sales tax, they could issue a rebate card and keep track of what you spend and you
If the stock market does good, so will the economy and we will have a lot of money in the general fund. posted 07/11/2008 at 12:43:45
The interest on debt is eating our lunch. Pay down the deficit. posted 07/11/2008 at 12:42:57
A lot of the veterans have been put on Social Security Disability and Medicare, because many of them, especially the National Guard part of the Army had regular jobs and had paid in to those two programs enough years to be eligible for the disability part. That makes the war costs look like less and the Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid part costs more.
They have raised the cap on Social Security to around $100,000 and the government is borrowing that and paying it on other costs. They make it look like Social Security is a debt and is not running a surplus. Interest paid yearly (with more bonds) to Social Security is figured in there somewhere.
Just the interest on national debt, which has nothing to do with Social Security or Medicare, is costing a fortune. If they had not borrowed from Social Security, they would be sending more interest overseas.
Wages have been stagnant for many people. People who earn more pay more taxes. We should have had a war tax. A lot of money has been made the past 8 years or so, that wasn't taxed enough.
The tax cut did not have anything to do with the increase in income for businesses. A lot of it is from high medical charges and increased charges for almost everything. Plus we have had captive buyers in Iraq.
Don't ever forget, those who are writing these budgets want to get rid of Medicare and Social Security. posted 07/11/2008 at 09:32:14
They have raised the cap on Social Security to around $100,000 and the government is borrowing that and paying it on other costs. They make it look like Social Security is a debt and is not running a surplus. Interest paid yearly (with more bonds) to Social Security is figured in there somewhere.
Just the interest on national debt, which has nothing to do with Social Security or Medicare, is costing a fortune. If they had not borrowed from Social Security, they would be sending more interest overseas.
Wages have been stagnant for many people. People who earn more pay more taxes. We should have had a war tax. A lot of money has been made the past 8 years or so, that wasn't taxed enough.
The tax cut did not have anything to do with the increase in income for businesses. A lot of it is from high medical charges and increased charges for almost everything. Plus we have had captive buyers in Iraq.
Don't ever forget, those who are writing these budgets want to get rid of Medicare and Social Security. posted 07/11/2008 at 09:32:14
June Foreclosure Rate Up 53 Percent From A Year Ago
I wrote, "You could end up paying on a interest only mortgage for 60 or 70 years and still not own a home, unless housing went up." It should have been written as " unless housing went up and you sold it for twice what you gave for it, then turn around and buy a house worth half as much. posted 07/11/2008 at 09:07:58
There is a big problem with interest only loans, especially if they have a variable rate.
With a regular mortgage, you pay more on the principal each year and each year your interest goes down due to less principal owed. In 30 years you will have paid for your home with a regular mortgage, but with an interest only mortgage you still owe what you bought it for 30 years before.
If you sell your interest only mortgaged home, you will owe the bank all you get for it up to what you originally paid for it.
You could end up paying on a interest only mortgage for 60 or 70 years and still not own a home, unless housing went up.
Use the calculators for mortgage payments online and you will see what I am talking about.
If you only pay $1000 a year on the principal it adds up. In ten years that is $10,000 that you are not paying interest on, so that interest savings would go to the principal in a normal loan. posted 07/11/2008 at 09:03:48
With a regular mortgage, you pay more on the principal each year and each year your interest goes down due to less principal owed. In 30 years you will have paid for your home with a regular mortgage, but with an interest only mortgage you still owe what you bought it for 30 years before.
If you sell your interest only mortgaged home, you will owe the bank all you get for it up to what you originally paid for it.
You could end up paying on a interest only mortgage for 60 or 70 years and still not own a home, unless housing went up.
Use the calculators for mortgage payments online and you will see what I am talking about.
If you only pay $1000 a year on the principal it adds up. In ten years that is $10,000 that you are not paying interest on, so that interest savings would go to the principal in a normal loan. posted 07/11/2008 at 09:03:48
I never heard of a loan that could charge you the full amount of interest even though you pay it off. Surely, that is illegal. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:42:48
Are you whining? You know Grahm and McCain don't like that.
