Dee Shore

Jan 9, 2013

Cash-only doctors

Some doctors today take only cash as payment. That is, they won’t accept health insurance for payment of services provided to patients. What are the pros and cons of this system, which used to be common years ago, but is definitely unusual today? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 8, 2013

Surging oil production

A recent report suggested that if present trends continue the U.S. could be energy self-sufficient by 2030. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what’s behind this prediction? 

Jan 7, 2013

Shadow banking

To many of us the financial world is confusing and is understandable as the weather on Mars. A term commonly used to describe part of the financial industry is shadow banking. Does this term describe people who lurk around street corners offering to earn you an unbelievably high interest rate on your investments? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 4, 2013

Benefits of bowls

Football bowl games are the cap to the college football season. Schools winning the games have bragging rights going into the next season. But are there broader impacts, beyond the field, from having a successful college football team? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 3, 2013

Predictive analytics

What’s predictive analysis, and why should we know something about it? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jan 2, 2013

Managing debt

Before the recession, people in the United States were up to their eyeballs in debt. For many, job losses and failing investments made that debt impossible to keep. Are households in better shape today? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 1, 2013

Who owns our debt?

There are many issues surrounding the national debt, including the question of to whom is the debt owed. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives the latest figures. 

Dec 14, 2012

Tax expenditures

In discussions about the impending fiscal cliff and moving the federal budget more toward balance, the term tax expenditures comes up frequently. Is this just another name for federal spending? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 13, 2012

Gas price trends

There’s been reason to smile lately because gas prices have been falling. Why? And will the decline continue? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 12, 2012

Better spending power

Economists and others are always looking for indicators for future trends. One indicator suggests consumer finances are vastly improved, thereby setting the stage for faster growth. What is this positive measure? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.