It has been a while since I last posted to this column so I am just going to throw out some random thoughts:

Is the recession almost over?  There are some indicators that it may be nearing its end, new unemployment claims are dropping, earnings reports don't seem to be quite as bad, and consumer confidence seems to be improving.

Should you buy a new house?  Why not? Mortgage rates are extremely low, prices have come down (and they seem to have hit bottom), and there are government incentives out there for first time home buyers.  Now is as good a time as there may be.

How about stocks?  Well I believe that the market has turned from bear to bull.   Why?  The Dow Jones Industrial Average was at its lowest point since October of 2008 during the first week of March 2009.  Since that time the Dow has risen from around 6,500 to the mid 8,000s and has regained some stability, no more 500 or 700 point swings.  Hasn't your 401-K seen a nice increase over the last 60 to 75 days? If history repeats itself, we should see the average at about 9,500 in mid March 2010.  That would mean that there is going to be about a 1,000 to 1,200 point jump.  Maybe it's time for you to "jump" also.

Loans are available through the credit union for almost any purpose so there isn't any reason to put off those major projects or purchases you have been considering; especially since the recession has caused many firms or contractors to discount their products and services just to make the sale.

So are things getting better?  I think so and I think we will see a continual improvement through out this year and next.  So go ahead and buy now,

It's Only Money!

John