You can add:
The stock market has dropped 20% from the high.
They say heating costs will double this winter.
230, 000 homes have been forclosed on in each of the past months and the number is headed higher. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:39:56
You can add:
The stock market has dropped 20% from the high.
They say heating costs will double this winter.
230, 000 homes have been forclosed on in each of the past months and the number is headed higher. posted 07/11/2008 at 08:39:56
Charging By Amount Of Internet Use: Bandwidth Metering Looms (VIDEO)
Another thing that may be saving us from those charges is there are a lot of internet companies that are fighting this, because it will hurt their businesses. We need to help them. posted 07/11/2008 at 07:11:51
When we had to pay 10 cents a minute or $6 an hour, most people couldn't afford to surf the net. Plus we had to pay a local inter-net provider. Al Gore worked hard to pass some sort of charge that is in the Federal telephone taxes, that is paid for the use of the lines, so inter net users could surf without charges. This was a great thing and made it possible for schools to afford to use the inter-net too. Unless the reptilian republicans and their enablers have screwed that up, then the taxpayer is paying for a lot of bandwidth now.
When little George gave us a telephone tax rebate, I wondered if he was trying to do away with this. posted 07/11/2008 at 06:57:37
When little George gave us a telephone tax rebate, I wondered if he was trying to do away with this. posted 07/11/2008 at 06:57:37
T. Boone and Me
The Chinese used to ride bicycles and Americans drove cars. Now we are riding bicycles and they are driving cars. posted 07/04/2008 at 08:46:49
Seven Things Barack Obama Should Do to Keep from Blowing It
Let Obama do his dancing, whether ithe dance be the twist or the waltz. In the meantime we can discuss issues and dream of the intelligent, caring, DEMOCRATIC appointments he can make.
If he starts nominating Republicans, I am done. They didn't give the Democrats a place at their table and I don't want them at ours. posted 07/03/2008 at 13:08:29
If he starts nominating Republicans, I am done. They didn't give the Democrats a place at their table and I don't want them at ours. posted 07/03/2008 at 13:08:29
Have You Been Subjected to Customer Dis-service? Share your Experience
I was told by Dish Satelite representative, that if I paid by the year that I would get one month free. I paid for the year and it was going good, but then they decided that those who paid by the year had to pay for local cable, which is usually free. So they gave me a free month with one hand and took it back with the other, by creating charges just for those who paid by the year. This was about the 5th dirty deed they had pulled, so I canceled my membership when my year was up and am now on a cable network.
Record what they say when they promise you anything. Earlier, one of them told me that 28 days was a month and so I lost some days each year on my subscription. I think my growl put a stop to that. posted 07/02/2008 at 22:02:51
Record what they say when they promise you anything. Earlier, one of them told me that 28 days was a month and so I lost some days each year on my subscription. I think my growl put a stop to that. posted 07/02/2008 at 22:02:51
Smart Advice for the HuffPost Investor: Ten Simple Steps to Level the Playing Field for Investors
One thing I have noticed is if the market is up over a day, most of the financial show hosts start talking it down and if it has been down over a day they start talking like the market will go up. It is almost as though they don't want it to stay still. When you are worried about the market, hearing them say the market will probably go down influences you to sell.
Retirement money is too important to risk, so I agree with Dan, it should be in safe index funds and all the rest. The thing is, too many think they will get rich choosing their own funds, so they won't like 401ks being too regulated.
Most of us would be better off if the market was more stable and would slowly go up, instead of such big ups and downs. The money market in the 401ks and IRAs should be insured. The brokerages say they won't let us lose money, BUT..... posted 07/02/2008 at 22:40:20
Retirement money is too important to risk, so I agree with Dan, it should be in safe index funds and all the rest. The thing is, too many think they will get rich choosing their own funds, so they won't like 401ks being too regulated.
Most of us would be better off if the market was more stable and would slowly go up, instead of such big ups and downs. The money market in the 401ks and IRAs should be insured. The brokerages say they won't let us lose money, BUT..... posted 07/02/2008 at 22:40:20
Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle is for Losers
What link? There are two above your post. posted 07/03/2008 at 00:25:29
A lot of Democrats support gun rights, you never know when you might need one if the republicans keep trying to turn everyone against each other and keep the terrorists in an uproar. posted 07/03/2008 at 00:24:20
Economic Colonization: The Rich Profiting from the Poor is Not the Way to Handle Microfinance
Every program that was set up to make life more fair has became a money making machine for the rich and elite. Medicare and childrens health insurance are good examples. The charges and the regulations are so bad that Medicare is said to be going bankrupt.
This all calls for universal health insurance or price controls on health insurance for the elderly and the tax paid children'ts insurance.. posted 07/03/2008 at 13:21:45
This all calls for universal health insurance or price controls on health insurance for the elderly and the tax paid children'ts insurance.. posted 07/03/2008 at 13:21:45
Help Me Write a Book
Nothing is wrong with those who are willing to work harder or create new products or cures ending up with more than those who don't try as hard..
There are many who due to emotional, intellectual or physical problems need help and they should be given that help, scorn free, without jumping through hoops or standing in line.
Cruel capitalism that allows a few to take most of the money and choose the lowest cost workers, leaving the rest dangling without safety nets, cannot stand. Capitalism needs to be softened with unemployment insurance, welfare, Social Security and universal health care. There needs to be a living wage and labor unions. We need regulations on essentials such as mortgage loans, utilities, and oil and gas. The investor needs checks and balances in the stock market to assure they are not being taken advantage of.
Saying words like 'welfare' and 'taxes' is like waving a red flag, so renaming those programs could help a lot.
Comparing the poor in this country to the poor in other countries isn't fair. Being poor is living below the standard of living that the average people in your country live. A poor person can buy a color TV for $99, but br unable to pay for programming. They can own a car, but can't afford to buy gas. To live in a country that offers so much, but not having the money to gain access to most of it is being poor. posted 06/28/2008 at 09:22:22
There are many who due to emotional, intellectual or physical problems need help and they should be given that help, scorn free, without jumping through hoops or standing in line.
Cruel capitalism that allows a few to take most of the money and choose the lowest cost workers, leaving the rest dangling without safety nets, cannot stand. Capitalism needs to be softened with unemployment insurance, welfare, Social Security and universal health care. There needs to be a living wage and labor unions. We need regulations on essentials such as mortgage loans, utilities, and oil and gas. The investor needs checks and balances in the stock market to assure they are not being taken advantage of.
Saying words like 'welfare' and 'taxes' is like waving a red flag, so renaming those programs could help a lot.
Comparing the poor in this country to the poor in other countries isn't fair. Being poor is living below the standard of living that the average people in your country live. A poor person can buy a color TV for $99, but br unable to pay for programming. They can own a car, but can't afford to buy gas. To live in a country that offers so much, but not having the money to gain access to most of it is being poor. posted 06/28/2008 at 09:22:22
Capitalism has ran amuck. There has been this transfer of money from the middle class to the rich as everyone knows.
Those who have benefited, say, "Who could have predicted....?" Well, they could have predicted it. Many of them remember what happened before and they replayed the scenario.
Concern about poverty depends on a lot of things. Even the definition of poor is important. Many think if you are not living in the streets and have no food, then you are doing ok.
One definition of 'poverty' could be 'how far below the standard of living in your country a person is living.'
Different people see poverty differently. I picture children who are treated badly because they are poor.
