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Originally posted by Jameliel
I'm not bragging, simply stating my credentials. I have a PhD in econ. and I work as a consultant in investor relations. The "economy" in this country is rigged. Plain, pure and simple. I'm not going to sit here and write another redundant essay explaining why. There are a group of people who plan certain actions to take in order to manipulate the costs of everything. They know the effect it will have, how long it will take, and they leverage it. One day these people will realize they aren't God and can never be God. Until that day, get used to this. It's only going to get worse since obviously we as a people aren't actually going to band together, pick up arms and take over. In order for that to happen, people would have to first stop being so ignorant. People are waking up a bit, but far too slow to affect major positive change in our lifetimes. We will see it get worse, but our children and grandchildren are the only ones with a real hope of still being around to see it get better. And most likely even they will not.
Originally posted by MrParanoid
People may be spending gobs and gobs of money, but do any of them really have it? Or is it all going on their credit cards to some day (soon) wind up in bankruptcy? Granted, we somehow allow our government to spend money in a similar fashion, but just because there's long lines and people "spending" doesn't mean everything's a-okay. Not when the average credit card debt is around $8,000 per person.
Originally posted by Jeremiah65
reply to post by RocksFromSpace
Sorry to hear that bud. I am also in business but in a completely different field. From where I sit, I am seeing things look up in big ways and if I understand markets, it is only a matter of time until you will see it in the merchandise and retail ends...so don't give up hope just yet.
Jewelry and such are generally going to do much better when people feel more comfortable and have disposable income. For the last few years, the average person has been bombarded with negativity and because of that, they are holding on to their money.
But there are a couple positive indicators that the MSM doesn't talk much about.
The housing prices in most areas are starting to squeak up a little.
There are more help wanted ads. There is something like 3 million decent paying, unfilled jobs. They say it is because of skills and education, but people are starting to do things about that. If I understand correctly, trade school and tech school enrollment is up...this is a good thing.
The stock market continues to be good, bobbling at or near the highest levels ever.
The GDP is still growing in a positive direction at +2%. That is not where we would like to see it, but it is far-far better than retraction.
Interest rates are still very low. If you have the credit rating, now is the time to borrow capitol for any start up businesses or expansions. It won't stay this low if the economy suddenly springs to life in the first quarter of 2013...as many think it will.
Just a few things. Don't be hard on yourself and don't give in to despair. You made it through the dark night and dawn is coming...hang in there!
Originally posted by LittleBlackEagle
reply to post by Jeremiah65
cool story bro! i'll keep my assets though, since they'll be the only thing worth anything when Benny Boy is done waxing your chain.
Originally posted by LittleBlackEagle
reply to post by Isee1111
i don't have gold, or very little maybe an ounce laying around, what i have is what can be had, stuff. i try to buy ahead on most things where possible, like 20 tones of coal which will heat my house for about 7 years at today's prices. usable goods are always the best to have around if you have the means.
you, like several others i have read, cannot seem to see past the symptoms to the disease, that's a shame and perhaps one day you will understand that.
Originally posted by Isee1111
Originally posted by LittleBlackEagle
reply to post by Isee1111
i don't have gold, or very little maybe an ounce laying around, what i have is what can be had, stuff. i try to buy ahead on most things where possible, like 20 tones of coal which will heat my house for about 7 years at today's prices. usable goods are always the best to have around if you have the means.
you, like several others i have read, cannot seem to see past the symptoms to the disease, that's a shame and perhaps one day you will understand that.
Sorry for my assumption.
Oh I know the disease is the monetary system itself.
But it's the system in place, and it will stay in place until there's a better system. Or until there is no system. Knowing that helps me use the system, but I know the system is fatally flawed and will probably end or be replaced. Exiting a system I can manipulate is not in my best interests until I'm forced to, but I can make preparations while within the system for any eventualities.