Mark’s Musings – Jan. 14, 2015

Mark Fortune

By the time you read this column the Buckeyes will either be national champs or it will be the Ducks. Let’s hope it is the former. Who would have expected this when the first string quarterback went down, then later in the season, the second string quarterback went down? I think the Buckeyes have a tremendously gifted coach, coaching staff and of course, talented players on both sides of the ball.

This week’s front page photo represents to me, an attitude, and a mental picture of how we think. As in is it a sunrise or a sunset? Do you tend to think about things and life events with a glass half full or a glass half empty? This particular photo is a sunrise and the photo was snapped early on Sunday morning, Jan. 11.

Economic indicators point to an improving economy and the fact that we have moved beyond the recession of 2008 and 2009 with lower unemployment, new housing starts, (priced lumber lately?) gainful employment and more. And of course, lower fuel prices. That one is being driven by the Saudis as most know, probably to affect the Russian economy. And it is having an impact.

I think for most Americans the lower price at the pump is truly putting more dollars in our pockets. How could it not? Only a few short weeks ago it took $50 or $60 to fill the tank on the average vehicle and now it is taking $30 or less. (This is using a rough calculation of $2 per gallon and an average fill-up of 15 gallons versus $3.50 per gallon and the same 15 gallons). For many people, this difference, especially when factoring in two or three vehicles each week, results in a nice amount of extra cash. Hopefully, that money can be used to reduce some debt, pay off the credit cards, Christmas and all that.

Combine that with the impending flux of tax refunds coming down the pike and the economy should see a nice first quarter. Locally, people are investing in businesses with many home owned businesses popping up. The internet makes it possible for anyone to start a web based business or have access to goods and services from anywhere in the world. As we mentioned last week, don’t forget to spend some money locally. Of course, you can’t do everything via the internet. You would have a hard time getting your brakes fixed; or get body repairs done from that deer that ran into the side of your car and all that. You know.

Several local businesses have recently changed ownership, moved to a different location or expanded their services. You can keep caught up with these changes with The Beacon and on our website.

Well, it’s time to get caught up on my rest so I can be quite the fan for the big game tonight – with tonight being Monday. Don’t want to be too bleary eyed on Tuesday!

Thank you for your continued readership and support of The Beacon.

Category: Mark's Musings