Topic: budget

The true cost of pork spending

By James Butler | June 30, 2008 |

Austin Peay State University President Timothy Hall made an announcement Thursday that weighs heavily on the minds of all involved with the University. The Tennessee Board of Regents voted to increase tuition at five of Tennessee’s institutions for higher education by six percent in response to the State government reducing funding by that amount. At first glance this does not seem to be a huge hike as the dollar amount of the increase at APSU is no more than $313.08. What is worse, however, is that even with the tuition increase, Austin Peay is left with a budget deficit to the tune of $600,000, according to President Hall.

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Sections: Education, Issues, News, Opinion, Politics | 2 Comments

Sage advice on holiday spending

By Rev. Charles Moreland | December 16, 2007 |

On Fridays I read USA Today. It’s informative, and gives a different perspective on news, sports, life, entertainment and money. Managing Your Money (USA Today 12.7.07) offers sane advice for the Christmas season.

“Controlling pre-holiday spending to dodge post holiday blues” is the theme I’ll address today. Extravagant spending, that is, budget breakers, will inevitably come back to haunt the spender. Purchases that looks good in those days leading up to Christmas can precipitate stress after the emotion of the season is pass and one returns to reality. A stack of bills is devastating to morale and defeats long term plans for financial security. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Spirituality | No Comments

Holiday decorating on a budget

By Michael Covington | December 14, 2007 |

I hope this article finds you ready for the holidays. If you’re like myself, between the presents, the dinners, the family, the friends, and the endless to do lists you don’t have lots money for decorating for the holidays. If you’ve got a little free time and some creativity you can have a very memorable season.

First, let’s talk about the all-important meal table. You’re probably planning on having some friends and family at a table together for the holidays, so why not give them something good to look at besides your cooking. For this project, a little bit can go a long way. First, consider a tablecloth. Nothing dresses up a dull table like a tablecloth. Even a cheap one from Wal-Mart can help spruce the kitchen up. And, don’t even think about forgetting the centerpiece. What else will guests have to talk about when the awkward silences and family feuds set in? This is where some creativity comes in play.

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Sections: Arts and Leisure | No Comments