Though consumer confidence has recently nosedived, inflation is on the rise, and the economy is struggling, consumers, though they are cutting back some on spending, refuse to give up certain expenditures. 

Nine out of 10 Americans said they cut back expenses or discretionary spending somewhat because of the current economy, according to a study performed by market research firm GfK Roper Consulting.

Only 11% of Americans believed it was a good time to buy things they want or need, a drop of only 5% a year earlier.

Though it's obvious that today's national housing downturn is one of the worst in half a century, the still-huge overhang of unsold homes (one of the key indicators of the market's prospects) shows that things could actually get worse, especially if the national economy slips into a recession. 

In a market whose next move is never a sure thing, it’s no surprise that half of the region’s counties have seen foreclosure rates drop while the other three struggle to fight the sluggish economy.

Arkansas customers of Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG & E) could see their bills increase by more than ten percent for electricity used after August 1. A similar increase, which went into effect on July 1, has recently affected the utility’s Oklahoma customers.

OG & E proposed last week to the Arkansas Public Service Commission a twenty-five percent increase in the energy cost recovery rider rate, one of the several components of a customer’s overall monthly bill.

As you know, Independence Day is this Friday, July 4. If you’re not sure where you can catch a fireworks show or help your children patriotically celebrate the holiday, here are some suggestions!

According to Tulsa World's Business Viewpont feature writer Steven R. Plaisance, summer is often the peak home-buying season in most markets. With the current conditions of these markets, however, Plaisance believes that it is extremely important for potential buyers to plan carefully before they move because of the sweeping changes the market has recently undergone. 

The Fort Smith Board of Realtors set a new record for fund raising at it's 4th Annual Putt Putt for Special Olympics fundraiser. The Fort Smith Board of Realtors took an idea several years ago from Sharla Lau, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker - Fleming-Lau Realty when she mentioned many successful fundraisers across the state which included the idea for a fun night out with the family enjoying a game of Putt Putt. Here we are 4 years later breaking the 2007 fundraising amount by more than $2,000 for a total somewhere over the $7,000 mark.

As construction on the Fort Smith Pavilion trudges toward completion, more stores are joining the development. Old Navy and Books-A-Million have both submitted plumbing plans for stores at the pavilion, according to the Arkansas Department of Health Web site.

If you’re concerned about keeping your children entertained all summer, Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine has offered an impressive list of kid-friendly activities that will hold your child’s interest all summer long!

The Fort Smith Marshals Museum board announced Tuesday that they have chosen a firm to oversee the museum’s design phase, bringing the idea of the board one step closer to becoming a realty. The committee and board members hired Boston, Massachusetts-based Christopher Chadbourne and Associates and now have a clear idea of what this firm can do for the museum. Their chief focus in designing the museum is to put the visitor in the center of the action.