How long before we come out of this financial tunnel?

We've all been wondering that.  How long have we been in this tunnel and when will we come out of it?

Don't really know, but here is the historical data to compare to:

This data is supplied by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

With updated information, our economy started the recession about 12 months ago. 

Here's a list of the recessions going back to the '20s and their durations in months:

• 1926-27        13
• 1929-33        43
• 1937-38        13
• 1945              8
• 1948-49        11
• 1953-54        10
• 1957-58          8
• 1960-61        10
• 1970             11
• 1973-75        16
• 1980              6
• 1981-82       16
• 1990-91         8
• 2001              8

We're no stranger to economic ebb and flow.  The real difference with this one is the financial house of cards that was allowed to be built over the last two presidencies.  Once the shake-out from that is over, things will be in a much stronger position to support growth.

Based on history, we're more than likely closer to the end of this nightmare than the beginning, unless this is the second "Great Depression". But notice, even then, the entire "depression" era was not in recession.  The problem with the Depression was the banking and credit situation.  (Sound familiar?)

So, if we can learn from the past, this may get a bit worse for a while, but hopefully won't be compounded as it was in the '30s.

The only other alternative to capitalism is socialism/communism and we've seen what happens in those situations.  Everybody is "equal" and nobody gets ahead.  Drones in the collective. Read Animal Farm if you doubt my assessment.

Even in this current situation, there's money to be made.  You just have to have the right outlook and way to evaluate the situation to make lemonade.   Drop me a line if you have deals you need help with. Buying, selling or building.

Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New year to us all.