[flu189]

The seventh annual housing/wage report for Vt was released today and can be read at housingawareness.org and then clicking on the tab for Housing/Wage Report. It is an interesting compilation of statistics/data covering both ownership/rental as well as related economic indicators. The report should answer or raise many questions from residents and perspective newcomers alike.

[vter]

Nothing in there surprises me. Same story just about every year. I hope our legislators get the picture (not holding my breath). I don't plan on voting for my incuments in November.

[MTK1]

I will add that Burlington's Community and Economic Development Office just released their 2008 proposed plan for Burlington. Just about all the information in it is negative. I suggest anyone looking into moving to Burlington to read it. Crime is up, wages are going nowhere, small business is down, housing is not affordable, etc. One fact in the report I found interesting is that Vermont has the highest credit card debt in the nation and the average family is carrying $14,000 in credit card debt.

Consolidated Plan

[flu189]

Credit card debt will no doubt become one of the next flashpoints in the weakening economy. I know several people here in Vt who due to the lack personal financial knowledge and discipline are essentially bankrupting their futures. Reliance on credit cards to pay for escalating consumer necessities is going to drive more people into the hole. Combine this with the relative ease to be able to purchase virtually anything from your keyboard and it's not hard to see how the problem will only get worse. Another bad trend is the tapping into retirement funds to attempt to maintain lifestyles. Unfortunately the sum total will result in even more reliance on assistance programs.

[luv80s]

This was very interesting to read. Thank you for sharing!