The Unemployment Numbers Were Not So Good ...

Wall Street is falling today because unemployment was higher than expected at 7.2%. That's a substantial number compared to what we're used to these past few decades but nothing like the Great Depression. So much of it really does seem regional. As I've mentioned before, my friends on both coasts tell me how bad it is out there, but in the specific area of the Midwest where I live, other than a higher than average amount of foreclosures, there doesn't seem to be a tremendous impact on the quality of life. Many of our businesses were actually up double digits in 2008 so it seems that this recession is much more painful if you live in Southern California, worked on Wall Street, or had most of your net worth in real estate than it is elsewhere.

That's not to say this isn't the worst recession we've seen in decades - there's no question it is. My point remains that there are bright spots for those willing to move, take risks, and use this time to their advantage. Take a minute to read over the article I wrote following our last recession called Recession 411: What It Is and How It Should Affect Your Investments.