What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment

I read a disturbing article today in Bloomberg Businessweek, "The Slow Disappearance of the Amerian Working Man." This reality is disturbing on many levels, the greatest being the impact this has on famiy leadership. I am not a fan of the distruction the feminist movement has had on the image and treatment of men in our culture. And the added impact upon our men without suitable jobs and income is far beyond what we can imagine.

Men are wired to be the providers for their family. When they are unable, for any reason, the psychological impact is immense in the present and has untold impact in the future. We already know the devastating impact a "fatherless family" has on the children well into their adult life, and the consequence also imposed upon our society. The recent youth uprising in Britan was in part a response to a lack of fathers and jobs. (Read Britan's Prime Ministers speach in response to the riots - link below.) The effect of our current and continuing unemployment can not be over stated. Regardless of any political speech, the government cannot produce jobs. The government exists because of the tax funds paid by the American worker. Capitalism creates jobs. Ingenuity creates jobs. The American spirit creates jobs.

Read my earlier post, "Turn Your Passion into Profit" and make your own way through this unprecedented time in our country. Consider freelancing or working as an independent contractor. Offer your expertise as an outside consultant to companies you already know. Starting your own business is easier than you think. There are some viable home-based business opportunities out there, but if there's a market for the type of work you've always done, why not continue with what you know? Here are some pointers:

* Seek advice from your CPA and/or attorney sharing your idea with them. Don't let them convolute the effort. You are simply doing what the pioneers did - hanging out a shingle to generate income for now. You just need their expert blessing on your plan and proffessional blessing.
* Establish a place in your home where you can set up a computer and other equipment you need to do what you do best. If you need to stock goods or product, establish a suitable place in your home for that.
* Learn the IRS perimeters of being an independent contractor and plan to operate according to the guidelienes.
* Check with your city and secure a proper business license.
* Make certain you have any necessary insurance, certification or other licenses fully in place.
* Avoid taking out any start-up loans or using your home as collateral for loans, if at all possible. Try to start your business very slow and small expanding only according to newly generated income.
* Carefully think through any partnership arrangements. Even the best of these starting out can be the brutal cause of the end.
* Decide how you will operate. Consider any forms, procedures, policies and such that need to be established and purchase or create these.
* Secure an off site mailing address for your new business. Remember PO Boxes are restructed to receiving envelopes and very small parcles. If you'll receive shippments, secure the right mailing address service.
* If you want to operate under a name that's not your own, be sure to file a Ficticious Business Name Statement.
* If you plan on selling goods, learn what's required. In California where sales tax is charged, you'd need a seller's permit and you'd be required to file and remit collected sales tax, annually.
* Create your business "look" for letterhead, business cards and the like using an inexpensive printer service such as Vista Print.
* Create a blog in lieu of a web site to start out. Blogs are "user friendly" and you can manage it yourself.
* Plan to NOT have clients come to your home to keep any added liability to a minimum. Meet at their office or at a business support location such as Kinko's.
* Use the Internet, flyers, ground mail and other means to get the word out that you're in business.
* When you get your first client commitmet, purchase any insurance you need to protect your business, home and family.
* Determine what kind of incentive you can offer for people to refer clients to you. Incentive not a bribe, OK?
* Earnestly market, actively network and keep knocking on doors to grow your client base.

In time, you will establish a sufficient client base, bringing you repeat business and/or referrals and you will have taken charge of your income, your future and that of your families. You can do it men and we're counting on you!

Read the Bloomberg Businessweek article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-slow-disappearance-of-the-american-working-man-08242011.html

Britan's Prime Minister's speech: http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pms-speech-on-the-fightback-after-the-riots/

Searching for employment today is overwhelming and exceedingly impersonal. Let's change that! Use this blog as a place to share what you learn that can be of help to others.

With 21.1 applicants for every single job opening, we need all the help we can get. The best way to get help is to give it. Noting that the vast majroity of jobs are secured through personal referral, networking is essential. If you are actively referring others to openings you see that area potential fit for them, they will be more inclined to do the same for you.

If you've suffered under and unemployment as I have then you know that it is tremendously difficult on so many levels - practically, emotionally, relationally, physically, spiritually and more. Let's help one another here! Let's turn What You Don't Know into what we do know! Let's transform this otherwise isolating reality into a community of compassion and help!

Check out these sites:

http://la.localhires.com/job_fairs

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/111881/careers-headed-for-the-trash-pile

http://home.earthlink.net/~dedavis/networkclubs.htm

http://www.vision4work.org/indexsvcc.php

Do you have resources you can post to help others? I want to hear from you! Direct people to this blog and let's get Americans gainfully employed again.

While over 26 million workers, along with their families suffer the far reaching pain of under and unemployment, President Obama spoke from the White House Rose Garden, calling the August 2010 jobs report increase from 9.5 to 9.6 percent, "positive news."

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which issued the report, says it strives to issue the unemployment data free of any characterization that might influence how people interpret the change," wrote Alan Zibel, with the Associated Press. Citing comments from Gary Steinberg, a Labor Department spokesman Zibel also wrote, "They hold meetings to discuss what kind of language to use. "We're trying to provide context to the data without political comment.""

Any increase to a labor market already at an all time 30 year high, can only be interpreted as change for the worse. Political comment or not, the present administration has the duty to correct this or find themselves voted out of office.

The most recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics "Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey," found five unemployed workers for every job opening, compared to 1.8 when the recession started.

