FixThePig
Fixing Broke America - Financial Opinion, Tips, & Review

Just a few weeks ago the Big 3 auto makers went out to capital hill looking for a loan from congress.  When they got there, they weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms.  In fact they were blasted for flying out to D.C. in private jets looking for a bailout.  Congress has made it no secret that the economy and country are in rough financial shape, but when it comes time to cut back on spending, they opt for a pay raise.

Everyday we’re welcomed to a new set of headlines briefing us on the next round of corporate layoffs.  People are making less money and the financial strain has reached across all aspects of our country.  Is it just me or does Read More

Recently the US Senate decided to vote down a bill that would allow a $14 billion dollar bailout package for the Big 3 automakers.  The vote count was 52-35.  Almost immediately after the news of the bill failure, the White House issued a statement giving a sense of strong probability they will override the decision.  Apparently the US Senate is clueless, along with the people who elected them.

I’m not a political science expert, but the I do know as a democratic country we elect politicians to represent or views and opinion in Washington D.C.  That’s a very fundamental principle our country has been built on.  With the US Senate electing to protect American  taxpayer money and decline Read More

Another week has flown by and Christmas is just around the corner.  Hard to belive how quickly 2008 has gone past.  With another week come and gone it’s time for our weekly “The Weekend Fix” feature where I highlight 5 reads from around the web that I found interesting.  Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

• Let’s Not Loan Money to Family and Friends - by The Money Hawk
  This article looks at the top reasons why you shouldn’t loan money to friends and family.  I recently wrote an article talking about alternatives to bank loans touching on peer-to-peer lending as I think loaning money from or to family can lead to big problems as well.  If you are thinking about loaning someone some cash, you should read this first.
• Is Trust For Suckers? - by Guzzo the Contrarian
  This article is fitting considering the recent headlines.  It seems like every time we look around there’s a different politicain or leader of a company being caught doing unethical and illegal activities.  I personally put a ton of faith and trust in my friends, family, and neighbors, but this article touches on a great question.
• Five Ideas for Charitable Giving in a Bad Economy - by FiveCentNickle
  I’ve always been a firm believer in giving back.  It seems like the more you give, the more you get back in return.  Giving and receiving doesn’t always have to be about money, this is a good article with 5 easy ways to give back.
  
  
• How Inefficient is Corn-Based Ethanol? - by Behave Your Finance
  Have you ever wondered if Ethanol is the answer to our oil dependency problem?  If you have, then this article will help you find some answers.  There’s a wealth of knowledge on the topic of Corn based gasoline and whether is a viable solution to traditional gas.
• Good Debt Vs. Bad Debt - by Wise Money Matters
  Is there such thing as good debt?  In this post by CJ he takes a look at various kinds of debt and determines if they are good or bad.  There a good video clip about the pro and cons of debt as well.

Hope you enjoy and again have a great weekend!

Clearly, this holiday season we’re seeing slower retail sales then our country has experienced in years.  With the economy in a tailspin and the news headlines filled with job cuts, people simply aren’t out buying in full force.  Recently I’ve heard many comments that it’s “Un-American” to avoid the malls this season; I have to ask doesn’t this go against everything that is American?

When did we loose sight of the American dream that involved the prudence of saving money?  There’s little doubt that a slowdown in consumer spending is contributing to the recession that’s wreaking havoc on the economy, however the lack of responsible spending habits significantly contributed to causing the problem.  A few weeks ago I asked the question “Is Our Country Made Of Funny Money?“, detailing how the last 5-10 years have been booming economic times and asking if it’s all been at the hand of credit.  Perhaps it’s a good thing that consumers aren’t Read More

Despite their superhuman talents, all-star athletes aren’t immune from the everyday effects of a tightening economy.  Recently golf phenom, Tiger Woods, was given the pink slip from failing automaker GM.  This is just another signal that 2009 is more then likely going to be a year of contractions in spending and restructuring of corporate budgets.  Are athlete sponsorships worth the millions they cost?

