In 2008 the Federal Reserve increased the country's money supply by almost 10% - $700 billion. However, in 2009 the Mint will make only 3 billion coins - 70% less than in 2008. This change is attributed to a decreased need by retail and to people cashing in saved coins, thus putting more coins back into circulation. Because the Mint funds its operations through sales of collectible and bouillon coins - making a $750 million profit for the Treasury in 2008 - the decision to reassign specialized workers, instead of laying them off, won't cost U.S. citizens a dime.

Outside an Omaha gas station people who filled out a survey were given a $5 bill, five $1 bills or five $1 coins. When these people came out of the convenience store, the researcher asked to see their receipts. People given coins spent the most, people given dollar bills spent a little less and people given a $5 bill kept it in their pocket. Because people are more willing to spend smaller denominations, U.S. economists suggested increasing the circulation of $1 coins and introducing $2 coins - unfortunately not "coin"ciding with Federal Reserve plans.

The plan for baggage fees has been a billion-dollar lifesaver for struggling airlines. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2008 baggage fees totaled $1.15 billion. In February 2008 United started charging $25 for a second, checked bag. In July US Airways started charging $15 for the first, checked bag. Competing airlines followed suit. American Airlines topped the industry with baggage fees of $278 million, followed by US Airways with $187 million and Delta with $177 million. Of the 7 major airlines Southwest earned the least in baggage fees - $25 million. Today editor/politician Horace Greeley might have advised "Fly Southwest, young man".

Of course, better advice might be to fly to North Dakota. Just before the earliest recession signs, there was a surprisingly steep decline in the population growth of children less than one year old. According to census figures, the number of babies increased only 0.9% between July 2007 and July 2008 - a sizable drop from the record-setting 2.7% increase the previous year. On closer look, however, housing prices had almost peaked in 2007, gasoline prices were going up and banks were starting to fail. Although 13 states reported fewer babies in 2008, North Dakota had a 3.6% increase - primarily due to those three, little words - they have oil.

Knight Pierce Hirst takes a second look at what makes life interesting and it takes only second at http://knightwatch.typepad.com

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