Unemployment is not the only income problem for Americans. Declining wages are also taking a toll. John Schmitt, an economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington, D.C. based research firm, stated, "A large number of people have taken jobs that pay less than the job they lost." When there are far more people vying for a position than there are positions, there is no incentive for an employer to increase wages.

A report released Tuesday, August 31, 2010, from the Economic Policy Institute in Washington D.C. noted the business cycle from 2002 to 2007, (before the stock market crash of 2008), and revealed labor productivity grew by 11 percent but wages declined $2000.00 for the average American family. When the Institute took into account the Consumer Price Index, real wages fell 1.4 percent over the last current year for workers in non-government jobs. Those with government jobs have actually seen salaries increase.

The overall economy, the decline in Real Estate, the lack of consumer confidence, the looming national deficit and woeful job market are tremendous burdens for the American people. But add the soon to be increased taxes and one wave after another is pummeling the American people.

Effective January 2011 the largest tax hikes in the history of America will take effect. They will hit families and businesses in three great waves.

The first wave: Expiration of 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief impacting small business owners and families. The top personal income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent, which is the same rate two-thirds of small businesses profits are taxed. All the rates in between will also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will be phased out. The impact of these marginal rate hikes mean that the 10 percent tax bracket rises to 15 percent; the 25 percent bracket rises to 28 percent; the 28 percent bracket rises to 31 percent; the 33 percent bracket rises to 36 percent and; the 35 percent bracket rises to 39.6 percent. Additionally, taxes on married couples will increase, the child tax credit will be cut in half, the standard deduction for married couples will be reduced, and dependent care and adoption tax credits will be cut. We will also see the return of the Death Tax - as high as 55 percent estate tax. Lastly this first wave will impose higher tax rates on savers and investors.

The second wave: Obamacare brings with it over twenty new or higher taxes, several which will go into effect January 1, 2011. The Health Savings Account, or Flexible Spending Account or Health Reimbursement adversely impacted. No longer will pre-tax dollars be available to purchase non- prescription over the counter medicines, except insulin. The "Special Needs Kids Tax" imposes a cap on flexible spending accounts of $2500.00, where currently there is no limit. (Consider the enormous costs for special needs children's education alone!) The Health Savings Account withdrawal tax increases on non-medical early withdrawals from 10 to 20 percent, disadvantaging them relative to IRA's and other tax-advantaged accounts which remain at 10 percent.

The third wave: The Alternative Minimum Tax and Employer Tax Hikes take affect. The Alternative Minimum Tax will ensnare over 28 million families - up from 4 million last year. Small business expensing will be slashed and 50 percent expensing will disappear - depreciating equipment will be cut all the way down to $25,000. Larger businesses can currently expense half of their equipment purchases. Taxes will be increased on all types businesses, including the loss of research and experimentation tax credit. Tax benefits for education and teaching will be reduced, the deduction for tuition and fees no longer available. Tax credits for education will be limited. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts will be cut. Employer-provided educational assistance is curtailed. The student loan interest deduction will be disallowed for hundreds of thousands of families. Charitable contributions from IRA's no longer allowed. And your employer provided medical insurance must be reported as income.

Combining high marginal tax rates with the loss of this tax relief will cost jobs. Nearly all of us will be forced into a higher tax bracket at a time when we are either not working or working for less, and losing what we have worked so hard to gain. And this is before the greatest tax hike in American history.

Income and jobs are central in the minds of voters, so it is a pivotal issue for the White House and congressional leaders.

This President promised change during his campaign, but believing that I speak for the vast majority of Americans, from any political persuasion, the change we are experiencing and the change that is scheduled to occur January 2011, is not anything we want. More significantly, it is not something we can possibly bear.

President Obama indicated that he plans to unveil a broader package of ideas next week to shore up this unprecedented economy, but declined to give specifics. Unfortunately we must "wade" and see what he proposes and learn what water marks the November elections bring.

Ask anyone who has ever suffered under and unemployment and they will agree that the problem is far more extensive than simply the loss of a paycheck. Many lose their homes and even their ability to adequately provide food for their families.

With the current job and economic market being what it is, feeding the children (and their parents) right here in America, is a need greater than ever.

Nearly 40 million Americans received food stamps in April, according to a government update, the highest number ever under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Roughly 1 in 8 Americans were enrolled for food stamps during February 2010 and estimates by the USDA are that 43.3 million people will be enrolled in this program by year end."This is the highest share of the U.S. population on SNAP," said the anti-hunger group Food Research and Action Center. What's even more alarming is the statement that followed, "Research suggests that 1 in 3 eligible people are not receiving benefits."

In April 2010 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U6 measure of unemployment which includes long term unemployed and those working part time due to economic reasons is 17.1% or roughly 26.4+ million people. And this is only counting the individual suffering the job market. This doesn't include family members who are suffering as a result. Children are the most vulnerable.

Gratefully many after school programs offer low-income school children hot and nutritious meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture program. "What it allows us to do is provide those kids with an extra nutritious meal before they go home because some kids go home to nothing," said Susan Eckes, director of child nutrition programs for the Food Bank of Northen Nevada in McCarran, Nevada.

In 2008, the USDA's Economic Research Service reported 49 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, among those 16.7% were children. In 2008 the U3 measure of unemployment rate was 5.8%. Today it is 9.7%, or nearly double.

While the SNAP/foodstamp program is estimated to cost up to $59 billion this year, the USDA after-school meal program is expected to cost a total of $8 million. This doesn't include the costs for thousands of private and charitable organizations that have food banks and programs.

