Jobs and Prosperity

It seems to be agreed that the economy will not truly heal until the jobs come back. Will this solve long-term problems? That depends on what kind of jobs come back. Building new weapons systems keeps people busy and gives them money to consume imported goods and local services. Does it really help things in the long run? It uses vast amounts of energy and natural resources and causes unbelievable pollution. What could be accomplished investing the same amount of money in infrastructure and education?

For one thing, the only way we can lower our Gini coefficient is to improve our educational system. There are plenty of people who are well qualified to get a “good job in a cotton mill”. The problem is there are no cotton mills. My dad’s first question when he was examining a new business opportunity was. “How will this make people’s lives better?” He knew that a business model based on providing benefits was saleable. What are the problems our world and our country are facing in the near and distant future? What are the skills and technologies needed to deal with these issues?

Directing our money and our energy into solving these problems will provide jobs and get the economy moving in a sustainable direction. New weapons systems will not.

David Segrest, CCIM, CIPS, CEA, TRC, is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His web page is http://www.segrestrealty.com. His email address is david@segrestrealty.com.

Recession Proof Investment

Recession Proof Investment
In the last article we searched for a recession proof industry. I don’t know if we found one. I do know of a recession proof investment. As much as I love real estate as an investment vehicle, that even seems a little scary right now. Government bonds are fine if you don’t consider currency risk. Precious metals seem to be overpriced to me. If the economy gets better (surely it will someday), they will lose value.
Perhaps the best investment right now is to invest time and money in education. If one is careful what type of education one gets this should be a truly lasting asset with continuing high returns. The biggest challenge today would be to find a field of study that will not become obsolete. Any knowledge gained enriches ones enjoyment of life. Most of us now are looking for something to enrich our financial conditions. For me that points to real estate education.
There are many great designation programs available. Many people don’t feel prosperous enough to travel and take an expensive class. Maybe buying a book will help. It only counts if you read it. Also, one can do research into a subject online. Many of us have time and no money right now. Choosing a subject and researching it online is an excellent way to invest what is plentiful (time) and preserve what is scarce (money).
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com