The Other LBYM

[mickeyd]

Nobody here really needs to be reminded of this, but could not resist the LBYM mention.



Signs You’re Living Beyond Your Means

Financial difficulties rose last month for middle-income households, according to the Consumer Reports Index, an overall measure of Americans' personal financial health. The Trouble Tracker, a measure of financial difficulties, climbed to 37.5 from 32.7 for middle-income Americans. The areas that saw the greatest increase were missed payments on a major bill (other than mortgage) and the inability to afford medical bills or medications.
Whether the trouble stems from the increase in the Social Security payroll tax that hit paychecks in January or a holiday spending hangover, it doesn’t bode well for consumers trying to get their finances under control in 2013.

Signs You

 

[ERhoosier]

I also read that. Given the huge impact consumer discretionary spending has on overall US economy, 2013 could be a bad year.

 

[heeyy_joe]

Thanks to rising home values, spending (and borrowing) will grow the economy this year.