Lisa Rake, an Associated Press writer, wrote "A lack of nutritious food, especially in the first three to five years, can have lasting effects on health and development of children. Filling their stomachs with nutritional meals helps them learn and concentrate, officials have said. [Lester Gilespie, youth program director at the Susana Wesley Family Learning Center in East Prairie, MO, offered,] "What we've noticed is that when kids are eating nutritional meals, they tend not to get involved in negative activities such as doing graffiti or committing delinquent acts because when their stomach is full they make good decisions."

Federally funded programs in many states include actual meal programs, while private organizations such as the Boys and Girls clubs, and local churches have their own food programs and/or food bank services.

If you or someone you love is in need of help concerning food, there are many options for you that you must draw on for the sake of the children. Consider the following resources:

Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm

Feeding America:
http://feedingamerica.org/#

Angel Food Ministries - low cost food
https://www.angelfoodministries.com/

The Treasurer Box - low cost food
http://www.thetreasurebox.org/

Be sure to check with charitable organizations within your own community to get the help needed. Federal and state programs are good, but there's nothing better than a community coming together to help one another.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) from 1986 provides continuation of group health coverage that would otherwise be terminated, such as when a person's employment is involuntary terminated.

While the idea of continuing group health coverage is great, the financial ability for the person laid-off often prohibits maintaining the coverage. Generally, an employer subsidizes the actual premium cost for the employee's participation in the group plan, which lessens the employee's premium contribution. However, when a person is offered continuation coverage after termination, it is at the full rate, which is unexpectedly high for the individual.

Considering the current economic and unemployment realities, the Federal government stepped in to offer qualifying COBRA recipients federal subsidy last year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allowed those who had participated in their employer's group health program and who were involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 through December 31 2009, to receive COBRA continuation coverage by paying only 35% of the COBRA premium charged to the plan for a period of 9 months, so long as the recipient remains qualified.

This month, the COBRA subsidy offer is extended as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. The extension allows qualifying COBRA recipients to continue to pay only 35% of the premium for an additional 6 months, and allows those who were involuntarily terminated from September 1, 2008 to February 28, 2010 to participate.

Timely election of COBRA coverage is a requirement to participate, which is why employers and group insurance program Plan Administrators are under specific guidelines for notifying eligible individuals.

"The 2010 Act creates a "transition period" for certain individual who exhausted the 9 months of subsidized coverage originally granted under ARRA. An individual who lost or dropped COBRA coverage due to exhaustion of the premium subsidy can pay subsidized premiums for retroactive coverage during the transition period. These payments must be made by the later of (1) February 17, 2010, (2) 30 days after the Plan Administrator provides notice of the COBRA subsidy extension, or (3) the end of the applicable grace period (usually 30 days). Individuals in a transition period who continued their COBRA coverage by paying the full premium are entitled to a refund or a credit against future payments," according to Ryan T. Chieffo, an Associate of Perkins Coie Legal Counsel.

If you believe you may qualify for the COBRA subsidy program, contact your Plan Administrator to inquire. More information can be found at the Federal Department of Labor web site: www.dol.gov/COBRA

Many, if not most, credit counseling services are designed to reduce the consumer's debt by settling with creditors. This results in increased costs for goods and services for everyone as the creditors seek to offset their losses. It's plain wrong for the majority who repay their debt to be penalized by higher costs generated by others who don't pay what they owe. Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Orange County has been actively working to right this wrong since 1966, evidenced by their clients repaying 4.6 million dollars of debt to Orange County creditors in 2009 alone.

Beyond helping clients pay their debt, Kelly Rogers, Director of Education explained that CCCS-OC is unique in other ways. First, they have no loans, credit cards, negotiation or mediation services to sell, so their instruction and counseling services are offered with the purest of motives-to help those who are suffering financially to recover. CCCS-OC also adheres to the highest of industry standards as a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling that requires them to keep their accreditation current and that all their educators and counselors are certified. And, they are a non-profit business that receives the vast majority of their operating capital from various grants available through banks and other private foundations.

"It's in the best interest of everyone for debt to be managed this way," stated Rogers. "Banks and other lending institutions don't want to settle debts with their clients by reducing the principle. That's why they willingly offer grants to help educate people how to manage their debt to successfully pay it off." The fact that debt is repaid to any given community helps strengthen the local economy, not to mention that paying one's own debt is the right thing to do.

Through free classes and seminars offered throughout the county by nine different certified instructors and one-on-one counseling provided by eighteen additional certified counselors, CCCS-OC nearly 34,300 people in 2009; 20,346 people with 717 different educational classes and 13,936 with direct counseling. One staggering reality is that their clients needing counseling regarding their homes, increased by more than 60%, compared to last year-evidence of the housing and job market conditions in Orange County alone.

Additionally, they offer services to help a debtor stay on track with the repayment program, sometimes acting as the go-between for their client and creditors. According to Rogers, "The average client has 9 different credit cards they juggle. We can establish a program for a low one-time set-up fee, allowing the client to pay one payment to their creditors, through us which we distribute. Having a repayment program with only one check to write alone brings relief to our clients." CCCS-OC's reputation as a repayment service, rather than a settlement
negotiator, affords them an excellent working relationship with creditors, which in turn is a big help to their clients. "We are in a better position to get the creditors to agree to adjustments in repaying debt when they know their client is working with us," Rogers concludes.

To help increase their presence in north county, CCCS-OC will be represented as a sponsor of a day-long intensive seminar to be hosted by Yorba Linda Friends Church, February 6, 2010 developed to offer various pro-active help to those under and unemployed. The seminar is open to the pubic, however pre-registration is requested. Walk-ins will be welcome to the extent the space and supplies permit. Register on line at www.ylfc.org under Events at Friends, then on the calendar date.

