In previous years, marketing strategies involved companies utilizing direct mail as a source to reach consumers. However, it seems to be going extinct because of it’s lack of effectiveness and cost. Today, companies are using email marketing and other direct marketing sources as a way to reach new consumers. Many however are still planning on utilizing direct mail as a source to get new clients, however the other source to generate consumer is growing at a much faster pace. The bottom line is, the economy seems to be heading in the right direction, which means marketing budgets can start coming back to now generate more customers. Any other marketing methods that are seeing a downward trend from the economy? Mail can’t be the only marketing method being affected by the nation’s struggling economy? Leadpile is certainly seeing the affects of the economy and it’s traffic coming in, so maybe this is affecting all sources of marketing.

Is having bad credit preventing some people from being hired for positions that they would otherwise qualify for? According to some, this may be true.

In theory it has been thought that credit reports can give outsiders a glimpse into a persons reliability and honesty, however with the current economy and jobless rate, this might not be a fair way to judge or determine levels of responsibility. With so many people out of work and unable to pay bills, consistency in financial liability may not be as clear as it once was.

Credit checks may have some relevancy when hiring for positions with authority to spend, access to cash, financial responsibilities, or for an employee with the ability to access confidential information about other employees.These positions all need an individual who has proven dependability and honesty… of course, these are qualities that every employer looks for and hopes that their candidates of choice will hold, but does every job position constitute pulling a credit history? When does the line get drawn and personal information remains personal?

June 30th is the date that the Payday loan industry in Arizona will have to fight to survive past. The industry has many advocacy groups and local businesses supporting a bill that would allow the short-term loan companies to continue operating. Supporters of the bill believe that this economy has shown short-term smaller loans are necessary and not easily available from banks or credit unions; the lower dollar amount loans are helping a lower income or “fallen on hard times” part of the population.

In recent weeks, there have been talks on the largest debate surrounding the Payday industry, the interest rates. The interest rates are currently under a temporary exemption from the 36 percent, charging $17.65 per $100 borrowed for a 2 week loan; this exemption would expire on June 30th. The Payday loan lenders would possibly not generate enough revenue to cover overhead costs if capped at 36%, however this is the number that Representatives from the minority House Democrats would like to hold them to…

As these discussions continue and the debate grows, LeadPile will continue to keep you updated!

As the economy has began to rise out of it’s rut, companies have been hiring temporary workers to get them through without initially handing over the large cost of hiring full time workers. In the past, this has been a symbol that permanent hires are in the near future and that the economy is on its way back up, however this might not be the case this time.

According to msnbc.com economists and business people say that employers are lacking confidence that the economy will continue to get better. The current economy is believed to be fragile and unpredictable.
In the 90’s, temporary hiring launched the quick return of job creation and permanent hiring, as well as in 2003 this was shown once again. For people who are not employed, temporary jobs help feed families and give people pay checks who have been unfortunate and lost jobs.
In a time where to have any job is good news, hopefully the temp jobs will keep coming and eventually turn into long term permanent employment.

Apple seems to always be on top of being the most innovative company. With the touch screen iPhone being a huge success, it only makes sense that a touch screen computer was in the works. The new iPad is said to be able to access the internet faster than a regular laptop. This little gem is only about a half an inch thick and has a 9.7 inch touch screen. There is built in wi-fi with a flash memory (available in 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB), 3G wireless access, and is App accessible (which can be enlarged to fit the iPad). Let’s not forget about the hefty price tag that comes along with it, ranging from $499 – $829.
Whether it is the iPhone, Mac, or just and iPod, people seem to be Apple obsessed these days. Even here at LeadPile we are all on our iPhones and Mac computers to ensure that all of or work is being done in the most effective and efficient way. It is interesting how in a so called “struggling economy”, people always find a way to get the newest technology. I know that I will not be purchasing one of these iPad’s anytime soon, will you??

Opening a checking account with no required balance or no monthly service fees may be something that is soon going to be history. With the suffering economy, there has recently been lots of discussion and controversy surrounding overdraft transaction fees, as a new federal regulation is expected to eliminate them. To make up for these losses in revenue the banks are looking into adding additional fees to checking accounts to help fill the gap.
According to Bankrate.com effective July 1st overdraft coverage will be an opt-in service. “Banks that offer overdraft, or bounce, protection will send opt-in notices to customers explaining the service. Banks will not be allowed to charge a fee for paying an overdraft that occurs because of an ATM transaction or a one-time debit card transaction unless the customer agrees. The rule does not apply to overdrafts that occur through the use of checks or ACH transactions such as bill pay.”
Overdraft fees have affected millions of people during this hard time and often times can be looked at as making a hard situation harder. Here at LeadPile we connect consumers possibly needing help to avoid banking overdraft fees or late payments with payday loan lenders who can loan money for a period of time to get them through. We will keep an eye on any new developments with this and let you know when changes occur!

The last time I checked, everyone was still saying that we were still in a recessions. So why has there been a increase in smartphone sales and a huge push for big screen TV’s? Frankly, just because people want them. It is true that many consumers have been cutting corners here and there, but it is where they are cutting that is showing changes.
Most people find it very easy to switch from a name brand food to the store brand, or maybe hold off on that new pair of shoes that you have been eyeing in the store window. However, when it comes to electronics, it seems that consumers just don’t want to cut back. They buy the newest smartphone or upgrade to the new version without even thinking twice. This has been great for the technology companies seeing an increase in their sales even in the tough economy.
A lot of consumers are finding themselves trying to rationalize their electronic purchases. They upgrade to a large HD flat screen TV saying that they will stay in more and watch a movie, rather than going out to a movie. Even just switching from a regular DVD player to a Blu-ray player is something consumers are not thinking twice about. The next big electronic buzz you are going to hear about….3D TV. It really was only a matter of time before something like this was going to hit the shelves. 3D televisions are set to hit the shelves in most stores mid 2010, and experts are estimating there potentially to be 4 million sold this year.
The real question is if this is all really necessary? Smartphone are great. We use them at LeadPile all the time to get back to our clients when we are on the run, but a 3D television set? Really? I have a feeling they are not going to be as awesome as everyone thinks. What do you think?

