Tim McMahon, Editor of UnemploymentData.com

My grandfather lived through the Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany--to say he was an original “gold bug” would be an understatement. I began reading his “hard money” newsletters at the age of 16 and the dividends from gold stocks helped put me through college. I began publishing the Financial Trend Forecaster paper newsletter in 1995 upon the death of James Moore editor of Your Window into the Future and the creator of the Moore Inflation Predictor©. FTF specializes in trends in the stock market, gold, inflation and bonds. In January of 2003, I began publishing InflationData.com to specialize in all forms of information about the nature of Inflation. In 2009, we added Elliott Wave University to help teach you the principles of Elliott Wave analysis. In January 2013, we began publishing OptioMoney. Connect with Tim on Google+.

March Unemployment Numbers Celebrated

April 6, 2019 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly unemployment survey results for March on April 5^th and it has the market pundits celebrating. Last month they worried over the mere 20,000 jobs created after projections were for 175,000 jobs.

This month once again the projections were for 175,000 new jobs but the BLS says there were 195,000 new jobs so the market is happy.

As we said in the Current Unemployment Chart commentary:

According to the BLS Commissioner’s report for this month:
“Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 196,000 in March, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Notable job gains occurred in health care and in professional and technical services… The employment-population ratio was 60.6 percent in March and has been either 60.6 percent or 60.7 percent since October 2018… Health care added 49,000 jobs in March and 398,000 over the past 12 months… Employment in professional and technical services grew by 34,000 in March and 311,000 over the past 12 months. “

Key factors in the report were the unemployment rate for Women dropped to another mega low of 3.3% from 3.6% last month.
Black unemployment was 6.7% and Hispanic Unemployment was 4.7%.

Last month the media was unpleasantly surprised by the Jobs report being lower than the consensus and this month they were pleasantly surprised by the higher than expected jobs. “Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expected that the jobs report would show solid growth by 175,000 jobs” but instead the report showed 196,000 “Seasonally Adjusted” jobs created, “making March the 102nd straight month of job growth”. In unadjusted terms February had 149.867 million jobs while March had 149.133 million jobs for an actual increase of 724,000 jobs.

Key March Employment and Unemployment Numbers

Adjusted U-3 Unemployment- 3.8% unchanged from February but down from 4.0% in January, and 3.9% in December.
Unadjusted U-3 Unemployment- 3.9% down from 4.1% in February, and 4.4% in January, but above the 3.7% in December.
Unadjusted U-6 Unemployment- 7.5% down from 7.7% in February and 8.8% in January, 7.5% in December.
Unadjusted Employment (Establishment Survey)- 149.867 up from 149.143 in February and 148.295 million in January.
February Labor Force Participation Rate- 63.0% down from the peak of 63.2% in February, and 63.1% in December.

Current Seasonally Adjusted U-3 levels are still hovering around the lows of 2000. Prior to that we have to go all the way back to 1969 to see better unemployment levels than we have currently. Current levels are rising a bit from a cyclical low not seen since 1969. Also noteworthy is that levels do not stay this low for very long. The longest low like this was the seven month period from October 1968 through April 1969. Prior to 1969 was a one month low of 3.7% in 1957. On the plus side, [Read more…] about March Unemployment Numbers Celebrated

4 Ways to Spot Early Financial Problems in Your Business Practices

April 3, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Most businesses fail because of financial troubles. The key to running a successful company is catching these problems before they get out of hand. Here are four ways to spot early financial problems in your business practices.

Keep Track of Every Dollar in and out of the Company

There are a variety of different forms of financial problems. There are cash flow issues i.e. you aren’t collecting on receivables quickly enough. Another issue is too much debt without enough income to cover both interest and principle. Instead of falling deeper into debt, often a business will make the wise choice to cut their losses. Cash flow management is the best way to spot this potential problem before it is too late. Every business has cash coming in and out every single day. Money comes in as customers make purchases, some of the money goes to pay employees, some goes to cover material costs and utilities etc and some of the money is reinvested into the business. Tracking and managing this flow of cash is critical to keeping a new business afloat. This information can help business owners make more accurate and key decisions in a moment of crises.

Job Hunting Anxiety? 4 Tips for Nailing Your Next Interview

April 1, 2019 by Tim McMahon

A job interview is one of the most stressful experiences that you can have, especially if you’re not fully prepared for it. If you want a better chance of nailing your next interview and landing a decent job, consider these four tips.

Research Your Potential Employer

Whether you’ve been interviewing with staffing services, a part-time job or you’re a candidate for your dream job, you will want to research every potential employer who calls you for an interview. It shows that you have an interest in their company, and that you have an attention for detail that will prove to be beneficial for any employer.

Come up with Good Selling Points

The whole point of a job interview is to see if you’re a good fit for the job in question, so you have to sell yourself. Before you go in for your interview, come up with three or four selling points for yourself. These should be reasons why this particular company should want to hire you. What those points are will be determined by what the company really wants in an employee, so decide which of your strengths will be most beneficial for an employer and highlight those during your interview. [Read more…] about Job Hunting Anxiety? 4 Tips for Nailing Your Next Interview

4 Tips for Avoiding a Workplace Accident in a Blue Collar Environment

March 12, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If you recently got hired to work a blue-collar job, there are some things that you should know if you want to stay safe at work. Industrial environments are known to have additional hazards that you’ll likely not find in office jobs, so it’s especially important to be diligent when it comes to looking after your well-being. These four tips can help you avoid a workplace accident in your blue-collar environment.

Use All Safety Equipment

If hardhats, safety goggles, and other types of safety equipment are available at your work, you should use them. Many job sites require that you wear a hardhat and not doing so can result in your termination. Your work environment may also have earplugs or headphones that can protect your hearing if you work in a noisy environment. Some employers even give employees the option of using back supports when lifting heavy objects. Your employer should provide instructions on how to use the safety equipment properly so that you can keep yourself better protected.

Avoid Taking Shortcuts

You might be tempted at some point to take shortcuts to finish your work quicker, but doing so may prove to be dangerous as you can see from the video below. If you try to complete a certain task while skipping important steps, you run the risk of causing an accident that could result in bodily harm. It’s important that you take the time to follow each process correctly, even if it means falling behind in your schedule. If your employer tries to pressure you into working faster and causes you to suffer an injury, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit. If you can’t work and need money there are now companies that offers settlement advances until a settlement has been reached. But be cautious, some companies offer lawsuit loans, or pre-settlement loans which you might have to repay if you lose your case. You should seek a non-recourse lawsuit settlement advance. That way, you owe nothing if you lose your case.

https://youtu.be/CfaozYDFxdY?t=15

February Unemployment- Only 20,000 New Jobs?

March 9, 2019 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly unemployment survey results for February on March 8^th and it has the market pundits wringing their hands over the mere 20,000 jobs created after projections were for 175,000 jobs. Optimists are blaming the government shutdown combined with the weather causing a lack of construction jobs in the Seasonally Adjusted jobs numbers.

But if job creation is only 20,000 why is Unadjusted U-6 Unemployment down from 8.8% in January to 7.7% in February? Why has the unemployment rate for Hispanics dropped to another mega low of 4.3%? And why is the unemployment rate for Women 3.6%?

The non-seasonally adjusted jobs number is up by 827,000 jobs from January to February compared to an increase of 1.237 million during the same period last year and an increase of 1.03 million from January – February 2017. So, yes the increase is considerably smaller but as we near full employment it becomes progressively harder to find new employees even if you have jobs available. The problem shifts from a lack of jobs to a lack of qualified employees.

Key February Employment and Unemployment Numbers

Adjusted U-3 Unemployment- 3.8% down from 4.0% in January, 3.9% in December and 3.7% in November.
Unadjusted U-3 Unemployment- 4.1% down from 4.4% in January, 3.7% in December and 3.5% in November.
Unadjusted U-6 Unemployment- 7.7% down from 8.8% in January, 7.5% in December and 7.2% in November.
Unadjusted Employment (Establishment Survey)- 149.133 up from 148.201 million in January, 151.190 million in December and 151.244 million in November.
February Labor Force Participation Rate- Unchanged at 63.2% up from 63.1% in December and LFPR 62.9% highest since 2013.
101st straight gain in Seasonally Adjusted Employment- (Household Survey) 156.949 up from 156.694 in January

Current Seasonally Adjusted U-3 levels are hovering around the lows of 2000. Prior to that we have to go all the way back to 1969 to see better unemployment levels than we have currently. Current levels are rising a bit from a cyclical low not seen since 1969. Also noteworthy is that levels do not stay this low for very long. The longest low like this was the seven month period from October 1968 through April 1969. Prior to 1969 was a one month low of 3.7% in 1957. On the plus side, [Read more…] about February Unemployment- Only 20,000 New Jobs?

Mowing Grass to Earn Green: Things to Consider Before Starting a Lawn Care Business

February 19, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Lawn care can be a profitable entrepreneurial opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and consistently network for more clients. Just like any other kind of business, though, there are a few factors and challenges to consider before heading out to buy equipment. Here are a few things to consider before starting a lawn care business.

Managing Startup Costs

Perhaps the most prohibitive aspect of launching a businesses in this industry is relatively high initial startup costs. It’s possible to start with minimal equipment, but this limits the number and type of projects you can work on. Starting a proper lawn care company requires an arsenal of equipment, including chemicals, tools, and vehicles. This is particularly challenging, as it can take a few years before earnings rise to a significant margin over costs.

Demanding Work Environment

Anyone working in lawn care spends a lot of time outdoors on job sites. Even owners and supervisors are often doing as much physical work as their employees as the company gets off the ground. That’s why you should consider talking to a personal physician to assess your personal fitness and physical health before starting a physically-demanding business. You don’t want to invest in your business only to discover your health won’t allow you to continue with it. But if you enjoy being outdoors a lot this could be a great option for you. [Read more…] about Mowing Grass to Earn Green: Things to Consider Before Starting a Lawn Care Business

Bring Ideas to Life! 3 Tips for Entrepreneurs

February 11, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Starting your own business means more freedom, but it can take a while to get your ideas off the ground. Figuring out how to transition from a career to a successful entrepreneur takes time, research and, most of all, patience. If you’re considering taking the leap and starting your own business, consider these three tips to help formulate your ideas and turn your dreams into plans.

Choose a Niche You’re Passionate About

The first business you launch doesn’t have to be your life’s mission, but it should still reflect some of your values and interests. Without any genuine personal investment, you’ll fail to provide the level of detail required to succeed. When you don’t have a passion for what you’re selling and are only in it for the money, you will struggle to find the motivation and perseverance necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Consider what types of stores you like to shop at. How could they improve? Your primary goal as a budding entrepreneur is to find your niche and figure out something new you can deliver. It’s about adding and refining value, not creating something entirely unheard of.

Learn From the Competition

A huge beginner’s business mistake is [Read more…] about Bring Ideas to Life! 3 Tips for Entrepreneurs

Like to Be on the Move? 4 High-Paying Transportation Careers

February 5, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If sitting behind a desk all day isn’t your thing, a career in transportation may be the perfect fit. There are many transportation career options that allow the freedom to be on the move without having to be stuck in an office. Any of these four high-paying jobs in transportation could be your ideal career.

Pilot

As a pilot, you’ll be able to travel the open skies while earning a respectable living. You can choose to fly commercial, private, or cargo airplanes to national and/or international locations. In addition to undergoing training at an accredited school, you’ll need to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license to start working. According to CareerBuilder, commercial pilots make $40.43 an hour on average, and yearly earnings can vary depending on the number of hours that are worked but median works out to about $78,000/yr. There are also Airline pilots who have the added responsibility of passenger safety so they earn significantly more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $137,330.

Helmsman

If a career on the high seas sounds exciting, you’ll likely enjoy working as a helmsman. You’ll be the captain of a ship as you navigate a commercial vessel through seas or rivers. There is always the option of working aboard a cruise ship, or you can choose to navigate freight vessels. You’ll need to undergo extensive training to learn how to operate a boat safely and adhere to passenger safety standards to be successful in this career. Salary ranges in this field often vary, but many positions pay upwards of $50,000 a year.

January Employment the Good and Bad

February 2, 2019 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly unemployment survey results for January on February 1^st. “Seasonally Adjusted” Unemployment U-3 is 4.0% up from 3.9% in December. Unadjusted U-3 was 4.4% up from 3.7% in December and 3.5% in November.

Looking back, Seasonally Adjusted U-3 started 2017 at 4.8% then it bounced around between 4.3% and 4.4% from April through October 2017, then it stayed at 4.1% from October 2017 through March 2018. It bounced between 3.8% and 4.0% from April through August 2018 before falling to 3.7% in September – November. So unemployment is currently at the same level as it was from April through August 2018.

Key January Employment and Unemployment Numbers

Adjusted U-3 Unemployment- 4.0% up from 3.9% in December and 3.7% in November.
Unadjusted U-3 Unemployment- 4.4% up from 3.7% in December and 3.5% in November.
Unadjusted U-6 Unemployment- 8.8% up from 7.5% in December and 7.2% in November.
Unadjusted Employment- 148.201 million down from 151.190 million in December and 151.244 million in November.
January Labor Force Participation Rate- 63.2% up from 63.1% in December and LFPR 62.9%.
100th straight gain in Seasonally Adjusted Employment

As I have been saying for a while [Read more…] about January Employment the Good and Bad

Joining the Workforce: 9 Licenses and Certifications that Don’t Require a College Degree

January 24, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Do you need a college degree to get a good job?

It’s a question many of us have pondered at some point. Although there are many benefits of going to college, it isn’t your only option when it comes to finding a well-paying, rewarding career. Below we’ll count down nine positions that may require a license or certification but that don’t require a 4 year degree.

Number 9- Cosmetologist

If you have a passion for beauty, why not consider a career as a cosmetologist? To begin working, you’ll have to be a high school graduate and complete a state-licensed cosmetology program. You’ll have various professional personal care services experiences throughout the program, with opportunities to learn how to do things like cut hair, give manicures and apply makeup professionally. Once you graduate, you can apply to salons with your specific preferences and work in any area of cosmetology you wish to specialize in. Cosmetologists make an average of $24,900/yr.

Number 8- Warehouse Certifications

As companies continue to become more and more available and accessible to people worldwide, forklift and heavy machinery use is growing along with it. Getting a forklift license or heavy vehicle license could open doors to you and your job search. Generally, these courses are cost effective and can be earned in a short amount of time. Licenses like these can help you get jobs with higher pay and pave the way to further career development. The BLS does not list forklift operators separately but instead lumps them together as Material moving machine operators and says “Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine. Others move goods around a warehouse or onto container ships.” They earn an average of $34,830 per year.
[Read more…] about Joining the Workforce: 9 Licenses and Certifications that Don’t Require a College Degree