CCCS-OC can provide a free class or seminar for any service organization, school, college, church, book club, mom's group, essentially any group interested. Persons interested may visit their web site at www.cccsoc.org or call them direct at 714 547-2227.

Pam Christian is an advocate for those under and unemployed. More at www.wydk.org

Ever heard a news story about people in crisis and wondered why, in this country with all our resources, they didn't have the help they need? That's what happened for Cheryl Bennett who rather than simply wondered, took action.

"At the beginning of the current economic crisis, I was watching television, learning of people living in what was described as tent cities, in Sacramento. As if that weren't bad enough, the story reported that these people were being ordered to evacuate the property within 72 hours," Bennett explains. "Incredulously, I thought aloud, where are they supposed to go? Instantly, and unmistakably inspired by God, I knew what I had to do."

With the help of fellow Christians, Bennett established All From Heaven, a web-based ministry co-op that allows people to participate in giving homes to families in need. No sooner had they begun this effort did they feel the Holy Spirit leading them to do more.
"That's when Gracie's Book was created," Bennett adds with her 1000 watt smile. "I'd been selling internet advertising with a big focus on Craig's List. And I thought, why not have a site similar to Craig's List where people could tap into all the resources they need? And by adding a
touch of Facebook, this on-line community could be a place where people share their need, while others in a position to help offer solutions." Gracie's Book is a Christian social resource network that allows Christians to demonstrate their faith.

The tag line for Gracie's Book is Pray It Forward with the hopes that people will realize the importance of not just praying one for another, but to actively do what is within their ability to do, and actually help others.

Bennett learned that there are hundreds of agencies and organizations available to help people in need, that most are simply not aware of. By diligently researching and cataloguing these community services on-line, Gracie's Book lists available local financial, health, food and
housing resources. Qualification for obtaining specific help is determined by the distributing agency or organization.

Bennett is starting with helps available in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and will branch into other southern California counties from there. In the broader view of things, this could be a model for local churches in any city across the country to begin to rebuild neighborhoods...all by His grace.

There's no charge to participate with Gracie's Book. Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give," and that is truly the spirit by which Bennett and her Board of Directors and Advisors operate.

The web site for Gracie's Book will be launched in February 2010, in conjunction with a daylong intensive seminar in Orange County, CA, to help those under and unemployed. The event is "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment, hosted by Yorba Linda Friends Church, for which Gracie's Book is a sponsor. To learn about the seminar visit www.wydk.org. Registration for the seminar available at www.ylfc.org under Events at Friends.

Gracie's Book website address is www.graciesbook.org Bennett can be contacted through the web site.

Nice guys don't necessarily finish last. Consider Rallie Rallis, a home business advisor. He's been working with men and women for years, helping them succeed in business. And in this economic and job market, he's busier than ever.

When asked what people do in this market, he state, "I recommend that people find an alternate source of income. As the old adage goes, it's never a good idea to put all your eggs into one basket." Good advice, but knowing which other baskets to place some eggs in, is not that easy. That's why Rallis helps people discover their passion and then determine if it's something that can be translated into income.

Identifying the things you truly enjoy doing and evaluating your skill set is first in this effort, according to Rallis. Once these two matters are determined, then it's necessary to explore how they can be used to generate income. But before jumping into any new business endeavor it's vital to research the success potential. This is where the Internet is exceedingly helpful.

"People used to have to spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars to conduct advance market research to determine if a new business, service or product is feasible. With access to endless information via the Internet, now anyone can test their idea potential at no cost," Rallis offered.

Still, many are fearful of starting their own business. But with Rallis' help and learning the likelihood for success in using their passion to generate additional income in advance, many are finding that facing their fear is easier than expected. And there's a lot to be said for getting paid for doing something you love.

Not everyone is cut out to work for themselves. To that Rallis replied, "For these individuals I recommend they find legitimate opportunities to work for someone else, earning income on line." That's another thing that's not so easy. But with Rallis' knowledge and experience, he helps people find legitimate employment or business opportunities that match their passion and have a high potential for success.

Helping people succeed happens to be Rallis' passion. He's one nice guy earning money doing what he loves, helping others do the same. That makes him first in my book.

Rallie Rallis is one of several sponsors of the free seminar to be held February 6, 2010 at Yorba Linda Friend's Church, "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment." Check-in begins at 8:00am, seminar begins at 9:00am and goes through 4:00pm. To learn more and register for the event visit www.ylfc.org under Events and Friends.

Rallis can be contacted directly at successcoach@rallierallis.com. His web address is www.comfortablelife.net.

Orange County, CA - January 14, 2010 Every day that a person does not find employment, results in much more than financial loss. Mental, emotional and physical stress, serious marriage, family and relational strains, foreclosure, divorce and even suicide are byproducts of under and unemployment. Pam Christian knows first hand that under and unemployment brings with it much more than simply the loss of a paycheck. For these reasons, Yorba Linda Friends Church is hosting Christian's FREE day-long seminar "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment," on Saturday February 6, 2010, open to the public.

Christian's experience with 4 years of under and unemployment and losing her home to foreclosure, along with her experience as a national speaker, trainer and broadcaster has equipped her to develop and present the seminar. Christian explains, "Knowing the extreme vulnerability, and the sense of despair and confusion experienced by those needing income and jobs, I had to do what I could to help." Christian's original six-week course along with a practical and pro-active workbook both titled, "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment," was so well received that she condensed it into a single day intensive seminar, now available across the country.

