Abstract This paper examines methods whereby US homeowners' debt load can be reduced and ultimately eliminated while building wealth as homeowners. To this end, this paper provides an overview of the current financial situation facing many Americans, followed by an analysis of how some people have approached these dual goals. A summary of the research and salient findings are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
The Path to Debt Elimination and Wealth Accumulation Debt-Reduction and Wealth-Accumulation Strategies for the Whittingtons
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "On the one hand, the need for debt elimination strategies is more pronounced today than ever. Many American families that have worked diligently for years now find themselves little better off - or in many cases worse off - than they were a decade ago. In fact, in the United States, almost one-half of the wealth is in the hands of just 3.5 percent of the households, and the majority of the other households do not even approach the upper levels (Stanley & Danko, 1996). In this regard, Reich (2001) reports that, "The dirtiest little secret about the Roaring Nineties is that average working families gained almost no income, while their health care costs soared. From 1986 through 1997 (the latest year for which detailed IRS data are available), the average income of the richest 1 percent of Americans rose 89 percent, to $517,713" (p. 56). During this same period of time, though, the average income of the bottom 90 percent of Americans increase a meager 1.6 percent, to just $23,815 after all federal income taxes were paid (Reich, 2001). At the same time, healthcare costs increased even faster than inflation, a trend that especially affected middle-income Americans families; by the end of the 1990s, fully 44 million Americans lacked health insurance, almost 8 million more than those without health insurance a decade earlier (Reich, 2001). Furthermore, by the end of 1997, even those who were insured paid substantially more, through higher co-payments, deductibles, and premiums (Reich, 2001). Likewise, consumer debt because of credit card use is at an all-time high, and Brown (1999) suggests that, depending on their personal circumstances, consumers should first eliminate this source of debt as a debt-reduction strategy because of the exorbitant interest rates involved: "[Consumers] should carry out an aggressive debt-reduction strategy over the next three to five years in order to eliminate their outstanding debt. Otherwise the interest from their credit cards will erode the profits from any portfolio. Earning 10 percent to 12 percent on your investment portfolio and paying out 18 percent to 21 percent in consumer debt doesn't help you realize a profit on your portfolio, no matter how well you are invested" (Brown, 1999, p. 60)."
Abstract This paper examines the concept common to all systems of capitalism, that production should exceed consumption so that the nation's productive capacity is increased. The writer begins with capitalism as a political theory that traces its roots to the 16th century. The paper defines accumulation theory before continuing with an explanation of Laws of Motion in Capitalism and finally providing a set of observations based on the texts and expert opinions.
From the Paper "The concept of "accumulation" as a political notion gives rise to two basic questions: a) Who should be allowed to accumulate? And b) What should be done with the accumulation? Certain nations, beginning in the 19th century began formulating principles of capital disbursement. Curiously, the man accused of being one of the most prominent enemies of capitalism, Karl Marx, was one of the most astute analysts of Capitalism, both in theory and in fact."
From the Paper Toward a New Theory of "Accumulation" in Multivariate Capitalist Economies
Part 1: Accumulation
One of the primary goals of Capitalism is the accumulation theory. Capitalism, as a political theory, traces its roots to 16th century, although similar theories existed in the ancient world, and pockets of capitalism were present during the later European Middle Ages and during the Tang dynasty in China (Anchordoguy, 1990; Johnson,1993; Murray, 1997; Reisman, 1996).
All of these systems of capitalism shared one concept: production should exceed consumption so that the nation's productive capacity is increased. Adam Smith's Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) saw a necessity..."
Abstract This paper discusses Red Tide - the common name for the blooming of certain species of dinoflagellata that have a reddish pigment causing the water to appear to be red when the massive numbers of dinoflagellates accumulate. The paper examines the dangers of Red Tide to human beings in the form of nausea, skin irritation and weakened immune systems. It also shows that Red Tide can be fatal to marine life, especially marine mammals. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of Red Tide on the fishing industry and the various things which are being done to try and control it.
From the Paper "Red tides have been completely unaffected by pollution, and finding a way to contain outbreaks has been a daunting task for scientists. Most recently, a Woods Hole scientist has been experimenting with using clay to smother the algae (Fairfield). This new method has helped protect the billion-dollar fishing industries in Japan and South Korea, and scientists are hoping it can protect the waters in the United States as well (Fairfield).
