The US is facing a critical period in the exponential growth of debt. How far will we sink before we start swimming, again? One can only wonder what the future holds. Could the nation go into total bankruptcy? This informative graphic contains information about what could happen in coming years.

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The US state of Oregon is 11th on the list of US states when it comes to the issue of foreclosures. This is as of the data emerging for the 1st quarter of 2010. There were as many as 12,076 notices of default as well as other such activities related to foreclosures in this state. This was a whopping increase from similar incidents over the same period in 2009 by 14.5%. This means that one in every 135 households in Oregon was affected by foreclosures. This is not a very healthy sign as it shows the extent of the effect of the recession which is forcing house owners to give up their lien on their houses due to foreclosures and related activity. This was a little less than the national average of one in 138, but it was dangerously close to the figure, which is really not that good.

As far as the US as a whole is concerned, around 932,200 auctions were held, which is a huge 16% rise over the last year. The severity of the foreclosures was also up, which bodes ill for the economy as a whole. All of this shows the enormity of the problem and the fact that all is not well as far as the US economy is concerned.

Many Americans fall within the stats for an average person declaring bankruptcy. Do you? With common causes for filing bankruptcy including income reduction, over-extended credit, and job loss, it seems that no one is safe from the shock waves being sent through the nation. Read this infographic to learn more.

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The real estate industry has never had to so bad. After all, the sub-prime crisis is what it all started with and that is why people are scared of anything to do with realty. No wonder you see so many companies in the real estate space just about falling apart and filing for bankruptcy, all so often. The latest victim in this jamboree happens to be First community Village which is a not for profit housing complex for senior citizens. This is a community that fell into problems due to an expansion plan and it wants to go in for Chapter 11 in order to circumvent the effects of the financial troubles that it currently finds itself in.

First community Village wants to get into a kind of re-structuring plan whereby it can make good its debts and also restructure and reorganize the business so that it can become a unit of the National Church Residences which is based out of Upper Arlington. This is an organization that is committed to furthering the cause of senior housing as well as health care. The entity has assets close to between $50 million to $100 million and around $90 million in debt. There are a few creditors who want their dues to be settled at the earliest leading to the chapter 11 filing.

There was a plan to start an Entertainment district in downtown Phoenix. But it seems as if the recession will claim another victim in the form of this Entertainment district. Te plan has run into financial troubles because one of the lenders had sent a notice to the developer. The company that was created to administer the loans of Mortgages Ltd which was due to the Chapter 11 reorganization that was taking place. The plan was supposed to have 20 blocks of mixed used buildings and while it was touted to be an Entertainment district it never really took off the ground and no construction ever took place.

The talk of the project wound down due to the global recession and it is quite in doubt that the Entertainment district will ever see the light of day. There have been a lot of discussions and meetings that have been going on in order to kick start the project. But if nothing takes off and there is a morass it could very well be shelved and the project could go into foreclosure. It certainly seems as if any talk of development and entertainment seems to be frivolous. These are just the signs of our times.

There are many who are clamoring for financial reform in the US. The events of the last 2 years have amply indicated this burning need that one cannot afford to ignore or neglect. This is also something that the US Chamber of Commerce has been calling for because it is not too late to get things going and the situation under control of things start moving fast on financial reform. The Senate is scheduled to vote on Financial reform bill that will help to prevent a repeat of the financially disastrous events of 2008 that are still being felt in the US economy in terms of job losses, depressed demand and recession.

The chamber of commerce is also strongly and firmly opposed to setting up of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency that is poised to create another layer of useless bureaucracy and which would make it tough for people and companies to get badly needed credit. The body is calling for an independent agency or bureau that would not be under the direct control of oversight by the Fed. The new bureau should only regulate financial firms and not small businesses and enterprises like dentists of retail stores who would qualify to giving credit if they accept money in more than 4 installments. This is quite ridiculous and would not really help matters as they stand.

Pulse racing, nerves on edge, breathing quickens as you walk up to that lovely woman or handsome man. You gather your thoughts and introduce yourself, “Hi, my name is…” Introducing yourself takes a lot of courage in the dating world. But like any other skill you need to practice it, refine this ability so that you feel confident and secure. How can you improve on these skills? First, look into the local events such as singles nights at the bars and clubs or restaurants running appetizer specials in their bar area. Once you have found an event you like, go to the event. Secondly, think about some non-divisive topics to talk about when you are introducing yourself. Being prepared in the dating world will help boost your confidence and ease your nerves. Lastly, smile confidently as you charm your way into the dating scene.

For many singles, breaking the ice on a first date can be a terrifying experience, but what do you after you get that date? How do you navigate the dating field? You are dating this special someone,  but need to keep an eye on the bottom line. Again, don’t rule out singles events even though you are dating someone.  These cost effective events can ease the strain on your wallet. Also consider scheduling your dating activities in the afternoon when you can get into matinee shows at a cheaper ticket price. Many restaurants offer early bird specials which will let you and your dating partner eat well for a fraction of the cost later in the evening.

Dating can be an expensive and potentially nerve wracking experience. If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to break the ice and save money in the dating world.

Prepaid credit cards are an economically smart and secure method of managing your money. In addition, with so many prepaid options to choose from, you can be sure there’s a prepaid card that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer to have your cash directly deposited to your prepaid card, have cash transferred via wire service or PayPal or opt to have funds added to the card at one of more than 100,000 authorized locations, it’s your decision. Whatever method you choose, you control how much money is added and how much you spend.

Shop online, pay bills—it’s all hassle-free!
Prepaid cards offer the buying freedom of credit or debit cards, but without the interest charges and overdraft fees. Still, you can shop with confidence knowing that prepaid credit cards are accepted by all retailers that accept credit and debit cards, so you have the freedom to shop without all of the hassle and worry.

Access your account online anytime!
With free online access to your account, you can track your spending at anytime. View your account history, spending history and spending summary and determine if the spending limit you set works for you. If you want to add more or less funds, you may do so whenever you choose. You set the limit and you have complete control.

Improve your credit score
Using a prepaid card is also a terrific way to build your credit history. Simply use your prepaid card each time pay your rent, utilities and other bills and you’re safely building your credit history. Only payment information will be added to your account, so potential creditors will be able to see your payment history and make lending decisions based on that history and your credit score.