08.04 2010

The scoop on secured credit

Ah, the new Credit CARD Act — it’s there to keep you safe from sketchy lenders and credit pitfalls, but if you’re under 21, it will also make getting your first card trickier than ever. And credit cards aren’t just about trip reservations or ordering takeout; they’re one way to build good credit so you can land an apartment or new car down the line.

So, you’re under 21 and want a card to help establish your credit. What to do? One option is to have your parents co-sign for a card or put you onto an account in their name. If they aren’t game for that, a secured credit card is another option. Secured cards usually have higher interest rates and some annual fees, but they can be a good first step toward building your credit and eventually getting an unsecured card.

Here’s how they work: you deposit a set amount into an account, that amount acts as your credit limit, and you use the card just like any other card. Most secured ca

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08.04 2010

Oregon stimulus watse, fraud and abuse

Several reports show continual problems with Oregon and Federal stimulus spending
By Oregon Tax News,

Oregon State officials boast more that the 2009 Legislature’s trumpeted economic stimulus package created or retained 7,500, a feat just shy of the 8,000-plus jobs reported for Oregon under the far bigger federal stimulus program. Yet, Oregon reports spending about $93 million so far compared with $1.3 billion. However, looks can be deceiving. Harry Esteve, of The Oregonian, reported that the average Oregon jobs created by the state stimulus lasted about two weeks and did little or nothing to dent the state’s bleak employment outlook. Une

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08.04 2010

And Now Everyone Thinks Greece Is Saved, And They’re Buying Everything In Sight

A complete 180 from yesterday morning’s downbeat opening appears to be in the cards. Greece spreads have narrowed, there’s hope (once again) that a bailout is in the cards and people are buying everything in sight, at least per this early check on the future’s market.

06.04 2010

Aztar, French Lick casinos saw year-over-year attendance drop in March

Both Casino Aztar and the French Lick Casino had fewer visitors last month than they did in March 2009, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission.

The commission released its monthly casino revenue report today. This report details how many people visited each of Indiana’s casinos in March, along with how much they spent, how much each casino kept in winnings and how much tax each paid to the state.

Aztar had 110,091 visitors last month, according to the report. This is an increase from February, which saw 105,134 visitors; but down from March 2009, when the Evansville casino had 116,162 visitors.

The French Lick Casino had 88,516 visitors last month, as compared to 78,314 in February and 91,911 in March 2009.

Looking at how much visitors spent on table games and electronic gaming machines last month, Aztar and French Lick showed slightly different results as compared to the previous year.

At Aztar, visitors spent $6.5 million on table games last month, virtually unchanged from March 2009.

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06.04 2010

Housing sales make upswing

The housing market in the Tri-State appears to have rebounded and continues on the upswing.

The fact that the first-quarter sales of this year have outpaced last year confirms that to be the case, said Chris Dickson, president-elect of the Evansville Area Association of Realtors.

“2010 is a good year for real estate in this area,” he said.

Dickson said the latest statistics from the association shows a 28.4 percent increase in the number of single-family homes sold in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey and Gibson counties this past March compared with the number of sales in March 2009.

Pending home sales also appear on an upward surge nationally, likely in response to the homebuyer tax credit, said the National Association of Realtors.

Its March index won’t be released until May 4, but the national association reports sales showed a healthy gain in February.

According to the Evansville Area Association of Realtors, a total of 307 homes were sold in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey and Gibson counties last month, compared with 239 sold in March 2009.

The increased activity caps off a strong first quarter, which saw the number of homes sold increase by 11.4 percent over last year’s first quarter.

A total of 650 homes were sold in the four-county area this January through March, compared with 582 sold last year during the same period.

Dickson attributed the increase to historic low interest rates and plenty of mortgage money available from local lenders, even though the requirements for approval are tighter.

He said, “Buyers also are very active now because they need to be under contract by April 30 to qualify for the federal tax incentives.

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06.04 2010

Here is the new Nike-Tiger woods ad

Oregon Business Report News Note,

Nike has launched a new TV commercial featuring Tiger Woods.  This is a huge “Tiger Woods” gamble on Nike’s part to take a controversial moment and turn it into a positive press event.   This TV ad comes with risks as Tiger Woods recently left rehab after 45 days and is quickly returning to his first golf tournament. You will notice the television ad is deeply serious, sober,in black and white and features the voice of Tiger Wood’s late father.   In the advertisement Tiger’s father can be heard saying “”I want to find out what your thinking was; I want to find out what your feelings are. Did you learn anyt

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06.04 2010

Delinquent Owners’ Credit Records Take a Knock

* Bad credit records make things even harder
* Get your record free from a reputable site
* Don’t pay for what is already yours

As America’s recession and the resultant private property ownership disaster bites deeper, the impact of bad credit records on otherwise impeccably correct citizens looms.

The theory behind America’s credit reporting systems is that people only get into trouble if they are dishonest or incompetent, and that the nation needs to be protected from these types. But what if a delinquent debtor was not responsible for the mess?

Americans who are behind on their mortgage payments are advised to check the damage on their credit report that may be accessed free at www.combat-identity-theft.com/free-credit-report.html and other similar sites. Anybo

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