From NJ1015:
College debt crushing NJ families? Skilled trades are the lifeline
For decades, American parents were told that sending their kids to a four-year college was non-negotiable. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers were convinced that higher education was the only path to success.
Suburban culture reinforced this notion: if your child didn’t go to college, something must be “wrong” with your family.
Millennials and Gen Z inherited this expectation, often pressured to enroll in college without fully considering the cost, career outcomes, or alternatives.
Today, I question whether a traditional four-year degree is truly worth it. While a degree can offer higher lifetime earnings, greater economic stability, and access to broader career paths, these benefits are far from guaranteed.
Recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the median return on investment for a bachelor’s degree is about 12.5%, and graduates often enjoy a “wage premium” over high-school-only workers.
For majors in high-demand fields like engineering, computer science, or math, the ROI can be substantial.
Beyond dollars, college provides knowledge, networks, and credentials that can open doors in professions requiring critical thinking or formal education.
Yet for many, college is increasingly a gamble.
Tuition, fees, and room and board can saddle students with decades of debt. Opportunity costs—the wages foregone while studying—add to the financial burden.
Not all degrees pay off: majors in some liberal arts, humanities, or oversaturated fields can leave graduates struggling to find employment that justifies the cost.
Many students graduate only to take jobs that don’t require a degree at all, delaying financial independence, homeownership, and family formation.
Some studies show it can take years—even decades—for a degree to “break even,” if it ever does.
I wasn’t planning to go to the Microsoft event next week, but may register and head over anyway. We’re primarily team Google on the AI front, but work with pretty much everyone.
Home sales last year were tied for the lowest level in 3 decades
Just 4.06 million homes were sold in 2025, matching the lowest level since 1995.
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/home-sales-last-year-were-tied-for-the-lowest-level-in-3-decades-155615598.html
3
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When seconds count the police are only minutes away. Amazing the amount of zest they have for grabbing a guy working at a car wash, but are asleep at the job when things like this happen, later to cry and say how traumatized they are when they see the aftermath.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15459855/madeline-daly-jake-stoner-basil-murder-kidnap-new-mexico.html
NJ’s lack of good in state options for college doesn’t help. Rutgers is basically it for state college options, and apparently Rutgers isn’t cool.
NY, CA, OH, MI, FL etc have so many more options for students to stay in state for college especially if they are oriented towards the large research type institutions.
Daughter is a Sr, great kid, excellent student, IB program with a bunch of AP electives, student gov, volunteers, all the stuff you are supposed to do. She’ll finish somewhere in the top 10 out of about 500 kids in her class. Wants to get into molecular bio.
Waiting on a bunch of other acceptances this month, which she will get. So far Pitt and UDel have accepted her into their honors programs. But the out of state vs in state number is massive even with 20% merit aid thrown in, so far. Figure $50K per year net.
As an added bonus I have Jr coming in right behind her, likely in the same boat.
Bye bye down payment:
The past year was difficult for homeowners — but experts warn that 2026 could be even more challenging.
Foreclosures — when a bank or lender takes back a home after missed mortgage payments — rose 14 percent from a year earlier.
In total, 367,460 US properties faced foreclosure filings in 2025, meaning they were in some stage of being taken over by a lender, according to ATTOM’s data.
Experts warn even more homes may be seized in 2026. ‘If the job market weakens, and it may very well, then we could unfortunately down the road see the increase in the foreclosure rate significantly accelerate,’ said economist Michael Szanto.
Indeed, the outlook for the housing market — and the wider economy — is increasingly bleak. In total, the US added only around 584,000 jobs in 2025, making it the weakest year for job growth outside a recession since 2003.
As foreclosures rise, neighborhoods are flooded with discounted, bank-owned homes, dragging down nearby property values. For homeowners, that often means losing equity simply because of where they live.
A surge in foreclosure filings are a symptom of deeper financial problems: homeowners squeezed by higher taxes and interest costs are falling behind, as they fail to pay other debts, such as credit cards and car loans, as well.
Waiting on a bunch of other acceptances this month, which she will get. So far Pitt and UDel have accepted her into their honors programs. But the out of state vs in state number is massive even with 20% merit aid thrown in, so far. Figure $50K per year net.
200k
plus interest. lots of interest.
Job or no job, payments due the day you graduate, or not.
for a career that AI might eliminate.
leaving you with debt and no way to clear it.
you can’t Trump it away and file bankrupcty like he did many times
you will pay
till you die
Amazing the world some people on here are creating for their own children.
what they are creating is going to be used against their kids and grandchildren.
cause you cannot control the use for things you made with good intent
any more than Nobel could with his invention of dynamite
he thought it would be good for mankind, it killed many then and is killing
many now. you creaters of AI will wake up one day
and realize exactly what has become from the result of what you have done
just like Nobel and IBM
It appears Donald Tusk doesn’t comprehend Donald Trump.
well, mr tusk, don’t you realize you are worthless?
you chose a side, now that side turns on you.
so easy to see, even stevie wonder would have seen this. fool.