Brad Remillard, co-founder of Impact Hiring Solutions, a retained executive recruiting firm, readily embraced Christian's work. In his 20+ years of business he's seen many people emotionally and mentally distraught-ill equipped to effectively interview. "We'd been looking for someone to address the personal components of under and unemployment for years," Remillard stated, "because our company's purpose is different, yet the help is greatly needed." Christian makes the point that the first order of business must be to work through the counter-productive thoughts and emotions. Christian helps attendees recognize, identify and process the mental and emotional matters that can sabotage a person's success in finding gainful employment. Additionally, the seminar offers practical helps such as a transferable skills discovery quiz, a guide to personal branding, a method to specifically target job markets, and more.

Attendees benefit from the instruction and extensive resources and Sponsor Fair offering free and discounted goods and services such as food and shelter, house and utilities payments, foreclosure and bankruptcy counseling, family counseling, medical, dental and prescription programs and more. An optional personal workbook is also available for a discounted price for those who pre-register.

In addition to Impact Hiring Solutions, current committed sponsors for the February event are, American Family Living family counselors, Rallie Rallis a home business expert and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County. Those interested in sponsorship may contact Christian at 714 624-0914.

Register on line at www.ylfc.org under Events at Friends using the link on the calendar date or call Jennifer Becerra at 714 455-4207. Early registration is strongly recommended as space and optional workbooks are limited. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Spouses, HR personnel, counselors and others who are involved with those suffering under and unemployment are also encouraged to attend. More information at www.wydk.org

Pam Christian offers her seminars across the country to any church, business or organization interested in hosting. It's designed to be produced at no cost for the attendees and host organization. Testimonials and more at www.wydk.org
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The following is an Opinion Editorial published in the Christian Examiner January 2010 www.christianexaminer.com which I wrote. Please read it and give me your feed back using the input box on this lens, below.

The best way to reverse an economic recession is to create jobs from and for the private sector. Government leaders don't understand [or possibly want] this, which is precisely why our economy is far from becoming stable at this time.

Conventional thinking is that it is the loss of existing jobs that accounts for the rise in unemployment. Realistically, it's a drop in job creation, not a rise in job losses, that account for the majority of unemployment increases during recessions.1

President Obama's advisers predicted that unemployment would rise to 9% by 2010 if Congress did not pass the stimulus bill and that with the stimulus bill unemployment would remain at 8%. After spending $787 billion of American tax-payer's money, with the stimulus of February 2009 (which is in addition to the $152 billion stimulus from February 2008), unemployment surpassed the predicted 9% cap within a matter of months.

The economic impact of those under and unemployed must be understood for what it is. When people suffer a loss in income they naturally scale back their spending. This impacts businesses, who then scale back their business operations by down-sizing, which creates more job loss.

With prolonged under and unemployment, payment defaults on credit cards, automobiles and homes increase, as do and bankruptcies. Lenders then make the issue of credit even more stringent, further choking the economy. With this present economy even less money is circulated with either purchases or investments, impacting everyone with no bottom in sight.

Programs funded through payroll deductions such as Unemployment Insurance, Medicare and Social Security also suffer. The taxable revenues businesses otherwise generate are reduced, sales tax revenues are reduced and all this means less revenue for the government who has authorized a total of $939 billion in stimulus, to be paid by the very people who are under and unemployed. The American Dream is quickly being replaced with the privilege of being slaves to the self-extolled government and this must be stopped.

The government reports unemployment at 9.8% through September. The reality is nearly double. Using the broader measure of U-6, that includes those unemployed, plus all marginally attached workers, plus total employed part-time for economic reasons the accurate figure is 15.8%. That translates to 24,700,000 individuals.3

These individuals will lay off their housekeeper, gardener, pool maintenance help, reduce dining out and going to movies and anything else they can do without. The result is that many more people are impacted, easily surpassing over 100,000,000 people-or roughly one-third of the total population.

Calling his stimulus bills and proposed budget an "investment" plan, President Obama cleverly implies that it is not a spending plan, but a plan that will create economic growth. This is based on the faulty assumption that only government is able and responsible enough to invest at this time. Private investors have a personal stake in the outcome of their investments. But when politicians play entrepreneur with taxpayer money, that link does not exist; instead, the risk/reward is measured in terms of political outcomes.2

Politicians invest other people's money which is much easier to spend, and is not managed adequately to assure the highest return on the investment. This results in wasted resources. Contrast the success of the US postal service, Social Security or Medicare to private enterprise and it's clear which produces the greatest return.

What creates jobs are employers with profitable businesses, innovating and creating wealth. The present economy, the credit crunch and current tax codes grossly limit entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses. Private sector job creation must rise for the unemployment rate to fall. Under and unemployment must decline for people to choose spend.

Congress needs to jumpstart the restoration of jobs by reducing the risk for investors, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and business owners. President Obama should make good on his campaign promise to eliminate the capital gains tax on startup companies which would encourage more venture capital investment and new business. Banks that received bail out money should be required to make low interest rate loans businesses and entrepreneurs.

Congress needs to restrain spending to alleviate the threat of higher interest rates and higher inflation, which would also help restore the trust of the American people and relieve the fear of the future which is keeping a choke-hold on spending. Congress should also commit to raise no taxes and impose no new burdens on businesses at least until the economy is approaching full employment. State governments need to do what they can to stimulate new businesses and jobs, which should include eliminating the self-employment tax.

