Archive for category Economy
The Global Economy: How Low Can It Go
The global economy continues to show signs of slowing down, causing many economists to fear and warn of a second round of credit tightening and a double dip or perhaps triple dip recession. This is not good. Many investors continue to be spooked and remain on the fence, uncertain of whether to put their hard-earned money in the stock market or whether to seek out safer havens such as bonds. What is certain is this: uncertainty remains ahead.
Recent reports and data such that manufacturing in particular in places such as the European Union (particularly the United Kingdom) as well in China was down, weaker than was even anticipated and forecast. Service industry jobs also in Europe were seen to be experiencing a downturn as well. This data comes in tandem the with U.S. Federal Reserve Bank sounding alarm bells recently warning the economy of the United States is facing significant risk of backsliding, receding faster than a middle-aged man’s hairline. Adding to the grief is the fact that the prices and values of commodities such as pork bellies as well as stocks are down worldwide.
What is clear now to financial experts and analysis as well as political pundits is that there is a very real economic skid that is taking place now. This is most likely a recession for most of Europe except for Estonia and Latvia, and the U.S. itself could be headed in the same direction. Let us hope that another terrorist event such as 9/11 does not occur again. That would truly be the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The fact is that we now live in a time of a truly global economy. It is no longer a dream or aspiration. It is now reality. A slowdown (or uptick) in one country’s economy can have ripple effects that can either be positive or negative. Read the rest of this entry »
Start a Lawn Care Business in This Economy?
Is lawn care profitable in this economy? The short answer, yes. The long answer would depend on the individual and the daily operation decisions needed for such matters regarding: equipment, fuel, payroll, etc. I suppose most get in to a business like this for the quick money, but few are fortunate to truly love their niche and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here are some keys to make your lawn care company profitable while providing great customer service.
Customer Service
Customer service experience prior to starting your own lawn care business will not only benefit you, but your customers for years to come
Jumping head first into a business just because you have a great deal of knowledge of your niche will not serve you or your customer well
Listen to what your customer really wants from your service
Many lawn care services neglect these basic skills and opportunities resulting in loss of accounts, merely because they did not pay attention.
Example: Mrs. Johnson said she was not going to be home next week when you come to mow the lawn, but mentions “can you please blow out my garden of any grass clippings”? To your surprise when you show up the very next week she is already at the curb waiting for you. She wants to show you something, the dead grass in the garden you forgot to blow out. She let’s it go this time. Now let’s say this account was worth $35 per week to mow, that’s $140, multiplied by at least five months you could have lost. Read the rest of this entry »
As Economy Improves Financing Becomes Easier For Those With Bad Credit
Payday loans are a good way to get extra cash in emergency situations. The very reason, these cash advances are hugely popular because it is an easy outlet to get financial help in a matter of 24-48 hours. Before these loans came into existence, people had to go for loan against the credit card or personal loans, which needed credit checks. A person with bad credit would have a tough time getting the loan sanctioned. The good thing about payday loans is that you can get money even if you have bad credit.
If you have a good credit report, it is of course a bonus. But if the credit report is not so flattering, you can lean on to your pay stubs which is actually the most important factor for payday lenders to deposit money in your account. They ask you to furnish copies of three months pay stubs to find out if you have a stable job and can pay off by the next month or two.
You can also choose to give your car’s title as collateral if you think your bad credit is a hindrance against a payday loan or if you do not have a checking account. Regardless of the credit, most payday loan companies sanction the loan with a car title as the collateral. This means the car will be in the name of the payday loan company till you pay off their loan. Read the rest of this entry »