A senior European leader has issued a chilling warning that an internal NATO conflict over Greenland would spell catastrophe for the Western world, as tensions mount over Donald Trump’s bid to claim the Arctic island.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday that his country would not send soldiers to Greenland, making clear that any aggression between NATO allies would shatter the foundations of global security.
Ten 414
They can do it too. So many stem grads, so many engineers, so many factories, so much manufacturing. and at the same time, will make you fifty million cars, three hundred warships, five million air fryers, and all of the clothing every american wears.
and americans will say, hey, did you see the kitty video on you tube?
China applies to launch 200,000 satellites into space, sparking concerns they plan to build a ‘mega-constellation
now this is a landlord
The billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Nuggets just became the largest private landowner in the United States.
Stan Kroenke, 78, bought a sprawling 937,000 acres of land in New Mexico this December, pushing California’s Lumber Dynasty – the Emmerson family – from the top spot.
Fox2 reported his impressive purchase skyrocketed him from the fourth-largest landowner to number one.
The noncontiguous ranch made for the largest single land purchase in the country since 2011, according to The New York Times.
Kroenke’s massive new acquisition spans four counties in New Mexico and equates to approximately 1.2 percent of the state altogether, per the Santa Fe New Mexican.
The price of the vast land acquisition has not been disclosed.
The sports tycoon owns roughly 2.7 million acres of land in North America and 60 million square feet of commercial space.
Hughes, Rutgers has been ranking higher and higher each year. Students have this false notion that because they are closer to home it is not cool. It’s a far better option – due to the number of programs they have within the school and very highly regarded by the industry as well.
Molecular Biology is an awesome field too. 2 of my kids are Rutgers grads.. and the one in Carnegie now says Rutgers faculty were actually better than the ivy league.
The busses though are a whole different story.
Hughes: Rutgers campus is not thought of as pretty, so some parents don’t like it. As for the other options , well there are, and I know a few who have done Rowan which has increased dramatically in size, as well as Ramapo. A good friend of mine, his daughter wanted to be a nurse, and went to Ramapo. She could have went anywhere she wanted with that offered a nursing program, but chose to stay local. After the first job, most employers don’t care what school one graduated from, away from a couple of the Wall Street firms, and even that is not always true. Of course the Ivy Leagues have their Alumni networks which are huge and incredibly helpful throughout people s careers.
Digging ditches never looked better…
Will this generation embrace the trades? A friend of mine is a plumber who does only repair work. He can work seven days per week if he wants. Heck, I was forged on down and dirty work… loading trucks, warehousing, maintenance, restaurant kitchens, heavy construction, the list is endless. I was doing janitorial stuff on the weekends recently but the manager needed someone more flexible in schedule.
If I was 18 years old and had to do it all over again, I’d join the Army out of high school, do my stint then become an electrician apprentice. Every electrician I know has a black and chrome Denali or similar as their pimp ride. My career has done me well, though.
As for this generation, I hope there’s a surge in toxic masculinity to pick up the slack.
HughesRep some of the NY schools can offer a scholarship that will give you the In State price. We were offered one for SUNY Albany.
Just paid my kids tuition. Bergen Community College is a fraction of what I’m paying for the other one.
Juice: Looks like a U. S. military strike on Iran is off the table, at least for now. There has been a massive crackdown on protesters, and large parts of Tehran and other areas are quiet. This is not expected to last however.
Fast: People turn their noses up at the trades , especially in those very liberal towns. What will the neighbors say? That said the trades going forward may not be the whole answer either. As the amount of white collar jobs decrease with AI, there will also be less demand for people in the trades. It’s all connected. And of course people will still spend 75k a year tuition on a private school as they believe it will give their child a leg up. Of course that 75k may be before scholarships or financial aid, however they do all that today.
RL-
I know that, try to tell it to a 17 year old girl. The Rutgers sweatshirt isn’t nearly as cool as Pitt, BU or Michigan on an Instagram post.
85K out of state for Michigan? As a Buckeye, just hell no.
Ultimately it will come down to a big old spreadsheet with here are our options. Mom and Dad will pay X, anything over that is on you. Pitt vs Rutgers vs Del vs UConn vs wherever. Is that number really worth it to you? OK, here is what it will cost you over 10 years after graduation as a loan. Here that is that number per month. What else could you do with that money? Now is it worth it?
