BANKS, FORECLOSURES, AND FINANCIAL REFORM

Have you noticed the high rate of bank failures this year? Last year 140 banks failed (this number does not include branch numbers, just the banks). So far this year, we've had 68 bank failures, which is an even higher rate (roughly one every other day) than last year's failure rate (roughly one every three days). In 2008, 25 banks failed, including Washington Mutual. Prior to that, bank failures were relatively rare, usually 1 or 2 per year. 

This rate of failure is likely to increase over the rest of this year. That's because we have a new group of foreclosures which are about to occur this summer and fall. In 2009, our country had 2,824,674 foreclosed properties. That rate is likely to increase this year, but not just on residential properties. Commercial properties are an even bigger risk. RealtyTrac has estimated that in 2010 the number of foreclosure filings will increase to 3.5 million. 

That sounds bad enough, but between 2010 and 2014, about $1.4 trillion in commercial real estate loans will reach the end of their terms. Nearly half are at present “underwater” – that is, the borrower owes more than the underlying property is currently worth. This is a major concern since commercial property values have fallen more than 40 percent since the beginning of 2007. Increased vacancy rates, which now range from 8 - 22 percent, and falling rents, which have declined 33- 40 percent, have decreased the value of commercial properties. The Congressional Oversight Panel is very concerned that commercial loan losses could jeopardize the stability of many banks, particularly the nation’s mid-size and smaller banks.

None of this bodes well for banks this year, and we're already seeing the early results in bank closings. Be sure you check out your bank's rating at http://www.bankrate.com/rates/safe-sound/bank-ratings-search.aspx. If possible, choose a bank with a strong rating.

In terms of cycles, the US Venus also represents the country's banks, as well as the US dollar and the US Treasury. All of them are under severe stress this summer and fall from the most dynamic and tension-producing cycles we have seen since the Great Depression. These cycles (the Cardinal Climax of Mars and Saturn opposite Jupiter and Uranus and all of them square Pluto) are even more intense than what we had then. That's because we have the addition of Mars in the picture and three of the five planets are at 0 degrees cardinal signs, the most potent and powerful positions in the entire zodiac. And they all impact the US Venus and the Federal Reserve chart in very challenging ways. (More about this in the Q2 Newsletter)

If nothing else, a LOT will happen this summer, and that will likely include the passing of the financial reform bill. If you want to ensure that the financial reform bill helps YOU and not the big companies that started this mess, then make sure you take the time to learn what it will do. Wall Street is counting on you to not pay attention so they can  continue to get away with financial murder. It's time to surprise them! Part of the energy of these cycles is for revolution and unexpected, structural changes. Be sure you're part of the solution. 

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FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AHEAD, AND THE WAY AROUND THEM

Just a reminder that beginning late this week, we enter into a set of complex cycles. We see financial challenges, which are shown by the cycles of Saturn opposite Jupiter and Uranus, all square to Venus. These are in range from May 12th – 22nd and they peak between May 17 – 19th. These financial challenges can strain relationships as well as bank accounts. These cycles include overspending, not enough money, unexpected expenses, and large unexpected, financial surprises that are challenging. It takes some balance to keep your relationships intact with these energies!

Your best strategy with these financial and relationship challenges is to focus elsewhere, and the Universe offers us a solution. We get Venus trine Neptune in range May 12th – 22nd, and peaking on May 18th. This suggests that if we will maintain a belief in receiving the financial help we want or need, that it will be forthcoming. We may not be able to pinpoint from where this help will come, but it’s available to us if we can maintain that belief and story. So focus on talking about how you will get what you need, not on what you don’t have or how bad things are. In fact, stop complaining completely, or you will end up going down the challenging financial path.

We get other help through this period as well with the Sun trine Saturn, while sextile Jupiter and Uranus. The challenge of this period with the large, unexpected financial surprises can be mediated by practical leaders with good common sense. These leaders are not shoot-from-the-hip types. Instead, they want a real plan and by creating one, they gain the support and confidence of those who have control of the purse strings. They also gain unexpected growth opportunities that can bring them unexpected rewards. This set of cycles comes into range May 13th, peaks May 16th – 20th. It stays in range through May 23rd. Make good use of this period!

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SCHEDULE: NOW BACK TO WORK

I’ll give you the latest news for what’s happening and how to work with the current energies to be more successful. Then I’ll take your calls and give you my prosperity tip of the week.

Last Friday, May 7th: Jelaila Starr: 2012, NIBIRU, DNA AND YOU!

Recent weather related events have triggered a massive awakening. Though this is good, the fear they create has brought about a greater demand for clarity and understanding. How do we make sense of these situations, will they ever end and how can we keep ourselves and our families safe? These are just a few of the questions that wayshowers, those who have the mission to be voices of calm and reason, will need to answer. Learn what you need to know so that to fulfill this critical mission as a voice of calm and reason through the difficult years ahead.

Friday April 23rd: Living With Uncertainty

We’re always living with uncertainty, but now this is even more true. I’ll give you some useful strategies and ways to think about uncertainty that will make this easier to do. Especially with our present economy and our major changes ahead this summer, it’s valuable to use these tools. 

Friday April 16th: The Joy of Living

Discover the Joy of Living and how this increases your prosperity. If you’ve ever wanted to shift out of old patterns of scarcity, fear, stress, or control, be sure you tune into this show. Find out how to refocus your life into JOY and create the prosperity that you’ve always wanted.

Friday, April 2nd: How to Use Astrology in Real Estate

In today’s market, you need all the advantages you can get when you buy and sell property. Discover how good timng can help you get more offers when you sell a property. If you’re buying property, find out how astrology can make the process go smoothly. I'll also discuss how to know whether to buy a property or not and some timing for this year. 

ALL PAST RADIO SHOWS CAN BE HEARD BY GOING TO:

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OR

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More info at www.polarisbusinessguides.com/radio.htm

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Many blessings always!

Madeline C. Gerwick

Certified Business and Personal Astrologer

Polaris Business Guides, LLC
Toll free: 877-524-8300

www.polarisbusinessguides.com
mgb@polarisbusinessguides.com

© Madeline C. Gerwick, Polaris Business Guides LLC, 2010

Join me on the radio for my show, Cosmic Connections with Madeline, talk radio to help you work in harmony and prosper with the Universe! Go to www.polarisbusinessguides.com/radio.htm for complete details on each week's show, a link to listen online, or to listen to past shows. My show can be heard worldwide via the internet and in Seattle on KKNW, 1150 AM on the dial, Fridays at 10:00 AM.