Consumer credit 101

Dennis Hermansen — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:45:57 GMT

should a person invest in CD's?

Consumer credit 101

Bill Nuehring, Sheboygan Falls, WI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:59:02 GMT

Save, save, save. It seems the only way the Fed can resolve the economy is to drop interest rates. A blessing for all those investors in high risk funds, individuals that bought houses they could not afford, and banks that will enjoy an increase in re-financing fees. I have seen a 25% drop in my retirement savings accounts due to rate drops. It seems to me that we are being driven away from saving to support our needs and spend, spend, spend, with credit. We certainly want all those investors,and banks not to suffer.

Consumer credit 101

Connie Reay, Portland, Michigan — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:41:57 GMT

On last night's broadcast, Carl Quintanilla advised people how to protect their money. While I am sure his advice is good for people who still have money, I am disappointed that the "Hard Times" segments are not focusing on those who long ago ran out of money, due to long term unemployment (e.g., How do they keep their houses?)

In the last few months, I have notieced that Michigan's unemployment, and so called "single state recession" have been in the limelight, mostly due to the upcoming elections. I have seen numerous segments on the mortgage bailouts for the banks, but have not seen a practical approach, telling us who to call if we are facing possible foreclosure.

I would like to have more information on where to go or who to call for help. Many people in Michigan and other states have been experiencing recession-like conditions for years. Many are at the end of their ropes. What is going to happen to them? Are these middle class working people going to end up in homeless shelters? Is there help out there?

Consumer credit 101

Lenore Monroe — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:16:41 GMT

Brian, is very frightening to read our mail when part of it is about doing away with the borders between Mexico,and the United States and Canada and the United States. They talk about a superhighway and 12 lanes of traffic giving the illegals all the open spaces they more then need to enter our country. Why is nothing being said about this and what is going on with it? Have they O.K.'d this with Congress and are they starting the building of this superhighway? I pray not. Our government is betraying us all around anymore. I do hope you find out and tell us before it is too late to stop them.

Consumer credit 101

Jane Croft, New York City NY — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:02:35 GMT

What many fail to realize: The situation in Michigan is very grave. I am a 23-year-old transplant who left my friends & family in Michigan to seek work elsewhere. What does it say, when, as a newly-graduated college student -- with LOW INCOME expectations, mind you -- couldn't find work? My boyfriend -- a United States veteran, having served two tours of duty in Iraq as Special Forces in the Army -- couldn't find work in Michigan in Law Enforcement?!

It's a sad disgrace that the state is in such shambles, and that the economy there has been in recession for years upon years. As a 23-year-old, I think back & honestly realize that I cannot rightfully recall there ever being a time in my young life when there wasn't talk of homelessness or issues with putting food on the table.

My mother & father, both being savvy intellectuals, struggled with multiple jobs in order to support a home & three kids. We collected pop bottles -- as middle-America, white-collered workers in Michigan -- to put food on the table, sometimes.

Now? I live in New York City...And while the job market seems wondrous, in comparison with what I have grown accustomed to, the cost of living is astronomical. My boyfriend is rightfully hired with the NYPD -- and I work on Wallstreet. Go figure, huh? And even so...We struggle to meet our needs w/financial backing.

I wonder...If the middle-class continues this downward slide into oblivion -- what will happen to the crime rates and social instability? And -- more importantly -- my boyfriend who treks these ravenous streets day-in and day-out, to earn dollars with ever-failing value???