Our son wields a wild spatula when making his April Fool's Day green eggs and ham. Sometimes his culinary skills warrant a cost per item analysis same way U.S. Department of Labor reports Consumer Price Index (CPI).

CPI reports tell us what a "basket of goods and services" costs using a benchmark dating from 1982-1984 Importantly, CPI becomes one of many components within inflation measurement models. The CPI "basket of goods" leaves out green eggs and ham, however, it includes breakfast cereal, milk, coffee, chicken, wine, full service meals and snacks. CPI reports account for 7 or 8 categories of goods and services in U.S. economy. If you recall Psychology 101, each category coincides with Abraham Maslow's basic or physiological "Hierarchy of Needs".

When U.S. Bureau of Statistics announces CPI (most countries have a similar index), Wall Street listens because price increases suggest inflation concerns. When prices inflate, wallets deflate making consumers shy about spending. As you may observe, consumer spending drives worldwide economic productivity; for example, our spending habits account for nearly two-thirds of all U.S. economic activity.

Although statistical patterns for Internet spending seem scant, effect appears same. Mall shoppers and Internet surfers open or close their wallets based on value and price. Inflated costs suggest decreasing value for products or services. Likewise, inflation pushes credit card interest rates higher, thereby adding another burden to consumer.

If you are seeking a bad credit personal loan there are a few things to consider. Since you are looking for a loan and you do have poor credit you should make sure that your loan will be reported to major credit bureaus. It is important to check that your loan reports to credit bureaus because this is your chance to improve your credit rating. I mention checking that your loan will be reported because many people will obtain something like a prepaid credit card thinking that this will help build their credit rating when this is actually not a loan, it is actually a debit card that carries a credit card logo.