October 22, 2015

EMV cards seem to be all the rage right now, but the U.S. is behind other countries in adapting to this technology. EMV cards are safer than traditional swipe cards because each purchase has a unique encrypted transaction code.

The University of Utah’s Personal Money Management Center is available to help students navigate these changes and learn how to protect themselves from fraud. Tiffany Davis, assistant coordinator of the Personal Money Management Center, is available to discuss EMV cards as well as any personal financial topics.

Phone: 801-581-3959 | Email: tiffany.davis@sa.utah.edu

October 2, 2015

What are the most and least recession-recovered cities in the U.S.?  WalletHub recently released an analysis on the issue and University of Utah labor economist Peter Philips can speak about the findings —and why some areas of the country are rebounding faster than others. Philips can also speak on what community leaders can do to make communities “recession proof.”

Phone: 801-599-2374 | Email: philips@economics.utah.edu

July 31, 2015

As primary elections for Salt Lake City’s mayoral race approach on Aug. 11, increased attention is being paid to campaign finances, with incumbent Mayor Ralph Becker and other candidates questioning campaign spending by opponent Jackie Biskupski, who recently posted billboards with an election message. James Curry, an assistant professor at the U’s Department of Political Science, can offer commentary on the campaign finance issues and political conflicts.
Phone: 301-325-4979 | Email: james.curry@poli-sci.utah.edu

July 13, 2015

The financial crisis in Greece may seem like a problem in a far-off nation for many Americans, but the country’s recent shutdown of the banking system could have worldwide implications. Retirement savings like 401(k) plans could fluctuate after markets took a dip when talks between Greece and its creditors in Europe broke down in recent weeks. There are other potential economic ramifications as well. Economics professor Korkut Alp Erturk can explain what’s happening in Greece and the potential economic impact for the U.S. and world. Erturk has published multiple articles on the case for international currency reform.
Phone: 801-581-7481 | Email: erturk@economics.utah.edu

July 13, 2015

It’s no surprise that college can be stressful for students, but a new Ohio State University study shows just how many students feel the pressure – 70 percent of students surveyed admitted to being stressed about their personal finances, and nearly 60 percent said they worry about having enough to pay for school. Martha Bradley, senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs, knows how stressed today’s students are. She oversees a program, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, in which advisors seek out students and help them with all aspects of their lives – from financial worries to childcare to academic advising and everything in between. The program aims to help students succeed academically by taking care of them as a whole person. Bradley is available to discuss the program and how its unusual approach has made a difference in students’ lives.
Phone: 801-581-3811 | Email: martha.bradley@utah.edu

June 26, 2015

A recent study released by the NerdWallet financial website and based on 2013 U.S. census survey data, identifies the cities of Riverton, West Jordan and South Jordan among the top 10 cities nationally for income equality. In total, seven cities in Utah finished among the top 50 nationally. Pamela Perlich, senior research economist at the U’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, identifies key demographic indicators as to why this is the case. Perlich notes these cities are homogeneous in terms of their home prices, housing stock, income levels and culture. Speaking to a broader picture, she also cites the trend of growing segregation in housing based on income across Salt Lake County and the state. Utah has been among the most equal distribution of household income in the nation. Perlich can offer further commentary on the recent study, including the implications for opportunities among younger generations.
Phone: 801-581-3358 | Email: pam.perlich@utah.edu