There is a charitable group in our area that will pay for the electric bill for the poor every three months. To qualify people have to get up before day light and stand in line to sign up. Then you have to wait hours until they decide to choose who gets their bill paid. I am surprised they don't sell tickets to the 'show'. I think it is a shameless way to treat the poor. posted 06/27/2008 at 23:56:29
Those who have benefited, say, "Who could have predicted....?" Well, they could have predicted it. Many of them remember what happened before and they replayed the scenario.
Concern about poverty depends on a lot of things. Even the definition of poor is important. Many think if you are not living in the streets and have no food, then you are doing ok.
One definition of 'poverty' could be 'how far below the standard of living in your country a person is living.'
Different people see poverty differently. I picture children who are treated badly because they are poor.
There is a charitable group in our area that will pay for the electric bill for the poor every three months. To qualify people have to get up before day light and stand in line to sign up. Then you have to wait hours until they decide to choose who gets their bill paid. I am surprised they don't sell tickets to the 'show'. I think it is a shameless way to treat the poor. posted 06/27/2008 at 23:56:29
Any country we go in, we cause problems. They use TV and advrrtisement to convince the people to be capitalists like America. posted 06/27/2008 at 23:32:12
Something is wrong with this country.
Colleges are given billions by alumni, but they invest that and charge the students so much for their education, that it takes away from the quality of their life after graduation.
Some in the younger generations want to euthanize those over 60 who retire, since they don't contribute to society. They blame the 'boomers' for every ill in the world and don't think they saved for their retirement and feel they are going to have to support them.
It may have trickled down from Reagan's 'welfare cadilac' and the 'greed is good' crowd. posted 06/27/2008 at 23:15:02
Colleges are given billions by alumni, but they invest that and charge the students so much for their education, that it takes away from the quality of their life after graduation.
Some in the younger generations want to euthanize those over 60 who retire, since they don't contribute to society. They blame the 'boomers' for every ill in the world and don't think they saved for their retirement and feel they are going to have to support them.
It may have trickled down from Reagan's 'welfare cadilac' and the 'greed is good' crowd. posted 06/27/2008 at 23:15:02
Most great discoveries and inventions were by people who were intelligent and focused. Many were made by those who were just very interested and focused in that area.
Think about how the telephone was invented, how one doctor noticed that those who had cow pox didn't get small pox and came up with the smallpox vacination. It takes a special mind that is more interested in the subject than making money off of it.
Where capitalism comes in, it puts new ideas and creations out to the forefront and makes it available to everyone.
Today, we could get more done toward inventing better energy efficient batteries and alternative energy, if those who are interested in that type of research are well funded. I am thinking of those who are not particularly well educated, but totally absorbed and fascinated by energy alternatives.
A good friend of mine had a theory that if a person could capture the same mechanism as a ticking clock they would have nonending energy. He died without ever testing it out, but if he had funding he could have had the answer.
Sometimes, time that is needed more than money. The writer of Harry Potter was living on welfare when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. posted 06/27/2008 at 22:36:19
Think about how the telephone was invented, how one doctor noticed that those who had cow pox didn't get small pox and came up with the smallpox vacination. It takes a special mind that is more interested in the subject than making money off of it.
Where capitalism comes in, it puts new ideas and creations out to the forefront and makes it available to everyone.
Today, we could get more done toward inventing better energy efficient batteries and alternative energy, if those who are interested in that type of research are well funded. I am thinking of those who are not particularly well educated, but totally absorbed and fascinated by energy alternatives.
A good friend of mine had a theory that if a person could capture the same mechanism as a ticking clock they would have nonending energy. He died without ever testing it out, but if he had funding he could have had the answer.
Sometimes, time that is needed more than money. The writer of Harry Potter was living on welfare when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. posted 06/27/2008 at 22:36:19
The average person won't stand a chance as long as those with money can hire the lowest paid worker in any country.
It will fall down on them eventually, because there will be no buyers left, but many will be devastated by the loss of jobs, first. posted 06/27/2008 at 22:05:38
It will fall down on them eventually, because there will be no buyers left, but many will be devastated by the loss of jobs, first. posted 06/27/2008 at 22:05:38
Some of the poor cannot work because of emotional, intellectual or physical problems. Many do work, but for such low wages they still live in poverty.
