Once before, I advised you to keep abreast of cutting-edge ideas, if for no other reason than that doing so can mark you as a problem-solver. This is equally valuable in interview settings as in the course of employment.

Check out this thought-provoking essay in Forbes magazine, suggesting an innovative new way to design adjustable rate mortgages. In short, rather than raise the monthly payment when the rate goes up, why not instead extend the term of the loan? This should be more affordable for most borrowers, and reduce default risk. Also, rather than foreclosure, with its high attendant costs, lenders instead should be willing to trade an equity interest in the future sale of the house for renegotiated mortgage terms. Sounds like a potential win-win scenario. As the authors ask, "Why not?"