While auto dealers across the country have certainly appreciated the influx of customers as part of the savings to be had in the Cash for Clunkers program, several dealers have expressed concern over the amount of time the government is taking to issue the rebate checks. However, Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood has reassured dealers across America, making it clear that dealers will be reimbursed.
 
Skepticism concerning the program has led several auto dealers to not even participate, while others have questioned whether or not they should continue with the program given the weakness of the economy and the need for cash …read more

My last post talked about the possible political “ruse” of slamming redeeming of US Treasury Securities by the social security system while at the same time advocating redemption by foreign governments. This ruse of creating a problem where there is none has nothing to do with whether or not social security SHOULD BE a government program. So, I asked one of my commenters to my original social security post, Alan Lidstone, what he thought about this. He responded by asking “who do you trust?”:
“The question you have to ask, [is this:] would you rather rely on the full faith and …read more

My post on social security drew an amazing response . While I simply, and innocently, introduced differences in two presidential candidate’s approaches to social security, the discussion opened many doors and, I’m sure, many retirement planning projects.
Most felt, as do I, that social security is a failing system that should not be depended on. Talk of “cultural mindshifts” to get people to take care of themselves and how changing demographics require a change in the system, were followed by a stunningly detailed response by Alan Lidstone (who didn’t leave a link or way to get back to him, sorry).
Alan wrote …read more