Wiser Worker Blog

Have you ever been caught so of guard by a topic that you feel like you just won’t be able to get caught up?  Well I have to admit at times this stimulus business keeps my mind at bay and always wondering what’s next.   I have a difficult understanding or better yet explaining what the stimulus means and how it will affect people like ME. I do know this….if you are waiting for a rebate check to come in the mail because it’s not coming.

So far the best article I have found that explains the basic components of the different programs was on MSNBC.com this morning titled Bailout acronym soup: A handy guide.  This article walks you through what each of the programs that will received stimulus money does and more importantly how it will affect you.

For instance do you know what the program TIP is?  If you did your ahead of me…..TIP is Targeted Investment Program. This program, also run by the Treasury Department, allows the government to provide aid to a troubled financial institution if that company’s problems could have a ripple effect on other aspects of the U.S. economy, such as creditors.

Test your knowledge on what these other program acronym means…..

A.    TARP

B.    PPIP

C.    TALF

D.    TGLP

E.    CAP

F.     CPFF

G.    AMLF

H.    MMIFF

A.    Buy certain types of commercial paper from money market mutual funds

B.    Aim of keeping low-risk mutual funds

C.    Designed to buy up the bad debt that was threatening the financial stability of some U.S. banks.

D.    Aims to ensure that financial institutions will be able to lend money.

E.    guarantees certain types of debt issued by financial institutions

F.     Offer bundled loans for small businesses and consumers.

G.    Make it easier for companies to get a kind of short-term loan

H.    Original purpose of buying up bad debt.

Make sure you are in the “know” on all these programs and how they affect you. It’s important to understand these programs especially as you navigate thought the current economic culture. It’s also important to know about these to your can better understand the job market.

Answer Key: TARP=C, PIPP=H, TALF=F,TGLP=E, CAP=D, CPFF=G, AMLF=B, MMIFF=A