Until recently, the research has focused mainly on the toxins emitted, and the chemistry of the harmful blooms ? not on finding ways to control the blooms (Fairfield). While the United States isn?t a fishing economy per se, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate that the U.S. will lose more that $1 billion over the next ten years because of the toxic algae (Fairfield)."
Abstract This paper analyzes how human capital accumulation and the development of new products and technology, through investments in R&D, interact in the determination of economic growth by providing incentives for each other.
From the Paper "By merging these two theoretical frameworks, it is been man's ambition to construct a model of economic growth based on human capital accumulation and R&D which should ideally be able to produce predictions in line with the findings of the empirical growth literature. Empirical studies of economic growth have introduced a variety of explanatory variables to account for cross-country variation in growth performance, e.g. enrolment rates, human capital stock proxies, labor force participation rates, fertility, private and public investment rates, foreign direct investment, equipment investment, revolutions and coups, inflation, black market exchange rate premium, market size, and number of people employed in R&D activities (see e.g. Barro 1991, DeLong and Summers 1991, Backus, Kehoe and Kehoe 1992, Levine and Renelt 1992, Mankiw, Romer, and Weil 1992, and Blomstrom, Lipsey and Zejan 1994). The results from these studies can be summarized in three key areas of importance for growth, namely; human capital, investments, and variables related the business environment."
Abstract This paper explains that numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. The author points out that some of these factors are climate, precipitation, cultivation, degree of irrigation,and altitude. The paper relates that also very significant, especially for tropical and temperate forests, are the measurement standards applied.
From the Paper "Numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. Among those factors are climate, soil texture, soil cultivation, amount of nitrogen in soils, and the interaction of altitude and precipitation. Also very significant especially for tropical and temperate forests are the standards applied; not only do these studies use differing measurements depending on the ecosystem, but variations in measurements must often be used within a single ecosystem because of forest floor diversity (Schlesinger, 1977). One factor is geomorphological and/or hydrological instability in swamp and marsh, especially when edged by tree growth."
Abstract This paper reveals some of the normative standards for employee benefits through CAPs and profit sharing methods, proven by expert financial planners. The author points out that, in developing portfolios for mutual funds, segregated funds and pension plans, which look at long term investment as a solution for retirement, there is a greater focus on market competitiveness in relation to accumulating a slower, yet more conservative development of investment growth for employees. The paper relates that these approaches are the formats for CAPs and profit sharing plans, which are normative in developing employee benefits within corporate Canadian financial planning systems.
From the Paper "This financial study examines the Canadian employee benefits that reside within normative regulations for profit sharing and Capital Accumulation Plans (CAP). By reveling how employees can participate in stock shares, financial retirement planning and savings plans, one can divulge the way these benefits are implemented in Canada in current corporate structures. The use of CAPs to help employees within corporate financial policy has been a rising source of benefits in recent times. The use of investments to help build a stock portfolio within benefit plans is the main source of many accumulative' plans to build a future for a particular employee."
Abstract This paper explains that the poetics of Dylan Thomas and T. S. Eliot demonstrate the manner in which Thomas challenges and re-figures the previous aesthetic ideas of Eliot. The author points out that, whereas Eliot views tradition as a cultural accumulation of literary works within which the writer participates, Thomas shatters these historical bonds. The paper relates that, although both authors strive to achieve an emotional complexity and depth in their work, Thomas refuses the sublimation of the poet's personality to the literary medium by embracing the medium itself with the entirety of his personality and composition as an act of celebration rather than repression. The author underscores that, through his playful love of all the elements and structures of language, Thomas is able to achieve an emotional depth rooted in the medium of literature without the sacrifice of the poet's personality.
From the Paper "The value Eliot places upon tradition necessitates the depersonalization of the poet and the perfection of the medium of language to sufficiently express the concentration of the past and its convergence with the experience of the present. The personal experiences and emotions of the poet are too subjective to contain the enormity of what the present represents to literary history, so therefore he must engage in "a continual surrender of himself as he is at the moment to something which is more valuable." The poet is envisioned as a catalyst that collects and transforms his emotions and experiences into a new compound that is greater than the sum of its parts."