Presented with a more certain path forward, businesses will regain their optimism for the future, and will resume making the investments they need in order to expand and to compete in the global marketplace.3 This will create jobs and promote a climate for increased spending and the economy will be in recovery.

California's estimated under and unemployment rate of 19.6 percent is most certainly higher in inner-city areas. Pastor Vince Holmes from Zion Temple Community Church is working to help the people who represent these statistics in south Los Angeles by partnering with me to conduct a seminar open to the public, on November 28th.

While most churches are focused on Christmas programs, Pastor Holmes is putting his efforts in to providing a free day-long seminar designed to help those under and unemployed to best get through the holidays.

"Though Christmas should be a season of peace, joy and laughter, our traditions have caused it to be a time of stress and anxiety that also brings financial burden. Adding to that the reality of under or unemployment and it's potentially a season of despair for many" offered Pastor Holmes when asked about hosting the event.

Joblessness brings with it a whole lot more than the absence of a pay-check. Studies reveal that the stress and strains produced wreck havoc on relationships, marriages, and families; domestic violence increases, separation and divorce rise and with many suffering foreclosure, homelessness becomes a reality for these. Attendees can expect an intensive seminar to equip them to work through and overcome the emotional, mental, practical and spiritual aspects of under and unemployment, and preserve their family relations. Spouses of those who are under and unemployed are therefore encouraged to attend.

The program and workbook have been tremendously received by attendees and industry professionals alike. Brad Remillard, co-founder of Impact Hiring Solutions, a recruitment firm in business for over 20 years, immediately embraced the program. He'd been looking for someone who could address what he is not in business to provide, and that is the emotional, mental and spiritual components that people suffer, when under and unemployed. Testimonials and more information about the seminar can be found at www.wydk.org.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Those who are pre-registered can purchase the pro-active workbook at a drastically reduced price as an additional effort to help those whose finances are scarce. Walk-ins are welcome up to seating capacity. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM with the seminar beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM. Breaks in the schedule include lunch and a Sponsor Fair where attendees can gain more information about local resources and helps.

Pastor Holmes is currently identifying businesses and individuals, who offer goods/services that benefit those under and unemployed, to become Sponsors and be part of the day. Sponsors are provided a table to present their goods/services and given time during the seminar to present to the entire group. Broadway Federal Bank on Figueroa in Los Angeles has graciously contributed to help make the day a success. To learn of sponsorship, contribute or pre-register contact Zion Temple Community Church at 323-234-3436

Zion Temple Community Church is located at 1315 E. Vernon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011 and has been serving the people of the community for over 75 years.

Does hosting a seminar to help those under and unemployed appeal to you? HR Departments, service organizations, professional groups, churches - any organization interested in hosting a no charge event, can. Just visit www.wydk.org for more details.

While it's true that cities in California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona dominate the worst areas for foreclosures, accounting for 37 of the 50 markets identified with the highest foreclosure rates, the surprise now is the dramatic increase of foreclosures in non-metropolitan cities.

Among the 50 metro markets with above-average foreclosure rates, the top 10 fast-growing foreclosure cities now include: Boise City-Nampa, Idaho(up 142 percent); Provo-Orem, Utah (up 120 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (up 105 percent); Rockford Illinois (up 64 percent); Lansing-East Lansing, Michigan (up 41 percent) and; Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado (up 28 percent).

"These are places that were on no one's radar screen a year ago," said Rick Sharga, senior vice president at RealtyTrac, Inc., an online foreclosure marketplace based in Irvine, California.

Radically increased housing prices driven by speculation during the boom, along with the economy and unemployment makes foreclosures in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona expected. But alt-A interest rate re-sets and pay-option-adjustable-rate mortgage loans continue to "gradually shift the nation's foreclosure epicenters in the third quarter away from the hot spots of the last two years and toward some metro areas that had avoided the brung of the first foreclosure wave," said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of Realty Trac, in a recent press release.

Rising unemployment was also cited as a reason for foreclosures jumping 5 percent ahead of the second quarter of this year and surging 22.5 percent ahead of last year. The official unemployment rates reported by the Labor Department do not include laid-off workers who have settled for part-time work, or those who have given up looking for new jobs. When these numbers are factored in the total through September is 17 percent. "We're really not going to see foreclosure activity get down to anything near normal until 2012," Mr. Sharga concluded.

If you are in foreclosure or fear you soon will be, getting the right advice is crucial.
You are vulnerable and a target for many scammers once the public notice of default is filed. One scam offers the delinquent homeowner the opportunity for their payments to be taken over, when in reality the Scammer rents out your house and keeps the rental income, without paying the lender and you loose your home, any equity in it and your credit is trashed. Aimee Jackson, a woman who nearly lost her home but managed to save it stated, "Run don't walk away from anyone who claims that 'For $1,000.00, they can save your house."

Aime now works to help others save their homes and offered, "Ninety percent of the foreclosures I review have some kind of mistake in which the law firm or servicing agents were negligent. There is a lot of fraud going on." If this is true in your case, it could work in your favor. Aime's web site is: www.advocateaime.com

One family in Washington shared their story: "I fell one month behind in my mortgage payment due to lost hours at work. For $1,445 plus help with my increased winter utility cost of $565, I could have kept my home and moved on with life. However, because I didn't have $2,010, the snowball effect has happened. I lost my home, I lost my job, and my family will soon split up. I have lost all hope!"

In most states, the process of foreclosure can take up to a year to complete. You can avoid the "snowball effect" if you are pro-active and act early in the process.

