The document discusses the author's view that current economic conditions vary individually and are neither excellent nor terrible, though they have struggled to find a qualified manager for their retail business. It also notes challenges in the job market, with some positions being undesirable or paying less than unemployment benefits. The author advocates developing skills and self-employment to create jobs and improve the economy.

2.  In my opinion for my field the current economic conditions aren’t awesome
but they aren’t bad either. In retail yes now there is more seasonal help but
I’ve been trying to hire a manager for about 2 months now and have been
unable to find someone who is qualified or able to completely the tasks
needed by our team. As a manager there is no point in me hiring someone
who wouldn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of the staff that is just a waste of
time. But it’s not easy to find someone the job is about 20 hers per week and
around $8.00 per hour that’s either asking too much of some people or a step
down for others who would rather just collect their unemployment and stay at
home. I also normally have two jobs but I hate cold weather so I go out as
little as possible. If you know where to look be yourself and have skills to
bring to the table you can go far. So my in opinion the economic conditions
unless your company goes out of business the conditions depend on you.
Granted the Federal government being beyond over extended and
unemployment being so high and now if the troops begin to come home
from overseas it will take that many more jobs. But as I said before this is
something that effects everyone on an individual level. This is the age of
technology but also the age of service people have to find things to do. If
you can’t find jobs create something to do for yourself. When slavery ended
and those who didn’t stay on the farm they didn’t just go put in an
application they worked on their skills and crafts and sold them. People
need to start creating again to save our country.

3. BUS 204 ANNUAL Budget Template
INCOME EXPENSES
Gross Wages $70,000 Fixed Expenses
- Federal Taxes (13,775) - Automobile Insurance $2,220
- FICA Taxes (4,340) - Home Insurance 600
- Medicare Taxes (1,015) - Life Insurance 190
- Michigan Taxes (2,870) - Medical Insurance 672
Net Take-Home Pay $48,000 - Personal Property Taxes 0
- Real Estate Taxes 0
- Rent/Mortgage 8,268
Other Income - Retirement Fund #1 2,500
- Bonuses $0 - Retirement Fund #2 0
- Dividend Income 0 - Savings #1 5,000
- Gifts 200 - Savings #2 1,000
- Interest Income 0 - Savings #3 250
- Sales Commissions 0 - Student Loan Payments 3,000
- Tax Refunds 0 - Vehicle Loan #1 0
- Tips 0 - Vehicle Loan #2 0
- Other 0 - Other 0
- Other 0 - Other 0
Total Other Income $200 - Other 0
Total Income $48,200 Total Fixed Expenses $23,700

4. Variable Expenses
- Cable TV/Internet $1,800
- Charitable Contributions 500
- Clothing 2,000
- Education Expenses 5,000
- Electricity 1,080
- Entertainment 2,500
- Food (for entertainment) 400
- Food (home) 2,400
- Food (meals away) 220
- Garbage Collection 180
- Gasoline 2,400
- Gifts 1,000
- Medical 120
- Natural Gas 0
- Personal Allowances 1,500
- Personal Care 250
- Telephone (cell phone) 1,090
- Telephone (land line) 0
- Vehicle Maintenance 160
- Water/Sewer 150
hair styles 500
loans 250
mad money 1,000
Total Variable Expenses $24,500
Total Expenses $48,200

5.  The bank I chose for this assignment is
Chase Bank. I chose this institution
because I already bank there. They have
low fee’s helpful staff and you can pretty
much do everything you need online.
You can also find a branch where ever
you go.

6.  The car is chose is to do the project with
my 2002 Ford Escape. I am not a fan of
spending on unnecessary things so I will
keep my car no matter how much I
make until I am unable to drive it
anymore.
 The car originally cost $6000 and was a
gift from my parents.
 Due to some bad life choices my car
insurance is $189 a month.

7.  My dream apartment is in Ypsilanti Michigan.
 The apartment is 700 sq ft.
 There is one bedroom and spacious living along with
a list of amenities in the complex such as a pool and
parking garages.
 The rent is $689 per month no utilities included.
 One months rent was required as a security deposit.
 Renters insurance is also required but you have a
choice of what ever company you want to go with.
 You only have a choice of Comcast or Direct TV for
cable though.

8.  The car insurance I chose from State
Farm was $189 per month.
 The renters insurance also by State Farm
was quoted to be $50 per month. I was
asked where I lived, the type of
residence and my age.
 Disability insurance was $96.65 per
month.
 Life insurance from MetLife was $15.83
per month.

9.  At this time I would not be interested in
making investments unless my company
became publically traded again. It was
recently purchased by another large
conglomerate and is now privately
owned. I believe in investing back into
what you are apart of.

10.  I feel like this project was very interesting
and has helped me in my own life.
 I have now made a budget for myself
and it is helping me work towards my
personal goals.
 I also feel like the insurance rates you
face on your own as a young adult are a
lot higher then when you are combined
with your parents.