Links
Excellent Links for Business Owners...
https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow
This site is run by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. It is in essence a live tool attempting to predict the current quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product). It is dynamic and as a business owner the growth in the economy is something you need to pay attention to.
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Inflation is based on commodity pricing. You can learn a ton simply clicking around this site and looking at the prices of oil, lumber, gold, and even butter. Actually pretty fascinating to look at the historical movement in lumber the last few years.
Can anyone say bubble?
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https://www.aar.org/data-center/rail-traffic-data
As transportation goes so goes the economy. It is interesting to look at the changes in rail traffic relative to prior periods. If you ever look at the report and see a rapid decline over several weeks, it is time to batten down the hatches at your business.
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No this is not a misprint. The site has a funny name but awesome tools for personal and business finance. Loans, taxes, investments. You can find it all here.
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https://www.crfb.org/socialsecurityreformer/
Feeling ambitious? Take a whack at fixing the national time bomb that is social security. A great way to raise your stress level and remind yourself that your retirement is your responsibility.
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The site is run by The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and has other interesting information.
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Excellent site with numbers flashing as fast as you can imagine. It is a detailed breakdown of the various debt issues the country is facing. You cannot help but leave this site knowing full well you need to save money for a rainy day. Well, in this case a CAT 5 hurricane.
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Be sure to look at the lower right hand corner. Unfunded liabilities. I will leave the surprise to you.
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