Less than one-third of congregations reported a decline in giving for the first half of 2009, according to a recent study done by the Lake Institute of Faith & Giving at Indiana University and the non-profit research firm The Alban Institute. The findings are part of the 2009 Congressional Economic Impact Study and was based [...]
Is the worst recession in 75 years actually over? Some signs are pointing to “yes.” According to a report from the Associated Press the economy grew last quarter. In a report released by the Commerce Department, the economy actually grew, ending a record streak of four quarters of decline. It was the first growth experienced [...]
The UCLA Anderson Forecast says that the recession will end this quarter, but its negative impact will be felt over the next decade. The report points to huge consumer debt as the root of the recession and says consumer spending will be a key factor in its recovery. Senior Economist David Shulman says that economic [...]
Over the past few months I’ve seen lots of articles and reports talking about the impact the recession will have on population growth. On one hand experts predict a downturn in the baby boom since many are losing their jobs and will hold off on expanding their families because of a decrease in income and [...]
Just like bumper stickers, t-shirts often share funny, poignant messages about our times. Lately I’ve seen some great t-shirts dealing with money and the current state of the economy. Here are my five favorites: This “Broke is the New Black” t-shirt is $24 from Urban Outfitters. So you can’t be too broke if you want [...]
The New York Times is reporting that several banks have recently upped a host of fees. Everything from balance transfers to ATM withdrawals are costing customers more. Overdraft fees also continue to rise. The fees have recently increased by a dollar, which may not seem like much, but overall they’ve jumped several dollars over the [...]
A recent survey conducted by NationalChristianPoll.com for Christianity Today International’s Your Church Media Group reveals how the recession is impacting churches and how they are handling current economic conditions. According to the survey, 40% of those polled said that the recession has caused weekly giving to drop by at least 2%, while just 9% say [...]
More people are turning away from using credit cards during the recession, according to a recent study. But more people are using debit cards. And it looks like the trend will continue, with debit cards actually becoming more used than credit cards by 2012. According to CardData, purchases made using MasterCards and Visas have increased [...]
Over 1 million people in 6,000 locations around the country gathered for Dave Ramsey’s live simulcast event, Town Hall for Hope. Dave shared his message of hope– that it’s not found at the White House, it comes from God. Here are a few of the highlights from the event. Failure is OK Despite Washington’s promises [...]
It’s nearly impossible to avoid talk of the dismal economy, massive layoffs and plummeting housing prices. But even if you can’t help but hear about the recession, you do have a choice in whether you’ll be participating in it. I’ve seen a lot of talk lately from business owners and regular Americans choosing NOT to [...]