Success is a subjective term – it is a perceived value. Where one sees a problem, another may see an opportunity. The most successful investor sees nearly everything as an opportunity, so even with the current problems in our economy, there is hope.

• Stock Market – Anyone can make money in a bull market, but some investors especially love to profit in a bear one. Knowing how to invest in options can level the playing field when others are losing money.

• Real Estate – Rather than frown about the devaluation of the housing industry, investors are viewing this as a huge opportunity. When better to invest in real estate than when the prices are low? Buy low and sell high is the motto, so now is a golden opportunity.

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• Weakened Dollar Value – Trading in world currencies when values are fluctuating can leave room for opportunity. A weakened dollar also makes U.S. products less expensive in the international market.

• Competition – Troubled times remove weak companies from competition, leaving more opportunities for stable ones. Consumers benefit by having only the best to choose from.

• Fat Trimming – Lean times cause businesses to trim the fat which will increase earnings into the future even when times are more prosperous. It is easy to get complacent on spending when it is not as urgent to pay close attention. Times such as these make businesses stronger in the end.

There is a silver lining in every cloud, so it bears reminding that any problem can be seen as an opportunity for improvement. Sometimes it is how we overcome the worst of times that enables us to be our best in the best of times.