Timeframe is also an issue. Most acceptances come back late Jan. Merit and financial aid finalizes in Mid March. May 1 is the acceptance date? Six weeks to make a huge decision with lots of moving parts.
US carrier steaming towards Iran currently, won’t be there for another week. Be patient.
spotted on shipping forums.
17 year old girls have no concept of money. it all comes from daddy up to that point.
Eddie
What trade would you suggest for Hughes’s daughter?
Schools really should enforce taking the personal finance class in high school. She took AP Econ to cover that requirement.
hughes
agree
8:58 – Kids are pretty savvy. A spreadsheet will say a lot more than dad’s voice!
3b,
I can’t see how AI is going to blast shale, shovel muck, lay down P stone and install 2,000 pound sections of concrete pipe. Yes, I did it for months on end, in 92 degree heat and 35 degree chill, often ankle deep in red clay and mud.
John Harbaugh to the Giants?
Done deal?
Fast: You are right of course. But, there will be less need for all of that, if there are less white collar/office jobs. How much and how it all plays out I don’t know, but it stands to reason.
Right now, in the NYC metro area, the best trades/construction union job you can get is Elevator Constructors (IUECPB) , out of Long Island and New York metro area. Fantastic pay, and benefits, but you need to be super connected. A couple of my friends kids are in this union, one after finishing college and not liking the office thing. The other one straight out of high school.
This is Boomers doing.
They destroyed kids future in exchange for taxpayer funded Communism Universal Healthcare for Boomer, 65 yr and older
Dark Phoenix says:
January 15, 2026 at 8:03 am
Waiting on a bunch of other acceptances this month, which she will get. So far Pitt and UDel have accepted her into their honors programs. But the out of state vs in state number is massive even with 20% merit aid thrown in, so far. Figure $50K per year net.
200k
plus interest. lots of interest.
Job or no job, payments due the day you graduate, or not.
for a career that AI might eliminate.
leaving you with debt and no way to clear it.
you can’t Trump it away and file bankrupcty like he did many times
you will pay
Boomer says that aid to American kids is communism.
Boomer has nothing to say about aid for Argentina and bailouts for rich Farmers.
VAG,
MY EGGS!! Oh never mind.
White Faggot Gary
HughesRep,
Got a relative in Florida?
Gator, like I did, is paying for his entire college education himself. Besides the money he saved into his 529, he works as a RBT nearly every hour his peers are on San Padre Island or in the Bahamas for breaks. UF is extremely highly ranked. Top five among public universities. He could have graduated with a total bill of 40K after three years. He has decided to improve his college resume adding a minor in hopes of landing a free graduate degree. The grandparent waiver in Florida is quite the bargain. Heck, very few Florida residents pay anything for their kid’s tuition. It’s a whole different world than the Northeast.
Gator Jr., I meant. Sorry.
So who pays for this? Not being malicious…I just understand there is no free ride….someone has to pay for it.
Libturd says:
January 15, 2026 at 10:53 am
HughesRep,
Got a relative in Florida?
Gator, like I did, is paying for his entire college education himself. Besides the money he saved into his 529, he works as a RBT nearly every hour his peers are on San Padre Island or in the Bahamas for breaks. UF is extremely highly ranked. Top five among public universities. He could have graduated with a total bill of 40K after three years. He has decided to improve his college resume adding a minor in hopes of landing a free graduate degree. The grandparent waiver in Florida is quite the bargain. Heck, very few Florida residents pay anything for their kid’s tuition. It’s a whole different world than the Northeast.
“Every electrician I know has a black and chrome Denali or similar as their pimp ride. My career has done me well, though.”
This is because every tradesman runs their business as a tax minimization scheme.
If you insist on blaming the boomers for everything you think is wrong with the US, then you should also take some time to thank the boomers for everything that’s right with the US.
Things like incredible advances in science, medicine, technology… as well as creating the most prosperous society in the history of the planet.
You’re welcome.
I loved going to school in FL. Colleges are fine there.
The vibe was right. But it was 30 years ago. I’m afraid it’s
Not the same place anymore.
I’ve heard TCNJ was supposed to be good, for those looking for a smaller public school. I knew one kid who went there thinking it was a step up from Rutgers.
The Florida public universities all seem to be solid, with UF leading the pack. DeSantis has been working hard at unWokening them as well.
Lib, what does your son think of his experience?
How come the college campuses are not on a ‘Free Iran’ rampage? Palestine was hot and heavy on the list, why isn’t Iran?
“So who pays for this? Not being malicious…I just understand there is no free ride…”
You, when you go to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. But mostly Disney, which was why it was incredulous that DeSanta Claus went after them a while back.
