How much is $17 trillion? Visualized for reference.

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by parsonsj

If the Federal government was a business that would matter.

Since it isn't a business, they don't care because it is other people's money, and they get paid and pensions, no matter what..

Then we get the government that we have...Bloated, mis-managed, and in crisis mode...

[GregWeld]

If they showed this on the major TV news networks -- it might FINALLY get America riled up enough to vote properly (which isn't a political statement - it's a statement that says pay more attention to what your LEGISLATORS are voting for - i.e., your Senators and Representatives!)

People all want to blame the President. The President DOES NOT make laws - he only signs them.... it's the other 535 bozos that piss your money away!

[legend]

I was shocked, in china everyone saves 40% of their income, we'd be in a very different position if that was the case in the west

[parsonsj]

Originally Posted by legend

I was shocked, in china everyone saves 40% of their income, we'd be in a very different position if that was the case in the west

Yes, that's true. We'd be way worse off:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_thrift

An excerpt:

The paradox states that if everyone tries to save more money during times of recession, then aggregate demand will fall and will in turn lower total savings in the population because of the decrease in consumption and economic growth.

[legend]

Ahhh. I see why Greg makes money and I don't now.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by legend

Ahhh. I see why Greg makes money and I don't now.

Yep -- Better lucky than smart.... I'm not very smart but I've had some very good luck!

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Yep -- Better lucky than smart.... I'm not very smart but I've had some very good luck!

AMEN Greg.. I am not smart enough to understand the paradox of thrift, or the kensian way of economics...Or am I ? I have been saving 20% of my pay for decades, and it seemed to work out great for me.

I see the out of control printing and spending that devalues our currency, as the problem. Not the individual who saves too much..

Also Luck is not blind luck.It is the meeting of opportunity and preparation..Leading to 2008, I would tell my Wife that a chance of a lifetime is coming. Bad for many, but good for those ready for what will happen..
All the preparation and Investing prepared me for that moment in time.

Sure I could have done better, but the mistakes I made in 2000, I did the exact opposite this time to great success..I am luckier than I am smart, but smart enough to use the luck when it presents itself.

[John510]

Originally Posted by legend

I was shocked, in china everyone saves 40% of their income, we'd be in a very different position if that was the case in the west

I try to do that but then I go on Lateral G and get ideas for my car and there goes my saved money again...