Wall Street Endangerment

If you click on this link to review this write-up The Risks Are Enormous  then you will read and hear some common sense talk surfacing about Wall Street, Interest Rates and a probable Depression. 

Blah Days As Food and Gas Prices Rise

I don't know about other households but mine is feeling the pinch at the gas station and grocery store.  Forecasters predict food and gas prices to rise even more this summer.  Tomatoes have been a luxery item of late.  I am even learning how to buy milk and freeze it just to cut back on my number of trips to the store.  One of my neighbors did away with their garden one summer because it was too much to handle but now they are gearing back up the garden to feed a family of six this summer.  I've reduce my eat out bill and am even reducing sitter costs.  Whatever the case may be for your household or situation, it is wise to pinch pennies, get creative with meals and reduce trips. 

Just this past weekend at the mall, one store was offering you 25% off anything in the store that day just for coming in it.  I've noticed coupon adds for Gap and Bannana Republic like never before.  Forever21 store was packed at the mall and it's simply because they are selling cheap clothes that meet the practical needs of their customer.  I bought one dress for $14 and plan for it to be my one buy this summer.   There's an increase in advertising and sales promotion but my question is THIS working to generate sales or are these stores still operating in red from the current economy?

My skeptic perspective is reigning high these days as I myself cut back on a lot of expenses and try to do more at home or in more economical ways.  Wives of Faith has reinstated its Coups for Troops program so definitely sign on for that deal if possible. 

If it is like going back to the 1970s where we do more potluck suppers and other creative but cost-reducing ways to socialize, then I believe that we are foreshadowing a challenging and punitive time in our country's business economic future. 

Jubilee Celebration on the News of Bin Laden's Death; What This Means for Our Financial Future

It's all over the news about the death of Osama Bin Laden.  Many Americans will remember where they were the day that news broke about US Special Forces taking out Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attack on the United States of America 10 years ago.  Crowds have gathered at many landmark locations such as Ground Zero, The White House and other public venues.  Many are jubilee about this news.  The War on Terrorism succeeded at a near impossible mission.

What does this mean from a financial perspective?

Our US dollar may see a quick uptick in today's markets; however, it is expected to be another day in the market.  See Stock Futures Gain article and Asian Stocks Rise as US Earnings Gain artcle.  US Corporations will continue to prevail amidst current economic, political and weather conditions.  Fundamentals are being tested, and what is interesting if you are a keen business follower is how certain businesses prevail under the various conditions that they must operate.  Today is no different from previous days as Americans go to work.

Concern is mounting about a retaliation from the jihad.  Talk is about suicide bombers and other.  If Osama Bin Laden has been made a martyr, then the craziness of murder will pick up for reasons that is detrimental to human life.  Hamas condemns killing article.  Question for many is when will this War on Terrorism end (especially on US taxpayer wallets not to mention those of us in the military who watch loved ones serve)?  For business travelers especially those Americans traveling internationally, it is imperative that you be careful and be safe for many Americans could be targets for future retaliation.  It is wise to research insurance and put a revised policy in place.  Also, if you can, it is important to meet with a financial planner to determine a good financial future for your family as well as an attorney to revisit legal documents.  Having peace of mind that this arduous task is done will bode well for future financial security.

Day of Financial Reckoning article comments about several points which I disagree.  The US military should not be scaled back especially in Afghanistan just to cutback on expenses pertaining to the budget.  Military operations are carefully scrutinized by the higher ups, and I think that we all pray in America that the elected politicians will do what is right (not what is politically deemed a right or left direction).  Cheers to our US Military and Special Forces on a mission well-done!

In the wake of this celebration, it is important to keep financial perspective as we embark on a new chapter in the War on Terrorism. 

Higher Food Costs That Will Trouble Your Wallet

Food prices are high and are going higher.  According to a Wall Street Journal article written about the CEO of Smithfield Foods perspective on his business and the real world he is living, it's getting harder to bring home the bacon. 

Devaluing the US dollar is contributing to inflationary pressures and is lowering your purchasing power.  Politicians can do something here, if they so choose. 

Ethanol prices or the price of corn is going higher.  If 40% of the corn supply is allocated toward ethanol, then the demand for corn goes higher.  World populations are growing and demand is higher for food. 

For us military spouses who are shopping, it's challenging to determine what to do next.  For retirees or those on fixed incomes, it's more challenging because the trade-off is now do I buy my medicine or my food?  While many may not care and just go further into savings or debt to maintain their current lifestyle, it's becoming increasingly alarming to many who do care.  The future outlook looks grim or entails more creative ways to fund your current lifestyle. 

Reminders of the Great Depression and the more challenging times in the 1930s perhaps indicate the present cycle.  Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are shockers.  A lackluster economy that is trying to rebound is dim on the horizon.  Cutbacks on many levels are occurring.  The elderly population is fearful.  The baby boom generation is starting to retire and draw on social security.  College graduates cannot find jobs upon graduation.  Middle-aged workers are working longer hours for same or less compensation. 

Higher food costs that will trouble your wallet stems from the upswing in corn.   Meat prices will surge.  Milk and dairy products will increase in price.  Bread will go higher because it is a grain-item. 

If you track your food prices and can get the best deal for your dollar, it will help you and your budget as we as a nation endure an economical time unmatched since the 1930s.