XX, the UF Campus is as liberal as any other college, it helps that one in five students are a member of the tribe. During the silly years a few years ago, they even had fat cheerleaders and all. Hare Krishnas still serve vege food in the quad and black lives matter there too. About the only change DeSantis has made is to keep firing the college Presidents many of which he approved because they were corrupt or to liberal. Some uber impressive candidates have been rejected by him since they oversaw a liberal college in their past. Truth be told, Gator and I visit quite a bit because we like to watch him play hockey and he enjoys our company. I am jealous every time I step foot on that campus. It really has an amazing vibe compared to any other school I’ve visited besides maybe University of Colorado, UCLA and Ohio State.
“How come the college campuses are not on a ‘Free Iran’ rampage?”
That’s easy, Jews are no longer involved.
Oh, last DeSantis rejection was the current UMich Prez.
Neighbor’s son graduated from a small private school and decided to attend University of Miami. Wasted his first 2 years partying. And changed his major from “Architecture” to “Real Estate Finance” – whatever that means. His dad got laid off a year ago and pays the $55K / year tuition. I know the kids grandparents are in FL.. maybe he gets a tuition break, but it’s still too damn expensive – especially given that the kid only wears designer wear.
Lib: Well you said it re: Iran , and now prepare to get a lecture, not from me of course. The left does not care about Iranians, just like they don’t care about Uighurs who are being ethically cleansed. There is no mileage in it.
The past year was difficult for homeowners — but experts warn that 2026 could be even more challenging.
Foreclosures — when a bank or lender takes back a home after missed mortgage payments — rose 14 percent from a year earlier.
In total, 367,460 US properties faced foreclosure filings in 2025, meaning they were in some stage of being taken over by a lender, according to ATTOM’s data.
Experts warn even more homes may be seized in 2026. ‘If the job market weakens, and it may very well, then we could unfortunately down the road see the increase in the foreclosure rate significantly accelerate,’ said economist Michael Szanto.
Indeed, the outlook for the housing market — and the wider economy — is increasingly bleak. In total, the US added only around 584,000 jobs in 2025, making it the weakest year for job growth outside a recession since 2003.
As foreclosures rise, neighborhoods are flooded with discounted, bank-owned homes, dragging down nearby property values. For homeowners, that often means losing equity simply because of where they live.
A surge in foreclosure filings are a symptom of deeper financial problems: homeowners squeezed by higher taxes and interest costs are falling behind, as they fail to pay other debts, such as credit cards and car loans, as well.
That dynamic is reviving fears of a downturn reminiscent of 2008
Just to stand up a bit for Northeast schools. My son’s friend is attending Cornell and not only is the school covering tuition, they are giving him a stipend. 100% financial aid. No sports or anything. Interesting person. Gave him a ride home with my son’s other friend who is paying $20K a year to attend. Also straight financial aid.
UMiami is SPOILED rich kids. Yikes.
College room and board used to cost more than college tuition and around the year 2000 it flipped and has only continued to grow. Another trend is universities charge similar or even higher tuition for online programs.. You think online would be cheaper..Nope…
Coworker is doing his MBA @ NYU now fully remote. Sure no New York City rent, food, and transportation but the tuition cost is the same.
You 100% need a 4 year degree to be considered for a job where I work. That said it matters less where it’s from.
As far as the trades go…to do it legally is becoming more and more expensive and bureaucratic. The contractor I use says insurance is one of the killers. He had a staff of several employees but had to let them go as insurance ate too much into the margins. Wasn’t worth it anymore.
And thanks to the new rules in 2026 under the “Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors Licensing Act (HIHEC)” thre are new education and bond requirements…further cutting into the margins.
That’s easy, Jews are no longer involved.
Shocked! I’m shocked!
Committee: “Biologically speaking, can men get pregnant?”
Liberal doctor: “It’s a lot more complicated than that.”
Rutgers Molecular Biology and Biochemistry department is top notch. They invented the Protein Data Bank. As an alumn though, I’m hoping my kids choose to go somewhere else. The experience in general and the tuition seems out of line with what made it attractive for me in 1998.
D- Fens: The key is to get into one of the good unions at least for the foreseeable future. Some are like Ponzi schemes, too lazy to discuss those, The elevator union I noted earlier is the union now around the NYC metro area to get into. They did the new escalator for Grand Central Madison (140 feet deep) huge amount of overtime.
Fast: Maybe the students at Columbia and other universities are not protesting against the Iranian government because it is cold out.
That’s easy, Jews are no longer involved.
Shocked! I’m shocked!
Juice; Is the online degree identified as on line, or is it the same as if the student attended class?
