Forget Black Friday

Shop Small.  Small Business Saturday is November 26th. 

Michigan Supreme Court OK's Foreclosure By MERS

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that it is legal for Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) to foreclose by advertisement.  The ruling overturns a prior Appeals Court decision.  MERS was developed as a way to keep track of the servicing rights on home loans.  Though MERS is not a lender, they foreclosed on properties as an agent for lenders.  The Appeals Court had ruled that MERS did not meet the requirements under state statute to foreclose by advertisement. The decision threw thousands of foreclosures into question and caused many title companies to cancel closings due to concerns about insuring the title on a bank-owned home involving MERS.  But the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that MERS has an interest in the debt and acted properly under Michigan law.

Fannie Mae Wants $7.8 Billion More

Fannie Mae has asked U.S. taxpayers to cover $7.8 Billion in loses.  Those loses are for a THREE MONTH PERIOD from July to September (so you can be sure they'll be back asking for more every three months).  Taxpayers have ALREADY shelled out $169 billion to keep Fannie and Freddie afloat ($112.6 Billion to Fannie Mae).  And in the "Oh no you really didn't say that" category, Fannie's president and CEO Michael Williams actually said "Despite these challenges, we are making solid progress."  You believe him, right?   

Earning Cash With A Side Job

From Yahoo business advisor, 5 ideas for starting a side business:

Social sales. Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and Stella & Dot allow a flexible schedule and start up can be quick.

Freelancing. You may have a marketable skill that fills a need such as writing/editing, animal care, cutting hair, being a DJ, organizing homes, translation, video production, and mowing lawns.

Online stores. Selling items you make or collect.

Consulting. you may have an expertise that can fill a need. Consulting, tax preparation, personal finance advise, wedding preparations, Internet marketing, computer troubleshooting, public speaking, and interior design are just a few examples.

Teaching. Ideas include yoga instructor, fitness trainer, music instructor, foreign languages, academic tutoring, dance, etc.