The good news is that Floridians' personal income rose throughout 2008, even in a recession. Unfortunately, income didn't keep up with inflation so we couldn't enjoy it. ...more

March 25, 2009

The good news is that Floridians' personal income rose throughout 2008, even in a recession. Unfortunately, income didn't keep up with the inflation rate so we weren't able to enjoy it. ...more

March 24, 2009

During your working years, you put money away, hoping that it will grow enough to help provide you with a comfortable retirement. But once you retire, haven't you reached your goal? You don't still need to invest for growth, do you? ...more

January 30, 2009

If the government didn't deny it, I'd swear they were trying to get rid of U.S. savings bonds. ...more

September 11, 2008

This wasn't supposed to be the year of the angry taxpayer. In January, Florida voters passed Amendment 1, which promised property tax relief on several fronts, including nearly doubling the homestead exemption. ...more

August 30, 2008

As prices for crude oil and other commodities ease, consumers have gotten a small dose of relief at the gas pump. But don't expect less pain at the grocery counter. ...more

August 25, 2008

The policy debate within the Federal Reserve is growing sharper. On one side is Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, who is opposed to raising interest rates even though consumer prices have gone up 5 percent over the past year. ...more

July 30, 2008

There's a debate in the media about the recession. ...more

July 25, 2008

County commissioners on Tuesday set a tentative tax rate of $5.43 per $1,000 of property valuation for the 2008-09 fiscal year, the same rate homeowners paid this year. ...more

July 24, 2008

County commissioners on Tuesday set a tentative tax rate of $5.43 per $1,000 of property valuation for the upcoming 2008-09 fiscal year – the same rate homeowners paid this year. Property owners will, however, save an estimated $115 each in the coming year, however, thanks to statewide property tax reform, a slow economy and a trimmed down budget of $980 million. Homeowners in August will receive notices from the property appraiser showing their estimated taxes for the coming year. Those in the county's fire and rescue taxing district also must pay 99.6 cents per $1,000 as well as school taxes, water district and mosquito control district fees and other assessments. Those in municipalities pay local taxes. ...more

July 23, 2008