Retail Shoppers Have Disappeared

The government shutdown impacted retail sales.  With the next scheduled crisis just after the holidays, current spending levels authorized through 01/15/2014 and the debt cushion extended through 02/07/2014, shoppers aren't likely to loosen the purse strings this holiday season. 

More - "Do you want to save 10% on your purchase today?"  "No."

War Does Kinda Have That Beachy Feel To It

U.S. economic policy more unsettling than war.

The Washington Threat

Business leaders around the country are starting to see Washington DC as the biggest threat to the U.S. economy.  This affects jobs.  Because of the recent "crisis" many businesses saw consumer spending drop.  This happens crisis after crisis and Washington is nothing anymore if it's not a crisis. 

How Fiscally Responsible

They didn't even wait until a deal was passed.  The debt ceiling deal included funding a $3 billion project for Kentucky.  Pork!  What's the point of having a debt ceiling if we're just going to plow through it every several months?

Kicking the Can Down The Road

Yes, an 11th hour deal was made to fund the government but only temporarily.  As we said last week, we'll be having the deja vu yet again early 2014.  Yawn!  In the meantime, pay attention to see if spending is even cut back. 

A Deal is Coming

GOP insiders say a deal will be announced soon.

It's Luke Deja Vu All Over Again

We've seen this play out before and we're doing our best to do it over again.   

If You Think You Have it Tougher Than Your Parents You Probably Do

You especially have it tougher than your grandparents.  Check out the graphic here.  Of all, the home size it was surprises us most as this is something homeowners can pretty easily control.

Kicking the Can Down the Road

The government doing what the government does best.  It's like that couple that's always on a break cause neither is courageous enough to officially end the relationship or that person who's always telling you they're going to start dieting and working out "next Monday".   

Obama Likely to Nominate Janet Yellen for Fed Chair

President Obama is likely to announce Janet Yellen as his nomination to replace Ben Bernanke.  Yellen is likely to accept and run the Federal Reserve much the same way Bernanke has, continuing QE3 ($85B/month Treasury purchase program, historically increased transparency).   

Don't Be Like Our "Fearless" Leaders in Washington

"There's an absence of any signs that political leaders are willing to face this problem and address and restructure these obligations," billionaire Paul Singer said.  If you're having financial troubles, don't follow Washington's lead.  Face the problem and come up with a plan to address them. 

Social Security Recipients at Risk

Here's another reason to not rely on Social Security.  Studies suggest that Gen Y and Millennials don't expect to be around for them and are planning otherwise.  Unfortunately, many current recipients may not have planned accordingly.  All generations should plan as if Social Security won't be around to help them.  For your own security, consider it a perk.   

Free Money for College

The best way to avoid the effects of the student loan crisis is to get others to pay for as much as possible.

The Debt Ceiling Discussion in Pictures

CNNMoney has, essentially, put together a PowerPoint describing the issue with the debt ceiling.