Sorting Through Headlines

Yes, the DOW was up 188 points today. I'm sure people who have managed to still have any money left in their 401k accounts are exceedingly happy.

But, it pays to step back from the main-stream media headlines and decide for yourself how you think things are going in our nation and in the world. You can't be necessarily swayed by any one headline, good or bad, but have to stay the course to be prepared for whatever might come your way.

Take stock of what is actually going on around you. What you can see and feel and know, not what other "experts" are supposedly telling you.

Are you or your neighbors unemployed?
Are there houses that are empty or foreclosed on your street, in your neighborhood?
Are you and your friends/family/neighbors watching your pennies more closely? Are costs for items you buy on a regular basis getting more expensive?
Is your state having budget problems?
Is your state increasing taxes? Laying people off?
Is unemployment in your area increasing or decreasing?
Are businesses going out of business?
Is commercial real estate getting empty due to loss of leases?

Pay attention to what you can see and know, not always what you read or hear and stay the course that you think is best for you and your family.

Some other headlines of the day you might want to preview, besides the ones about the market going over 9000:

Headlines, July 23, 3009