2012

Jun 20, 2012

Money in the vault

There’s been much criticism of the Federal Reserve and the money they’ve been printing in the past few years. Some worry all these new dollars will eventually cause inflation to skyrocket. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t happen? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jun 19, 2012

Sam Pardue to lead CALS Academic Programs

Dr. Sam Pardue, head of the Department of Poultry Science at N.C. State University, has been appointed as Interim Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective July 1. He replaces Dr. Ken Esbenshade who is returning to the Animal Science Department after 11 years as associate dean. 

Jun 19, 2012

Banking changes

Banks have been in the news a lot in recent years. Many say the banking system was on the verge of collapse in late 2008, and partially as a result, major new financial regulations were passed by Congress in 2010. Not only that, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, we also are changing the way we interact with banks. 

Jun 18, 2012

Getting a good car deal

When buying a vehicle, everyone loves a good deal. In fact, haggling over vehicle prices is usually expected. But is there anything you can do, to put yourself in a position to get that sometimes elusive lowest price? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds to the question asked by his wife, Mary. 

Jun 15, 2012

Explaining North Carolina’s jobless rate

Before the recession, North Carolina had an unemployment rate near 4.5 percent. At the peak of the recession the jobless rate in our state reached 11.4 percent, seventh highest in the nation. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Jun 14, 2012

A return to the city?

There’ve been two great migrations in our history. The first was the movement from rural areas to the cities. And the second was the shift out of the cities to the suburbs. Now some analysts are saying we’re in the middle of the next big migration, a return to the city. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what they mean. 

Jun 13, 2012

Innovation fund announcement among highlights of gala celebration for Dean Johnny Wynne

Dr. Johnny Wynne, who retired this summer as dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was honored June 12 at a gala celebration at N.C. State University’s McKimmon Center. 

Jun 13, 2012

An inflation fix

There are many measures of inflation, and each has its pluses and minuses. Federal officials are looking at a change in the inflation calculation that could help our federal budget. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jun 12, 2012

Closing tax loopholes

There will undoubtedly be a lot of talk this year on the campaign trail about closing tax loopholes as a way to help fix the federal budget. What are tax loopholes? And how easy will they be to close? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jun 11, 2012

Bartering is back

There’s some evidence that bartering is making a comeback. Of course, with bartering rather than using money to buy something, there’s a direct exchange of products or services between people without any money changing hands. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether the rise of bartering is a response to our economic conditions.