Author: Dee Shore

Jun 21, 2012

Another job indicator

Job creation and the unemployment rate are two common measures of the job market, but there are issues with both. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses another job market indicators that economists track to give us some sense for how hard it is to get a job. 

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

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

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. 

Jun 8, 2012

Investing in a college degree

In today’s economy, is spending money to obtain a college degree worthwhile? And if so, are there caveats to that generalization? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers, pointing out factors prospective college students should consider as they decide whether college will work for them.