The hatred for the poor in this country trickled down from Reaganomics. posted 06/27/2008 at 21:51:24
The hatred for the poor in this country trickled down from Reaganomics. posted 06/27/2008 at 21:51:24
If you can't see what is happening with trickle down, then you wouldn't understand it being written either.
If nothing else, 'trickle down splatters' and you never know if you will get 'splattered'.
I have never thought of Bill Gates as selfish. He could have charged the max for his software and slowed everything down, but he didn't.
ladernr1001 is right. Gates would do more for the world by reinvesting it in new business ventures that create jobs and grow the economy instead of giving the money away.
If Gates or others had funded solar, wind, water and other alternative energy research years ago, America would be in much better shape now. Maybe the money we are spending on oil and gas now, could have improved the lives of those who Gates wants to help now.
Al Gore started the super highway for the net, making it possible for all of us to use the computer. Before, it was long distance to get online in our area. It cost $6 an hour to blog. That kept a lot of interesting people off the internet.
If Gates and those like him, hire people and pay them well, then they have money to spend that supports other inventions and product sales. The money always goes back to the top in one form or another. posted 06/27/2008 at 21:40:59
If nothing else, 'trickle down splatters' and you never know if you will get 'splattered'.
I have never thought of Bill Gates as selfish. He could have charged the max for his software and slowed everything down, but he didn't.
ladernr1001 is right. Gates would do more for the world by reinvesting it in new business ventures that create jobs and grow the economy instead of giving the money away.
If Gates or others had funded solar, wind, water and other alternative energy research years ago, America would be in much better shape now. Maybe the money we are spending on oil and gas now, could have improved the lives of those who Gates wants to help now.
Al Gore started the super highway for the net, making it possible for all of us to use the computer. Before, it was long distance to get online in our area. It cost $6 an hour to blog. That kept a lot of interesting people off the internet.
If Gates and those like him, hire people and pay them well, then they have money to spend that supports other inventions and product sales. The money always goes back to the top in one form or another. posted 06/27/2008 at 21:40:59
The Information Superhighway Comes to the Highway-Highway
I can see me blogging while my husband is driving, on long trips. Whether it is worth it would depend on the cost and how it is set up to be used. My husband already thinks I am on the net too much, though:-) posted 06/28/2008 at 12:23:06
Smart Advice for the HuffPost Investor: A "No-Brainer" to Invest in Your 401(k) Plan? What if Everyone is Wrong?
Taking the employer match is a no brainer. It gets more complicated after that.
Your 401k money can grow tax free, which makes it better for savings than investments, unless you trade funds a lot. Outside of your 401k, you only pay taxes on the dividends. You pay nothing on growth until you sell the stock and then you get the capital gains rate. Inside of a 401k, you can control some of the charges by what you buy.
Two people can both contribute the same amount of money, but the $50,000 earner doesn't save as much on his taxes as the $250,000 income earner. That is unfair in some ways, because it takes more sacrifice for the lower income earner to invest, than it does the higher income earner.
It would be interesting to read how it works when cashing out of your 401k or IRA after retirement. So much would depend on how much you take out and how much Social Security you draw, as far as the tax rate you will pay and how much of your Social Security would be taxed.
If you cash out all at once, you would be in a higher tax bracket only one year for Social Security. Or cash it out over a two year period to stay out of the higher bracket. Or a person could take out just enough each year, so they wouldn't have to pay taxes on Social Security. I don't mind paying taxes, except for retirement. posted 06/28/2008 at 14:18:34
Your 401k money can grow tax free, which makes it better for savings than investments, unless you trade funds a lot. Outside of your 401k, you only pay taxes on the dividends. You pay nothing on growth until you sell the stock and then you get the capital gains rate. Inside of a 401k, you can control some of the charges by what you buy.
