By Kiara Withers on 27-06-2011
The new home market strengthened slightly in May but only to the top of the range where it has been stuck for two years. However, the existing home market softened further with continuing declines in sales, prices and a rise in the inventory of homes for sale to 9.3 months, far above the 5-6 months that is the top of the normal range. Homebuilders cut their inventory to a new record low but still are not price competitive with distress sales of existing homes. Short sales, discounted sales to avoid foreclosure and sales of foreclosed homes are about 1/3 of total existing home sales. This lowers prices and keeps most potential home buyers out of the new home market.
This bleak situation is unlikely to improve noticeably for several months, given the May drop in consumer confidence and the probability that the cleaned up foreclosure process will soon produce a spike in discounted bank owned homes for sale.
Regionally, there are a few markets which have modestly rising home prices, near normal inventory and appear to have a sustained rise in housing starts.
Read more…
By Seth De Rougemont on 27-06-2011
Consumers who are looking for ways to save every penny and earn interest on every dollar can open an interest checking account to boost their income.
At Ally Bank, customers can open an Ally Interest Checking Account with multiple benefits in addition to earning interest on their bank deposits. Customers with a balance of $15,000 or more can earn 0.90 percent APY; balances under $15,000 earn 0.50 percent APY.
Ally Bank Interest Checking Account benefits include:
- $0 fees
- $0 deposit and minimum balance requirements
- Free online banking and bill pay
- No ATM fees
Compare rates and terms on interest checking accounts online to find the best deal for you.
By Kiara Withers on 26-06-2011
Thousands of small businesses could be faced with financial difficulty as they get hit with backdated energy bills, it has been warned.
Energy providers can backdate small business energy usage as far as six years leaving many with unexpected large bills to pay.
According to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), energy companies are abusing their relationships with small businesses in a way that would never be allowed for the general public. At present, energy companies can only backdate bills for one year for domestic customers.
Once small businesses have received the outstanding bill, energy companies can demand immediate payment.
The ACS is campaigning for Ofgem, energy regulator to end the rule that allows energy companies to treat businesses in this manner and limiting backdated bills to 12 months.
Read more…
By Kiara Withers on 26-06-2011
So you’re in charge of other people. Your job includes their jobs. Your success includes making them successful. Congratulations. And good luck. 
That means you have to set expectations and follow up with encouragement, advice, collaboration, and honest evaluation of results.
Your full job is inspiration and feedback.
If you just provide inspiration, that’s maybe half your role.
If you just provide feedback, that’s maybe half your role.
If you provide only positive feedback, and no negative feedback — you want to be everybody’s friend, well-liked — you’re only half a manager.
If you provide just negative feedback, no positive — you don’t let them get away with anything — you’re only half a manager.
And half a manager is way worse than no manager at all.
By Seth De Rougemont on 26-06-2011
Wells Fargo Houston Westheimer St
8607 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77063
Wells Fargo Phone Number:
713-785-5343
Wells Fargo Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 07:00 AM-06:00 PM
Sat 08:00 AM-02:00 PM
Sun closed
Wells Fargo Drive up Hours:
Mon-Fri 07:00 AM-06:00 PM
Sat 08:00 AM-02:00 PM
Sun closed
Additional resources regarding Wells Fargo Bank and Wells Fargo Houston branch services and bank products are available.
To see the latest bank checking account products and information from Wells Fargo and other banks as well as current checking account promotions visit Checking Account Promotions or Best Checking Accounts.
To locate more Wells Fargo Bank branches please see Wells Fargo Locations.
By Seth De Rougemont on 25-06-2011
Opening a savings account and signing up for automatic transfers from each paycheck is one of the best ways to develop a regular savings habit and build an emergency fund.
SmartyPig, a free online savings management tool, offers customers an opportunity to set savings goals and then link the SmartyPig online savings account with an external checking account or savings account for automatic transfers. Customers earn 1.35 percent APY and can make additional deposits at any time.
This type of financial tool works well for meeting specific savings deadlines for a vacation or a wedding or a down payment fund. Funds can be redeemed by transferring to an external account or getting a prepaid debit card.
Compare savings account terms and rates to find one that meets your needs.
