Do you think the rally has stalled?

Question:

The stock market really hasn’t moved too much one way or another for a few weeks. Do you think that the economic rally has stalled?

Answer:

I think that it has stalled for now, but that could be due to the poor reports coming out about unemployment. If you look at other factors such as retail sales (which were up for the past month) then the economy is doing a bit better in the way of consumer spending.

I think over the next few months, the rally will continue but it will be more gradual.

Do you need to have a buying agent when you go to buy a house??

Question:

When you’re looking to purchase a new home do you find it easier to have an agent represent you and help you complete the transaction?

Answer:

There are a lot of new houses just sitting on the market along with many used homes up for sale. Most of these houses are listed with an agent who is known as the listing agent. They represent the seller and will do what’s right for the seller.

Do I think that you need to have a buying agent to represent you if you’re buying a home? No, but should you have one to have someone on your side, yes.

When we bought our house we didn’t have a buying agent, but the sellers listed the home for sale by owner. It was quick and painless.

Would you be willing or have you ever shopped online for your prescriptions?

Question:

Buying medicine at the pharmacy (like Walgreens or CVS) is expensive when you don’t have prescription drug coverage. Have you ever considered shopping online for your prescriptions?

Answer:

I believe that as long as the pharmacy was reputable and had a good track record there is nothing wrong with buying your prescriptions online. As a matter of fact, I think that would be a much better way to go if you are extremely busy. Recently, I went to pick up a prescription for my husband and waited in line for 45 minutes because there was one (very old) man working the register and several people waiting in line. This was at a Wal-Mart pharmacy and the line wrapped around the pharmacy and into the beauty section. It was ridiculous.

Paid Writers – We have started looking into various implementations for the paid writers program that will be coming soon. We have not decided fully on the compensation amount or type but it will be one that rewards experienced and repeat writers over one time writers.

The paid writing program will also be a restricted one, in which it will not be available to everyone. Writers will first have to pass a screening process in order to be allowed into the program. The program is being designed to reward quality over quantity.

Could you go without a car?

Question:

I’m sure the answer will be “I already do” or simply “Yes” if you live in a big city, but what about the suburbs or even rural areas? Could you go without a car?

Answer:

Ha. This one is pretty funny, after all, there was one point in time when cars didn’t exist. However, I have been without a car at one point in time and it was quite difficult to find a ride from place to place for the months I was without a car. I suppose what was even worse was being able to look at my car and know that I couldn’t use it (in the summer of 2006 my car was in the shop all summer and I wrecked it in September 2007).

Living in the “suburbs” of a small(er) city makes it extremely difficult to go without a car. I live 6 miles from the city and there aren’t any bicycle paths to get to and from the city, just a two lane highway (oh, the joys of living in Mississippi). There is a public transit system, but only within city limits.

What would you give up to have a highly customized credit card?

Question:

Perhaps the real question is what kind of concessions would you be willing to make on things like APR and benefits to have a card that is uniquely you?

Answer:

I would rather have an ugly card than to have to worry about my 30% APR or not having any kind of benefits from the card. I have seen where people have to pay higher APR’s on the cards that have a cute picture of their cat or dog or kid just because the credit card company went through the “trouble” of putting a customized picture on the card. This isn’t always the case, but, like I said, I would rather have an ugly card.

So the truth is, I would not make any concessions when it comes to my credit cards and how they look. I never see my credit cards anyway because they’re always stuck in my wallet. If I’m at the gas station, I use the blue one. If I’m at the grocery store, I’ll use the red one. This is how I know my cards.

Would you start your own business if you couldn’t find work?

Question:

If you are one of the millions of unemployed people in the United States (or anywhere else in the world) would you try to start your own business in order to make work for yourself?

Answer:

While this website didn’t exactly start out that way, since I finished college and had a hard time finding a job this has become my full time job. I even realized that I was worth more writing for the site than I was working full time at the department store. That basically means it would cost more for us to hire someone to write as much as I do a week than I was making working there.

I really enjoy working on this site and really hope it can go on for awhile.

Do you avoid places and situations where you are pressured to buy something?

Question:

There are a lot of places out there that are hurting for sales. The problem has gotten to be where I know that I avoid places that use high pressure sales tactics like the plague. Do you ever try to avoid these places and what would you do to change them?

Answer:

I believe that people are inherently turned off by high pressure sales tactics. No one wants to be pressured into buying something they aren’t ready to buy or get into a situation where they feel bad for not buying something (I do this sometimes). Nor do they want to get into a situation where they feel as though they have to get a credit card. So, if someone feels as though they have had an overly pushy sales person, they are much less likely to return to the store. This is just my opinion though.

Even passive sales pitches are something that irks me a little. Here’s a real example of what I’m talking about:

After Chris and I got married my insurance company sent us a card to congratulate us. I thought it was so thoughtful, until I opened it up and it said, “Congratulations! Have you thought about getting a life insurance policy?” This company has been pushing the life insurance policy on me for 5 years, and I’m not going to change my mind this time.