Two people can both contribute the same amount of money, but the $50,000 earner doesn't save as much on his taxes as the $250,000 income earner. That is unfair in some ways, because it takes more sacrifice for the lower income earner to invest, than it does the higher income earner.
It would be interesting to read how it works when cashing out of your 401k or IRA after retirement. So much would depend on how much you take out and how much Social Security you draw, as far as the tax rate you will pay and how much of your Social Security would be taxed.
If you cash out all at once, you would be in a higher tax bracket only one year for Social Security. Or cash it out over a two year period to stay out of the higher bracket. Or a person could take out just enough each year, so they wouldn't have to pay taxes on Social Security. I don't mind paying taxes, except for retirement. posted 06/28/2008 at 14:18:34
NCGigi has the right idea. S/he said:
Pay off your mortgage, plant a garden and some fruit trees. This is retirement security.
It would also be a good idea to save enough to make payments for at least 6 months, if you can. A year would be better. You can't always count on being able to get money out of the 401k, but usually you can.
One thing that many don't consider is when you take money out of a 401k you pay regular taxes on every penny you pull out. You don't get capital gains. If you and your wife are drawing $20,000 in Social Security, and if you draw out over $12,000 it will push you into having to pay taxes on your Social Security. You pay taxes when your income reaches over $32,000.
Social Security is more valuable for retirement than most 401ks. Figure up how much money you would have to save to draw $20,000 interest a year or whatever amount you expect to draw from Social Security. Part of that is earned by paying in a surplus and it drawing a decent rate of interest over 45 to 50 years.
If you put your after tax money in a savings account outside the 401k, then you won't have to count it as income after you retire, but you will have to pay taxes on the interest every year.
Money Markets in 401ks and IRAs are not insured. posted 06/27/2008 at 20:32:12
Pay off your mortgage, plant a garden and some fruit trees. This is retirement security.
It would also be a good idea to save enough to make payments for at least 6 months, if you can. A year would be better. You can't always count on being able to get money out of the 401k, but usually you can.
One thing that many don't consider is when you take money out of a 401k you pay regular taxes on every penny you pull out. You don't get capital gains. If you and your wife are drawing $20,000 in Social Security, and if you draw out over $12,000 it will push you into having to pay taxes on your Social Security. You pay taxes when your income reaches over $32,000.
Social Security is more valuable for retirement than most 401ks. Figure up how much money you would have to save to draw $20,000 interest a year or whatever amount you expect to draw from Social Security. Part of that is earned by paying in a surplus and it drawing a decent rate of interest over 45 to 50 years.
If you put your after tax money in a savings account outside the 401k, then you won't have to count it as income after you retire, but you will have to pay taxes on the interest every year.
Money Markets in 401ks and IRAs are not insured. posted 06/27/2008 at 20:32:12
Obama Wants 'Team Of Rivals' Cabinet, May Keep Bush's Defense Secretary
Obama needs to appoint Democrats. We have enough republican lite 'Democrats in name only' to deal with, without adding pure republicans.
Appointing republicans. Bad idea. posted 06/20/2008 at 07:29:53
Appointing republicans. Bad idea. posted 06/20/2008 at 07:29:53
Please say no to republicans being appointed. They don't have good sense as far as wars and budgets go. Well, actually, they do, but they set up everything to help themselves, not the middle class. We would have a war in every pot and a chicken watching the wars on TV. (That makes sense, if you think about it a long time:-) posted 06/20/2008 at 07:20:24
Jason, We Hardly Knew Ye
You are right about it being insurance. We all pay into FICA for Social Security. FICA stands for 'Federal Insurance Contributions Act'.
In 1983, we were told that there would be the boomer problem, so we started paying extra then, sort of prepaying our Social Security for the boomers. We didn't want to burden the younger generations.
The government has borrowed that, which is legal. It is also legally required that they pay it back.
