The 2008 Financial crisis was a costly lesson in the dangers that come with subsidizing risk. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are well recognized as the principal creators of moral hazard by reimbursing investors that held mortgage-backed securities when homeowners failed to make payments on their mortgages. Yet only five years after the worst of … Continue reading
One of greatest falsehoods that clouds the discussion over whether to raise the minimum wage is that these workers are underpaid compared to the value they provide to their employers. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren made the case, “If we started in 1960 and we said that as productivity goes up, that is as workers are … Continue reading
In an attempt to decrease health care costs, wellness initiatives have become increasingly popular programs offered by corporations. Health and wellness is an extremely important issue and when it comes to health care reform there should to be a larger personal responsibility component. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol … Continue reading
Almost 30 years have gone by since the way by which these United States of America have considered how to bring new, thoughtful, hard workers into this country. In that time, we’ve sent away millions of hopeful men and women waiting for a chance to work and contribute to our economy. It has come to … Continue reading
The graying of America is not a new fear for economists and politicians. Before even the earliest Baby Boomers began retiring, economists were making predictions about the hardships America would undoubtedly face as it aged. Many say those problems have already begun, while others argue they have been over exaggerated and prematurely predicted. The American … Continue reading
When addressing the nation last week, President Obama had only brief remarks regarding immigration reform, simply saying, “let’s get it done”. Perhaps this brevity is emblematic of how unlikely immigration reform has become. While off-putting to some members of Congress, comprehensive immigration reform remains one of the President’s major legislative goals. Though the President has … Continue reading
President Barack Obama, in his State of the Union address, mentioned the administrations efforts to reduce America’s energy dependence on foreign nations. The president’s energy section in the State of the Union was small, lackluster and dodgy. The president avoided any mention of one of the best ways for the U.S. to increase our import … Continue reading
According to the US Department of Labor, the purpose of Unemployment Insurance Extended Benefits is for “workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits during periods of high unemployment.” It provides an additional thirteen weeks of benefits for states experiencing high unemployment. From the US Department of Labor again, State Unemployment Insurance Benefits have the … Continue reading
Investing in art is not something for the common man, not even most millionaires. The decision to invest in art is not for someone who is trying to make a quick buck and put it towards their retirement; a bidder at highbrow auctions, spending over $100 million on paintings, is a different breed of investor. … Continue reading
For the past decade holiday spending has begun before Halloween for about 40% of Americans, meaning the 2013 season is already underway. Halloween spending has served as an indicator of things to come, and this year spending decreased slightly (first decrease since 2009). The National Retail Federation (NRF) has projected a modest 2% spending decrease … Continue reading
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