AltWeeklies Wire
Credit Unions Thriving in the Chaotic Economynew
At a time when banks look more like wards of the state than the venerated institutions they once were, it's difficult to imagine that anyone is still happy to lend money. But stodgy, dependable, nonprofit credit unions are still chugging along, approving loans to members at reasonable rates.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
10-17-2008 |
Economy
Inflation's Bad, But it Could Be Worsenew
Although consumer inflation is at a 17-year high, historically high oil prices are not necessarily to blame. In fact, high oil prices, the economic slowdown and the Chinese work in tandem to keep inflation from becoming even worse.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
08-22-2008 |
Economy
Is It Open Season on the 401(k)?new
In yet another troubling sign for the U.S. economy, more Americans are borrowing against their 401(k) retirement plans to make ends meet. What's more, some banks are making it easier by offering people debit cards that tap into their retirement funds.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
08-01-2008 |
Economy
Most Businesses Still Waiting to 'Go Green'new
According to the second annual Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator survey, 72 percent of North American companies report that they are paying more attention to energy efficiency than last year. But the percentage of companies planning to invest in energy-efficiency improvements has not increased.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
06-20-2008 |
Environment
Gay Rights Are Good for the Economynew
The estimated 15.3 million gay adults in the United States have a combined buying power of more than $660 billion, and same-sex marriage may make gay Americans even more important to the economy.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
06-06-2008 |
LGBT
Federal Regulators Crack Down on Egregious Credit Card Industry Practicesnew
Under proposed rules, card companies would have to give consumers more time to make payments before charging late fees. If a bill carries two different interest rates, card issuers would be barred from applying payments to the lower interest charge first. They also would be limited in raising the interest rate on an outstanding balance.
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
05-23-2008 |
Economy
Breaking the Oil Habit, One Car at a Timenew
Inside electric cars, grease cars, hybrids, and "eco-driving."
Shepherd Express |
Ken Reibel |
04-25-2008 |
Transportation
