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Cash-only doctors

Economic Perspective

Jan 21, 2013

The value of a good boss

Most people who have worked have had bosses, and moreover they have had both good bosses and bad bosses. What do bosses really do, and is there a quantifiable value for a good boss? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 18, 2013

YOU DECIDE: What state policies can boost economic growth?

Mike Walden discusses actions North Carolina public leaders can take to spark economic and job growth in the state. 

Jan 18, 2013

Payoff of bail-outs

The federal government’s financial assistance to several large financial firms in 2008 and 2009 was very controversial. Supporters said the investments would be paid back. Have they been? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 17, 2013

The debate over right-to-work

Michigan is the latest state to have a very vigorous debate over a right-to-work law. What does this debate involve, and why is it important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 16, 2013

The Fed’s targets

The Federal Reserve made history recently: For the first time, it linked its monetary policy to specific economic goals for the country. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what they did and why it’s important. 

Jan 15, 2013

Medicare challenges

Medicare is the large federal program that helps pay medical bills for people over age 65. Most plans to fix the long-term federal budget involve some changes to Medicare. But as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden points out, those changes wouldn’t be easy to make. 

Jan 14, 2013

Time to buy?

Sometimes, says Mary Walden, it sees we try to make the economy overly complex. An example: buying durable goods such as vehicles, appliances and furnishings. “I know that one thing that motivates me to purchase these products is how old my current model … is. Am I being overly simplistic?” Her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, answers. 

Jan 11, 2013

Wealth update

Changes in household wealth have been a key part of the economic roller coaster the last few years. Recently we received the latest reading on household wealth, and N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says the numbers are encouraging. 

Jan 10, 2013

Paying for the debt

If you divide the current level of the national debt by the number of people in the country, each person’s share comes to over $50,000. Does this mean one day we will all get a bill in the mail for $50,000? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

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.