I hope everyone is remaining productive, effective, and efficient, and ‘forcing’ some time to increase financial education. Continue to pay attention to what’s happening around you. Many times, we know nothing and see nothing until a situation occurs involving us, or someone close to us. The economy is continuing to move, but it’s getting much harder each month that passes. That part is usually ignored. In case you didn’t know… Homes are costing more; and interest rates are higher, causing more people to pay high rent. There’s a problem here AND there’s an opportunity here. Spend some time understanding what it’s doing to the economy. Also spend some time determining whether you can participate in the opportunity. Energy companies are not putting much capital into ‘new’ drilling and exploration for the time being. That may result in less work, for people, which slows the economy. However, those gas pump prices may also result in more profits, for shareholders; something to smile about. Spend some time understanding both. Save for the future layoff. Keep buying the stock, of the great Balance Sheet companies, for the consistent dividend. Consistent demand for Pay raises and People working less hours will lead to higher prices for goods and more ‘lost’ jobs, which slows the economy. No one should be mad at anyone for wanting more money but, sometimes there should be consideration for the ‘bigger’ picture. The buck must stop somewhere. Blaming executives for their paychecks is not the answer. Look in your mirror. Make a decision for you and your family that ensures access to finance is present for the possible short setback. The automotive industry strike has side effects. The automobiles we currently have incur longer wait times for repairs and, in some cases, there are no parts available. That didn’t take long to happen. Keep striking for a 40% pay raise. While this is happening, there’s another group that’s going to go without and possibly lose something. Why am I mentioning this….. go back to my point in the first paragraph. The economy is moving slower. See the bigger picture and understand the role played by all facets. Benefit from it. If you are a great mechanic, you might want to put the word out. The ability to ‘fix’ the part is now more valuable than the ability to ‘replace’ the part. It won’t last forever. Soooooo….. if that’s you, get your value for your service and try not to spend it all in one place. Credit card debts are approaching all-time highs again. Just a year ago, they were at all-time ‘lows’. That does not signify that the ‘more money’ situations people have been experiencing has been put towards building wealth. It does not feed the myth that savings are still ‘OK’. That signifies living in the ‘now’. Again, your choice. If you want to live longer, it seems that you would have two facets…live NOW and PREPARE for living later/longer. Getting more money and running up credit card debt at the same time points to consumption in the most illogical manner; still spending more than net take home dollars. Those credit card payments take more money and causes the economy to move slower as each month passes. Some of this may not make sense. Some of it may be clear. In the end, we should talk amongst ourselves, to educate ourselves, on money flows. For instance, people are complaining about 6% mortgages to purchase a home, because it was 2.65% just over a year ago, but having no problems running up credit card charges at an interest rate of 19% to 24% for something of no benefit the day after consumption occurs. Where’s the logic IF one chooses to complain. By all means…. please live your best life. Also, consider setting aside just a little bit of time to learn about the money involved in that ‘best life’ and the most efficient way to make it happen. Inspire Someone. Build Wealth