WHAT IS THE "CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDEX"?

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is a monthly release from the Conference Board, a non-profit business group that is highly regarded by investors and the Federal Reserve. CCI is a unique indicator, formed from survey results of more than 5,000 households and designed to gauge the relative financial health, spending power and confidence of the average consumer.

There are three separate headline figures: one for how people feel currently (Index of Consumer Sentiment), one for how they feel the general economy is going (Current Economic Conditions), and the third for how they see things in six months' time (Index of Consumer Expectations).

HOMEOWNERS LOWER THEIR DEBT!

 In the 1/3 quarter of  2010, 33 % of homeowners who refinanced their first-lien home mortgage lowered their principal balance by paying-in additional money at the closing table. This is the second highest "cash-in" share since Freddie Mac began keeping records on refinancing patterns in 1985.

MAGIC OF BIRMINGHAM-DECEMBER 2010

Saturday, December 11 & 18 from

11 am - 5 pm

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Birmingham for the holidays! In addition to shopping, you'll enjoy the Santa House, free carriage rides, gifts for random shoppers, carrolers from local schools and more!

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AT 6 MONTH HIGH!

In November, University of Michigan consumer confidence rose back to the highest level since June supported by gains in both economic conditions (79.7 from 76.6) and the economic outlook (62.7 from 61.9). According to the first estimate, Michigan consumer confidence rose from 67.7 to 69.3, slightly above the consensus estimate of 69.0. The one-year inflation outlook rose to 3.0%, the highest level since May 2010. The recent positive economic news might have brightened consumer's sentiment, although labor market conditions remain very fragile.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON 2010!

The Gift of Love.

The Gift of Peace.

The Gift of Happiness.

May all these gifts be yours during this holiday season and throughout the New Year!

Lani R. Sussman

NOTEWORTHY SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN CHARITIES

Benefits of Charity

While your primary motivation to donate to charity in time, money, or goods may be because of the deep sense of satisfaction you receive, you should know that great tax benefits exist for those who give. Here are some of the benefits you should know about.


1. A gift to a qualified charitable organization may entitle you to a charitable contribution deduction against your income tax if you itemize

2. A contribution to a qualified charity is deductible in the year in which it is paid.

3. There are limits to how much you can deduct, but they

4. Rules exist for non-cash

SHARING & CARING

This time of year, many of us are able to sit around an abundant Thanksgiving table counting our blessings, indulge in wonderful holiday gifts or travel to see family and friends. Many are not so fortunate. Included are a few of the noteworthy and deserving organizations in the greater southeastern Michigan area that strive to help out those in need. If you can - give of yourself, your time or money, or lend a helping hand to someone in need.



The Big, Bright Light - December 2010

DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER

Nov. 29 – Jan. 2, 2011, 6:00 pm – Midnight

The buildings in Downtown Rochester will be covered in more than 1.5 million points of glimmering holiday light which will be lit nightly. Entering its 5th year, the buildings of Main Street will be covered in big, bright lights beginning at the South Bridge, but this year, they will extend all the way north to Romeo Road!

WAYNE COUNTY LIGHTFEST

With 4 1/2 miles of giant animated displays and nearly a million lights along Hines Drive, it's the Midwest's largest Holiday Light Show. Drive through
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Nov 18 - Dec 31, 2010
Wayne Country Lightfest Website