Canada and Mexico vs the US: A Visual Comparison

So close, and yet so far. Tied together as much by geographic proximity as by NAFTA, Canada, Mexico, and the US are dependent on each other for much of their economic well being. Understanding the differences and similarities between these co-dependent economies can provide you with a compelling picture of how various factors play into a country’s economic status. To paraphrase Alice in Wonderland, you might be wondering what the use of a chart without scale or numbers is. But before you decide that we’ve gone too far down the rabbit hole, consider that our infographic is designed to provide a sense of relativity and scale. It’s an at-a-glance view of the most important economic dimensions of the US and our nearest neighbors.

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The Barter Economy Returns

With trust in the world’s currencies at its lowest point in recent memory, bartering has reemerged as a possible solution to the credit crunch. All but forgotten, bartering predates any modern form of currency, and arose naturally in the ancient world as the primary means of economic exchange. Today, there are a number of barter systems in place alongside replacement currencies that operate on a local level in cities or small rural villages. Whether these approaches come from a hot Web 2.0 startup or a tiny Thai village, they are changing the economic landscape. Here’s a look at some of the most promising.

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Mint Map: Real Estate By State

We don’t recommend you try to time the housing market but, if you’re in the market for a new home, it helps to pay attention to its cyclical nature. When times are hard, prices drop and the market becomes more attractive. When more people get in, prices naturally rise. While there are still deals to be had, this map shows that some of the regions that were hit hardest by the housing crisis in 2007 and 2008 have begun to bounce back in early 2009 with increased sales numbers. Depending on where you live, the housing market may be in either a boom or bust cycle. Is now still a good time to buy?

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Visualizing the US/China Trade Relationship

Like it or not, the US and China have a trading relationship that has global repercussions. The plastic US flags that say Made in China don’t tell the whole story. No, not everything is made in China. In fact the US manufactures and exports almost as much as China but it consumes a great deal more. Hence, the trade imbalance. What’s interesting is exactly what the US imports, stuff like machinery and toys and as much steel and iron as it does shoes. And what we export — high-tech stuff like airplanes and medical equipment and, for some reason, 7 billion dollars worth of oleaginous fruit which is used to make cooking oil, presumably for Chinese food. Here’s our visualization on the US/China trade relationship.

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Mint Map: Income by State

With unemployment rates soaring, the days when you could be assured of finding a job in your preferred location are long gone. In these times of economic uncertainty, you may be forced to relocate, either to chase a new employment opportunity, or to reduce your living expenses. Before you do however, you’ll need to carefully weigh the balance between your earning potential and the cost of living in the city or region you are thinking of relocating to. The high cost of living in some states, particularly those on the east and west coasts is largely offset by the fact that there are more high-paying jobs.

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Is Your Bank Working For You or Against You?

Now that taxpayers have bailed out the banks, they are on your side, right? After all you’re not just a customer anymore, you’re an owner. But perhaps their responsibility to you as a “shareholder” is overwhelming their responsibilities to you as a customer? President Barack Obama met banking executives at the White House Thursday where he demanded clarity, transparency and an end to what he termed as “abusive” rates and fees, especially from financial institutions bailed out by the Trouble Asset Relief Plan (TARP)

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7 Reasons Why Now’s the Time to Buy a Car

Sure there are more economical options out there. Using public transportation, carpooling or moving closer to where you work are all cheaper than buying a new car and greener besides. But if you really need a new car, there has rarely been a better time than right now. As a consumer in the midst of a recession at a time when automakers are struggling to survive and move vehicles, the deck is stacked in your favor. Why is right now such a good time to buy?

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China vs United States: A Visual Comparison

Whether the United States and China like it or not, the economic futures of both countries are intertwined. Everyone knows that China’s got more people and that its importance as an economic superpower has escalated in recent years. What you might not understand is how the differences between our countries, in economic philosophy, in population, in geography and in how the military is built and paid for ultimately play into the entire economic relationship. Here’s a visual comparison based on data from the CIA World Factbook.

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US and China — Two Peas in a Pod

China wields tremendous power, thanks to its more than one trillion dollars invested in US government debt. On the flipside, the health of the US economy is crucial to the success of China’s economic growth, given the demand for cheap goods from American consumers. For more than a decade, both countries have benefited from this arrangement, but now in the midst of the global financial crisis, leaders are raising questions about its long-term viability.

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How to Turn Unemployment into an Opportunity

Great things can happen during the most challenging of times. It may seem difficult to find a silver lining during the worst economic downturn in more than a generation. But if you’re out of a job, or fear your job is slated for the chopping block, retreating into paralysis will do nothing to speed our economy’s recovery. So this is a perfect time to turn a new page in your career and embrace the vast possibilities of reinvention.

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