In the Euro debt crisis, is Germany able and willing to bail-out Greece?

Why you should know the answer to this question?

I have to admit, it's a trick question--and that's because there are most likely two very different answers.  In terms of the first part--Is Germany able--does it have enough money--to cover Greece's debt crisis?--the answer is a quick yes--the Germans have an ample ability to "save" Greece from the crisis it faces.  Don't doubt that answer for very long.

On the other hand, the last part calls for a different response.  Indeed, it's challenging to envision the Germans being willing to "spot" their EU compatriots the needed bread--and it's that part that most Americans don't get.   The reason for that is pretty obvious if you understand the nature of the cultures, the economic systems, work ethic, and ideal life-styles of Germans compared to Greecians--they could not be farther a part!  

So when we Americans read about the Euro debt crisis we think in terms of money--which seems pretty fungible, right?--and, thus, which can be seen to just "solve the problem."  But that's far from a settled matter.  The sooner each of us on this side of the Atlantic "gets that," the sooner we can start to make better investment, hiring, career, and retirement decisions.  You should not be fooled into thinking that how the 50 united states solved their debt crisis via TARP--if that, indeed, solved the problem!!--believe me, that is not available to the Europeans. You may make that assumption, but it would be a wrong-headed one to make!  

How to get smart ON BIZ issues that are important!

I just finished reading the top-seller, Boomerang:  Travels in the New Third World by Michael Lewis [famous for Moneyball, Liar's Poker, The Big Short, and The Blind Side],  It was a terrific "read."  In a highly readable, understandable, interesting way, he takes one on a whirlwind tour of five countries--actually six if you count California--in terms of the economics that led up to, describe, explain, and point to what's just around the corner in high finance between the rich and poor among us.  

Presently Boomerang is #9 on Amazon's best seller list for book in business, finance, and the like.  I do realize that most people walking around aren't business school professors or really care that much about debt crisis issues, but if you handle money or make economic decisions--even for just yourself or your family--this book will give you good insight as to what's up and what's about to happen.  

Just because others don't take the time to get the details behind the headlines that matter to their own personal and financial well-being--that doesn't mean that's what you should do!  Hey, if you don't want to read the book--I recommend you get your hands on the Cliff Notes--there'll be test on this someday you'll want to be prepared for it!
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What’s behind the BIZ QUIZ?
The BIZ QUIZ is different from an ordinary “blog”—it’s less about my opinion and more about what I’ve found that I think you might find both interesting and informative.  The BIZ QUIZ is posted every now and then so I can share an especially interesting article I’ve come across or book I’m reading—all easy to “get,” interesting, readily understandable, and mostly about commerce and business in all of its wonderful and splendid variations.