Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Economy

The economy is a tricky thing that at times makes perfect sense and others...well not so much. Articles here help you understand what is going on in the economy and how it affects your wealth.

Working Hard For What You Want – New Jetta Ad

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Have you seen the latest commercial for the new Volkswagon Jetta? In the ad (called Moonighting), the main character, Tom, is working as a nurse (? I think) and he sees some ads for the new Jetta.  He then goes through the classified’s and proceeds to take on a number of jobs in order to afford the new car.

Here is what we see Tom doing to earn money:

  • Nurse – what appears to be his regular job.
  • Golf ball collector at a driving range – you know the guy that drives the little car that gets hit with golf balls.
  • Self-defense dummy – you see a group of women beating up on him while he wears padding.
  • Dog walker.
  • Dresses up as a hot dog and hands out ads for a food joint.
  • Bicycle cab driver.
  • Rodeo clown.
  • Nude model.

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It’s Still A Good Idea To Buy A House In This Economy

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The New York Times, in their Your Money section, recently ran an article titled In Defense of Home Ownership. In the article the author, Ron Lieber, takes to task the notion that now is a horrible time to buy a house.  He mentions that despite the bad housing news we hear, stocks going nowhere, and unemployment not getting better, now can still be a good time to buy.

Here are his cases where home-buying can still make sense:
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Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Signed Into Law

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On July 21st, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a sweeping overhaul of Wall Street (the largest such overhaul since the Great Depression), aimed at preventing future economic collapses like the kind we have experienced in recent years.  The Act will also look to add protections for consumers.

From President Obama: “Because of this law, the American people will never again be asked to foot the bill for Wall Street’s mistakes”

Here are the highlights of the Reform and Protection Act:
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Wedding Questions With Anja Winikka Editor At TheKnot.com – Presented By Married On MySpace

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I had the pleasure to interview Anja Winikka, editor at the well-known wedding website TheKnot.com. We discussed affordable weddings and how the current economy is affecting wedding decisions.

Hope you enjoy!
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Car Allowance Rebate System – Cash For Clunkers

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In late June President Obama signed into law the the Car Allowance Rebate System or as it’s also known: Cash for Clunkers. This is a program that encourages people to trade in their cars for more efficient models.  It also helps to stimulate the economy (similar to the first time home buyer tax credit) at a time when car sales are lagging.

The program runs from July 1st through November 1st 2009.  Cars traded in during that time could be eligible for a credit of either $3500 or $4500 depending on the car and the increase in mileage the new vehicle provides.

[Read more about the Cash for Clunkers program]