February 2013

Feb 20, 2013

Consumption tax versus sales tax

In the discussion about tax reform in North Carolina, two terms – consumption tax and sales tax – are being mentioned. Are they the same? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 19, 2013

JC Raulston Arboretum “Gala in the Garden” tickets now on sale

Delectable food, musical entertainment and a silent auction featuring unusual plants and an eclectic array of gift items will be showcased at the annual Gala in the Garden at North Carolina State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum. The public event will take place on April 28 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. 

Feb 19, 2013

Transforming the Future celebrated at CALS annual Donor Recognition

A snowy weekend did not daunt the more than 400 guests who attended the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ annual donor recognition event, Feb. 17. 

Feb 19, 2013

College grads lose less

The recession we’ve been through has been so long and so deep that it has touched virtually everyone. Yet the impact has not been felt equally. How has the recession’s impacts varied with a person’s education level? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 18, 2013

Job churning

If economic forecasters are correct, we will see over 2 million jobs created in the country this year. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, this doesn’t mean all existing jobs will stay in place and we will simply add 2 million to the total. 

Feb 15, 2013

YOU DECIDE: What are today’s best investment rules?

Investing can be confusing. Mike Walden offers time-tested rules for investing that make sense (and cents). 

Feb 15, 2013

The cost of electronic medical records

A long-standing recommendation for improving our health-care system and reducing costs has been to computerize paper medical records. This could save money by reducing storage space and increase efficiency by facilitating the sharing of that information by health-care professionals. But is there any evidence such outcomes actually occur? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 14, 2013

Borrowing from retirement

A report recently released found Americans have increasingly used funds from their retirement investments for daily expenses – and this is before they have retired. How are they doing it, and is it a good idea? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 13, 2013

Extension employees to be recognized during March 6 event

N.C. Cooperative Extension staffs will be recognized March 6 during N.C. State University’s Staff and Faculty Appreciation Day. Send in your staff photo, come to the game, or watch the game live and register for prizes. 

Feb 13, 2013

Borrowing more

There’s been much attention on the national debt and ways to reduce the government borrowing fueling that debt. But some prominent economists are actually recommending the opposite – more federal borrowing. What is their reasoning? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.