If some of these who comment aren't careful, the working people will have to work until they are 70 and get reduced benefits. All other groups get earlier retirements and better benefits, paid for by the taxpayer.
They want us to work until we are 70 so we can pay for the early retirement of the government. Bush will get a half million a year from the taxpayers.
When you pay into FICA for Social Security, you are paying for the right to get it when you retire, also it insures you for a lifetime of disability and will give benefits to your children, if you die while they are minors. The more years you work and the more you pay in the larger your benefits will be.
You wouldn't complain if you were paying life insurance premiums and someone drew theirs before you did. SS works like life insurance, you pay into a pool, until it is your time to draw. Those drawing now are using your money, insurance works that way. posted 06/20/2008 at 07:06:34
In 1983, we were told that there would be the boomer problem, so we started paying extra then, sort of prepaying our Social Security for the boomers. We didn't want to burden the younger generations.
The government has borrowed that, which is legal. It is also legally required that they pay it back.
If some of these who comment aren't careful, the working people will have to work until they are 70 and get reduced benefits. All other groups get earlier retirements and better benefits, paid for by the taxpayer.
They want us to work until we are 70 so we can pay for the early retirement of the government. Bush will get a half million a year from the taxpayers.
When you pay into FICA for Social Security, you are paying for the right to get it when you retire, also it insures you for a lifetime of disability and will give benefits to your children, if you die while they are minors. The more years you work and the more you pay in the larger your benefits will be.
You wouldn't complain if you were paying life insurance premiums and someone drew theirs before you did. SS works like life insurance, you pay into a pool, until it is your time to draw. Those drawing now are using your money, insurance works that way. posted 06/20/2008 at 07:06:34
The Destructive Rise of Big Finance
Kfdan is right. I have watched it all unfold and came to the same conclusion on my own.
There is room for both of your theories, because both are correct.
Here is an example of the difference of 18 years ago and now:
When we got our last mortgage 18 years ago, they took info on his income, what assets we owned and years of work. They checked with where he worked to make sure the info we gave was ok. They also asked for the last 3 years of income tax returns.
The appraisal they did on our home was paid for by us, but controlled by them. The aappraiser made the remark that he would have appraised it higher but the bank wouldn't let him.
The lenders now, tell them to put down higher income and never check it. The higher the appraisal, the more money they make. No regulations are enforced, if there are any left.
They said that they had to help Bear Sterns because the market was intertwined, that if they hadn't it would have had a domino effect. If our markets are too intertwined and too difficult to regulate, we need to break them down to smaller pieces, that are not dependent on each other. posted 04/06/2008 at 14:18:02
There is room for both of your theories, because both are correct.
Here is an example of the difference of 18 years ago and now:
When we got our last mortgage 18 years ago, they took info on his income, what assets we owned and years of work. They checked with where he worked to make sure the info we gave was ok. They also asked for the last 3 years of income tax returns.
The appraisal they did on our home was paid for by us, but controlled by them. The aappraiser made the remark that he would have appraised it higher but the bank wouldn't let him.
The lenders now, tell them to put down higher income and never check it. The higher the appraisal, the more money they make. No regulations are enforced, if there are any left.
They said that they had to help Bear Sterns because the market was intertwined, that if they hadn't it would have had a domino effect. If our markets are too intertwined and too difficult to regulate, we need to break them down to smaller pieces, that are not dependent on each other. posted 04/06/2008 at 14:18:02
From what I see on TV, there are many places for the homeless where they can sleep and eat, but they have to leave and take everything they have every morning and not come back until evening. What kind of life is that for children? posted 04/06/2008 at 13:49:34
Our telephone service is less too. That is the only thing that is.
Housing that was $100,000 ten years ago is $300,000 to $400,000 now.