My kid is 16. PSATs at 1470. GPA 3.87.
I struggle with making him work and pay for college himselt or me taking care of it, getting him a convertible, a few thousand a month in spending money and letting him have some once in a life time fun. Told him I woudn’t pay for a dorm but may pay for most of a 3BD+ house if he lives with 4-5 students.
If I was to ballpark it based on his work ethic and his personal strive for excellence, – I’d give him ~75% odds that he won’t ruin his long term outcome, if he has a few toys and parties more than most kids.
Do I take that chance as a parent or play it safe, pay for nothing, give him nothing and put his ass to work full time during undergrad? – It’s not a simpe decision, especially when you add AI trends and future employment risks…
I’m leaning towards YOLO and fully funding his UG experience as long as he continues his social butterfly ways and keeps getting in trouble for pranks and silly small funny stuff while maitaining academic exellence.
Would not even consider to live in a single dorm, stay indoors and play video games while pretending to study but that’s not on the table with him.
Boss: make him take some loans or otherwise have skin in the game. If he graduates in 4 years and shows responsibly, you can help pay loans down 2-3 years after graduating. The only way to really help ground him is that first 12-24 months after he is out on his own. Realizing that the job they have and then the budget and what everything costs and paying that loans that’s where the light goes on. It may seem contrived, but it really is doing him a service in the long run.
Chicago: That makes perfect sense. I love it. Thanks for the insight.
119. No loans. Try in state or even junior college.
Debt is very very bad.
It’s all just a game of musical chairs. Florida acts like they don’t tax, when they tax the chit out of people. All a bs game.
Libturd says:
January 15, 2026 at 11:33 am
“So who pays for this? Not being malicious…I just understand there is no free ride…”
You, when you go to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. But mostly Disney, which was why it was incredulous that DeSanta Claus went after them a while back.
ChiFi gave the best advice visa vis his college write up shared 4 years ago.
It is incumbent upon the student to engage with the institution.
Pure & simple. Means different things to different kids. For me it was fraternity and Rugby then my local band. For my kiddo it’s college radio and her job working for the school. 4 years she’s been employed there. She leave in such a fine position.
I kind of like the idea. Paying a few dollars in interest may not be that terrible. Cost of grounding him post graduation… so he knows and accepts that the party ended. I never thought about the after college transition to adulthood. Just need to pick a reasonable amount that he believes he will actually have to pay it back otherwise he will call my bluff. lol…my wife will probably rush to pay it off after he made a few payments… but it will still help. Thanks again.
Local baby, keep em close at hand,
Kean University is a public university in Union, Elizabeth, and Hillside, New Jersey. It is part of New Jersey’s public system of higher education and is a state-designated research university
Rowan University is a public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School on a 25-acre site donated by 107 residents,[8] the school was known as Glassboro State College from 1958 until 1992 and Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. It also operates a medical campus in Stratford, and medical and academic campuses in Camden.
Real estate is a dangerous game that people think is safe. Location is everything. Understanding the dynamics of said location is everything.
“One low-key housing market that has quietly crashed is New Orleans.
Houses there are now listed at 30% discounts to pandemic pricing, and in some cases, are listed below 2017 price levels.
According to data on Reventure App, the ZIP codes near downtown New Orleans are down as much as 28% in the last 3+ years.
The reasons are simple: declining job growth, high crime, and outbound migration.
On a positive note: this area is actually undervalued now, and the crime figures are dropping.
Could be a decent place to buy in 2026 for an investor.”
And more important than location is f’ing timing. Single most impressive factor in the purchase of real estate. Location comes second.
Not impressive——-*important
Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university in Hoboken, New Jersey, known for technological innovation, strong career outcomes, and its location across the river from New York City. Founded in 1870, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, computing, business, and the arts, with a focus on interdisciplinary, hands-on learning and research in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability
Calling crypto “gambling” while buying a house at the top of the cycle is the ultimate irony. You’re the gambler, sir—you just don’t know it. Life is hilarious.
Yea, I am with XX….plenty of good public colleges in nj. People are ridiculous.
3b – If you are paying $180,000 I would thinks so. My coworker said online vs in person MBA are the same degree. Also said online folks can also walk the stage on grad commencement day. My coworker told me he can also go in and attend certain labs and other classes in person if he wants to. He does live down here in Monmouth county and is a smart kid who is only 24 and not married an no girlfriend. I told him to take advantage of in person whenever he can.
Juice: That would make sense> I would think if they differentiated between in person vs on-line, the on-line degree would probably be considered tainted.
