Category: economy

Posted in children, economy, family, friends, laborers, love, nurses, plumbers, retail, service, support, thanks, writers

Cheers for our Laborers

Posted on by jtailele

Happy Labor Day.

For most people, this is a day off, to spend with family, to relax on a beach, or to knock out a round of golf.  But all laborers in America are not off on this day. Many still work their regular jobs, while we go about our merry way.

The grocer
The grocer

The purpose of this day is to honor them, and the lucky ones that got a day off. Everyone thinks to honor the “heroes”, the fireman, the police, the first responders. But the everyday service people don’t always get the thanks they deserve.

the plumber
the plumber

Why, I ask? Why do they labor?  Most labor to provide for their families, to put food on the table, to pay that doctor bill. Hopefully they are working a job that they enjoy. Many are not so lucky. Many do it out of need – they cringe every day they get out of bed to face another day at a job they hate. This day – let’s say “thanks” for sacrificing their life to do what they have to do. Head into work on your next workday with a smile on your face knowing someone cares – and thanks you.

the retail store clerk
the retail store clerk

Then there are those that serve out of labors of love. Maybe they are volunteers, or maybe they draw a salary – but their purpose is clear. They love to serve. Perhaps you a nurse or a nurses aide,  thank you for the love and care you give your patients. Perhaps you volunteer or run a non-profit organization that serves the needy, the challenged, the high-risk youth. Thank you for your service.

nurses and aides
nurses and aides

So today, or tomorrow, or the next day – keep this in mind. They deserve your thanks.  I customarily thank a serviceman or woman every time I see one in uniform. This week – make it your pledge to thank the laborers that keep America moving, food in your mouth, clothes on your back, your home running smooth.

the dry cleaner
the dry cleaner

How many of you will say thinks to this week?

Posted in consumers, economy, real estate

U.S. consumer confidence hits five-year high

Posted on by jtailele

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NEW YORK – May 28, 2013 – The Consumer Confidence Index is arguably the most important economic statistic released each month that most people ignore.

A positive index number means Americans are feeling secure in the economy and their ability to spend – and their spending feeds an increased rebound as they buy homes, furniture, cars and more. Upbeat attitudes are a precursor to other positive indicators, such as a rising home demand and selling prices.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in April, increased again in May. The Index now stands at 76.2 (1985=100), up from 69.0 in April. The Present Situation Index increased to 66.7 from 61.0. The Expectations Index, which gauges attitudes about the future six months from now, improved to 82.4 from 74.3.

“Consumer confidence posted another gain this month and is now at a five-year high,” says Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions was more positive, and they were considerably more upbeat about future economic and job prospects. Back-to-back monthly gains suggest that consumer confidence is on the mend and may be regaining the traction it lost due to the fiscal cliff, payroll-tax hike and sequester.”

May’s present-day conditions

Consumers saying business conditions are “good” increased to 18.8 percent from 17.5 percent, while those stating business conditions are “bad” decreased to 26.0 percent from 27.6 percent.

Consumers’ assessment of the labor market was also more positive. Those claiming jobs are “plentiful” increased to 10.8 percent from 9.7 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” edged down to 36.1 percent from 36.9 percent.

Future expectations

Consumers were considerably more optimistic about the short-term outlook. Those expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 19.2 percent from 17.2 percent, while those expecting business conditions to worsen decreased to 12.1 percent from 14.8 percent.

Consumers’ outlook for the labor market was also more upbeat. Those expecting more jobs in the months ahead improved to 16.8 percent from 14.3 percent, while those expecting fewer jobs decreased to 19.7 percent from 21.8 percent. The proportion of consumers expecting their incomes to increase dipped slightly to 16.6 percent from 16.8 percent, while those expecting a decrease edged down to 15.3 percent from 15.9 percent.

Nielsen, a global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch, conducts the monthly Consumer Confidence Survey based on a probability-design random sample. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was May 15.

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