More Merchant.com

Investing, Business, and Program Management from an MBA

Are we in a Bubble – Will Inflation or Deflation Happen

Have you ever blown bubbles with toddlers? What do they do when you blow them? They pop them and laugh! What happens when the government dumps so much money into the system? A bubble? What happens next?

Bubbles pop. Government caused bubbles are not different. Government can’t print money and print money and print money without a bubble occurring.

There is so much money out there, we may have some inflation. A bit, yes, but I don’t think it will be devastating. I think the opposite may just happen. Not I am not financial expert. I am just talking here with no real knowledge. When the government can’t print anymore money and keep things artificially inflated, then I expect the opposite if inflation. I expect deflation. People will realize that there isn’t as much money to go around, people will start to feel their checkbooks tighten.

I am seeing a bubble in everything from the stock market, to housing, to cryptocurrency. I believe it could all crash with a big pop. What do you think?

Possibly more to come on MoreMerchant.com.

~J

5 Tips for Getting out of Debt Fast

In years past I always struggled with debt. I coul not get ahead. I thoguht I didn’t make enough money and had to live with credit cards and loans. What I was lacking, was the knowledge. I went to my friend Jake Rinard, and asked him to be my financial counselor. He saved my life.
Jake Rinard has been amazing in helping me get my finances in order. Today I asked him for some quick tips to get out of debt. I paraphrase him here, but here is some of what he mentioned.

1. Bring In More Cash. Do whatever it takes. Sell things on Ebay, Craigslist or neighborhood websites. Dog sit, house site, babysit, do something to bring in cash.

2. Emergency Fund. I started with $1000 and that took so much pressure off my shoulders. Just make it happen, you will be relieved when you do.

3. Nothing Extra. If you have debt, then you can’t afford the extra things like Starbucks, and apps on your phone that cost money. Don’t do it!

4. Roll it Forward | When you pay off one debt, roll that payment into the the the next payment to pay off. Keep rolling it forward to the next item to be paid off. Start with the lowest amounts, and get those paid off quickly.

4. Don’t Invest in Retirement (for now) | This shocks some people, but I will often recommend not investing in your companies retirement plan until you cut all the high interest debt out of your life. The interest you pay on debt will often be much more than you will earn in your 401(k).