If you can make up the missing payments, fees and any legal charges, some lenders will allow you to keep your original loan. Others will insist you refinance with another lender. You can also stop the foreclosure process, at least temporarily, by filing a lawsuit or filing bankruptcy. For either legal option to work, you'll have to come up with a payment plan to fix the deficit and you'll incur additional legal costs.

Generally, borrowers have 90 days from the notice of default to make up the deficit before the lender sends out the "notice of sale," which sets a date for the sale of the house, usually within 15-30 days. This is the time you'll receive notice to vacate. Depending upon your loan, even once your home is sold by the bank, the bank may be able to file suit against you for your unpaid balance of your loan.

There are more options available today than any time. Getting the right advice before you decide on Modification, Foreclosure, Deed-in-lieu, Short sale, Bankruptcy or Forbearance, is essential. And before you decide on your particular response to default, make certain you check with your accountant to know how your taxes will be affected. Especially if you used your home to get cash out in the past, or the home is not owner occupied. According to the Internal Revenue Service:

"Normally, debt forgiveness results in taxable income. But under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, enacted Dec. 20, taxpayers may exclude debt forgiven on their principal residence if the balance of their loan was $2 million or less. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. Details are on Form 982 and its instructions, available now on this Web site (http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=179073,00.html)."

"The new law contains important provisions for struggling homeowners," said Acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff. "We urge people with mortgage problems to take full advantage of the valuable tax relief available."

But above all act swiftly because the sooner you do the better your chances of reducing your loss and financial exposure.

My husband, a six-figure income earner, lost his job in the early 90's when the economy was bad because of the illegal actions of the financial partner. Greed has always been a rather destructive human characteristic. We've suffered bouts of under and unemployment ever since. We're both unemployed now and have been since July. We truly know what it's like and that's why I am a hard-working advocate for those under and unemployed.

One of the first things that people discover, when faced with under or unemployment is how far reaching it is emotionally, mentally and even spiritually and how all this can take a serous toll on marriage and family.

Brad Remillard, co-founder of Impact Hiring Solutions works primarily with Sr. Executives. He's repeatedly seen individuals "in transition" who think they have their game-face on during an interview, when it's obvious that they are dealing with serious inner turmoil. For most, the reality of having to deal with unexpected emotions, thoughts and spiritual concerns is more overwhelming than being under or unemployed. Getting a job resolves unemployment, but how does one successfully maneuver through all the inner issues?

Well, the first thing to note is not to ignore the feelings and thoughts, with the belief that they will be resolved once you're gainfully employed. They will not. In fact, unless you deliberately work to process your feelings and thoughts to a healthy place, you will actually sabotage yourself. Think about it: What employer would jump at the chance of hiring a mentally insecure, emotionally unstable person, even with all the right qualifications and experience? And if you manage to put on the game face during the interview and get hired, these unresolved feelings and thoughts will ultimately surface and will most likely become the reason you find yourself unemployed again.

My husband wrestled with feelings of being a failure to such an extent that he wrongly concluded that I must see him that way too. Then believing that I would therefore leave him, he started treating me unkindly which was an attempt to be in control of the situation. Had I not realized the reason for his actions, we would be divorced and our children would have suffered the ravages of a broken home. Instead, recognizing the origin of this atypical behavior, I spoke to his pain, (code for I got in his face), and convinced him that I had no intentions of leaving him, and every intention of going through the storm with him. It took some serious convincing because he was so deep into his negative emotions and thoughts.

You need to deliberately and intentionally take every thought captive and cause it to line up with truth. Generally speaking, for many men, simply identifying emotions and feelings as anything other than anger, is difficult; women seem to be better at identifying their emotions. In reality there are a host of feelings and thoughts that can stir up anger-it's these underlying thoughts and feeling that must be identified, examined and caused to line up with truth.

One of the best books I ever read to help in this regard is "Telling Yourself The Truth" by William Bacus and Marie Chapian. I understand there's also a Workbook and a newer book, "Learning to Tell Myself the Truth" by Bacus. I've provided the links to Amazon under the "My Personal Recommendations" portion of this blog.

So instead of going home and kicking the dog or punching the wall, or worse taking matters out on your spouse in reaction to all that's going on inside, get out your favoriate wedding picture, remember your vows and determine to manage the very real emotions and thoughts by swiftly and thoroughly identifying them, then properly working them through to a healthy reality. Not only will your family, including your dog thank you, but you'll be able to be your best at that next interview.

We know what it is to be under and unemployed and how during those times especially, saving money is critical. When my husband was unemployed, we naturally cut back on any and all extras. Only then did we realize the amount of excess spending we'd been doing. That's when I vowed I would be financially frugal no matter how much money we earn.

I love getting a bargain. I speak of my favorite discount stores and spend-thrift ways with as much unabashed haughtiness as those who shop on Rodeo Drive have been known to display. And in these economic times, excesses spending may very well become the height of gauche.

Today, the spending power of a dollar for all Americans, wealthy or not, is 6.1% less than it was in 1982. This according to Why Are Americans Earning Less Than they Did in 1982? Add the reality that those under and unemployed represent 16.8% of the population or 24,700,000 as of August according to another study, is why retailers and service company's are radically adjusting their sales and marketing efforts. Bundling products to offer deeper discounts, enticing cash-poor buyers with membership discount programs and slashing prices as much as possible are essential for the companies and their patrons, especially with the Christmas holidays approaching.

