Survey - Presidential Race & the Economy

I recently signed up for dNeero. A website that pays you for taking surveys. They even pay you for posting them on your blog or myspace page, when someone else takes the survey to.

The first one I took is political in nature. I am an undecided voter, but the race will affect us economically and should be watched. The poll allows you you answer questions based on specific to certain issues and doesn't ask who you would vote for overall. In fact, the two presidential questions asked ended up with two different candidates as my choice. Both are in my top 3 choices. So without further ado, here is the survey for you to take as well.

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The 2nd one I took is about holiday parties:

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takes a smart man

It takes a smart man to know he's stupid.

Pistachio Salad

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple

1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/2 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple and dry pistachio pudding mix. Fold in thawed whipped topping and marshmallows until well mixed. Refrigerate until chilled and serve. Nuts optional

Kroger Profit's Up

This afternoon the Kansas City Star reported that the Kroger Co., the nation’s largest grocery chain, profits rose 18 percent on strong sales.

It boosted its earnings forecast slightly for the full year, but the new forecast was still below Wall Street’s expectations. It also said margins on fuel sales were lower. Its shares tumbled more than 6 percent in morning trading.

Profit for the quarter ended Nov. 10 rose to $253.8 million, or 37 cents a share, from $214.7 million, or 30 cents, last year. Results include a benefit of undisclosed magnitude from resolving some tax issues, offset by lower margins from retail fuel operations.

Revenue jumped 10 percent to $16.14 billion from $14.7 billion.

Kroger a competitor of the regional company, I work for is the only grocery company in my portfolio and one of my largest holdings.

Kroger, which reported $66.1 billion in sales in 2006, operates 2,487 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners, including Dillons, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC and City Market.

New Advertisers

I would like to thank the 3 new advertisers that signed on to DebtFree4ever today. Debt Management, Commercial Mortgages, and Secured Loans. All 3 advertisers are targeting our UK readers. They each paid me $50 for the text link. With these new advertisers, I am now closer to my getting almost $2,000 in debt eliminated by the end of March 2008. Which also means I am with $50 of getting my insulation installation paid off by the end of this month (December 2007). Of course, I would love to see an additional $500 to get rid of my credit card paid off by the end of the year to. A lofty goal I know, but still a dream that I am shooting for.

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There is also an advertiser that signed on Sept 26, 2007, that I failed to thank at the time. KLLC paid $225 for the following ad on DebtFree4ever.

Many banks and credit debt companies which have piled up their stocks are expanding their personal and commercial services. On individual level, student loan services are being offered at nominal interest rates. While commercially, banks have really queued up to sell out the merchant accounts combined with a merchant card. Merchant account lets you accept the online payment through credit cards. Such services can now easily be availed through online bank.

I would like to thank each one of these companies for supporting my Debt-Free goals. With each of these supporters banning together, I will be able to reaching my goals.

The Storm

I may be a good driver but when I get on a snowmobile I'm someone else.

City of Tightwad

Perhaps you have heard of it. Perhaps not, but there is a small town in Missouri called Tightwad. It had a bank, until earlier this year, that was owned by UMB (United Missouri Bank). The bank though carried the Tightwad name, and people from California to Massachusetts opened checking accounts there just to have "Tightwad Bank" printed on their checks.

Well good news may be on the horizon.

A new Tightwad Bank would be the Missouri branch of the $13 million Reading State Bank in Reading, Kan., should regulators approve its application. The bank is headed by former UMB banker Don Higdon, who is Reading’s chairman.

Higdon acknowledged the application for a Tightwad branch but deferred public discussion of his plans until the approval process is complete.
- Kansas City Star

I have never been to Tightwad, even though I have family that lives near there. An Uncle of mine lives in another small town near Clinton and worked in Montrose, but that is as close as I have have been. Someday, I would love to actually visit the town myself.