Holiday Shopping: What Are Your Plans?

 

With the big year-end shopping holidays fast approaching, the credit market freeze couldn't come at a worse time for consumers, retailers and the broader economy.

 

Despite Congressional and House approval of the infamous $700 billion bailout for financial institutions, industry watchers say it doesn't guarantee that nervous lenders will unstick credit restrictions and get money flowing again to cash-strapped consumers - or that budget-conscious Americans will want to splurge any extra money at the mall.

 

We're not even to Halloween yet, and retailers are already discussing Christmas discounts.

 

We're interested in hearing what you're thinking about the upcoming holiday, and plans for shopping. Planning to cut back this year? Spend more? About the same? Click the comment link below and tell us what you're thinking at this point. Remember, your privacy is protected, as no email addresses get published on this site. We'd love to hear from you on this topic.

 

 

 

3 Ways The Bailout Will Cost Us

 

Many experts consider the bailout a short-term solution, but in the long-term, you could be paying for it in a least three different ways. Money Editor, Stacy Johnson, explains… (video runs 1:21)

 

So what do you think? Think we're all going to be paying for this bailout in even more ways? We'd love to hear your opinion. We you in favor of the bailout? Sound off by clicking the "comment" link below.

 

 

 

Bailout: Will it Work?

 

The $700 billion bailout plan that has now been signed into law may get banks to start lending to each other again. But it remains to be seen how long that will take to jumpstart an ailing economy.

 

The goal is to unfreeze the credit markets. Financial institutions have become paralyzed with fear and though they have plenty of cash on hand, they've been hoarding it. Without this intra-bank lending, businesses are having trouble getting the financing they need even for daily operations, much less loans for longer-term projects.

 

The centerpiece of the bill allows the government to eventually buy up to $700 billion in assets tied to shaky mortgages. Getting the bad paper off banks' balance sheets hopefully will give institutions more confidence to start lending again.

 

As long as the constant drumbeat of bad economic reports continues, consumers and businesses may not be so eager to borrow money anyway even if banks start extending more credit, and then it just continues a vicious cycle.  If consumers don't spend, the economy fails to improve. The jitters may return to the financial markets, prompting another government intervention. That's why many fear the $700 billion rescue may not be the last step.

 

What do you think? Will this bailout package work? Will it accomplish the goal of getting our economy out of the tank? Click the comment link below and tell us what you think. We'd love to hear from you.

 

Credit Cards: Smart Uses For Them

 

There are many times when a credit card can get you into serious trouble, but there are a few situations when a credit card can be your best friend. Money Editor Stacy Johnson explains…(video runs 1:20)

 

 

Have a question or comment about this video? Share your thoughts or comments by clicking on the comment link below. Your email (although needed to post) will never be published on our site, so don't worry about privacy… we protect you there.. so go ahead… tell us what's on your mind.

 

 

 

Selling Your Home? Watch the Pet Odor

 

To some people, pets are like their children. For others however, they may be highly allergic and can't stand being around them. When it comes to selling your home, your pets odor, dander and hair, not to mention any damage they've done to the home, should be considered problems you need to fix.

 

While you might not notice a pet smell in your home, chances are someone who doesn't own pets will notice one, no matter how clean you keep your floors, or how often you change the litter box. So what's a pet owner to do? Well, if a speedy and generous offer on your home is your goal, you might have to invest a bit of time and money cleaning up after your pet.

 

The main thing with getting rid of pet smells is to not have them come back right away. This is why it might be a good idea for your pet(s) to visit a kennel while your home is up for sale, or at least to be staying with a pet-babysitter on days you know your home will be shown. By getting them out of the house and then cleaning up after them, you make sure that any allergens and odors alike are minimized.

 

Another important step to minimizing these is to have ventilation or central heating ducts cleaned. These can be full of dust and animal dander. Don't forget to change the filter.

 

If you have any questions about pets and how they could be affecting you getting a buyer for your home, contact us. We have other tips we can offer you. Just use the comment link below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.