It's a systemic problem that can't be diagnosed or cured in a single paragraph.  But I think the two most significant contributors to this trend in downward mobility are:   1. The lack of high paying manufacturing jobs that created the middle class.  These jobs were created by a post WWII boom and should be seen a...more

What makes retail employees special?  Don't policemen, firemen, nurses, doctors, prison guards, hotel clerks, restaurant workers, athletes, and news anchors deserve the day off too?   The crux of the problem lies with the American demand for convenience.  These employees that complain about going into work on Thank...more

My wife and I save for Xmas year round.  We put aside $100 each payday, so by December, we have $2,600 saved for gifts.  Usually we have some left over, which we save for birthdays through out the year.  We set a budget on what we will spend on parents, siblings, and nieces & nephews...etc.    When we first go mar...more