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State pensions

Author: Dee Shore

Sep 2, 2010

Time for a new 401K?

A popular way for workers to save for retirement is through 401K plans, but with the drop in the stock market during the recession many people lost a lot of money in their 401K, which prompting the joke that their 401K was now a 201K. Should there be changes to this retirement program? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses debate surrounding this issue. 

Sep 1, 2010

Peanut field day takes place Sept. 9

N.C. State University scientists will present the latest research results related to peanuts during a field day set for Sept. 9 at the Peanut Belt Research Station in Lewiston-Woodville. Precision farming, economics, crop conditions, disease and pest management, and variety development are among the topics. More info: href="http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/news-center/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2010/09/Peanut_10.pdf">PDF 

Sep 1, 2010

The new growth report

The quarterly report on the gross domestic product, or GDP -- the gold standard of reports taking the economy's pulse -- came out recently. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the latest numbers. 

Aug 31, 2010

Spending shifts

Electronic products such as cell phones, computers, and digital video disc players have become a part of most household purchases today. Have we seen these purchases change people's spending habits? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden explains the results of a recent analysis. 

Aug 30, 2010

Now’s the time to sign up for CALS study trip abroad

CALS' Agricultural Institute is offering an international agribusiness, law and culture tour that will take participants to England, France and Wales from March 5 to 13, 2011. It's open to CALS students, parents and alumni as well as faculty and staff. More information is available in a PDF that's available online. 

Aug 30, 2010

Fears of deflation

Economists have been using the d-word -- deflation -- more frequently. Deflation means that prices are falling; what can be wrong about that? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 27, 2010

Tax-free holidays

Shoppers in North Carolina got a break earlier this month: During the first weekend in August no sales tax had to be paid on lower-priced clothing, school supplies and certain computers. What is the purpose of these tax breaks, and what is their impact? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 26, 2010

Business incentives

Before completing its short session the North Carolina General Assembly approved a new group of business incentives. These incentives are used to attract new businesses by reducing their tax payments to the state. How can the state afford this kind of program? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden lends his perspective. 

Aug 25, 2010

Different views on health care

Although the legislative battle over health care is complete, the debate continues. Part of this debate stems from different ways of looking at the role of health care in our economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden summarizes the competing views. 

Aug 24, 2010

State pensions

State pensions are important to many workers. In North Carolina state and local government workers as well as teachers rely on state pensions for their retirement. But there is a looming problem in many states where pension funds might run out. How serious is this issue? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds.