In the July 2010 issue of Money magazine, the question was asked: "Has the economy really pulled out of its slump?"
Although 65% of those polled say it is either the same or getting worse, the statistics show a different story:
92% of companies plan on hiring this year
1.9% was the average raise for workers in 2009 (higher than the inflation rate)
9.9% (in April but now 9.5%) unemployment rate, when in October of 2009 it was over 10% - that is the right direction
19.8% increase in auto sales year over year (now comparing August of last year to this August showed a decrease but remember that "Cash for Clunkers" distorted last August's numbers)
9.6% increase in retail sales year over year
2.8% increase in restaturant sales year over year
It may not feel like it, but things are economically better than the doldrums of 2008-2009.
An Introduction
Hi. Welcome to BourGroup and my blog. Phil
Phil Bour is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) professional since 2004, a Magna Cum Laude college graduate and an accounting professional for over 35+ years. I love numbers, statistics and economic history.
I am also an Enrolled Agent (EA) to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and to prepare tax returns.
"Phil"osophy: I believe that you can manage your money on your own (not necessarily through individual stock selection but through mutual funds, ETF's and other solutions) once you receive some one-time, professional guidance. Why pay annual fees when there may be little added value? For additional information, first read the "An Introduction" label at the left. Then move on to others.
Phil Bour is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) professional since 2004, a Magna Cum Laude college graduate and an accounting professional for over 35+ years. I love numbers, statistics and economic history.
I am also an Enrolled Agent (EA) to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and to prepare tax returns.
"Phil"osophy: I believe that you can manage your money on your own (not necessarily through individual stock selection but through mutual funds, ETF's and other solutions) once you receive some one-time, professional guidance. Why pay annual fees when there may be little added value? For additional information, first read the "An Introduction" label at the left. Then move on to others.