Almost Here

While this weekend's college basketball NCAA finals are truly exciting, my eye is on the Brewer opener next Friday, April 6. A lot of pundits are picking the Cardinals to win the NL Central but I think the Brewers could actually be better this year than last when they won the division. Whatever, the start of baseball means summer isn't far off.

New Technology

On the back of my business card I now include a QR code which when scanned by a smart phone will automatically add all my contact data directly to your contact list. If you'd like to see what I've done, just e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep the benchmark Fed Funds Target Rate at a range of 0.00 - 0.25%. They also decided yesterday to keep the Discount Rate at 0.75%. They stated, "Labor market conditions have improved further; the unemployment rate has declined notably in recent months but remains elevated. Strains in global financial markets have eased, though they continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook."

Home loan rates will continue to be at historical lows. However, the bad news is that those on fixed incomes who depend on deposit interest income are negatively impacted.

Spring

We'd all like to think spring is here. But I fully expect we will see at least one more snowy blast.

It appears interest rates are going to remain at these historical low levels through mid-2014. At least, that's what Chairman Bernanke of the Fed leads us to believe. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced, you need to check with us. If your loan balance is over $200k and you can lower the rate 0.50% or more, it makes sense. For smaller loan balances you need more of a spread.

Rhetoric Continues

I listen to the Mitch Henck show on WIBA-AM each morning. I find his talk show one of the more sensible; not all the ranting and raving you hear on other talk shows. But the division of views in our state and country is still evident. It becomes difficult to really know who is right. Compromise is needed but it doesn't appear to be in the making.

Country Divided

For some time I have been bothered about the political extremes and the tension it has created in this country. Never have I felt the divisiveness I do now. Compromise seems so difficult to be reached in our state house or Washington. Here's a wild idea: An Obama/Santorum ticket in 2012!

Winter is Over

Regardless of the snow storms we will get this month of March, winter is all but over. What a winter! Now we get to Big 10 basketball tourneys; NCAA tourney. Great beginning to the spring.