A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience
The smell of corruption is offending more than few nostrils
Futurist Thomas Frey: Recent attempts by Congress and the Federal Reserve Board to curb the excessive fees being charged by credit cards, banks, and finance companies have resulted in a punitive industry response with interest rates and fees climbing in almost every category. This action has resulted in nothing short of a full-scale revolt by a victimized-feeling public.
Continue reading… “The Great Bank & Credit Card Backlash”
Household usage of digital coupons has nearly doubled since 2005.
A digital revolution in couponing coupled with the belt-tightening of the recession have combined to make coupons cool among more than just those clipping the Sunday circular. Digital coupon usage is now firmly a part of the online shopping experience of millions of US consumers.
Continue reading… “88.2 Million People Will Use Digital Coupons in 2011”
All electric cars could have trouble getting a foothold in the U.S.
According to a USA Today/Gallup Poll nearly six of 10 Americans — 57% — say they won’t buy an all-electric car no matter the price of gas.
Continue reading… “6 of 10 Americans Say No to Electric Cars Despite the Price of Gas”
The world’s largest retailer reported the eighth consecutive quarterly decline at its US stores.
Wal-Mart admits it has been struggling to persuade shoppers to buy much beyond the necessities, as rising food and gas bills hit the spending power of US consumers.
The Fed rule on debit card fees could have far-reaching effects on how consumers spend and save.
The debit card battle between retailers and banks has reached epic proportions. The plan by lawmakers is to slash the fees retailers pay banks every time a shopper uses a debit card. Both sides are spending millions of dollars to convince lawmakers that they’re looking out for average Americans.
Continue reading… “What Effect Will the Cut in Debit Card Fees Have on Consumers?”
Sales tax is a a system that is now on the verge of collapse
Futurist Thomas Frey: As a general rule, extreme levels of complexity take a significant toll on society. The price we pay for complexity is far greater than the money involved. With upwards of 90,000 separate taxing districts in the U.S. sales tax has become an overly complicated system deeply entrenched in the fabric of society, but woefully out of touch with the times.
Continue reading… “Reinventing Sales Tax”
Futurist Thomas Frey, a keynote speaker, suggests planners take advantage of the ‘untethered marketplace’.
Since its inception in 2000, the FPA Retreat has always been sui generis: It is as much a gathering of like-minded financial planners who draw strength from communing with each other as it is an educational conference.
Continue reading… “Focus on the Future of Financial Planning at FPA Retreat”
Americans paying more for food and gas.
U.S. consumer inflation rises as Americans are paying more for food and gas. This trend that could slow economic growth in the months ahead according to a new report.
Continue reading… “Rising Food and Gas Prices Could Slow Economic Growth”
Futurist Thomas Frey: It wasn’t what I had planned on a 70 degree day last week when “springtime in the Rockies” was in full bloom. But I was on my way to the hospital, and over the next 24 hours I would learn much about a healthcare industry that is woefully unprepared for the changes that lie ahead.
Continue reading… “Rethinking the Future of Health Care”
The merger would leave just three major cellular carriers in the United States.
The proposed $39 billion merger of AT&T and T-Mobile could save the companies a lot of money. For everyone else, it could cost a lot of money. No sooner did the two companies announce a $39 billion merger on Sunday than industry analysts began assessing the impact on the biggest potential losers in the deal: consumers.
Continue reading… “Potential Losers in the AT&T and T-Mobile Merger: Consumers”
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is mulling a $100 cap to help combat new rules.
Banks discussing limiting caps on debit-card transaction sizes may have a standard bearer in J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., which is mulling a $100 cap to help combat new rules.
Continue reading… “Banks Considering Cap on Debit Card Purchases”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng[/youtube]
Social Media Revolution 2 – Based on the book Socialnomics by Erik Qualman
A fascinating, research-based look at the impact of social media on businesses and consumers around the world, and what’s in store for the future.
Continue reading… “Socialnomics – The Impact of Social Media Around the World”
