Stuff I'd rather not think about....but do

*The National Association of Colleges and Employers says that less than 20% of our 2009 college graduates who applied for a job had a job at graduation.  For 2008 - it was 26%.  For 2007 -  51%.   

*Las Vegas  remains #1 in foreclosures.  Let's make that statement a little more relevant.  In April 2009, 14,703 foreclosures were filed for Las Vegas alone.  Doing the math, that's 490 families A DAY that lost their homes.  Get this - that's down 18% from March.  On average, over 500 families A DAY have lost their homes in Las Vegas since January 1st, 2009.  And keep in mind, the most likely reason that April was less than March is the moratoriums on foreclosures by Fannie Mae, et al, and banks simply repossessing properties versus foreclosing.

*Property values have fallen so much in Las Vegas (30-60%), a new trend shows some homeowners who are "upside down" on their mortgages (owe more than the current value of the house) are purchasing a new home at a  record-low  price and then letting their current home foreclose.  Alot of people can make their monthly payments, but why do that when you can get the same amount of house for half the money?   Hmm...for every house sold another foreclosure?  Can you say "vicious cycle?"

*Various commentaries are out there about the "real" unemployment rate.  Since official unemployment figures are based on people receiving unemployment benefits, many feel that the official rate should be at least doubled to compensate for those unemployed without benefits (including all those college graduates!).  So, Nevada has an official unemployment rate of 10.4%.  Doubling that number makes it nearly 21%.

And we think this "downturn" will end soon?  Fewer people without jobs means less money being spent, or taxes paid.  Simple formula.

If you're thinking "thank goodness I'm employed!" -   How long will the employed be able to carry the unemployed?