How to survive; 2008 - 2009 (bankrupt, 2010, foreclosure, credit rating)

[Wild Style]

Philip,

I NEVER thought Fort Lauderdale would roll out a train system because of how small town minded this place seems to be. However, this place has shocked me when its mass transit plan. Once I saw that, I realized, cities are starting to get it. I think (and this could be wrong) that the candidates Hilary and Obama are talking up infrastructure and alternative fuels for a reason. I believe they are going to do a FDR move and start investing more federal money into local and region mass transit.

I think this will be a golden age for us indeed. I do think this golden age will be preceded with a LOT of hard ships.

[cdelena]

There are continued discussions of light rail here where I live and it is unfortunate that adamant supporters backed by federal funds continue to ignore the facts. Light rail economics are simply dismal where improved bus service can meet the need at a lower cost with greater flexibility. Although trains work where there is very high density (the only financially self-sufficient system in the world is in Hong Kong) and minimal right-of-way issues, bus service can evolve as needed in a very cost effective manner. Electric busses served many areas in this country before the explosion of private auto ownership.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by cdelena

There are continued discussions of light rail here where I live and it is unfortunate that adamant supporters backed by federal funds continue to ignore the facts. Light rail economics are simply dismal where improved bus service can meet the need at a lower cost with greater flexibility. Although trains work where there is very high density (the only financially self-sufficient system in the world is in Hong Kong) and minimal right-of-way issues, bus service can evolve as needed in a very cost effective manner. Electric busses served many areas in this country before the explosion of private auto ownership.

^^ I have seen reports to the contrary. If I find the reports I will post them

[jimhcom]

" the Home prices will fall and keep falling, then stagnate for at least 4 years. Bargain hunting time (in about 2 years). Loans will suck as 7% will be the new ‘good fixed rate.’ But your total debt will be a few hundred thousand less if you buy during the stagnate period."

I agree with this statement, the real estate market downturn will be prolonged by goverment intervention and the recession/depression. I think that the predictions on commodities may be off base as they do not really take into concideration the increased world wide demand and the possible hyperinflation. I am not seeing much change in the type of vehicles most people are buying, like you saw in the 70's and 80's, and at the same time the demand for oil in asia is sykrocketing. On top of that, the Dollar is worth 30% to 40% less than it was 3 years ago so $100 oil today is equivalent to $65 dollar oil 3 years ago. I do not see much reason to be bullish on the Dollar as the goverment is driving the deficit to dangerous levels by bailing out Bankers and Wall Street, and continuing to lower interest rates. This mess is going long and painful. We have undermined the foundations of this economy and now it needs to be rebuild from the foundations up.

[recycled]

Good article, the author is not afraid to dish our bitter medicine. Most people turn down bitter medicine. I agree that real estate prices will ebb down to what they were in about 2001 in many markets. Most people who have real jobs don't make much more today than they did in 2001, especially if inflation is taken into account. If the giveaway loans that caused the housing hyperinflation of 2001-2006 are no longer available, how can people earning roughly the same that they did in 2001 be expected to pay much more for housing?
Energy and commodity prices are a bit of a different story. They run in cycles and are driven by more factors than any of us can count. I think energy prices may drop down a bit in the next year or so, just enough to put a dent in too many alternative energy projects from coming on line. That's the way all energy spikes in the past have worked. If the energy prices spike too high, too fast for too long, it really does cause a global reaction that works against the big oil exporters. They like to push the prices up for as long as the market will bear, and then watch the prices ebb lower to avoid crashing too many economies or encouraging too many alternatives to oil from taking hold.

[Thatguywho]

** bump **

written back in april.

What are your views now based on what has happened to real estate, oil, gold and silver, etc.
original link
http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/140497

Like to see if you keep the same views or different ones.


here is the next prediction article for the site also.

How to Survive the Great Stagnation of 2009 - 2015
www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/173345
October 1st 2008 What you may expect in the long term.

[texdav]

The places that are talking light rail are doing it because they see companies following their workers out of the cites where their workers live.Has liite to do with saving fuel really. Many cities have annexed as far as they can to try to keep a tax base. Many are faced with housing that does even break even in taxes verus services.

[oscottscotto]

Thanks for posting. That was a good read.

[trishguard]

Oil is under $60 a barrel Oil prices fall below $60 a barrel - International Herald Tribune

[Thatguywho]

Originally Posted by trishguard

Oil is under $60 a barrel Oil prices fall below $60 a barrel - International Herald Tribune

oil at alomst 40 a barrel today, dec 12th.......
metals dropping.
home prices falling
congress giving money to big business and doing nothing else
people who stayed in their homes getting a deal, those who left get nothing.
Dems won whitehouse

kinda close on those predictions. Kewpie doll anyone?