Friday, February 17, 2012

 Shrinking net worth is a "ticking time bomb" for Americans

U.S. households are still suffering from financial distress, according to the latest Consumer Distress Index, which measures housing prices, joblessness, budgeting, net worth and credit. Americans' net worth, an indicator of retirement readiness, has registered poorly since the counseling group CredAbility began the index 31 years ago. "The net worth number is the ticking time bomb," said Mark Cole of CredAbility. Read the full article on the Huffington Post.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentines Day Budget

Love is on a budget in 2012.   A new survey by Visa Inc. finds that Americans will spend less
on Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers, dining and other items this year. Americans plan on spending
$117 this Valentine’s Day, down 3% from $121 in 2011.   The survey indicates women are spending 14% less on their Valentines $87 in 2012 compared to $101 in 2011.   Men are actually planing on spending more this year, $149 compared to $140 in 2011---an increase of 6%.
 
There are lots of  meaningful ways to say I Love You to your Valentine, that don't put a punch to the wallet.