Europe has long tried to build leverage through a common financial platform. Alas, the resulting European Union has done nothing to solve the differences between the countries. As the EU heads towards a break up, we could all suffer.
Most observers think the Euro Zone is a modern idea. Actually, it came about after the defeat of Hitler and Nazi Germany as people tried to figure out how to prevent a third war. By tying the countries together economically, many thought this would be achieved.
All and all, it is hard to criticize an idea designed to prevent future wars. That being said, the countries fell short in their actual agreement by failing to nail down specific economic requirements. This failure is now leading to the end of the idea.
To see this problem in action, consider Italy and Germany. Italy is beyond corrupt, runs huge deficits and is a complete fiscal disaster. Germany pursues conservative economic philosophies and keeps its debt low in contrast.
What do we see today?
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February will likely mark an important turning point in the balance transfer credit card market. Although average balance transfer fees declined sharply from 3.25% to 2.95% this month, average balance transfer durations took a downward turn as well. The latter change seems to indicate that credit card companies may no longer feel comfortable offering 0% interest rates for extraordinarily long periods of time, an issue that may lead to a return to the basic, twelve month balance transfer offers that were common prior to 2011.
A handful of Citi balance transfer offers, which had carried 21 month introductory periods on purchases and balance transfers, were reduced to 18 months in February. While this is only a 15% decrease, the probability of 21 month balance transfer offers returning in the near future is quite low.
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Yes I know Valentines Day has come and gone but the best blogs were the late bloomers and in the spirit of love I feel the need to share them. Given V-Days commercial corruption, money is no small part of it.
Love day in the U.S. was expected to make retailers US$17.6 billion richer and Americans an average of $126 poorer. Despite tough times there, the annual shell out was expected to be up 8.5% from the year previous. The Aussie and I must be financial soul mates (or cheapstakes) as neither of us spent a cent. Even our texts were free because we use an app that allows us to circumvent the exortionist mobile phone rates. I dont feel in the least bit shortchanged although Im not quite sure how to square the exchange with economist Marina Adshade analysis of V-Day and the asymmetrical impulses driving its inflation.
1) The economics of love
Its always interesting to me to hear who gave what and how much.
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If you have had a bankruptcy discharge in your past, you can still qualify for bad credit car loans that will allow you to own a new or used car, regardless of your previous financial troubles. Bankruptcy is one of the most detrimental acts that you can do when it comes to your credit file. After all, when you file bankruptcy and have your debts discharged, you are basically saying to your creditors that you dont mind to abandon responsibility and leave them holding the bag. But some lenders are willing to overlook your bankruptcy and go ahead with a car loan that allows you to rebuild your credit. You may need a down payment with some lenders; others will not ask for one. The car stands as collateral, so you are able to get the car you need right away. It really is that simple to get a post-bankruptcy car loan from many bad credit loan service providers.
Why Banks Accounts are Still Good Places to Keep Cash
Post recession a majority of Americans not just lost faith in the economy but also in the banking industry. Some huge, ‘indestructible’ banking and financial groups like Citi Group started tanking during the economic crisis. This led to fear among those who had accounts with many major banks. In fact, there were many who pulled out their savings from their local banks, preferring to keep at home even if it meant loss of interest.
Although the economy is not exactly booming even now, it is certainly more stable and the banking sector has managed to find its feet once again. If you are one of those people who keeps all your money at home, then here are a few good reasons why you should reconsider your decision to avoid banks.
Extended protection to bank account holders
As part of its economic improvement program, the U.S government is allowing an extended protection to bank account holders to cover losses in case of bank failure. The
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