Good Ideas Finance

African specialists recently polled by Foreign Policy ranked most promising African countries in which to invest. Top five were Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. http://atfp.co/19us16K

Tipping in restaurants doesn't improve service and can be both unfair and discriminatory. Many top restaurants in the US are eliminating tips. NY Times http://nyti.ms/1dN0oeD

Dynasty Trusts allow wealthy to pass most assets for generations tax free, helping to establish an American aristocracy. NYTimes http://nyti.ms/9Eg47O

Economists demonstrate that toilet paper sales, including the shifting ratios from ordinary to premium brands, serve as a harbinger for economic recovery. MSN http://bit.ly/d3zIzz

There are $2.8 trillion in municipal bonds in the US, but cities' finances are precarious, particularly when considering massive pension obligations. Time Magazine http://bit.ly/ctu7R9

US Corporations set up subsidiaries in low tax countries. They declare their costs in high-tax environments and earnings in low-cost environments, minimizing taxes. In 2009 GE earned over $10 billion but paid no US taxes. Forbes: http://bit.ly/aoO38y

Scrip, which is currency with an expiration date, has been used in financial crises to stimulate spending. NY Times http://nyti.ms/bIFhN4

Three social entrepreneurs have sold shares in themselves, promising a percentage of future earnings in exchange for investments. http://bit.ly/5r2gy2

Current events argue for a Global Central Bank - as argued by Jeffrey Garten of Yale. http://ow.ly/qqxr

A German service, solAround, matches investors in solar power systems with homeowners interested in renting roof space. An HP "responsible business ideas" grand winner idea 2009. http://bit.ly/7wi1MB

If the chance of getting caught in a misdemeanor (parking ticket, speeding) is small, why not band together with other freeloaders and create an insurance market? The Atlantic http://bit.ly/ae1rWa

New research from the University of Indiana shows that overall sentiment on Twitter correlates with future stock market directions. Time best invention 2012 http://ti.me/t4PneE

Americans have no idea how wealth is really distributed in the US. If they did, we'd have different policies in place. Harvard Magazine research: http://bit.ly/1bWWUiM

People hate to save. People love lotteries. 18 countries have prize-based savings plans which increase savings rates. NY Times http://nyti.ms/L5oMLk

Companies are ignoring unemployment periods in resumes (partly on urging by the White House) in order to combat long-term unemployment. NY Times http://nyti.ms/1kk3Z3E