Archives for April 2015

Should The U.S. Worry About Oil Sector Jobs?

April 30, 2015 by Guest Contributor

Outside of individual’s holding oil stocks, damage to the economy from the fall in oil has been pretty minimal so far. Indeed, the price cut in home heating oil and gasoline has probably outweighed the damage from lower oil prices… so far. Unfortunately, this situation may not last.

Analysts are starting to look beyond the boost to the economy from low oil prices and see the damage that is being done by worker layoffs, slowing business, and falling home prices in oil producing states. Indeed, one recent estimate suggested that up to four jobs could ultimately disappear for every one job lost in the oil sector.

There is little doubt that as oil prices fall, some [Read more…] about Should The U.S. Worry About Oil Sector Jobs?

March 2015 Unemployment Flat

April 3, 2015 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the March Unemployment figures on Friday April 3^rd. According to the BLS the Current Unemployment Rate (Seasonally adjusted) for March was 5.5% unchanged from February. The Unadjusted Unemployment rate however fell from 5.8% to 5.6%. However, according to Gallup the Unadjusted Unemployment rate was actually 6.5% and the U-6 unemployment rate was 15.6% down from 16.1% in February.

Unemployment Numbers According to Gallup

	Unadjusted U-3	Unadjusted U-6
BLS	5.6%	11.0%
Gallup	6.5%	15.6%
Difference	0.9%	4.7%

Once again the BLS numbers are quite a bit different than the [Read more…] about March 2015 Unemployment Flat

Building Your Own Business

April 1, 2015 by Guest Contributor

Whenever the unemployment rate climbs people begin to get desperate and many think that this may be the time to strike out on their own (since they can’t find a job anyway). Unfortunately, a time when even experienced businesses are struggling and consumers are cutting back on their expenditures may not be the best time to start a new business… unless it provides a way for people to actually save money. Some examples might be windshield repair, resume writing or a used clothing or used baby items store.

Of course, beginning a business pursuit on your own is never easy, but the advantage is that you are your own boss. Though this doesn’t mean you get to take off whenever you want. It usually means you get to work harder than anyone else.

Find Your Niche

One of the most important things in the early stages of your company is to focus. Pick one product, Idea or service, or one aspect and sell it. It’s much less of a risk, and turns out to be more profitable when you invest in [Read more…] about Building Your Own Business