Abstract This paper examines the beliefs of Karl Marx, the co-founder of communism and also a philosopher, revolutionary thinker and economist. It shows how he was a student of capitalism and his seminal thoughts on the dominant political economy of his time (and ours) are as relevant today as in the hey days of Soviet communism and its ascendancy in several parts of the world. It shows how his theories about the accumulation of wealth by the capitalist, the "surplus value" and the monopolistic tendency of the capitalistic economy give us a perspective of capitalism that continues to make the works of Karl Marx relevant in a post-communist twenty-first century.
Outline
A Stage of Social Development
How Does Money Accumulate with the Capitalist?
Where Does the Capitalist Get the Capital in the First Place?
Why does the Laborer work for the Capitalist?
The Big Fish eat the Small Fish
Competition itself Breeds Monopoly
Political Influence of Large Corporations
Constant Improvement
The Rich get Richer
Excess Capacity: Looking for Space
Unemployment in Capitalist Societies: A Deliberate Ploy?
Will Capitalism Continue to Survive?
Constant Improvement
From the Paper "The Marxist explanation of Capitalism is based on the surplus value provided by the laborer to the capitalist that lets him to accumulate capital and make his profit. The question, however arises that why does the worker work for the capitalist instead of working for himself and keeping the surplus value. Capitalism, by definition is a system in which the producers are the employees and do not have the means to own the equipment and material needed to produce the commodities. Although in certain societies and cases the workers may be forced to offer themselves as labor for the capitalists through coercion, more often than not, the conditions in most capitalist societies are such that the laborers? own equipment and other resources simply cannot compete with those of the capitalist."
Tags: society, rich, poor, economy, communism, russia
Abstract This paper describes retirement planning as an ongoing process that a person needs to keep up with if goals are to be met. The paper contends that for those at or near retirement age, the planning process goes from accumulation of wealth to making the right decisions about assets. While one will still continue to accumulate money from investments, one will also be looking at using that money for day-to-day living expenses. The paper explains that the right choices are imperative in order to have the retirement lifestyle one desires.
Table of Contents
Early Financial Planning for Retirement
Financial Planning for Retirement: The 30s
Financial Planning for Retirement in Middle Life
Financial Planning for Retirement in the Later Years
Financial Resources for Retirement Planning
Social Security
Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans
Other Retirement Accounts
Other Resources
Retirement Strategies
Summary
References
From the Paper "Credit card debt should also be evaluated when one is in their 20's. Many credit cards have interest rates of 20% or higher. Over time, a concerted effort should be made to lower balances on these cards. Continuing to maintain high balances and high interest rates delays
putting money aside for retirement. Financial goals should be shared with one's partner. It is of critical importance that each person is involved in the planning and agree on what type of lifestyle he or she wishes. Once the goals are mutually agreed on, both parties should be involved in carrying out the financial strategies necessary to achieve those goals. Each person should know and understand which investments to have and why. This is a critical period to educate oneself about how to handle finances."
Abstract This paper attempts to show how, by analyzing greenhouse gas uptake via measuring the trunks of different ages of tree stands, an estimate of carbon content can be derived. It looks at how the amount of carbon dioxide present helps to determine the success of the regeneration of deforested areas and the effects of mitigating global warming. It tests the difference in carbon accumulation in different age stands of trees to see which is most helpful in carbon accumulation and aiding in the fight against global warming.
Outline
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "The data we collected is vital to the reduction of greenhouse gases and necessary decrease of global warming in this day and age. Awareness is key to this situation due to the fact that roughly 25% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from human activities come from the United States (Rubin et al, 1992). By knowing the proper means of reduction of carbon emissions, one can contribute to the conservation of the planet, and live a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining healthy young forests is crucial to reducing the effects of emissions. Carbon uptake is strongest in trees before 50 years of age. Therefore, deforestation and reforestation techniques are important in the window of time after this stage. By clearing out forests and planting new trees, carbon mitigation will increase again over the next period of 50 years."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the beginning of chronic renal failure, there are virtually no symptoms; however, the progression of the disease can cause an increase in blood pressure, an accumulation of potassium in the blood, an accumulation of urea, anemia, fatigue, an overload of fluid volume, cardiac arrhythmia and vascular calcification. The author points out that, at end-stage of renal disease, renal replacement therapy, such as kidney dialysis and even kidney transplant, is required to keep the patient alive. The paper relates that patients with chronic renal failure also have a high incidence of atherosclerosis, which usually accelerates at a faster rate, and of cardiovascular disease, which has a prognosis that is not as good as someone without chronic renal failure.
