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Newsletter
U.S. farm subsidies
Why should the average American care about the 2008 Farm Bill and farm subsidies? Farm subsidies can affect the price of food and can influence the amount of taxes we pay. This month's Liber8 newsletter explains why farm subsidies were originally used, spotlights the debate about their continued use, and points out some changes to the 2008 Farm Bill.
Newsletter
The U.S. deficit outlook March 2010
For years, economists have debated the wisdom of increasing government spending during recessions. On the one hand, increased spending adds to budget deficits, but on the other, increased spending can stimulate the economy during a downturn, thus speeding recovery. Deficits topped $1.4 trillion in the latest recession?which raises two questions: "How big is 'too big' in terms of spending?" and "What are the long-term consequences?" The March 2010 Newsletter offers some insights into this timely topic.
Newsletter
What does foreclosure entail?
The FDIC estimates that an additional 4 to 5 million mortgages could enter foreclosure over the next two years. How did this happen, and what can be done to improve the situation? The April 2009 Newsletter offers some insights and further resources on the foreclosure situation.
Newsletter
Is a college cap and gown a financial ball and chain?
The cost of a college education continues to rise.The Project on Student Debt estimates that a typical 2009 college graduate accumulated $24,000 in student loan debt. Is a college degree worth the cost? Read the August 2011 Newsletter for the latest data on college versus high school graduates' earnings and employment prospects.
Newsletter
What is a recession?
The past year has seen much debate about whether the United States is officially in (or not in) a recession (it is). But just what is a recession? Who decides that fact and how? Or, in other words, what actually makes a recession a recession? Read the February 2009 Newsletter for all the details.
Newsletter
Executive compensation and market risks
Some U.S. taxpayers were angry and felt betrayed when financial company executives received large bonuses in the midst of the 2008-09 financial crisis. These executives headed some of the same firms whose risky practices contributed to the crisis?and then later received billions of dollars in government bailouts. Who makes the changes in executive compensation policies and regulations to avoid such risks in the future? Read the February 2010 Newsletter for answers and interesting insights.
Newsletter
Time inconsistency: today’s actions = tomorrow’s regrets
Have you ever bought something you really couldn?t afford? You simply swipe your credit card and leave the store with something shiny and new. That instant gratification overpowers any thought of the regret you?ll have when you must start paying off your accumulated debt. Economists call this phenomenon time inconsistency. Read the September 2011 newsletter for some ideas on how to prevent time inconsistency for yourself and your government.
Newsletter
U.S. health care insurance and the uninsured
With continuing increases in both health care spending and the number of Americans who are uninsured, everyone seems to have an opinion on how to rein in costs and provide better coverage. This month's Newsletter offers an overview of why costs are so high and what can be done to improve the situation.
Newsletter
Season’s greetings and seasonal adjustments
Have you every wondered what the term "seasonally adjusted" means in relation to economic data? What does the change of seasons have to do with economics? The January 2009 Newsletter explains the term and shows its effect on economic data.
Newsletter
The ins and outs of unemployment insurance
Although the economy is rebounding, the unemployment rate remains high and private sector job gains remain weak. economists debate whether extending unemployment benefits keep unemployment artificially high by discouraging work.