Mike Walden

Apr 14, 2017

You Decide: How Is Economics Involved In Health Insurance?

The health care debate includes many elements. NC State University economist, Dr. Mike Walden, presents examples of how economics is involved in health insurance and then you decide how – or if – they can be addressed. 

Apr 10, 2017

Economic Perspective: Is There An Age Demographic Sweet Spot?

There is a saying that demography is destiny, meaning that the age composition of the population determines much of what happens in a country. Is there an optimal age composition for a country? 

Apr 3, 2017

Economic Perspective: Financial Challenges For Baby Boomers

The baby boomer generation is quickly moving into retirement. One of the biggest challenges associated with retirement is the financial aspect. How does the baby boomer generation look in terms of being financially prepared for retirement.? 

Mar 31, 2017

You Decide: Why Did We Move Away From Self-Sufficiency?

In prior generations, self-sufficiency was the way of the world. Life is much different today. Most of us rely on buying food in supermarkets, purchasing clothes in stores and our houses built by contractors. People have generally traded self-sufficiency for being really good at one thing for more income and the ability to trade for goods. Is this progress? 

Mar 27, 2017

Economic Perspective: Can Price Searching Reduce Health Care Costs?

Economists believe consumers benefit from competition in the marketplace. However, how does that apply to a marketplace as complex and intricate as healthcare? NC State University Mike Walden looks at some of the factors in the field. 

Mar 20, 2017

Economic Perspective: The Size of the Federal Government

The size of the federal government and its spending remains a highly debated subject. But over time, as economies grow or shrink, how should one measure the size of the federal government's spending? NC State University economist Mike Walden presents a few examples on how to measure this subject. 

Mar 17, 2017

You Decide: Are We Asking Too Much Of The Fed?

The Federal Reserve – for short, the “Fed” – is again front and center in the news. Some say the Fed has been trying to do too much. Specifically, critics point to two actions the Fed continued long after the immediate crisis of the Great Recession passed. Do we only want the Federal Reserve to intervene in the economy when the financial system is in trouble? 

Mar 6, 2017

Economic Perspective: Is It Better For The Dollar To Be Strong Or Weak?

People have asked before whether it is better to have a strong or weak dollar. Is there a situation where one is more beneficial than the other? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at both sides of the topic. 

Mar 3, 2017

You Decide: What Is Your Local Economy?

North Carolina has a lot of local governments with over 100 counties and 552 municipalities in the state. Many people identify with their nearest local government, particularly when it comes to the economy. But do local economies start and stop at county and municipal lines? 

Feb 27, 2017

Economic Perspective: Will Home Buying Rebound?

The percent of households who own a home has been sliding for a decade. It currently sits at around 65 percent. Is the decline in home owning part of a long term trend or is it temporary? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the issue.