Fannie Mae Still Asking for Help

The latest request from Fannie Mae is for an additional $15 billion from the government because of losses in the third quarter which it claims is due to homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments and the ever increasing unemployment rate. The default rate increased to 4.7% and is even higher in Florida and Nevada, with over 11% of the mortgage loans in default.

"There is significant uncertainty regarding the future of our business, including whether we will continue to exist, and we expect this uncertainty to continue," Fannie Mae said.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee approximately 31 million mortgage loans or about half of the mortgages in the U.S.

Fannie Mae lowered the requirements for borrowers prior to the recession by offering high risk loans which are now defaulting including homeowners with good credit.
This is the fourth request by Fannie Mae for government aid which now totals $60 billion in aid so far.

Fannie Mae stated that it would allow some homeowners who are facing foreclosure to rent their homes for a year to help reduce the number of homeowners losing their homes.

This new program is called the "Deed for Lease" program and will allow homeowners to transfer their deed title to Fannie Mae by signing a one-year lease which includes potential month-to-month extensions after the one year period.

What the CIT Bankruptcy Means for You

CIT, the 100 year old and 5th largest bank in the U.S. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Nov. 1, blaming losses on subprime mortgages and decreasing credit markets. CIT listed $71 billion in assets and $64.9 billion in liabilities.

CIT funds approximately 1 million businesses such as Dunkin’ Brands Inc. didn’t include CIT Bank in bankruptcy filing. The CIT bankruptcy is the one of largest bankruptcies in the U.S.

The government has input billions of dollars into CIT including giving $2.3 billion last fall. Citigroup received $45 billion in loans from the government, which now owns a 34% interest in the bank. Citigroup plans to sell some of its assets including its interest in Smith Barney.

CIT customers should be nervous because as a customer you don't know what the future holds for CIT. The company assures its customers that it will be business as usual and that customers should not take their business elsewhere because of the bankruptcy. Unfortunately, if most of their customers leave CIT will not be able to survive.

CIT 2,000 vendors that supply merchandise to 300,000 stores. According to analysts approximately 60% of the apparel industry depends on CIT for financing so the bankruptcy will cause a domino effect for businesses and customers who shop at their stores.

As my grandmother used to say "never have all your eggs in one basket". If you have all of your money in CIT I recommend moving at least some of it to a more stable bank like PNC, BB&T or a credit union.

No one knows the future of CIT but my guess is it will collapse like the other companies such as Lehman Brother and Washington Mutual.

Unemployment Jumps to 10.2%

Although expert state the recession has ended Americans are still feeling the effects in a bad way. The current unemployment rate has reaches 10.2% and hasn't reached above 10% since September 1982 and June 1983. Part-time workers increased the figure to 17.5%.

In Michigan the unemployment rate is 15.3%, in Nevada 13.3%, in Rhode Island 13.3%, in California 12.2%, in Florida 11% and in Georgia 10.1%. In the depression of 1929, 13 million people were unemployed. In 2009, 15.7 million Americans are unemployed.

Today, unfortunately more Americans lack health insurance due to the high costs of medical care and unemployment.

If you work in an unstable economy consider going back to school or moving to a more profitable sector like Information Technology, Healthcare, Government or the Military. If you work as a consultant or contractor and find difficulty getting employment consider applying for a local, state or federal government job which provides more stability and decent benefits including health insurance.
Today more people are in debt because of the economy, unemployment and lack of health care.

On average Americans have approximately $45,000 in debt including credit cards, loan and mortgages. Americans are also saving less which resulted in accumulating more debt and a continual increase in bankruptcy and foreclosure filings.

According to a government surveys suggest that if you get laid off, it's more likely to be for good. On average, those currently unemployed have been out of work about half a year.

A Sad Day for Book Lovers

Borders Group Inc. which is the second largest U.S. bookstore chain announced that it will close more of its Waldenbooks stores in January to focus more on its profitable stores. The chain plans to close 200 Waldenbooks and Borders Express stores and slash 1,500 jobs in January 2010. The closing will any Borders superstores or any of its mall kiosks or mall stores.

In 2008, Borders closed 112 stores in 2008. Borders is trying to catch up to competitor Barnes & Noble who has already closed some of its small stores. Barnes & Noble also announced that it will close its remaining 50 B. Dalton stores by the end of January 2010.

Borders gift cards purchased are valid as long as the stores remain open and can be used at any Borders, Waldenbooks or Borders.com.

I have visited many bookstores and also prefer Borders as my first choice when shopping for book because there promise to keep you in line for no more than 3 minutes. I love the cafes and cozy feel where you can browse books and decide on which selection you wish to purchase. My second choice is Barnes & Noble but unfortunately the closes bookstore to my residence is Borders.

Whatever bookstore you favor the future of their success depends on you - so if you are a lover of books and have extra money in your budget buy a book at Borders or Barnes & Noble either at the store on online through their website.

Reading a book is much cheaper than going to a movie, concert or show or going out to eat. The key is to do everything in moderation.

7 Tips to Help Parents During the Holidays

It's the thought that counts - not how much you spend. Many people have lost site of what the holidays are all about. The holidays are about spending time with your family and friends, reflecting on the past year, and thinking about things you would like to change in the New Year. Here are 7 tips on how to navigate your finances during the holidays.

1. Lower expectations. Many times children's expectations for holiday gifts are obtained from friends, classmates or from watching television. Be realistic - let your children know your financial situation and their price limit for holidays gifts. If they can only get one big gift or one toy let them know as soon as possible. Teach your children that receiving several gifts doesn't mean a better holiday experience; spending time with family is more important than the number of gifts they receive. If your children still believe in Santa, buy several small gifts from the dollar store (gifts that actually cost a dollar). That way they will still believe in Santa and save you money.

2. Be Strong. Don't give in to "puppy dog eyes", whining or complaining from your children. Stay firm with your decision about gifts for the holidays. Giving in to your children sets unrealistic expectations and does not prepare them for the disappointments that occur in the real world.

3. Set a spending limit. Set a spending limit for your holiday shopping including groceries, gifts, etc. This will reduce your chances of going into debt and relieve the stress of having to buying things that are not in your budget. Don't go into debt trying to buy gifts for your children. Do they really need a new desktop or laptop or can they use the one they have until next year.

4. Volunteer. If you children refuse to accept that they cannot get the gifts they want for the holidays take them to a shelter or sign them up to volunteer to help the homeless or sick children to help them change their perspective about life and what's really important. Other children and families have less than they do and they should be appreciative of whatever they have.

5. Follow Traditions. If you family has inexpensive traditions follow them this year to save money such as baking cookies, donating used toys, or going through the neighborhood caroling. This will get your children in the holiday spirit, keep them active and distract them from spending time thinking about all the gifts they want for the holidays.

6. Unexpected Gifts. If you children decide to give gifts to their babysitter, teachers or new friends - don't be alarmed. Be creative and bake deserts or make gifts if you are good with arts and crafts.

7. Consult with your ex. Talk with your ex-spouse to make sure your children are not asking for the same gifts and are not trying to use guilt and as a way to get more gifts from both parents because you are divorced.