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."

Downsizing Your Home to Save $$

"Rightsizing" was the trend just as the house market started to crash.  Though retirees continue rightsizing, it's still not a bad option for younger homeowners.  Cutting back on overhead can be profitable for a lot of people.

We Need More Austrian School of Economic Thinkers

Said Einstein, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."  Will economic manipulation play out better this time?

Worth Repeating

"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” - Martha Washington

Revolution Partie Deux

Are we seeing an American-style French Revolution?  We're not likely to see people taken to the guillotine, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention.  The clowns politicians in Washington should take note of numbers 12 and 13. 

If You Feel Like You're Working Harder For Less . . .

it's cause you are.

Maybe It's TIme to Vote All Our Fearless Leaders Out

Polls are showing more and more disgust with US politicians and the eagerness to vote them out.  Unfortunately, we've heard this before and that doesn't seem to happen like it needs to happen.

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".   

Is a Good Credit Score Necessary for Decent Coverage Under The Affordable Care Act?

People in Florida are being asked to provide their credit score when signing up for the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare).  Health providers want know if you're defaulting on your loans before committing to take you onto their plan.  Credit scores are required to apply for some jobs now.  Get your score up and as high as possible. 

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).   

Credit Over Debit

Are there times when using a credit card is preferable to using a debit card?  Why, yes, at least five.

US Small Business Confidence Dips

US small business confidence dips slightly, but still remained positive about their business prospects.  Investors and small business should focus more on earnings season and less on Washington's games.