Apr 03 How Are You Sharing the Pain at Work During This Economic Downturn? The economic downturn has left few industries untouched, and companies across the country are resorting to drastic cutbacks in jobs and spending. But many organizations are also encouraging workers to “share the pain” of the downturn — by accepting lower… Continue reading
Apr 03 The Share Economy at Work The U.S. economy has lost millions of jobs over the past year. And in order to avoid further layoffs, many organizations are asking employees to make painful sacrifices – wage cuts, fewer benefits, and unpaid leave. We’ll explore this in… Continue reading
Apr 02 How Does the Student Loan Landscape Look? Question: With the way things are right now, how does it look in the future for taking out student loans? For instance, if I take out a student loan in the next two years, how much is that going to… Continue reading
Apr 01 If a Bank Has Toxic Assets, Can Another Division of That Bank Invest in the Toxic Asset Program? Question: Is it possible for a division of the bank holding toxic assets to participate in the [toxic asset] program? Paul Solman: Supposedly not, but there’s lots of buzz about how banks might in practice get around the obstacle… Continue reading
Mar 31 What’s the Purpose of the G20 Meeting? Question: What scenarios are associated with the G20 conference for the U.S. and global economy? Paul Solman: We want the rest of the world to spend more money stimulating their economies. Except for China, most countries seem to be… Continue reading
Mar 30 Why Is the Trade Deficit Important? Question: Please explain the trade deficit. What is it? Why is it important? Is it an indicator like taking someone’s temperature or is it a debt that has to be paid? Does it relate directly to our national debt?… Continue reading
Mar 30 Will We Still Reject Materialism After the Downturn? Question: I enjoyed your recent interview with Robert McElvaine. (Editor’s note: Watch the interview below.) His thesis that the downturn will lead us away from consumption as a way of life to what really matters is interesting. Am I… Continue reading
Mar 27 Was Depression-Era Debt as High as It Is Now? Question: When we hear comparisons between today’s economy and that of the Great Depression, I wonder: Had as many people and institutions been as highly leveraged then as now? Were personal and institutional debt as high then as they are… Continue reading
Mar 27 How Can Assets Be Toxic If They Were Insured? Question: Why does everyone avoid discussions about PMI (Personal Mortgage Insurance), which protects the lenders from loss and is required on all loans with less than 20 percent down (except VA & Federal Housing… Continue reading
Mar 26 Can Individual Investors Participate in the New Toxic Asset Plan? Question: Is there an opportunity for individual investors who are not super-rich to participate in the new Toxic Asset plan? Maybe something like a mutual fund, or the Treasury’s non-competitive bid process? Paul Solman: Supposedly yes. From an AP… Continue reading