Weekend Reading – Sept 26, 2008

Written by FrugalTrader on Sep 26, 2008 filed under Interesting Links

It appears that over 50% 15% of homeowners with a mortgages in the U.S spend over half their income on housing. A bit on the high side don’t you think?

We’ve all heard talks of the big bailout and the markets react according to whether it’s going to pan out or not. It seems that they are currently at a roadblock, but are resuming talks today.

Consumerism Commentary explains the importance of diversification in the article “who do you blame when you lose $6 million overnight?”

Canadian Capitalist shows us how to pick a winning mutual fund.

The Dividend Guy Blog gives us The Four Most Important Metrics When Evaluating Dividend Stocks.

Blueprint for Financial Prosperity explains How To Use Safe Deposit Boxes.

The Simple Dollar lists The Twelve Biggest Personal Finance Mistakes People Make Over and Over Again.

9 Comments, Comment or Ping

1. Canadian Capitalist

Thanks FT! Have a great weekend!

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
2. nobleea

FT;

I think the headline “It appears that over 50% of homeowners with a mortgages in the U.S spend over half their income on housing” is misleading. The article appears to say over 50% of homeowners with a mortgage spend over 30% of their income on housing.”

According to the article, only 15% of homeowners with a mortgage spend over half of their income on housing.

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
3. Dividends Anonymous

The Dividend Guy’s post on what are some of the “Four Most Important Metrics When Evaluating Dividend Stocks” was probably one of my favourite posts of the week.

Good job on the Green Shift post giving both sides of the current/proposed plan. Sadly it’s not being discussed and will likely be decided on by how individual voters interpret the plan through the media coverage.

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
4. Gates VP

Yeah FT, nobleea has it:

the numbers are:
15% mortgagees spend 50%+ income on mortgage
35% mortgagees spend 30%+ income on mortgage

50% mortgagees spend 30%+ income on mortgage

FTA: But now an estimated 10 million homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth

20% mortgagees owe more on mortgage than the home is worth

(and I suspect that number is getting worse)

Thanks for the great links.

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
5. OilyGasMiner

Frugal,
Great sources, homeowners are being burnt left right and centre. We are living in an age where “savings” and a “retirement plan” are only a dream for the vast majority. We have bailouts in place to benefit institutions while consumers receive the blunt end of this “super plan”. The US trade deficit is rising at a rapid pace and is nearing the $7TRILLION dollar markSource . Almost sounds like we’re talking about a monopoly game here. Wait a minute… hmmm I think I’ll take Board Walk. Have a great weekend everyone.

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
6. FrugalTrader

Thanks guys, fixed the error!

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 5:43 pm
7. Thankful For Fools

It’s not completely unreasonable to assume those numbers if housing considers all the bills involved in maintaining a home.

I wouldn’t want to be int hat position, but I do know how I would be able to do it.

I always love more information on dividends though. I love the weekend reading, FT, thanks again.

Sep 26th, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
8. MultifolDream$

This number for US is shocking. It would be interesting to see what it would be for Canada.

Sep 27th, 2008 @ 1:18 am
9. Finance Guru

It is interesting to note that people spend over 50% on Mortgages. Looks like Finance 101 principles and caution are thrown to the wind

Sep 27th, 2008 @ 2:12 am