I did mine for free at night back in the day, when A or B, GS paid the full tuition, 2 Saturday courses two, different semesters.I believe the IRS changed the tax treatment for tuition reimbursement, and companies stopped offering it as a benefit.
Goldman Sachs ( )( )===D – – 3B – –
You can have fun at nearly any school. For my kid, it was the college that simply felt like it was attended by “his people” that mattered the most. He got into plenty of 70-90K/year schools but new he was going to attend post graduate, so spending extra money when the school name would mean nothing simply didn’t compute to the son of Captain Cheapo. What does “his people” translate to? People who want both academic rigor and who like to blow off steam throwing a frisbee in the quad or attending a top 10 basketball or football game. Also, he wanted to be with people who didn’t take shit too seriously and whose lives did not revolve around labels and materialism. We toured 13 schools. He got directly accepted to 12 of them and was waitlisted only at UCLA. Though he truly shied away from the 90K fancy names to my advantage.
Lib: For college, once you are out of the house you are out of the house whether 50 miles away or 500 miles away.
Lard XX Envy is an ugly thing. Have a neat day.
Goldman Sachs was on Epstein Island. Facts
It all makes sense:
Why does Goldman Sachs have a bad reputation?
The company has been criticized for lack of ethical standards, working with dictatorial regimes, close relationships with the U.S. federal government via a “revolving door” of former employees, and driving up prices of commodities through futures speculation.
Here: https://imgur.com/gallery/smoke-em-if-ya-got-em-Ffw9mOr
Lard XX: Not today cupcake. Like I said envy is an ugly thing, certainly explains a lot though. Have a neat day!!
Mmmm I envy you. That’s it!!! You figured it out.
When you get a chance, you need to run those TPS reports
Anyway. Congrats on your success. You earned it.
Lard XX: My sympathies that at 60 years of age you have had no financial success you can call your own. I mean it’s not everything, but it is nice and provides a certain sense of satisfaction. Of course if you find your success watching a spider spin a web, or the dew on a blade of glass, that’s nice too. Have a neat day.
he Trump administration’s first sale of Venezuelan oil is valued at $500 million, an administration official told Semafor.
The sale marks an initial milestone in the administration’s management of Venezuela after the US ouster of its former leader, Nicolás Maduro, 11 days ago. President Donald Trump has indicated that the US would effectively run Venezuela for an indeterminable amount of time and take control of up to 50 million barrels of its oil — marketing and selling it while distributing the proceeds back to Venezuela in an arrangement with little precedent.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday that provided some details on how the US plans to block courts or creditors from tapping any revenue from those oil sales. Venezuela owes international bondholders, oil companies and others as much as $170 billion — one reason why US firms have been reluctant to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure.
Trump told ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance last week that the US is “not going to look at what people lost in the past, because that was their fault.”
The administration official told Semafor that the interim leadership in Venezuela, led by former Maduro No. 2 Delcy Rodríguez, has “fully cooperated” since the US-Venezuelan energy deal was announced last week, adding that the US has “leverage” through sanctions and oil sales.
Revenue from the oil sales is currently being held in bank accounts controlled by the US government, as indicated in Friday’s order, according to the administration official. The main account, according to a second senior administration official, is located in Qatar.
The second official described Qatar as a neutral location where money can flow freely with US approval and without risk of seizure. Trump’s order noted that at least some of the revenue would be held in US Treasury accounts.
“President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolás Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Semafor in a statement.
Rogers added that the administration is continuing “positive, ongoing discussions” with oil companies about Venezuela. Despite skepticism from many oil companies about the viability of investing there, Trump’s advisers remain confident that more deals — and sales — will come to fruition.
3:55 and yet I have zero debt, money in the bank and a pension that kicks in next year.
I did 4 mile walk 4 mile bike ride yesterday. Feel perfect. Look great. Have a gorgeous wife a terrific kid, and a new dog. My life is gooooood.
And now: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-yWb-9SjpH/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Lard XX: Yes, all those financial accomplishments all accomplished by provided by your wife to you.
She on the other hand IS a financial success. Good boy on the walk! You can do it! Have a neat day.
Mmmm you sound so authoritative like a man with other men under you.
Is your wife still tight or do you prefer butt secks with subordinates??
LardXX: I guess I hit a nerve for you cupcake. We go through this a lot , you do your stupid abusive name calling shit, filled with all homosexual stuff. I attack you back, and point out your lack of how shall we say attributes, and then you go through the same laundry list of just how happy and content you are. You do it all the time. Why the need for you to do that, you don’t need to convince me, I don’t care, but certainly sounds like you need to convince yourself. Anyhow cupcake the board has had enough for today. We can resume today, you with your childish gay sex obsession attacks, and I can point out all of your failures. Lay off the pot tonight so you don’t get the munchies and screw up your diet. At your age it takes longer to lose weight. Have a neat evening!
