As a follow-up to my post a few days ago (Leading Economic Indicators We All Need to Watch), I had a conversation with one of my former business professors. I wanted to get his perspective on my concerns and about the economy to see if there were other indicators I should be watching. He mentions a few here and details some of his very real concerns as well. He is someone who constantly watches the global and national economy, as well as the stock market, so I trust his advice, guidance, and thoughtfulness. I hope this is helpful to you as well.
“Christa:
Nice to hear from you!
Like you, I’m feeling a bit uneasy about the stock market right now. Very high P/E multiples. To justify those prices will take an extraordinary breakout of growth in the US (and world) economy. The saving grace is that the financial industry still looks fairly stable—bigger capital bases than in 2007, more conservative lending, etc. If there is a downturn in the next year or so, I don’t think it will have the force of 2008. But still, a downturn is a downturn and something to be prepared for.
Your blog post offers some very good advice. I encourage people to keep 12-18 months’ worth of living expenses in fairly safe and secure investments. And I remind them of the old adage that there are two ways to be rich: one is to have a lot of money; and the other is to have simple needs. Avoid running up debt balances (except for education and a home mortgage). And the most important asset one has is between one’s ears: keep learning so as to stay valuable to your employer—that’s the best defense against a layoff.
Hope these comments help.
Be well.”
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Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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Christa Avampato 