In the current state of the housing market and economy, there are many homes being sold or auctioned for well below the value they would have been sold at 3, 4 or even 5 years ago. During the housing boom, prior to the poor economic state, large amounts of people attempted to make money by buying and then quickly selling new houses and condos. That kind of flipping came to a halt as the economy started to fall, and now the flipping is being fueled by bargains at foreclosure auctions.
According to msn.com, there are many risks with purchasing auctioned homes, as buyers often times have to make quick buying decisions without being able to inspect the house prior to purchasing. When purchasing these homes, bidders need to keep in mind the house may need repairs. Purchasing homes from auctions is a gamble in the fact that you win some, and you will loose some. Hopefully, the economy will continue to recover, and buying will continue to be something that is possible for everyone!

Many think of the new year as a time to start fresh and put the past behind you. This way of thinking may work in some circumstances, but in real life issues that is not always the case. Why you ask? Right when Americans think that the economy has hit rock bottom, it seems as if trends are going to dip down even further into quarter one of 2010. Homes are still expected to foreclose, banks are still going to hesitant about lending, and bailouts have still not personally touched consumers. With America still being on the downtrend, it is not a surprising that many consumers are still saving and spending less (either by choice or necessity).
It seems as if consumers are no longer embarassed, or think they are too good for using coupons, considering the redemption rate of manufacturer coupons were up 26% in the first three quarters of 2009. That is one of the many methods that consumers are utilizing to save a little money, along with not buying as many non-food items, going out for meals, and buying store brand products. Also, consumers have made changes like eating more chicken than beef because it tends to be less expensive.
With all consumer price cutting and shoppers being more aware of their purchases, are there any companies on the rise? Of course there are! As stated above, store brands are bringing in more revenue and are making sure that their shelves are stocked with their items. In some cases a store band product may be several dollars less expensive. Other types of companies that are doing well right now are the super stores (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, ect), dollar stores, and some online retailers.
Even though there are a lot of companies still in a down turn, it is nice to see that other companies and brands that may not be as popular, are now having THEIR time to shine.

October brought a change for the housing market that has not been seen in over 2 ½ years. Low mortgage rates and falling prices boosted home sales to the highest level they have seen in a very long time!
According to Yahoo homes sales are now nearly 37 percent above their bottom in January, even though they are still 16 percent below their peak in 2005. Analysts said gains mainly reflected the homebuyer tax credit, which has been due to expire on November 30 but has recently been extended until spring. Valid until April 30, 2010 the tax credit of up to $8,000 for first time owners, and $6,500 for people who have owned their current homes for at least five years.
Although the current low pricing is boosting sales, the overall economy is likely to benefit from slightly higher home sales.

September was the eight month in a row that the number of home sales rose. It is common knowledge that if you are planning to buy a home, now is the time. The rock bottom house prices and low finance rates are not the only reason that there have been a month over month increase in the market. The first time home buyer tax credit programs had a large influence in the matter. This program gives up to an $8,000 tax refund to the new buyers. Originally the tax break was supposed to end the first of December, but has been extended through the end of June 2010. The plan will also now help current home owners who have lived in a home for at least five years and want to move into a larger home. These individuals will receive up to a $6,500 tax refund. In addition, the income level has also increased. In order to be eligible, a single individual now can make up to $125, 000 and a couple up to $225, 000 per year.
So will this continue to keep the housing market on the rise and help the economy? Personally, I think it could both help and hurt. If the new home owners are smart and are buying houses that are well within their budget, then the increase in sales/increase in house value will be great for the economy. However, there could be a down side. If people are rushing into buying the houses and bite off more than they can chew, they might end up realizing they can not fully afford their house purchase and the foreclosures could start happening again.
For all you eager beavers out there, just remember that prices are still expected to decrease. With the home owner tax break now extended, you can wait for prices to drop a little more and save some money. Want to know if the housing market is supposed to increase or decrease in value where you live? Check out this link from CNNMoney.com

The generation gap between the boomers and younger generations is becoming more apparent and widening the gap even more with the effects of the recession. Dropping home prices and stock values give employed people in their younger years an opportunity to invest and purchase in ways that would not have been possible to them without the drastic decline in value from the recession. On the opposite end of this scale, the aging generations such as the boomers are taking a large hit, watching their homes and 401(k) accounts drop by huge percentages in value.
First-time home buyers being offered $8,000 tax credits, and the stock market at all time lows adds extra benefits for generation X’ers looking to get a head start. People in their 20’s or 30’s have plenty of time to get in now and watch their investments grow, giving them a huge advantage to someone in their 50’s or 60’s looking to retire.
According to msnbc.com the Consumer Price Index has recorded a rare drop over the past 12 months, 1.5 percent. The decline for many goods and services has been much greater, allowing young people to put even more money into stocks and housing.
For those who are fortunate enough to have remained employed and have the opportunity to invest have a great advantage….For those who have been working all of their lives to retire and now are faced with hard decisions and losses, it feels as though they are being taken advantage of. It’s scary to think that even the best layed out plans could turn bad.
Recently there has been enormous amounts of discussion surrounding Payday loans, and the push by some to get rid of this option. With the economy in the state that it is, and people’s budgets and financial futures in question Payday loans are the stepping stone to help people get from point A to point B. They may not be the perfect solution to the problem, however at the time, they may be the only.