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miami-dade county is first starting to consider a 4-month moratorium on existing foreclosures. there would also be a cool-off period before filing a foreclosure where cases would be sent first to mediation. currently about 36 homeowners are being evicted daily. looks like fort myers, ground zero of the bubble burst, is also considering similar action. the miami decision will be ruled on by a...

So, we're now in a situation that, provided the insurance companies keep their promise, wouldn't you rather be in a variable annuity with locked in value than in a mutual fund currently down in value? It may all fail, but as it stands, my VA's are guaranteeing me income based on no lower than my highest watermark, and some VA's will even give a raise if the market rebounds. Just curious if ...

Continuing economic crisis leads to food and fuel shortages as states go bankrupt. Civil unrest as a result. Government declares martial law, gives FEMA control, who then start rounding people up in internment camps "for their own safety." Bush cancels elections, declares himself First Monarch of the North American Union, and introduces the Amero. And then the zombies show up.

I am trying to formulate my opinion about our current economic issues. One variable I can't grasp is the financial derivatives market and what will unwind as a result of recent events. I just read the Wikipedia page on financial derivatives: Derivative (finance) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Warren Buffet has been warning of the potential risks of these financial products for over...

I have never been a great fan of investing in the stock market. Maybe because my father was a stock broker who was on the verge of getting rich, but died a pauper. Or maybe it is because my analysis about stock always turns out to be wrong. I did make a lot of money in real estate as rental units - as spelled out in the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". But it will be some time (ie, years) ...

Does anyone else find it ironic that the bank bailout preferred stock has a teaser rate?

I think if Glass-Steagal was still in effect, most of this would not have happened......

With the markets melting down I'm sure glad that the politicians didn't succeed in the scheme to privatize social security. Shifting the risks to individuals didn't look nearly as stupid then as now.

December 28, 2000 The United States on Track to Pay Off the Debt by End of the Decade Quote: Today, President Clinton will announce that The United States is on course to eliminate its public debt within the next decade. The Administration also announced that we are projected to pay down $237 billion in debt in 2001. Due in part to a strong economy and the ...

Quote: Originally Posted by audreyh1 P.S. Can you believe Audrey is this bearish? Maybe I'm a contrarian indicator. Looks like we'll have to start tracking the ACES indicator: the "Audrey Contrarian Economic Sentiment" indicator.

So, we're now in a situation that, provided the insurance companies keep their promise, wouldn't you rather be in a variable annuity with locked in value than in a mutual fund currently down in value? It may all fail, but as it stands, my VA's are guaranteeing me income based on no lower than my highest watermark, and some VA's will even give a raise if the market rebounds. Just curious if ...

With the markets melting down I'm sure glad that the politicians didn't succeed in the scheme to privatize social security. Shifting the risks to individuals didn't look nearly as stupid then as now.

Since I spotted this headline from the AP: "Stock market plunging into pit of despair" Stock market plunging into pit of despair: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance With phrases like "pit of despair" being bandied about, we've gotta be close! Aw, who am I kidding, the bottom may still be miles away. However, at least the P/E ratio of the S&P is down to 10.7, the lowest it's been ...

DJIA pre-market is down 343 points this a.m, looks like we are in for another ride. Not sure how this week ranks against other horrible weeks, but my guess is, it is one of the worst. Since we always feel the need to label things, I guess it would be appropriate to give this week a name. Anyone have any good names for this week?

I think thats it. Not to say we wont still have a few red days, but I think the worst of it is over and things will start turning up before long. At a minimum, aint it nice to read something positive?

Well.... now that the stockmarket has dipped below 9000, (although on a massive upswing today), I am thinking how can I capitalize on this situation. I have been reading others opinions, and thought I would ask the group their thoughts. After all... the combined financial knowlege and experience would put most brokerage houses to shame... Like all of you I have been living the LBYM lifestyle ...

I’m new to the forum and seeking other’s opinions regarding inflation concerns with fixed rates in view of the current market situation. I’m 64, wife 62, both retired and drawing SS & small company pension. We also have retirement savings funds that are invested in fixed contracts of 3-4 & 5 years paying 4% -5.5%. (Yes, I’m very (too) conservative). If needed, we can withdraw annually (...

I was wondering with the markets tanking if anybody is changing their opinions on when they are taking SS . I am currently leaning toward 62 rather than waiting till 66. Anybody else ?

From the movie "Innerspace": "When things are at their darkest, pal, it's a brave man [or woman] that can kick back and party."

It's juvenile I know, but I know a lot of people who claim they are not opening up their online 401k, brokerage or other accounts. They know their net worth has taken a huge hit, but they just don't want to see it and know exactly what the carnage is in $. Before you think I'm all high and mighty (on