The price for higher education is enough to make a grown man cry. On the date of this writing, the average cost for private college is approximately $22,000 to $28,000. The average cost for public universities is approximately $9,000 to $12,000. As if those prices are not high enough, college tuition continues to increase at a rate of 7 percent annually. That being said, in the next five years college tuition for private and public universities will cost on average $39,000 and $17,000, respectively. As for those of us with younger children, the prices go up from there. “If you think the price for higher education is expensive, try ignorance,” said Earl Graves. Ignorance may be bliss but it’s costly.

(NNPA)—A business plan. A website. A means to track spending and profits. An office space, retail space or home-based business. Time. Money. Sweat equity. None of these, however, means anything if you don’t know what kind of business you want to run.

Starting a business sounds scary, but before you can even do that you have to get past the first step, which is often the hardest (yet doesn’t require a single penny): figuring out exactly what you will found. The good news is two simple questions can provide you some answers right away or at least give you a launch pad.

2010 will be a year of transition from the Great Recession to hopefully, a period of sustainable economic growth. Despite the political wrangling, the economy’s vital signs are pointing in a positive direction. Economic growth as measured by the Gross Domestic Product was 5.7 percent for the fourth quarter. The unemployment rate improved from 10 percent to 9.7 percent in January. Reported corporate profits of the S&P 500 companies, excluding financials, improved by 16 percent.

Business series

FEB. 18—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series from 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Finding a Job in a Tough Economy.” Chris Posti, executive coach and outpatient counselor for Posti & Associates Inc. will lead the discussion on tips that can get one hired during a tough economy. This event is free and open to the public. Call 412-281-7141.