| The Housing Fund has helped thousands
With all of the headlines about the hazards of subprime lending, it's important to know that there is an alternative for low- and moderate-income families in Middle Tennessee who want to become successful homeowners. Since its founding in 1996 as part of Nashville's Agenda, The Housing Fund and its partners have helped over 2,200 families buy their first home. Using $13 million in down payment assistance from The Housing Fund and $177 million in prime-rate mainstream mortgages, these families have avoided being part of the subprime story. Over a dozen banks, every level of government, foundations, Realtors and a dozen nonprofit agencies make this happen. .
Making Yourself Smart Investments
Editor's Note: It is probably a good idea to keep your eggs in different baskets. Jobs can come and go, but your investments can follow you for life. Here is an article on the subject: There is a harsh fact about reality. The good job that you have may not last your entire life or career. The stability of the job may change and the particulars about it may change it to one that is completely undesirable. You must think ahead and plan on making your money work for you. No matter how much you have, you must plan on saving at least three months salary for a rainy day. Additionally you must set aside a proportion of your salary to invest now in well performing businesses on the stock exchange, as well as through available mutual funds which have a superior performance and you should consider investing in real estate.
Seeking Balance
The global sell off of the past week was in part simply the profits taking that happens this time of year, and in part a number of our running themes being confirmed during this years shortest month. These are the US housing market, concerns about overall US debt levels, and the fact that East Asia will increasingly steer markets. We continue to believe we are moving towards a broader audience for the resource sector. There could be further pause if the entire equities sector consolidates due to US weakness, but that is in keeping with the start of the second stage of a secular resource bull market. The resource sector took a steep drop because it has had a large upside run. When pressured or scared into selling, traders try to make it painless by harvesting profits first and the resource sector has provided more of those than most.
More vets try to own businesses
A two-day Gateway to Government Contracting conference at the Antlers Hilton Hotel drew businesses from across Colorado and neighboring states interested in competing for government contracts. Jovita Carranza, deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was the keynote speaker Thursday. Carranza, who spoke about opportunities for veteranowned businesses, talked to The Gazette before her speech. QUESTION: Are you hearing from more and more veterans seeking to start small businesses? ANSWER: Yes. As a matter of fact, each year we speak to about 100,000 veterans who are interested in pursuing a personal-business venture. Weve learned that both veterans and reservists have the same burning entrepreneurial spirit that actually has strengthened our nation's economy. So were hoping to develop this year, in a very focused manner, some robust loan opportunities for them and programs.
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