The political campaign is in full swing, and surprisingly the polling data is showing an increase in optimism among Americans with regard to the future prospects of the economy. This trend was emerging even before the recent job report that showed the unemployment rate dipping to 7.8%. Many analysts are crediting Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic convention where he explained that things are improving, even if it’s slower than many of us would hope.

Other factors probably have to do with the stock market, which affects millions of 401K accounts, while the rebound in housing in many markets along with very low interest rates has to be helping as well.

Families have responded over the past several years by reducing debt, and now we’re seeing some increases in consumer spending. Now we just need businesses to follow suit by hiring more people and making more investments. Big companies are still sitting on a ton of cash, but hopefully this improved sentiment will nudge entrepreneurs to make more investments, buy more supplies, use more printing services and bring on more workers. Frugality has been the key in businesses along with personal finance as people look to do more with less. Businesses with shop around for deals on brochures from UPrinting rather than just using the local printer, or use interns or independent contractors instead of bringing on permanent employees. Cars that use less gas are also very popular now with consumers and business owners. Money saved is money earned.

But hopefully the improved sentiment will lead to more risk-taking as well for entrepreneurs and other businesses, as we need this for the economy to grow.

It’s becoming easier for individuals to become entrepreneurs, and now is as good a time as any to try out a home business given the terrible state of our economy.

One of the advantages here is that your financial future is not tied to the economic fortunes of a company you don’t control. With your own business, you control your financial future.

Of course this isn’t for everyone. But the idea of working for yourself and working out of your own home is appealing to many people. Some are intrigued but are intimidated by the prospect.

If you’re going to consider it, keep two things in mind. First, avoid all of the get-rich schemes out there. Anyone who is selling you a system that will make you rich is just getting rich themselves by selling you this pipe dream. Focus instead on programs and coaches that will teach you specific skills, like how to market online, how to match your skills or product to customers, and how to save money by sourcing supplies and contractors online.

Next, if you have an idea, start budgeting what various aspects will cost. If you need printing services, see what options are out there. You’ll be surprised how much you can save online versus traditional options in your area. If you’re going to need a staff or people helping you with specific tasks like copyrighting or web design, check out services like Craig’s List and Guru.com to see the type of assistance that’s available.

Don’t dream about doing this. Start surfing and researching!