Preview

Us National Debt

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1057 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Us National Debt
Writing Assignment
Topic: Discuss how does the U. S. National Debt crisis affects the daily consumer.

An ongoing American issue that affects every American today is the U. S. National Debt crisis. Although many of us hear about it every day on the news, many truly don’t know the ramifications of the very critical ongoing issue. The U.S. National debt affects consumers every day, in just about every imaginable way but probably most notably in Americans facing higher taxes, higher interest rates, and the U.S. government cutting back on services, weaker job markets, and lastly inflation. These five issues are just a few of many ways that the U.S. National Debt affects consumers on a daily basis.

Higher Taxes
In an article written by Russ Koesterich, titled “A Headwind for the US Economy: Tax Uncertainty”, Koesterich writes about increases in taxes, and new tax laws that the government wants to enforce starting in 2013. Koesterich writes, “Take the year 2013 when numerous tax policies are set to expire including the 2% payroll tax holiday and current rates of estate taxes. Also in 2013, the Bush tax cuts, which impact marginal tax rates, capital gains taxes and dividend taxes, are scheduled to expire. On top of all that, additional taxes are set to be imposed in 2013 such as a new 3.8% tax on unearned income.” Since America is more that $15 trillion dollars in debt, one of the easiest ways for the United States government to pay back on that immense debt is to increase taxes. So in the end we, the consumers will be the ones who pay off this debt.

Interest Rates
An overlooked affect of the U.S. National debt is interest rates. Interest rates affect the everyday consumer in a variety of ways such as “mortgage rates, refinance rates, credit card rates, auto loan rates, savings rates, money market rates, and certificate of deposit rates”, among others. In the article “Interest Rates and the National Debt” the writer, whose name isn’t shown, talks about how the



Bibliography: http://advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/isharesblog_040612.php http://thenationaldebtcrisis.com/interest-rates-and-the-national-debt/ http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/US_Debt_Deficit.htm http://omancma.org/economy/effect-of-debt-default-on-the-us-job-market/ http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2011/03/31/how-the-national-debt-affects-you

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    The United States current economic status has improved from 2010 to 2012, as far as, unemployment rates, consumer income, and (lower) interest rates are concerned. When we examine the Gross Domestic Product, we are continuing to increase the United States debts. In 2009, the United States estimated GDP (purchasing power parity) was $14.38 trillion, which increased $0.44 trillion in 2010. From 2010, the GDP at $14.82 trillion increased $0.22 trillion, putting the U.S. at 15.04 trillion in debt (Stephanie Mandell, 2012).…

    • 1516 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    National interest rates were indicative of where consumers stand in terms of debt and high interest; going further into debt:…

    • 654 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Deficit spending is a government action in which the amount of its expenditures exceeds that of its revenues. In other words, the government spends more money than it receives from its citizens through taxation. While such spending is generally considered necessary in turbulent economic times, recent annual trillion dollar deficits are alarming to say the least. To be sure, continued deficit spending threatens the very fiscal solvency of this country. Though it is reasonable to assume that both Democrats and Republicans agree as to its danger, there has been little agreement between them on how to implement a plan to reduce the deficit. Democrats by and large agree that a deficit reduction plan needs to include increased revenues, i.e. taxes. Republicans insist that the size of government should decrease, i.e. cut taxes. Despite the political volatility these two opposing ideas create, I believe that there is a way in which to do both. The question of deficit reduction then is: What is the most effective way in which to raise revenues and cut taxes?…

    • 2151 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    In our hearts, we all know that the ONLY way to stop the growth in the federal debt is to stop spending more money than the government receives. Thus, me must reduce government spending AND increase taxes. The plan is as simple as that.…

    • 1050 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Abstract: Mortgages failing, the current unemployment rate of 8.2%, giant corporations outsourcing almost 56% of their companies products since 1999, the War on Terror, and inflation are just a few of the many problems facing the people of the United States. The Democrats and Republicans nearly shut down Washington D.C. because the parties could not agree upon a budget that could get the nation out of debt. Although there has been a slight turn around for the nation's economy, it could be short-term and will not create a permanent solution for the nation's ever-growing debt crisis. By being 15 trillion dollars in debt and the number increasing by the second, for the first time in our nation's history our children's future will be worse off than our own.…

    • 1007 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people” Wendell Phillips, civil rights activist and lawyer (Phillips).…