I recently heard that the deal between GM and Tiger was around 7 million a year.  It’s probably a good move to free up some much needed cash flow in light of the cash crunch GM has encountered.  There is little doubt that a superstar athlete like Tiger gives Buick a fresh brand and image, but is it worth the 7 million a year?  Apparently it’s not or GM wouldn’t be cutting the contract.  It’s amazing the massive endorsement Read More

If you’re anything like me you find holiday shopping about fun as watching your 401k balance these days. Finding that perfect gift is difficult enough let alone standing in lines that wrap around the mall twice.  The majority of Americans such as myself take the easy way out and opt to buy gift cards.  This shopping season I’m hear to give warning about the possible gift card money pit.

Unless you’ve been living in a remote rain forest, without communication for the past 6 months, you’re well aware of the struggles major retailers are having in the current economic climate.  This should yield you a fair amount of caution when go and get the gift that’s suppose to keep on giving, a gift card.  Keep in mind when you purchase a gift card from your favorite store, there’s no guarantee the gift card will worth anything the next day.  If you happen to buy a card from a retailer that is on the brink of bankruptcy you Read More

Another week has flown by, and what a wild week it was.  Each Saturday I like to recap some of the interesting articles I’ve read from around the net during the week prior.  Here are few of the reads I wanted to share this week.

• Loose Your Home Without Losing Your Mind - by Debt Kid
  This is a fitting article for the current economic times.  With the rise in home foreclosures and mortgage defaults this article might possibly relate to yourself or someone you know.  If you’re looking for some personal advice and tips on how to deal with the difficult process of losing your home you’ll find this article a great read.
  
  
• The Best Way To Save Money This Christmas - by Behave Your Finance
  Chris wrote a great article providing insight on how to truly save money this Christmas season.  It’s ironic, because my wife and I recently had a discussion about the very point that is expressed in this article.  Saving money isn’t difficult after reading this one.
  
  
• Find A Recession Proof Job In Blogging - by AverageGal
  Here is an interesting perspective on finding a recession proof job.  With all of the current layoffs in our country, this article offers some good tips on creating an income free from worry about the dreaded pink slip.  Thanks Rachel for sharing how to make both full time and part time income from blogging.
• 8 Bad Things Your Teaching Your Kids About Money - by Money Ning
  This read was featured over on Money Ning and guest written by Jonathan who writes on Master Your Card.  I’ve always been a firm believer in teaching our kids the importance of personal finance.  There is no substitute for good parenting, especially when dealing with money.  The 8 points in this article offer valuable tips that can be used to help with the process of teaching your kids about finance.
• Fun Video - Who’s Fault Was The Financial Crisis Anyway - by Yielding Wealth
  In light of all the negative news that we’re faced with each day, I thought this video shared by Miranda over at Yielding Wealth lightened the mood a little.  This is a spoof played by the actors over at Saturday Night Live and it gave me a good laugh.  Hopefully it will give you the same.

Thanks for another great week on FixThePig and don’t forget about our current Comment Contest running during the month of December.  It’s an easy chance to win $50 bucks!  Have a great weekend.

Yesterday information was released that the Treasury Department has plans to try and drive interest rates down to 4.5%.  This sounds like a great idea on the surface, but who will actually get the opportunity to benefit from this is a different story.  Furthermore does this actually address the problem facing the housing crisis or is it just another failed attempt to the free fall?

On the surface the news headlines read like a fairy tale, 4.5% mortgage rates.  Who wouldn’t want to get that great rate on their home loan?  I think that everyone in the country that owns a home would agree to sign up for the reduction in payment and rate.  With that being said, does everyone deserve that kind of interest rate regardless of credit worthiness?  If the Federal Government is going to step in and offer 4.5% on home loans, then it should apply to everyone.  It shouldn’t simply apply to those that have substantial amounts of equity Read More

Want an easy way to put more cash in your bank account? Try this simple money saving tip and you’ll see those dollar signs start to pile up fast! Stop eating out for lunch everyday and start bringing your own food.

It amazes me how many people go out for a quick fast food lunch each day. If you take a spin past any of the major fast-food chains around the noon hour you’re sure to see lines a mile long. The convenience of hitting up one of these local favorites is nice, however it sure puts a dent in the bank account not to Read More