MetaFilter posts tagged with money and banking

Neil Barofsky reviews TARP

Joe Beese — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:30:10 -0800

Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, says: If the goal was to increase lending, well we haven't increased lending. ... Banks that were too big to fail are bigger than ever. ... When TARP was announced, the whole purpose was a statement that we're not going to let our large financial instiutions fail. And with that I think we may be in a far more dangerous place today than we were a year ago. (via)

Dating A Banker Anonymous

ColdChef — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:54:37 -0800

Dating A Banker Anonymous Are you or someone you love dating a banker? If so, we are here to support you through these difficult times. Dating A Banker Anonymous (DABA) is a safe place where women can come together – free from the scrutiny of feminists– and share their tearful tales of how the mortgage meltdown has affected their relationships. Via

Food cartels - haven't we seen these before?

Mutant — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:55:05 -0800

Oil's got one. So does cocaine. There used to be one for light bulbs and another for uranium. While we know one currently exists for diamonds, some folks think the music industry has one. An effective cartel needs both product homogenity and a relatively limited number of suppliers. Standardised products offer consumers price reductions driven by economies of scale and supplier substitution effects. However a relatively small number of suppliers of any commodity gives rise to the possibility of price fixing and collusive behaviour. Supplier actions threatening financial disadvantage to consumers can occur in any industry, however who would not view food cartels negatively? We last saw food cartels in the 1990's [e.g., but not limited to lysine [.pdf], citric acid, vitamins A & E ]. Aggressive antitrust actions, coordinated across the EU and America, effectively levied fines in excess of $10 billion dollars on some 167 international cartels [.pdf] operating at the time. With global food prices already at record levels, will any good come from Thailand's moves to organise a rice cartel? While some are skeptical this (latest) effort will succeed, comments from government spokesmen "With the oil price rising so much, we import expensive oil but sell rice very cheaply and that’s unfair to us ..." aren't very helpful to already nervous consumers. The idea of a rice cartel isn't new; India suggested forming a rice, tea and sugar cartel in 2000, only to have the initiative die due to the difficulties of controlling rice production.

50 fun facts about banks.

jbickers — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:05:50 -0800

50 fun facts about banks.

Now That Ain't Workin', That's The Way You Do It

fandango_matt — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:19:42 -0800

Art Money is an alternative, worldwide currency in the form of original works of art. The Bank of International Art Money is an independent organization directed by artists and free from any form of government financing.

They're only in it for the money

Pressed Rat — Tue, 26 Oct 2004 08:27:28 -0800

Your Check Won't Float As of Thursday, October 28, "floating" checks will become a thing of the past. Be forewarned or stand by for major insufficient funds fees on your accounts. More info inside.

When she sees the SIZE of your bank balance, she'll be digging YOUR

Pericles — Sun, 08 Jun 2003 10:11:45 -0800

When she sees the SIZE of your bank balance, she'll be digging YOUR "gold" in no time! Today's Independent on Sunday newspaper carried the story of these fake ATM receipts showing a balance of $314,159.26.

"After you write your number on this receipt (conveniently folded in your wallet), hand it to the member of opposite sex and watch how fast they call you!"

Tragically, they look nothing like UK ATM receipts, but it had me wondering - what's the lowest-down dirtiest line/ trick you (sorry: I mean, a friend of yours) ever pulled in an attempt to impress a member of the desired sex?

Horror at the ATM

grahamwell — Wed, 02 Apr 2003 02:21:54 -0800

My name is Rod and I can't handle Money. "You see, I never open my bank statements, ever. My only point of contact with my bank is through the ATM next door to the estate agents in Warminster. Even here, I never knowingly press that button which tells you what your balance is, and if I press it by mistake I screw shut my eyes." This is me. Is it you? What's wrong with us? Chrometophobes unite.

MeetMegan — Thu, 24 Oct 2002 07:33:11 -0800

Recent news reports have started me wondering about Swiss bank accounts and other offshore banking options. Whether you want to protect your assets, live tax free, incorporate with few regulations, launder money, or just escape from the US, an offshore account seems to be the way to go. Just make sure you don't get scammed.

starduck — Sun, 18 Jun 2000 14:48:49 -0800

Coinstar seems like a good idea, however, in the FAQ, they don't give the exact amount of the service charge. How odd.