From the Paper "Sometimes, the levels of serum creatinine have not been measured in the past, and therefore the patient is often first treated as having acute renal failure. Only when blood tests continue to show elevated serum creatinine levels and it is determined that the renal failure is irreversible will the diagnosis be made as chronic renal failure as opposed to the previously assumed acute renal failure. A numerous amount of uremic toxins also accumulate in individuals that have chronic renal failure and are involved in the treatment of standard dialysis."
A detailed look at economics classic "An Inquiry Into The Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith- the division of labor, the mercantile system etc.
20,000 words (approx. 80 pages), 1 source, 2000, $ 249.95
Abstract This paper begins with a review of the division of labour as presented in Adam Smith's economic classic. The paper considers the causes and how it is beneficial to society. Next, the paper looks at the topic of price and value of commodities and it expounds further on labour and its recompense, i.e. wages, and on the profits of stock and the rent of land. This review is followed by a review of the nature, accumulation and employment of stock and a short description of the towns-country interdependency in the industry of countries. The paper concludes with an examination of the mercantile system, the colonies and the colony trade of the world's greatest nations, that followed the great discoveries at the end of the fourteenth century and fifteenth century.
From the Paper "The wealth of a particular people consists in the necessaries and conveniences that their annual produce supplies or provides them with the means to exchange for. The extent of that welfare depends on two basic circumstances: in the first place, it depends on the skill, dexterity, and judgement with which this produce is worked out, and secondly, it depends on the proportion between the number of those that are employed in useful labour and those who are not employed. The first circumstance is proved to be of more consequence; but the second, if it is proxied instead by capital, the stock of which has direct implications on the number of people employed in productive labour, is of no less interest and comes to the accumulation of wealth and growth of industry. Different theories have been put forward in the policies of the countries through the centuries in their strive to accumulation of wealth, but the mercantile, or commercial, has long been the favourite and its flavour is sensed in these days? economic policies too. To expose its inherent fallacies has been one major goal of the author of this book. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at the concept of "time series forecasting." It discusses its importance in the business world and how it can be of major benefit in problem solving and future projection needs. Working technical examples are provided.
From the paper:
"There is an endless list of areas in which collection, analysis and prediction of data is important. The world of business relies on the accurate calculation of sales figures, stock prices and interest rates, and meteorologists depend on precise measurements of expected rainfall, temperature changes and wind speeds. Disciplines as varied as farming, politics and medicine base every major decision on the results of the accumulation and analysis of data. Some of this information is collected on a one-off basis, especially when required to provide the solution to a specific problem, but in the majority of cases the collection of data is ongoing and reported at regular time intervals. These intervals may range from milliseconds to decades and the sequence of measurements made during these periods is known as a time series"
Abstract This paper talks about the roots of Child Labor Laws by examining the use of children as laborers beginning in the Middle Ages, through the Industrial Revolution and into the Victorian Era. It traces the abhorrent conditions these children faced, especially during the Industrial Revolution, where times where extremely difficult, through the Victorian Era the The National Child Labor Committee was formed, and strict laws were passed regarding children. These laws regulated and enforced working conditions, hours and ages that could be employed.
From the paper:
"It was thought to be a benefit for children to work, so they could get a head start on building a life for themselves. Poor children could contribute to society by working, and through self-reliance and determinism could break free from poverty.
"The prevalent attitude was that the laissez-faire economic system had made America great, and that any interference in the natural way of things was "unscientific, irrational, and unjust" (Trattner, 1970: 32). Social Darwinism also supported child labor and the lack of regulation. Society valued individualism and self-reliance, and saw any regulation of industry as obstructing a natural process that should be allowed to progress free of restraints. Each person should try their hardest to get rich, and nobody should interfere with a person's right to accumulate wealth, even at the expense of others."
