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In-state tourism just shifts dollars around the state

Re: Tourism to the rescue, Aug. 31

Good article on in-state tourism. My main concern, from an economic development perspective, is that in-state tourism is basically shifting dollars from one expenditure item to another within the state. We are not "exporting" a service like out-of-state tourism and international tourism. Actually, overnight visitors have been relatively flat compared to last year - with increased revenues being, primarily, higher hotel and amenity prices.

Tony Villamil, CEO,

Washington Economics Group, Coral Gables

Want to predict a recession is coming? Here's one idea

Re: As yield curve flashes yellow, recession approaches, column, Sept. 7

I have sympathy with Carolyn Baum in her column. Wachovia chief economist John Silvia is not thoughtful in his comments about those believing in the curve as intellectually inert. His thoughts trouble me.

So will we see a recession in 2007? Actually, we will start this recession during the fourth quarter of this year. I have found a very simple, yet very accurate, way to spot an oncoming recession. The Conference Board publishes the Help Wanted Index on the last Thursday of each month. By comparing the current 12-month moving average of this index to its year-ago 12-month moving average, we get a percentage move up or down from the prior year's reading. When the current percentage change is worse than -8, the economy has entered into a recession. The July percentage change is -4.17 percent and should be worse than the -8 figure by October or November of this year.

How accurate is this indicator? It has been very accurate as far back as 1977 and correctly predicted the exact month of the last recession. The Help Wanted Index stood at 32 in July. If the next few monthly readings come in at 33 or below, we will have entered a recession in just a few short months.

James Blunden, Bradenton

Here's a formula to figure out your retirement needs

Re: Think you have a good game plan for retirement expenses? Think again, Sept. 3

As a financial planner, I read with interest the article on the subject. I do not question the logic and approach on retirement, (but) I believe that there is too much emphasis on the "percentage of income" as a rule of thumb for postretirement needs.

Many seniors get intimidated by the possibility of running out of money before they pass away, afraid to spend their assets.

I have a very simple formula:

Calculate your lifestyle expenses adjusted for anticipated changes because of retirement. Add all savings - IRAs, 401(k) and other investments. Add expected guaranteed incomes such as Social Security, pension and fixed annuity payments.

If projected expenses minus guaranteed income is less than 4 percent of the value of savings, the retiree is in good shape.

Depending on the spread, spend more or less on discretionary "dream" expenses. As the retiree ages, there may be less need to preserve the capital as the principal can be used.

This approach helps take out the emotion in decisionmaking.

Ramesh Parekh, CPA, Clearwater

Voters need to respond to rising energy costs

Re: Higher electric bills are likely, Sept. 2

In reading the article on how Progress Energy is going to raise rates come January, it is becoming easier to understand why so many people are moving out of the state. What would be a miracle is to have Progress Energy find ways to cut costs rather than willingly pass these costs off to the customers. The nuclear plant in Crystal River had to temporarily shutdown a week or so ago. In the newspaper article, officials stated they had to buy electrical power in order to keep Citrus County running. They stated this cost would be passed on to their customers.

I would like to know how they are maintaining their system to avoid these problems to reduce these added expenses.

This same scenario applies to the automotive industry. It is obvious the major oil companies are controlling our government. We read that Exxon Mobil reported billions of dollars profit in the first half of the year, yet nothing is being done to control the cost of gasoline and heating fuels. General Motors' solution to this problem is to advertise that many of their cars and trucks are getting more than 30 miles to the gallon. What they want us to do is to go out and buy a new $30,000+ vehicle rather than help reduce the cost of fuel so we can keep the fairly new vehicles we own.

I feel it is time the average citizen wakes up by voting in politicians who care about us and to boycott industries that are putting the squeeze on the working class. Remember, the large profits being reported by these major industries are coming right out of your pockets.

Michael Maksymicz, Beverly Hills, Fla.

Not everyone can print out Internet coupons

Re: Can clicking coupons replace clipping them? Sept. 3

I often think "Oh, I have to comment on this" and never do. I am so fed up with everything having to be printed out from the computer. I don't have a working printer and when I get e-mails offering me coupons, I am frustrated because I have no way of retrieving them. Reading the article about coupons eventually coming via e-mail got me mad. I am one who cuts coupons. When I finish cutting mine out, I pass them on to my friends so they can have the opportunity to use what they are interested in. I even send some to family up North when I have an envelopeful. They are greatly appreciated and used.

I am totally against computer-generated coupons. Keep the paper ones coming. In defense of those who do not have printers.

Claire Weinstein, Largo

Rewarding loyal shoppers will do good for Publix

Re: Publix slips in national ranking of grocers, Sept. 1

Uh hah! So I'm not the only one who has noticed that the prices are inching up at our local Publix Super Markets. Their weekly sales have not been giving us shoppers as good a deal as we used to get. This is summer and we should be buying certain items in the produce department dirt cheap. Other grocery chains are offering lower prices for their summer fruit.

Even so, I do 99.9 percent of my shopping at Publix. The quality of their produce is excellent and the selection of goods is top rate. It just makes me mad when I reach for a favorite item and the price is up another notch. Just a few short months ago, the Publix-brand banana popsicles were $1.49. Suddenly, the price was at $1.59. Now the banana pops are at $1.69. What's next? I don't mean to be so picayune, since it is only 20 cents. It is just the principle. Perhaps if the store did a little more for us loyal shoppers, it might return to its coveted No. 1 spot in the Consumer Reports' annual ratings of the nation's 54 largest food retailers. All we need here is a little more friendly competition.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater

[Last modified September 9, 2006, 21:51:24]