Please let 2010 continue like this

[testifyoncruises]

Frankly we see tons of opportunity when so many can see only adversity. Housing is at an all time low and investing in real estate has become a great option. While some feel we are "dancing on a grave" by buying a foreclosure, we feel we are helping a neighborhood out by investing in a property and keeping it from going into squalor.

We have invested in a franchise. There are over 3500 and 500 made Entrepreneur Magazine's list in January. You can have a franchise and run it from home without any overhead.

Don't let the naysayers get to you, 2010 is going to be a great year, but it is up to you to make it happen!

 

[VickiVM]

We have invested in a franchise. There are over 3500 and 500 made Entrepreneur Magazine's list in January. You can have a franchise and run it from home without any overhead.

 

[testifyoncruises]

What does that icon mean?

I love love that DP and I work because we want to, not because we have to. This economy has given us the freedom to do that in a very economical way and hence the positivity.

 

[Darsa]

This economy has given us the freedom to do that in a very economical way and hence the positivity.

I'm not sure I understand that... The economy has tanked, how is it that a down-the-hole economy is making your future bright?

 

[FireDancer]

I'm not sure I understand that... The economy has tanked, how is it that a down-the-hole economy is making your future bright?

There are many positive things that can happen because of a downturn in the economy if you are in a position to take advantage of them.

Some long term stocks (such as Google) or mutual funds were very low and someone with extra money to invest could get in before they recover. Other costs such as building/construction are also low so if you were holding off building something or putting an addition on the house you could take advantage of the lower costs involved. My company is doing some expanding because the cost of building has plummeted in the area we wanted to build. Interest rates are also very low so if you wanted to refinance your mortgage or take out a line there are opportunities.

There are opportunities out there (such as lower franchise fees as the PP mentioned) that can be taken advantage of if you are in a position to.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm not sure I understand that... The economy has tanked, how is it that a down-the-hole economy is making your future bright?

There is always somebody at the top if somebody is at the bottom.

The economy is still technically in the toilet, but my business is doing the best it has in years. However, I am not an optimist, like the OP. I constantly live in fear of the other shoe falling.

 

[JerseyJanice]

There is always somebody at the top if somebody is at the bottom.

The economy is still technically in the toilet, but my business is doing the best it has in years. However, I am not an optimist, like the OP. I constantly live in fear of the other shoe falling.

Same here. In spite of the horrible economy, things have been pretty good for us the past couple of years. I hate to talk about doing O.K. because I know things haven't been so good for many people and I don't want to rub it in. And I don't want to jinx myself either.

ToC is correct that there opportunities in down times. I've heard it said many times that many millionaires were made during the Great Depression. For example, my grandparents owned a 10-family apartment building in Hoboken in the 1920s. They lost it in the 30s when most of their tenants couldn't afford to pay their rent. The building went to the bank and was likely sold later to an opportunist. It's unimaginable what that building must be worth in today's market.

 

[Metsfan520]

I try to be an optimist, but it's hard right now. But I'm trying.

 

[testifyoncruises]

I'm not sure I understand that... The economy has tanked, how is it that a down-the-hole economy is making your future bright?

Because of my age and history as a guide. I believe our our present funk is very similar to what was going on in America in the 1970s. Back then, we had Vietnam, a disgraced presidential office, the oil embargo and 20 percent interest rates on mortgages, things far worse than we are facing right now.

In the midst of that, companies like FedEx, Microsoft, Apple and Southwest were all founded. So yes, to me the future is very bright indeed. There is just too much to be optimistic about. We will rebound. Who knows where the new ideas will come from that return our nation to greatness.