A lot of it is the stock market. It has to keep going up, so that means prices of everything has to go up. Are we making enough off of the market to justify the costs of everything? Only the rich are. We are paying for our profits with every purchase. Actually we are losing money in the market and when we pruchase or save. Only the wealthy are winning. The rest of us are losing. posted 04/06/2008 at 13:40:57
Housing that was $100,000 ten years ago is $300,000 to $400,000 now.
A lot of it is the stock market. It has to keep going up, so that means prices of everything has to go up. Are we making enough off of the market to justify the costs of everything? Only the rich are. We are paying for our profits with every purchase. Actually we are losing money in the market and when we pruchase or save. Only the wealthy are winning. The rest of us are losing. posted 04/06/2008 at 13:40:57
Medicare has became a profit machine for insurance and drug companies and those two are intertwined together.
The republicans even passed a law forbidding bidding so it is hard to get the best price for Medicare.
We need to require the use of generic drugs, except when they can't be taken for medical reasons. We need to self fund the supplemental and quit subsidizing the big insurance. Kick them out.
The government is subsidizing the private companies so they can offer more coverage while letting Medicare pay less. They love to cry that Medicare is going bankrupt. They won't stop until it is privatized.
It won't cost jobs to kick them out, we still need accountants and controllers. posted 04/06/2008 at 13:18:38
The republicans even passed a law forbidding bidding so it is hard to get the best price for Medicare.
We need to require the use of generic drugs, except when they can't be taken for medical reasons. We need to self fund the supplemental and quit subsidizing the big insurance. Kick them out.
The government is subsidizing the private companies so they can offer more coverage while letting Medicare pay less. They love to cry that Medicare is going bankrupt. They won't stop until it is privatized.
It won't cost jobs to kick them out, we still need accountants and controllers. posted 04/06/2008 at 13:18:38
Pure Capitalism is too cruel. There are many who can not survive a capitilistic world due to mental, emotional or physical reasons. They should get help from others.
Others need help at times from loss of a job or other hard luck. They should get it, with dignity.
Some need help to get a higher education or to buy into a first home.
People should not be beaten out of their retirements like they want to do to Social Security. Neither should those who have pensions, lose them when a company goes bankrupt as the government allowed them to do.
Some things are best done by pooling our money, in the form of taxes. Schools and highways are a good example.
All the big hoop a la the republicans made of taxes. Now look, we give more for everything like oil and get nothing to show for the extra costs.
They have made us all too dependent on the market by cutting interest rates to the point you lose money due to taxes and inflation.
What we have, I am sure you have heard, is private profits and subsidized costs. We pay for the war as taxpayers, but private companies make profits on it with low or no taxes. posted 04/06/2008 at 12:35:21
Others need help at times from loss of a job or other hard luck. They should get it, with dignity.
Some need help to get a higher education or to buy into a first home.
People should not be beaten out of their retirements like they want to do to Social Security. Neither should those who have pensions, lose them when a company goes bankrupt as the government allowed them to do.
Some things are best done by pooling our money, in the form of taxes. Schools and highways are a good example.
All the big hoop a la the republicans made of taxes. Now look, we give more for everything like oil and get nothing to show for the extra costs.
They have made us all too dependent on the market by cutting interest rates to the point you lose money due to taxes and inflation.
What we have, I am sure you have heard, is private profits and subsidized costs. We pay for the war as taxpayers, but private companies make profits on it with low or no taxes. posted 04/06/2008 at 12:35:21
It is more complicated than that. We, the taxpayer, pay retirements for the federal reserve. I have read that part of them are part of the government, but part of them are not. posted 04/06/2008 at 07:13:53
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There is probably a lot of us in the middle that could work out all the problems in a few days, but there is too many that gain from chaos and confusion.
There is a part of the Republican party that have no morals. I remember when some of them wanted to give those close to retirement $10,000 and tell them Social Security was closed. That was so unreal, but the msm kept it a secret.
None of this chaos could have happened if the msm news had just reported the truth and not covered up for everything they were doing from day one. We wouldn't have a war in Iraq either. posted 07/24/2008 at 00:37:09