I think that a lot of places need to realize that when someone is shopping, they really do have something in mind. As a good sales person you can lead them in the direction they need to go or open them up to ideas that they may have not thought of, but pressuring them into buying something they don’t want is not going to win you any brownie points.

Is a four day work week ideal to you?

Question:

Some employers are opting for a four day work week to help with the loss of profits from the recession and they are choosing to go this route instead of firing some of their staff.

How do you feel about a four day work week and would you be willing to try it out even if the recession wasn’t hurting business?

Answer:

I think we’re all programmed to want to work as little as possible but be paid the same. When it comes down to it, I would rather have the salary for that extra day than have the day off.

However, I may be in the minority because according to an article from Time Magazine, 17,000 workers in Utah have been trying out the four day work week and have really grown to like it.

Do you agree with the “mutual decision” of Eric Schmidt leaving Apple’s Board of Directors?

Question:

Yesterday Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, announced that he would be stepping down from Apple’s board of directors. Do you agree with the move?

Answer:

I do because Google has too  much interest in the products and innovations coming out of Apple. Even if Schmidt were to excuse himself from every single meeting when a competing product came up, he would be nearly useless when it came to make board decisions. The seat is better suited for someone else at this time.

I don’t think he should have been on the board for as long as he was. I think that he should have left the board once Android went into development.

Do you need to have a buying agent when you go to buy a house??

Question:

When you’re looking to purchase a new home do you find it easier to have an agent represent you and help you complete the transaction?

Answer:

There are a lot of new houses just sitting on the market along with many used homes up for sale. Most of these houses are listed with an agent who is known as the listing agent. They represent the seller and will do what’s right for the seller.

Do I think that you need to have a buying agent to represent you if you’re buying a home? No, but should you have one to have someone on your side, yes.

When we bought our house we didn’t have a buying agent, but the sellers listed the home for sale by owner. It was quick and painless.

How do you feel about the Amazon Kindle?

Question:

The Amazon kindle is such a popular device that it sells out almost immediately. It also carries a pretty high price tag and the use of the device is fairly limited, how do you feel about it?

Answer:

I don’t know that I would ever own a Kindle. It is a bit too “one tasked” in my opinion. There really isn’t anything it can do that my computer can’t (other than be not backlit). Besides, I really prefer to have a book in my hand and read it if I want a book.

If I’m going to be reading a book, I don’t want to sit there and look at a computer screen. Besides, if you get on an airplane you can’t read that while you’re sitting on the runway. The other day while I was sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off, I could read my book, but the lady next to me couldn’t read her kindle until we were in the air.

How much are you paying for electricity this summer?

Question:

This summer, so far, has been strange. Much of the Northeast has seen very wet weather and it’s pretty cool there too. It’s been ridiculously hot in the Mid- South.

With the (kind of) strange weather, how is your electricity bill looking and now does it compare to last year?

Answer:

I live in Mississippi and it’s been hot. Every time I watch the news, the same three words come up: Hot, Humid, and Hazy.

Our electric bill is actually very similar to last year’s prices. We own a 3 bedroom 1200 sq. ft. house and it was around $120 last month, which was the same as last year. We try to keep the house between 72 and 75 degrees and I try not to use the oven too much in the summer at all.

If you had a choice where would you retire?

Question:

While people are losing jobs and portions of their retirement funds have been wiped out, is there anywhere in particular that you would like to retire to, or have you changed your retirement plans?

Answer:

I recently read that Panama is the “new Florida” as far as retirement goes. Thanks to cheap, and good quality, health care and the low cost of living, Panama has become a great place to retire to.

I would consider moving to another country once I retire, but that is a few years away and I have a lot of time to think about it.

What do you think the new unemployment numbers mean for us?

Question:

A few days ago, some really unimpressive unemployment numbers came out. The figures showed that unemployment was actually on the rise rather than falling like people thought they would. What do you think the new numbers mean for us and the economy?

Answer:

I think that the unemployment numbers will fluctuate for awhile no matter what is happening on “Wall Street.” The stock markets have been on a rise (even though it has hit a bit of a  plateau recently) and consumer confidence numbers are also up (along with consumer spending). It will just take time for employment numbers to catch up.

Are you any more likely to buy a Hyundai with the Price Assurance policy?

Question:

Recently, Hyundai has been advertising their “price assurance” policy which states that if you lose your job you can return the car without any negative effect on your credit score. Now, they are even offering to “pay” you monthly for six months.

With these new measures in place, are you any more likely to buy a Hyundai?

Answer:

I am more inclined to look into a Hyundai car but wouldn’t necessarily say that I would choose it over Honda or Toyota.

However, for the price, Hyundai’s (in my opinion) are great cars. You are definitely getting more for your money with that company than many other companies.

