Why your hospital bill is so high

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:    From IV bags to chest tubes, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why even basic medical equipment adds thousands to your medical bill. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: June 28, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/06/27/n-medical-equipment-cost.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the way hospitals allocate costs in order to cover all operating expenses. Is this a form of insurance?… Read more »

Old school guide to money and marriage

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning.

Description:    Married residents of New York’s Amsterdam at Harborside retirement community share how they’ve dealt with money issues over the decades. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: June 25, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2012/06/22/pf-hd-old-money-marriage.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What personal financial lessons can be learned from this report that remain true for people today? How did people function… Read more »

Airlines Lift U.S.-To-Europe Fares By Paring Seats

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Description: U.S. carriers led by United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL) are shielding their lucrative trans- Atlantic business from the worst of Europe’s economic slump, after shrinking the supply of seats to support higher fares. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: June 28, 2012 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-28/airlines-lift-u-s-to-europe-fares-by-paring-seats.html Questions for Discussions: How have airlines planned and adjusted to market conditions? How… Read more »

U.S. Automakers Cut Retirees Loose

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Industry Analysis.

Description: General Motors (GM) is offering retiree Rick Knoth a check for more than a half-million dollars and he’s still unhappy. Yes, Knoth plans to take GM’s huge buyout of his retirement benefits, but says he may never buy another car from the company where he worked for 37 years. “During my career I was… Read more »

Encana probes collusion accusation

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  Encana Corp. has launched an internal investigation after the State of Michigan said it is examining allegations that the company worked with rival Chesapeake Energy Corp. to avoid competing in state land auctions for shale gas. Source: GlobeandMail.com Date: June 26, 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/encana-probes-collusion-accusation/article4368056/ Questions for Discussions: What are the financial implications for both… Read more »