At the end of last December, I made ten predictions for 2018. Two interrelated predictions were that (a) the U.S. economy would grow at a 4.0% pace and (b) short-term interest rates would top 2.0%. Both of these trends are well underway, leading to new opportunities that we’ve not seen in years.

Ever since the 2008 financial crisis, the economic recovery progressed at an anemic rate, leaving interest income at historic lows.

That is until 2017.

With the economy improving, short-term rates going up, and public entities’ cash levels on the rise, the elements for a strong second half of 2018—and into 2019—look extremely positive.

I predict short-term rates will hit 3.0% in 2019. This will yield incredible results for those entities that are proactively managing all their cash as an asset. However, it will cost more when borrowing for gap funding or capital projects.

I cannot bang the table hard enough to get our message out: Cash is an asset and, with a stronger economy, public entities and higher Ed institutions have an incredible opportunity to put their cash to work. Done right, it can lead to hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in new revenue from everyday cash.

At three+one, our liquidity analyses and ongoing data are pure and independent. Our message has been consistent throughout: Cash should be viewed as a revenue-generating asset that will lead to significant levels of additional income to your bottom-line. Since we are not a bank, financial advisors, or registered investment advisors, we serve no other interests than those of our clients.

This growth opportunity is happening just as I had predicted. It is now incumbent on you to take the first step to take full advantage of it. If you haven’t already begun the process, now’s the time. For those who are already using cash to its fullest, you will continue to be very pleased with the increases to your bottom line this year and the next.