Lard XX: By the way the sexual comment about my spouse uncalled for. I would never denigrate your spouse like that. But, that shows the caliber of man you are. Mean, ugly little man.
Hahahaha fuck your feelings. You talked more shit about my mate. I’m cringing
Fucking bankers
XX FU too you 60 year old ass hole. I never said anything derogatory about your wife, nor did I ever reference her in any kind of sexual manor. You did with my spouse. That is the difference, you have zero class. Just trash. You have all sorts of insecurities and anger and you bring them here. No one here behaves the way you do. A pompous asshole with absolutely nothing behind it. While you are trying to drop all your excess lard, you might want to get yourself some therapy or a job or both.
Fucking unemployed overweight potheads.
I’m not impressed with your argument counselor. It’s you who needs to
Soul search ya giant putz
Saks files for bankruptcy after spending like a drunk sailor. And amazon has a problem with it
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/15/amazon-says-saks-investment-is-worthless-after-bankruptcy.html?
Lard XX : I never said anything disparaging or disrespectful about your wife, the sane can’t be said for you. Insecure, petty little man. Just a big zero. But, have a neat evening.
LardXX. Got a dog and figured out how to walk again, you can probably hear his fat thighs rubbing together.
Mmmm and ride a boike.
6:18 pooooophole looooophole
No, you insulted me, and usually included my wife in the diatribe.
Lard XX: That is patently false. You actively and deliberately seek to stir trouble with me just because. Today was a perfect example. The timeline is there just like every other day. I have offered you multiple times to just ignore each other and you refuse.
I have never insulted your wife in any way, shape or form, or referenced her in any negative or sexual manner. You did with my spouse today. I have called you on it, and now you are deflecting and saying I have disparaged your wife. That’s a lie and you know it.
I insult you, because you insult me, that’s how it works. You think it’s perfectly fine to insult me or anyone else, but don’t like when I insult you. Well again that’s how it works. You keep singling me out and insulting me, and deliberately looking for trouble, well you are going to get it back. What I will not do however, is saying anything disparaging or disrespectful about your spouse.
So we can ignore each other and the blog will be a better place, or you can continue to bait me, and it’s you who baits me not the other way around, and I will continue to insult you. The ball as it has been is in your court cupcake.
6:38 you had me at just because
Lard XX: OK precious. Looks like that’s a no for you. The record will reflect that again. Let’s me again tomorrow, of course it’s always you on the offensive or in other words stirring up trouble. I will defend accordingly as I do. Have a neat night!
Cathie Wood
@CathieDWood
The next three years could be Reaganomics on steroids, another golden age for the US equity market. Back then, early in my career, I remember how deregulation, tax cuts, sound monetary policy, and peace through strength sent the dollar soaring, which put a lid on the gold price!
Top is in bros
“People turn their noses up at the trades , especially in those very liberal towns. ”
Again, you post stuff like this and you lose me. Defeine “Liberal towns”. Up in this area we have towns that are solid D, the likes of Bergenfield that never look down on the trades. You also have the Saddle Rivers that are solidly R that may. The difference is that the plumber who grew up in the first and now lives in the second. Whats his view.
Its almost like you use liberal in a sentance like a Canadian uses EH!
Top is in bros
I thought she was shuting down shop and retiring to Del Boca Vista Phase III
Fab: You are argumentative and disagreeable, and only able to deal in absolutes.
I have no desire or intention of engaging with you. Just a reminder, if you wish not to spend any of your time responding to any of my posts.
3b / Ex
For everyone, spouses and kids shoud be off limits. I have had that issue in here multiple times with people throwing crap at mine.
Ex – that comment on 3b’s spouse was out of line. As is the gay crap you keep posting.
3B – dont trip on that halo. Every Family make their situation work. If his wife is earning more than his role, why is that an issue? If he wanted to be a stay at home dad, why is that a bad thing? He chose a teaching route and taught in a school his kid attended. Whats the issue? If genders were reversed, do you have an issue.
The poster child for this this situation is actually Nom. Eddie Rays wife actually out earned him, (in his own field), she got a job and now he lives in PA. Are you criticising him?
3b,
AGAIN, I can post and respond to whatever I want. YOU get a choice not to respond, in this case you did.
Can I suggest a macro for :
“I have no desire or intention of engaging with you. Just a reminder, if you wish not to spend any of your time responding to any of my posts.”
to
“Whatever”
Everyone thumbs their nose at the trades other than the families in them. Anyone outside is generally pissed that someone who turns a wrench out earns them. Me personally, I know my son would make an amazing engineer, but I would like him to seriously consider being an electrician, hvac, or plumber.
