We may be already past the worst of it...

**Greebo** · 07-20-2009, 11:48 AM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32008405...s_and_economy/

Economic forecast rises more than expected

Third straight monthly increase for gauge of future economic activity

NEW YORK - More plans to build homes, higher stock prices and fewer people filing first-time claims for jobless aid sent a private-sector forecast of U.S. economic activity higher than expected in June.

Some encouraging news. If things continue as they have been, the worst is behind us.

Too soon to say "Great Depression 2 avoided"? Maybe, but... here's hoping!

I must remember to show this to my mother-in-law, who's currently convinced her retirement funds are gonna dwindle to 0... *sigh*

**baxjul** · 07-20-2009, 11:52 AM

I don't know. From looking at our finances, it is getting worse.

**mauimagic** · 07-20-2009, 12:18 PM

Any positive indicators are always appreciated!!

Our economy always lags behind - tourism seems to still be sliding down.

**ladytoysdream** · 07-20-2009, 01:01 PM

I think it all is going to depend on the area where you live.

Where we are, I don't see signs of things turning around yet.
We talked to a guy a few days ago, who has had his job for quite some time now. He works for a company that drills wells for water. Things are real slow there and he has been getting days off no pay. His wife works in a factory in a office and was told the office jobs are going to Texas in November so her job will be gone. Not good.

My son works in a factory, they are cut back to 32 hours.

Talking to a mechanic/shop owner, this morning, because my truck needs a little work, and I was able to cut a deal with him for cash to get my truck work done later this week. I am getting it done for 1/3 the labor price the book says it should be. I already have bought my parts.

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-20-2009, 01:15 PM

Let's just cross our fingers on this one and hope for the best.

**savvy_sniper** · 07-20-2009, 02:17 PM

Local news recently stated that our local economy is getting worse and expected to get even worse.

**Greebo** · 07-20-2009, 03:07 PM

Well certainly some areas are going to lag behind the trend, and some areas are never going to get better, because of local reasons. Still, by and large, a rising tide raises all ships - so if the national economy improves, then that means more opportunity for all. Some may need to stretch further to reach it (ie: relocation) than others, but better is still better.

**strezzed** · 07-20-2009, 04:46 PM

Thanks for sharing the encouraging news!

**onencgirl** · 07-20-2009, 04:59 PM

All I know is I didn't get a raise this year even tho elec., etc have gone up. But, on the bright side I still have my job that was on the line of being eliminated. The power of prayer is strong medicine.

**pollypurebred39** · 07-20-2009, 05:03 PM

I agree Maui, " Any positive indicators are always appreciated!!"

**imagine** · 07-20-2009, 05:09 PM

I have to keep reminding myself that how things feel right now doesn't mean that is how things will be/feel.

So if things are feeling like they could get worse but the reports say things might be getting better that is encouraging even if it doesn't feel like it is true at this very moment. Does that make any sense?

Thanks for the encouraging news

**MaryCarney** · 07-20-2009, 05:28 PM

I am eternally the optomist. No matter how bad it may get here, I'm grateful to live in the good old USA. I have running water, electricity and access to the wealthiest civilization in history. Can't complain (well, I could, but no one wants to hear it!!)

**McD** · 07-20-2009, 06:38 PM

Things are starting to look good here. One of the reports I do for the water department involves all the new construction. We were getting 1 or 2 a month, has jumped back up in about 15 a month now. Hubby and I both got raises too. But, we always try to look for the good as opposed to taking the sky is falling approach.

**Missourimom** · 07-20-2009, 07:23 PM

My husband has been self employed in the home improvement business for 8 years. The bottom dropped out for us late last fall and we were on the brink of bankruptcy with basically ZERO calls coming in. Thank the Lord, things starting looking up a couple of months ago. Business definitely isn't what it used to be, but at least it's better than what it was from 10/08-5/09. We're still afraid to breathe a sigh of relief though.....we might jinx the turn around.

**frugalfranny** · 07-20-2009, 07:41 PM

I also think it will depend on where you live on how fast it happens.

We seem to lag behind a bit, and our unemployment figures were higher for June. Our housing market seemed to level a bit, as far as prices dropping, and new construction was starting up again.

Hope for the best...(but be prepared for the worst)....that is all we can do.