better .” This recalibration is resulting in a stronger bottom line , but also more time with family or personal endeavors . There is an old saying that , “ When you say yes to something , you are saying no to something else .” Sometimes success is about the elimination exercise that should be conducted annually rather than adding more complexity .
Another common response by the group could be categorized as peace with your endeavors and self . This is that inner feeling of self-fulfillment ; knowing that you put your best foot forward and are positioned to accomplish outcomes with a higher meaning . While this may sound like a philosophy class lecture , you will notice how many of the responses were void of the hard-core business metrics that we often use to define success .
Often success in business and life involves the “ soft ” things or the intangibles that provide meaning to the tangible bottom line . Profits , working capital , growth , and efficiency are admirable metrics of success . However , they need to be balanced with some of the finer things in life , which were articulated by this group . Success can be defined in many different ways , and I encourage you to explore what success means to you .
Interest rate trend over three decades .
Since the 2008-2009 recession , borrowers have enjoyed record-low interest rates for their short- and long-term debt as illustrated below . The Federal Funds rate is the short-term interest rate set by the Federal Reserve and upon which other short-term U . S . interest rates are based . It has effectively been zero from early 2009 to late 2015 . However , interest rates have been rising over the past few years as the Federal Reserve adjusts monetary policy . Rates adjusted up one time in 2015 and 2016 . In 2017 , the Federal Funds rate increased three times . As of May 2018 , one increase occurred with the expectation that the Federal Reserve will continue this trend throughout 2018 . Call your FCS Financial loan officer today to discuss the potential effect of rising interest rates on your operation and the benefits of locking in a fixed rate .
30-Day vs . 15-Year Farm Credit Bond
HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2018 15