So, you’ve been thinking about going to grad school, but feel the timing is bad because of the economy. While many of us are wisely putting off unnecessary expenses until the economic dust settles, putting off your graduate degree might not be such a wise idea. Right now might be the absolute best time to go back to school and pursue your advanced degree. Surprised? Well, consider these five reasons why you might want to go to grad school right now.

1. You’re not working anyway. If you’ve already been laid off, you might be feverishly searching for a job and not even thinking about going back to school. But,

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AUSTRALIA’S east coast port duopoly is set to lose its last bastion, with approval just days away for a third stevedore for Melbourne, the nation’s busiest container port.

Senior business sources expect an announcement this month by the Victorian Government of the redevelopment of Webb Dock for a new terminal.

Strong support within the Government for the Webb project follows market testing by port manager, the Port of Melbourne Corporation, which found strong interest from potential operators.

While competition to Asciano/Patrick and DP World’s P&O will be widely welcomed, the plan faces some hostility, with Asciano preparing for a legal stoush over its eviction from Webb Dock East, and warning of a resident backlash.

The company has a lease until 2017 for its vehicle and break-bulk storage operation at Webb Dock East berths 3, 4 and 5.

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President Barack Obama has said Wall Street must repay $117bn (£72bn) to taxpayers and criticised banks for “massive profits and obscene bonuses”.

The tax is to recoup money US taxpayers are expected to lose from bailing out the banks during the financial crisis.

“My commitment is to recover every single dime the American people are owed,” the president said.

The move follows populist anger at banks, seen as being responsible for causing the recent economic crisis.

Average American

“My determination to achieve this goal is only heightened when I see reports of massive profits and obscene bonuses at the very firms who owe their continued existence to the American people,” the president said.

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“I’m perfectly content renting for the foreseeable future,” says Patrick Doyle. That’s because he can rent for considerably less than the cost of owning a house in his neighbourhood. The savings, in turn, can be used to build up a portfolio of financial assets much quicker than otherwise.

“I pay $1,250 per month in rent, including my parking space,” continues Doyle, who authors the blog A Loonie Saved. “The monthly mortgage payment on a detached house in my area would be about $2,200. After you add in property tax, repairs, maintenance and utilities, the total monthly payment is at least $2,700. B

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