Hajde Bossi
I’m in the middle, but everything depends on the kid and the situation. I get the “make them earn it”, but in someways I disagree. For some kids the level of entitlement is off the charts, they may need that. My kids know how to coupon shop at ShopRite.
I get the whole “save for a car” but I would put a counterpoint. If there is no public transit where we live, then should we expect the kid to provide their own car.
If I live in a project in NY or NJ, there is always a bus service I can use. If I’m in the burbs I need a car to drive.
My eldest is in Bergen Community, I cover all cost.s They live at home no rent and the have access to a car. They work at Costco and are earning and know they have to save. Here is a Key, they are funding a 401k but a Grandma sent the kid $7K to fund a Roth. The older generations need to fund the younger and not wait until they pass. But it needs to be sensible and not just wanton.
My Middle is like your kid, I want them to live their best life. They had the job in high school, but now we are focused on school. I met up with them tonight. I passed on stuff they forgot at home after the break and $100 emergency cash. Whats the cash for? I sent them a note on the way home asking what books they need for the semester.
They said they had it covered as the found a kid that sat the courses last year and bought all 5 books for $50 cash. I have trained my kids to ask professors do they need the latest edition of a book. if not then its Thriftbooks or eBAY for an older version.
I get the whole generational wealth building, but some focus on building and not enjoyment. They are so focused on “only take 4%” to preserve the principal. For me its take more and make them more comfortable. Thats my enjoyment.
XX says:
January 15, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Is your wife still tight or do you prefer butt secks with subordinates??
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r3J8rg1urHE&list=RDr3J8rg1urHE&start_radio=1&pp=ygUcY2hlYXAgdHJpY2sgc2hlJ3MgdGlnaHQgbGl2ZaAHAdIHCQlPCgGHKiGM7w%3D%3D
1 ?
(0 x 3) + (2/2) + (-2) + (1+2)
11:56 oh mommmmmmmy
( )( )===D -$-$-$-$-$-
I have to admit that I haven‘t done an honest day‘s work in my entire life. I sponge off my wife like a parasite. But in my mind I‘m number one. I must be mentally ill.
All three you make best money by owning the business, not being an employee.
Best own it sooner rather than later, lifting an 800 lb boiler out the basement stairs from a 1920’s house, having it shift and screwing up your back for a lifetime isn’t fun.
OTOH getting a paper cut at your engineer drafting table, well, you can keep working with that. But not everyone wants to sit at a computer or desk all day. you have to do you.
Or just join ICE. Exhilirating, exciting, get up in the morning run out into the cold and tackle someone like they are on the 20 yard line. Be all badass with your M4, body armor, and absolute immunity. 100k plus to start. Who needs college, just some Call of Duty experience.
Me personally, I know my son would make an amazing engineer, but I would like him to seriously consider being an electrician, hvac, or plumber.
MAGA 2021: “You can’t tell me to wear a mask.” “You can’t force a vaccine.” “You can’t make me stay home.”
MAGA 2026: “Just follow orders.” “Have your papers ready.” “Comply and nothing bad happens.”
Dark:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kwC_IaY3BmY&pp=ygUhbGV0aGFsIHdlYXBvbiBkaXBsb21hdGljIGltbXVuaXR5
Dark Phoenix,
It is estimated Germany will be short seven million skilled workers by 2035. A lot of workers from India currently fill the gap, but for those in the US that can get citizenship by descent it makes everything much easier. All kinds of possibilities for a young person with dual citizenship and willing to learn the language. The down side here is lower pay, higher taxes and bad weather.
Ten 419
Can we push through 420?
We spent all that time around 430, now we ping pong (sorry Pumps) between 410-420. Really fascinating given all the noise.
Note: the Trump announcement about manipulating MBS caused spreads there to tighten, so rates are a tick down from where the Ten would suggest.
Vulture capitalists have been encroaching on this for quite some time now. It seems there are less escape routes in these fields as well
And mechanics, those that work at dealerships get ripped off the worst.
Private equity firms want in on the skilled trades industry. Some PE firms have started to add home-services companies, like those providing plumbing and HVAC repairs, to their portfolios because they’re seen as stable, future-proof investments. People will always need plumbers and appliance repair workers.
Chi
Classic. one of the best.
Chad,
Looks like Germany prefers cheap labor as well, while the landowners jack up the rent.
So low pay, high taxes, high rent, lousy weather.
Sounds like a good place to go through life drunk. At least they have good beer along with high energy prices.
Mmmmm Wives
Betcha 3b married the first girl to call him back…
9:01 I did Nazi that coming