Will you boycott GM?

Question:

Some right wing conservative talk show hosts and commentators have been criticizing GM for accepting (and asking) for funds from the government. Now they are calling for a boycott of the company saying that any money you spend at GM is money against the free enterprise system.

Will you boycott along with these commentators?

Answer:

I, personally, will not boycott GM for this reason. I have my own issues with the company and I think right now if the right wing commentators want a free enterprise system then they should spend their money at GM so the company can pay back the government…it’s likely that won’t happen though.

How long should Bernard Madoff spend in jail?

Question:
Bernard Madoff’s attorney just sent a letter to the judge in the case who will be sentencing Madoff asking that he receive 12 years in prison because his life expectancy is only 13 years.

How long do you think he should stay in jail?

Answer:

I think that if he could pay back all those investors, then 12 years is fine. However, some of those who lost all their money have since committed suicide and if they’re dead, then they can’t be repaid.

Now, I understand that anytime you invest in the stock market it is a gamble, however, there is a big difference between a gamble and having your money flat out stolen. At least with a gamble, you have a chance.

How would you start looking for work after graduation?

Question:

I want to do something a bit different for this pitch. After all the advice and opinions I have given over the past year, I would really like to hear from you.

Today was my last day of college. I am now a card carrying member of the unemployed. Living in a college town is obviously the first thing that I have to do to try to find work, but what else would you suggest?

I now hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing communications. My emphasis was in broadcast public relations.

My business elective classes included services marketing and investments.

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Answer:

This is completely up to you guys. I would love to hear from everyone! Please leave a comment below.

Do you think that President Obama’s speech in the Muslim world will help or hurt the United States and its relations with that part of the world?

Question:

President Obama gave a speech while traveling abroad at Cairo University. The speech was meant to help fight some misconceptions about the United States and its views on Islam. Do you think this speech and visit help or hurt the U.S. relations and how people in that part of the world view Americans?

Answer:

From what I see on the news, I don’t really think anything can help when it comes to extremists, just as no matter what anyone says or does, there will still (sadly) be people in the United States who fear and hate Muslims because of 9/11 even though it was a very small group of people who participated in the events.

However, when it comes to the everyday people in the Middle East who aren’t religious extremists, I think that the trip helped to fix some misconceptions that they may have had.

This is, of course, just the first step in a line of many that will help the United States’ image to the people of the Muslim world.

Would you buy a car from a dealership that was going out of business?

Question:

Since GM and Chrysler both announced they would be closing almost 2,000 dealerships between them, would you buy a car from one of the dealerships that you knew would be going out of business?

Answer:

I don’t know that I would. In a small town, there is only one GM dealership. If it were to go out of business the next closest dealership is almost an hour away. At the same time, there are also Toyota, Ford, and Nissan dealerships in my town. If I had to have my car serviced, I know (at least for now) those dealerships aren’t having the same hardships that are facing Chrysler and GM and will likely still be around.

At the same time, I know that those companies will likely still be around in whole. So if I was determined to purchase a car from that COMPANY, I would.

*Image from Shazam791′s Flickr

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How can Sprint and the Palm Pre compete with AT&T and the iPhone?

Question:

With Sprint coming out with the Palm Pre in just a month or two, what does it need to be able to do to directly compete with the iPhone?

Answer:

In my opinion the Palm Pre will be Palm’s saving grace. The Centro has enjoyed some very positive publicity for the company, who could really use some good publicity right now. Sprint also needs the phone to do well and is hyping it up to be the greatest phone to ever come to the carrier.

The phone itself needs to be able to do everything the iPhone can do and more. It HAS to be fluid in gestures, meaning no lagging between applications. It has to be reliable and be generally easy to use.

This phone is positioned to be the make or break phone for Palm. Hopefully, everything will go right for Palm and Sprint and this phone will be the huge success they are hoping for.

Rick Wagoner is gone and GM’s fate is unknown. So here’ s the question was it the right move for GM this late in the game?

Question:

Many have said that every since Rick Wagoner became GM’s CEO & Chairman, GM’s quality has lacked and GM has stayed behind the pack on fuel economy. This has caused GM to lose market share to foreign auto makers like Toyota and Honda. Now that GM needs the government bailout, was the government asking GM to ask Wagoner to step down the right decision to helping GM’s path to profitability?

Answer:

The decision for Rick Wagoner to step down was the right decision. He has led the company into a hole that it may not be able to dig out of. GM has already proven that it can’t dig itself out of the hole and needs the government’s help just to stay in business.

Furthermore, he oversaw the new business plan that the company sent to Washington outlining GM’s new business model. The new model was rejected.

GM is left with a new CEO and 60 days to “get it right” or face failure. The new CEO has already said that bankruptcy protection is a very real possibility for the company and that may be the path GM needs to go down to becoming a profitable company again.

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