Seven To Ten

The number of newly laid off workers filing unemployment benefits claims increased, according to the Labor Department. Aside from the period in the fall of 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit, the four-week average for claims has risen to levels last seen in 2003 when the country was mired in a long jobless recovery after the 2001 recession.

Analysts said that claims have been difficult to read because of the government is trying to adjust the figures for seasonal changes to reflect this year’s unusually early Easter and also because of the impact of a strike at a key parts supplier for General Motors.

The unemployment rate jumped to 5.1% in March as businesses cut 80,000 jobs, the biggest drop in payrolls in five years. Many economists believe that was the most dramatic indication to date that the country has fallen into a recession.

Economists believe that the downturn should be short and mild, ending this summer with the help of the economic stimulus package that will send rebate checks to 130 million households. Still, they are looking for the unemployment rate to rise to 6% before stronger economic growth starts generating renewed hiring.

For the week of April 5, 31 states and territories reported increases in claims while 22 states had declines. The state with the biggest increase was Georgia, where claims rose by 4,306, reflecting higher layoffs in textile plants, carpet and rug factories and in service industries. Michigan was next in line, reflecting higher layoffs in the auto industry, followed by Texas with an increase of 2,377.

The states with the biggest declines in claims applications were New Jersey, down 2,737; New York, down 2,465; and Wisconsin, down 2,075

There are niche businesses you can get into like candy machines which can earn you a passive income. It may seem like a lowly job, acting like a delivery and service man. But if you do it right, considering the right locations, you should have no problem producing a regular income from the machines.

The work involved are basically to tend to the machines a few times a month, stock them, repair them when necessary and purchase supplies. Patience and perseverance are needed to succeed. I have conducted some research and will talk more about this money-making business later.

Must start already… but I haven’t ANY idea on making a living online. Never done it before, so where do I start? The google searches throw up so much information it is daunting.

At first glance, there are certainly many mentors around but they only provide a guide to making money online. Ultimately I have to do all the work by myself, that much is clear.

A colleague once told me that before you start any business, you need a business plan. That applies to online or home-businesses as well.

I will get to thinking tonight and see if I can determine a clear direction for this blog.