The economy in the US has improved a little, but people are still jobless, losing their jobs and homes across the nation. There are a number of factor that cause a bad economy, inflation, unemployment, tax laws and welfare are a few I would like to talk about today. Some of this article will be facts as well as some of my personal opinions as to why things are the way they are.

Oil

These days everyone without a hybrid is feeling the pain at the pump. This effects the economy in many different ways. Most people aren't on the go more than they need to be, so in return maybe that means not going to the movies or out to eat, or even on a vacation. This can effect many tourist spots across the country. And if you live some where more rural, where a car is a must to go any where could be effecting local businesses as well. One of the biggest effects gas prices has on us in the amount of money we spend on every day items. When the price of crude oil goes up, gas goes up, when gas goes up, the price of everything goes up due to the extra cost of shipping and receiving goes up. Inflation is another key playing in screwing the economy up and we will touch on that in a minute.

Here is my problem with oil, as far as I know the cost of producing gasoline doesn't really change. Sure they may spend money on new technology and such, but come on that's nothing that's hurting the pockets of any oil barren. Another thing that upsets me is that there is a small group of people who globally decide the price of a crude barrel of oil! Really!? Must be nice to wake up in the morning and decide they need a raise! The big problem with the US is that we do not use our own oil, from what I understand it is to rich and causes more pollution, so we sell to other counties as well as buy from other countries. All in all high gas prices has a major impact on our nation as whole.

Inflation

As a result of high gas prices the price you pay for your favorite cup of coffee goes up. When it cost more for suppliers to ship material, products and goods to retailers the buck gets passed right on down to us consumers. This usually has the biggest effect on our grocery bills. For those of us on a budget we watch what we buy, maybe we switch to store brands, maybe we stop buying certain products all together. This can have a negative life cycle as well, if we stop buying certain products, sales go down for companies. When that happens this effect those who work for those companies. See the picture here, I'm sure you do. Less sales, less money, less jobs. It's no different then your household a company will make cuts where they need to in order to survive as we will do. Instead of a product being cut it's a human being.

Taxes

In combination with all the above adding extra taxes makes for a toxic cocktail for any company especially small businesses. Again when businesses are hurting its not good for anyone, really not good for those working for a particular company. The unemployed are really effected by this because no business big or small wants to hire more employees when they are being hit with bigger tax bills. Do I feel that I should pay as much in taxes as a person making millions? No, however I do understand the trickle down effect. When your employer is happy and making good profits, we the employees feel the love. However if they are worried about bigger tax bills, they are more hesitant to give a raise or a bonus. In result our paychecks don't keep up with inflation.

Welfare

I love the concept of the welfare system, it's how it gets used that really ticks me off. Our tax dollars are used to help fund the welfare system and I wish we could vote on laws that make it up. There needs to be cuts and changes made in order for the system to work the way it was intended to. As of right now our tax dollars are going to waste, and here is why, I know a woman who is in her 70s. She is on social security and makes only $600 a month. She was denied food stamps because they said she makes to much money. This woman worked her whole life and paid taxes and they turned her away. However an 18 year girl with a baby can get it all and never worked a day in her life. Not only have I seen people abuse the system but also see people buying and selling their food stamps, as well as using them to buy no food items such as cigarets, and using their cash assistance in the liquor store. As I said the way it stands right now it is a waste of the tax payers money. A time limit of how long one can stay on the program, a cut in how much you get and what you can use it on need to be set in place for the program to be a success.

Don't get me wrong not every one abuses it but to many people rely on it as a way of life, and with the unemployment rate so high more people then every have resorted to welfare.

Buying Domestic

I try to support local businesses as much as possible and I drive a domestic car. Any time we buy local or domestic we help the economy. The problem is that buying domestic can cost more than foreign. And when times are tough I look for the deals not necessarily where it came from. If more companies would move their manufacturing operation back home, it would sky rocket the economy. I was excited to hear Obama would give tax breaks to companies that came back to the states. That is until it didn't happen.

Personal Economy

Lets keep in mind that we can improve the economy in our households in serval ways. This may mean cuts to cellphones or cable bills, anything you feel you can live without. Or you can find other sources of income. And this can turn into a whole new article and very well may be my next topic. For now I will be brief, just keep in mind you are in control of your money . It's up to you what you are willing to do to live the life you want to.

In conclusion, the economy is effected by many factors, most of which are out of our control. It's all about we handle it, from business to consumers the weak fall short while the strong survive. We have to make the best with what we have and never stop improving where we can.

I always love feedback good or bad on my writing so feel free to express your feelings on this article.