Middle class barely gets by - 2003-09-15
Millions of middle-class families can no longer afford to get by on two incomes.

They barely survived when Bill's job as an oil company sales manager was eliminated in 1999. They came close to losing their home due to mortgage arrears and nearly ended up in bankruptcy before they went to a non-profit credit counseling agency for help.
Read the full story at USA Today

The myth of a self-supporting recovery - 2003-09-15
Hopes have been flying high, both for a rebound in the economy and a lasting rally in the stock market. I believe that the economic recovery will not be self-sustaining.

Consumers have mortgaged up appreciating home values to live beyond their means. But they are so spent out that auto sales are flagging, despite zero-percent financing and rebates. There has been some incremental good news from certain tech companies.
Read the full story at CNBC