October 2012

How Much Hurricane Sandy Will Cost the US

Submitted by Cliff Ritter on October 30, 2012, 12:03 pm

Hurricane Sandy has left damages exceeding $20 billion, according to analysts who say that figure may even be a conservative estimate.  The storm spread 900 miles along the US east coast, damaging homes, offices, and perhaps most concerning, New York City’s subway system.  The intense winds and high waves have left approximately 8 million homes and businesses without power, while airlines grounded over 12,000 flights due to the storm.

How to Ensure You Receive Appropriate Value from Your Home Insurance

Submitted by Justin Leung on October 29, 2012, 10:53 am

As Americans on the east coast brace themselves for the full impact of Hurricane Sandy, homeowners and insurance providers are preparing to deal with the expected damages.  But there are legal experts who believe that insurance companies may not provide adequate coverage and support in the aftermath of the natural disaster.  Joseph Zevuloni, President and CEO Zevuloni & Associates, based in Florida, claims insurance carriers take advantage of the average homeowner who may not understand what he/she is entitled to in damages.

How the US Economic Growth Affects Mortgage Rates

Submitted by Cliff Ritter on October 28, 2012, 3:27 pm

The US economy is growing once again at a steady pace.  The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its early predictions of GDP growth for the quarter, which report the economy grew by 2 percent in the third quarter (July through September), beating analysts’ expectations of 1.8 percent.  The surprising higher growth isn’t the only good news for the economy; it also represents the 13th straight month of increases in economic growth.  The improvements are due to an increased level of consumer consumption, including in the housing market, as well as higher government expenditures.

How Does the Government Buying Mortgage Backed Securities Affect Mortgage Rates

Submitted by Daniel Rattanam... on October 26, 2012, 11:19 am

The Federal Reserve confirmed this week that it plans to continue with its stimulus plan to support the economy.  The plan includes buying back $40 billion of mortgage backed securities (MBS) a month until the job and housing markets report a consistent turnaround.  Expectations are that this plan will put downward pressure on interest rates, while also decreasing fixed mortgage rates.  Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke previously announced that under his watch, interest rates would not be moving anywhere until 2015.

No Change in Stimulus Plan as Market Conditions Improve

Submitted by Cliff Ritter on October 25, 2012, 11:50 am

On September 15 the US Federal Reserve announced the beginning of what it called QE3, a third round of stimulus to support the economy and avoid going back into recession.  However, Chairman Ben Bernanke said this stimulus plan is strictly to improve both the job and housing markets. 

Home Prices Continue to Improve Across the United States

Submitted by Justin Leung on October 24, 2012, 12:56 pm

Americans hoping to refinance their mortgages or purchase new homes are breathing a sigh of relief that the housing market is providing some good news.  The US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reported that home prices rose 0.7 percent higher in August than where they were in July, continuing a yearlong increase of 4.7 percent.  This is good news for buyers because it is a sign the housing market is beginning a steady recovery.

Rewards Programs an Important Consideration when Selecting Credit Cards

Submitted by Gary Parkinson on October 23, 2012, 2:16 pm

When it comes to selecting a credit card, there are many variables to consider when looking for the right card for you.  The interest rate associated with the card should be affordable, and should not leave you struggling to get by.  The balance available on the card should also not extend too far beyond your means.  But one variable to consider when selecting a credit card that can be overlooked is the rewards points that can be accumulated by using a particular type of credit card.

US Obesity Epidemic Resulting in Higher Medical Insurance Costs

Submitted by Daniel Rattanam... on October 22, 2012, 11:15 am

With the population continuing to expand, the cost of maintaining healthy living continues to inflate with it.  Obesity has been a growing concern across the United States for years and the most recent statistics only provide more incentive to ring the alarm bell.  There is considerable concern for the millions of Americans facing obesity that their health is in jeopardy, and the medical costs associated with treating the condition are becoming more and more expensive.  The fact is medical insurance rates have been climbing higher and higher over the years and obesity is a large reason for

Economic Recovery in Cape Cod a Beacon of Hope for all the United States

Submitted by Justin Leung on October 21, 2012, 12:02 pm

As America prepares to vote on its path for the next four years, both sides of the political spectrum are trying to shape the debate with statistics describing how the country has recovered from the worst effects of the recession over the last four years.  But many national statistics don’t provide a true picture because a community’s health is most accurately defined by numbers from the community.

Manage Your Debt Responsibly to Build Your Credit Rating

Submitted by Gary Parkinson on October 20, 2012, 10:48 am

With borrowing rates at or near record low levels, many Americans are choosing to take advantage of the opportunity to borrow money.  However, if the recession taught us nothing else, it’s to remember not to take on more debt than you can handle.  That’s not to say you shouldn’t take on any debt, but the goal is to strike a balance of purchasing what you need and building credit without finding yourself stuck on an unaffordable mountain of debt.