It's almost as though a whole new industry is rising up on the very premise of saving money. I may have less money than I did in 1982, but spending it, I get a greater thrill than ever seeing how much I can save!

Greenback Street is one of my favorite on-line discount shopping malls. It's free to join and once you do you are merely clicks away from shopping at all your favorite stores with tremendous savings. Virtually all of your favorite stores are in this mall. But what really sets it apart are the available rebates on purchases. Whatever you're already buying on line can be purchased for less and you can get paid for shopping! And don't forget that shopping on line, especially when you can take advantage of free-shipping, saves you gasoline dollars too.

Needing some new duds? Check out Heavenly Couture Who wouldn't be elated to get a pair of designer jeans that normally retail for $160-$185.00 for around $17.95? Paying full price today is truly the height of insanity.

When it comes to the bed, bath, home and kitchen my first pick is Smart Bargains I loved the compliments I got on my guest bedroom, which was outfitted to pamper my guests and looked like it was professionally done. When in fact I did it for pennies on the dollar.

And saving on groceries never was any easier than what The Treasure Box offers. By going on line and finding a member of this network near you, you can feed your family well and save hundreds of dollars.

My entire living and dining room have been furnished with excellent quality furniture - all bought on line. I don't have a favorite source to recommend for that. Instead I have a tip to help you save. Shop until you find the furniture you want. Then using the manufacturer's name and model information, continue searching until you found the very best deal. My dining room and hutch were ordered online from a state that saved me sales tax and also shipped the freight at no charge! Now that's savings!

Listen, we're all in this economic depression of a recession together. Be a good friend and share this page with others. And, if you have any good money saving sources, why not share them using the Reader Feedback portion of this blog? Who knows, maybe the state and federal governments will catch on that excessive spending really is gauche.

Just as having a car accident and then purchasing insurance to cover the repairs won't work, neither does trying to establish a professional network after loosing your job. You need both securely in place before the need arises.

The Department of Labor estimates that 63% of all jobs are secured through networking; other experts quote over 70% of executive placements are made through networking, personal introductions and referrals.

Networking is a very effective means of expanding your business-contacts and staying in touch with connected peers. Networking is not about getting instant referrals. It's about establishing relationships that enable each in the network to refer one another with confidence. And that takes time.

It also requires nurture. You may have been close to "Jim" while you worked at your last position. But if you've not stayed connected, to call him years later and ask for a referral would be awkward at best and risky for Jim. You could have been in jail, since working with him, for all he knows.

Here are some important basic steps to establish and maintain a vital network:
1. Establish a system for documenting communication. Use 3x5 cards or an Excel worksheet or whatever you chose, to record pertinent information. Update information to this record with each contact. Build relationship don't merely make an acquaintance.
2. Connect often enough that individuals easily come to the forefront of your mind and the same is true for them concerning you. The idea is to be ready to make a referral/get a referral the moment a suitable opportunity is mentioned.
3. Plan regular in-person meetings. To stay at the top of the network you need to maintain adequate name-face recognition. This is another reason why it's a good idea to have your photo on your business card.
4. Remember that networking must be mutual with each person seeking to be a resource for others, as much as seeking others to be a resource for you. If mutuality does not exist, neither will the benefits of networking.
5. Concentrate on quality connections over quantity connections. Having 1000 people you've exchanged business cards with who don't remember you is 1000% ineffective. Seek to have 100-200 connections who know your background and the value you offer.
6. Don't attend networking meetings because they are "networking meetings." If you find 2-5 people that are a good fit for your networking needs and incorporate them into your networking efforts.
7. When you find a networking group that has many great resource people for you, and visa versa, join the committees or serve on the Board so others can truly know you and you can truly know them.
8. Develop genuine relationships with those worthy of being in your network and keep them fresh whether, you're seeking a career change or not. It's not only about them being a resource for you, but you being a resource for them, whenever the need arises.

Social networking is not as effective as personal, but don't rule anything out! Here are my picks:

Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best selling book, "What Color is Your Parachute? 2008 Edition" wrote, "Most job-hunters who fail to find their dream job, fail not because they lack information about the job-market, but because they lack information about themselves."

If your industry is in a down-turn, it's likely that you need to consider employment outside your industry. With that in mind, knowing what skills you currently possess that can be successfully transferred to a new career is very helpful.

Your Transferable Skills are your personal abilities in working with people, data/information, and things. There are base skills from which more advanced skills are developed as you progress in experience. If you are just starting a new career you will operate using simple or base skills, under the training and supervision of your employer. But as you progress with your skills, you add abilities to your base skills and generally are promoted to work requiring less supervision and greater independence. The higher your transferable skills, the less competition you'll find in the job place and that's a good place to be.

Don't confuse transferable skills with traits or work styles. Descriptions such as the ability to get along well with people, or works well under pressure, are your traits or work style that have more to do with your personality, values and ethics. Your skills are abilities you've developed. And because 95% of people at all levels and careers, don't know their own Transferable Skills the majority of people are greatly limited their career and job possibilities.

Also, knowing your Transferable Skills enables you to discuss them with a potential employer. This reveals confidence and helps the employer more quickly assess the contributions you can make to his business.

The above is an excerpt from the free, day-long intensive seminar available for presenation by Pam Christian. Included within her Workbook is a Transferable Skills Quiz, which she is making available to you for FREE. Send her an email with the words "Transferable Skills" typed in the subject line to receive your FREE Transferable Skills Quiz. Write to plchristian@integrity.com

You can lean more about the seminar and Workbook at www.wydk.org

Keep watching this Blog to learn more of "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment".