Americans Growing More Insecure

Even when experts were declaring the economy healthy, many Americans voiced a vague, but persistent dissatisfaction. It is true that jobs were relatively plentiful over the last few years, and it was easy to borrow and very cheap. The sharp rise in the value of homes and plentiful credit cards encouraged a nation of consumers to get out and buy. But to many people, something didn't feel right even if they couldn't quite explain why.Take away the easy credit and consumers are left with paychecks that, for most, haven't nearly kept pace with their need and propensity to spend and they are frustrated over $3 gas and $4 milk and the worries about health care costs that have risen four times the rate of pay, becomes much more real.

American's Debt

American consumers borrowing finally posted the smallest increase in 6 months in April. Americans actually paid off some of their credit card debt. I know we paid down our and have tried to keep a zero balance unti the garage door opener decided to quit and the car needed a major repair but we will pay that off as quickly as possible.