MIX Means Variety » economy

What Are the Best- and Worst-Run States in America?

Mike Adams — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:54:38 +0000

Ever wonder just how efficient your state government is? It can be tough to figure, as there really aren’t too many tools out there that provide up-to-the-minute report cards on our local leaders. But never fear: 24/7 Wall Street just released its annual survey of the best- and worst-run states in America, all of which [...]

The Middle Class Is Poorer Than It Has Been in 43 Years — Dollars and Sense

Mike Adams — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:04:35 +0000

The median net worth of working-class Americans is now lingering at a 43-year low of $57,000. According to New York University economics professor Edward N. Wolff, the American population is poorer and less stable than it was in 1969, with nearly 40 percent of all households having less than $10,000 in assets. This includes those households [...]

Should We Raise Taxes on the Wealthy to Avoid the 'Fiscal Cliff'? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:35:54 +0000

Negotiations between President Obama and the Republican-led House of Representatives over the “fiscal cliff” are heating up. Some economists believe if a compromise isn’t made by December 31 of this year, the U.S. economy could fall back into recession. A big sticking point in the discussion is whether or not the Bush tax cuts on income over [...]

What Are The Richest and Poorest States in America? — Dollars and Sense

Mike Adams — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:15 +0000

The average income of the American family is down for the second year in a row, with households earning nearly eight percent less than what they did in 2007 prior to having their financial throats cut by a downtrodden economy. Recent data from the US Census Bureau paints a bleak portrait of the American Dream [...]

Which Cities Have the Nation's Lowest Unemployment Rates?

Shauna Wright — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:59:17 +0000

The nation’s unemployment rate is currently stuck at 8.3 percent, but in some cities, it’s much lower. So if you’re okay with relocating, where should you start your job search? According to Forbes, many of the 21 cities with the lowest unemployment rates have a few things in common. For starters, several have a state-run [...]

Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga + More Are Forbes' Highest Paid Under 30

Amy Sciarretto — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:25:18 +0000

Those listmakers at Forbes dropped their rundown of the Highest Paid Celebs Under 30, and it’s dominated by women — and Justin Bieber, who is No. 2 on the list. Joining the Biebs are Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Who got the top spot?

Do You Support the Buffett Rule? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:41:18 +0000

Named for billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who has argued that he shouldn’t pay a lower tax rate than his secretary, the Buffett Rule would mandate a minimum 30 percent tax rate for any household which makes over $1 million a year.

But is the rest of country onboard with such an idea?

Which Cities Have the Best and Worst Job Markets?

Shauna Wright — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:44:54 +0000

Nationwide, employment numbers seem to be picking up. But when you break it down by city, all things certainly aren’t equal — so which ones have the best and worst job markets? To formulate its Job Creation Index, Gallup asked 200,000 workers across the US whether their employers are hiring or letting go and then [...]

How Much Has the Housing Market Improved? — Dollars and Sense

Shauna Wright — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:56:39 +0000

Seems there’s a bit of a bright spot on the decimated horizon of the real estate market — it looks a lot better than it did a few years ago. But how long before we see a full recovery? Economist Jed Kolko considered construction starts, existing home sales and the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures [...]

Who Do You Blame for Rising Gas Prices? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:28:01 +0000

As gas approaches an average of $4.00 a gallon, the public isn’t happy with the way President Obama is dealing with the issue. According to a recent survey from Reuters/Ipsos, 68 percent disapprove of the way the president is handling gas prices, whereas only 24 percent give him the thumbs up. However, that doesn’t mean [...]

Could You Live on $2 a Day? Lots of Americans Do – Dollars and Sense

Shauna Wright — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:42:58 +0000

There are a lot of celebrities that won’t get out of bed for less than a quarter of a million dollars, but a lot more Americans are surviving on much, much less. According to the World Bank, one of the main indicators of poverty in developing nations is how many people are living on less [...]

How Much Is Too Much to Pay for Gas? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:06:14 +0000

With the average price of gas approaching four dollars a gallon, the question becomes whether Americans are going to start to seriously changing their current driving habits and vacation plans, in light of this hike. Poll Position asked 1,142 adults at what price per gallon they will start to change their behavior. Forty-nine percent said that four bucks is, [...]

Is the Economy Getting Better? – Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:40:53 +0000

Over the last few months, there has been some data that suggests the sluggish economy could be improving. Mainly, the unemployment rate, which has dropped to 8.3 percent after reaching a 26-year high of 10 percent in late 2009. However, according to a new survey from Poll Postion, the public is split on whether America is entering into a period of economic recovery.

Is the Rift Between Rich and Poor Growing in America? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:35:46 +0000

Spurred on by the recent “Occupy” protests, class conflict has become an increasing part of the public discourse.

This is reflected in a new poll from the Pew Research Center, which finds the percentage of Americans who see conflict between the rich and poor as a problem has jumped significantly over the last two years.

Still Living With Your Parents as an Adult? Well, You're Hurting the Economy

Shauna Wright — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:05:07 +0000

While many college grads are only too happy to fly their parents’ nest and get a place of their own, the dip in the economy has meant some can’t — or won’t — until they feel more financially able to do so comfortably. What does this mean for the economy? Unfortunately, nothing good.

Economic Woes Lead to More Men Becoming 'Mannies'

Shauna Wright — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:00:50 +0000

While child care-givers such as babysitters and nannies have traditionally been women, the recent dip in the economy lead some men into the profession as well.

Dubbed “mannies,” the guys are often unemployed teachers, daycare workers or fathers.