Commentary/Opinion
You Decide: What Does The Fed’s Rate Cut Mean?
By Mike Walden Recently, the Federal Reserve (the “Fed’) cut its key interest rate — the group’s first rate cut in nine months. Although the reduction was modest — one…
Opinion: Popularity Is Precisely What We Want
By John Hood RALEIGH — What is the most popular state in the continental United States? You guessed it: our own North Carolina. That’s the headline from a recent YouGov…
You Decide: Is “Buy Now, Pay Later” A Good Deal?
By Mike Walden “Buy now, pay later” offers have been gaining popularity, especially among young people. They offer a quick and easy way to obtain what you want now. About…
Social Security Matters – Should I Claim Social Security Early Because It Is Going Bankrupt?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and…
Oldest Playground In Clayton To Get A Modern Update
CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is moving forward with an exciting upgrade at Donald “Clyde” Sinclair Park at 400 East Front Street. The playground replacement follows a comprehensive review…
You Decide: Is The Housing Market Improving For Buyers?
By Mike Walden Ever since the pandemic, the housing market has been difficult for buyers, especially for young and first-time buyers. Housing prices have been rising at a rate much…
You Decide: Good Or Bad Direction On Inflation?
By Mike Walden Inflation continues to be one of the top issues in the country. Although some prices have fallen, many are still rising and, what’s more troubling, are rising…
You Decide: Which Economic-Ism Is Best
By Mike Walden A renewed debate about the three -isms of socialism, communism and capitalism has been sparked by a proclaimed socialist candidate, who some claim is actually a communist,…
You Decide: Should You Be A Buyer Or Seller Of The Economy?
By Mike Walden As the major league baseball season reaches the midseason point and the trading deadline looms, teams must decide if they will be buyers or sellers. A buyer…
Social Security Matters – I’m Turning 70. When Should I Apply For Social Security?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: I have a very simple question: I will turn…
Opinion: Health Bill Shows All Is Not Lost
By John Hood RALEIGH — Are today’s elected leaders incapable of addressing public problems in a serious, respectful, bipartisan manner? If your answer is yes, I’ll concede that you have…
You Decide: Is The National Debt Still A Big Worry?
By Mike Walden When I recently reviewed my columns of past years, I was surprised I hadn’t written about “the debt” — meaning the national debt — in six years.…