    • 638 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Today the debate over the national debt crisis has many U.S. citizens concern about their financial future. With our national debt ceiling set at 14.3 trillion dollars, and with debt rapidly accruing, the decision to raise the debt ceiling must be made soon. Although both the Democratic and Republican parties have their own opinions on how to fix the issue, a decision must be made before August 2, 2011. Without a solution, the Treasury would not have the authority to borrow any more money. This means that the nation will be unable to make the necessary payments on debt, and also will result in defaulting on prior obligations. While both Democrats and Republicans debate on what’s best, my worries of financial security and my future goals seem to be in jeopardy.…

    • 928 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    According to Abraham Lincoln from a speech given on national debt, he says, “The nation’s public debt is a symptom of the long and continuous operation of the second and third causes of the dissolution of a great democracy. It is like the fever that drenches a beloved child’s body in sweat and makes him delirious three hours before dawn. It is necessary to deal with the fever, and to bring it down to a safer level, so that the child can live till dawn, when the fever is likely to break. But those causes of dissolution – which are the disease itself – must also be treated, or else the symptom will return.” The government has been relying on spending so much, which has been causing many long term problems. The United States is extremely in debt because the economy is spending more than it’s earning. This major debt that is happening to this day is creating many problems and consequences for the U.S. to face in present time, as well as in future time. Due to this national debt problem, many financial crisis, such as an increase in cost of borrowing money to buy a house, and increasing difficulty to find a job have become major issues.…

    • 586 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In Debt We Trust

    • 662 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The national debt is the total amount of money the United States Treasury Department has borrowed and currently owes to the federal government's creditors. These creditors are mostly comprised of the public, including individuals, corporations, as well as state, local and foreign governments. They also consist of various government trust funds, such as Social Security and Medicare. Additionally, they include the Federal Reserve, mostly in the form of treasury bonds, bills and notes. Currently, the U.S. national debt is estimated to be $8.5 trillion. This ever-growing figure brings with it several social and economic implications. Therefore, the national debt is a frequently debated topic that has over the years produced various schools of thought on how the U.S. government should manage it. In order to understand how the national debt could…

    • 662 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Debt Ceiling

    • 961 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Some has likened the United States current debt problems as the “Titanic.” A foreboding doom that will affect every citizen in America. One may ask about where and who this problem started with, one will probably obtain different answers. Currently, the United States credit is maxed out and credit rating could be affected even if payments continues to be made. It has also been said by the president that even Social Security and Medicare recipients may not obtain their money if the two August deadline is not met to raise the debt ceiling. Tough choices will need to be made by the United States government officials, and in the end holding on to one’s fundamental beliefs with no compromise could be detrimental to the United States as a major player in the world. To keep what is best for the American people in mind and not one’s political goals or aspirations when making decisions on the debt crisis should be the number one priority for elected officials.…

    • 961 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    The U.S. debt is over $14.5 trillion, and is the sum of all outstanding debt owed by the Federal Government. Nearly two-thirds is the public debt, which is owed to the people, businesses and foreign governments who bought Treasury bills, notes and bonds. The rest is owed by the government to itself, and is held as Government Account securities. Most of this is owed to Social Security and other trust funds, which were running surpluses. These securities are a promise to repay these funds when Baby Boomers retire over the next 20 years. The U.S. debt is the largest in the world. How did it get so large? Purchasers of Treasury bills still reasonably expect the U.S. economy to recover enough to pay them back. For foreign investors like China…

    • 678 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Causes Of Debt

    • 252 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Humans are the main cause of debt around the United States. Even though I believe that humans are the main cause of debt, I still believe that there are other significant factors that influence debt, including the media. First and foremost, humans have this mindset where they have “to keep up with the Joneses”. “To keep up with the Joneses” you are practically competing against your neighbors to have the best materialistic items. By trying to compete with fellow community members, people are actually becoming further in debt. Secondly, the media also plays a hefty role in influencing debt around the United States. The media will influence the citizens of the United States by trying to persuade them to have the biggest as well as the utmost…

    • 252 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    The current status of the United States economy is a common discussion or topic in today’s media and in many individuals’ households. The state of the economy affects us all in nearly every aspect of our lives. Whether you’re grocery shopping, buying gas, registering your children for school, or exploring insurance rates, the economy has an effect on the bottom line price. While there are many factors that affect our current economy, understanding the duties of the Federal Reserve can improve one’s overall knowledge of how the system works and how the steps taken by the Federal Reserve can change the economy. It may also help someone understand the thought process behind why the price of gas will not decrease or why imports and exports pricing for the United States are currently not favorable. One of the primary functions, and the original reason for establishing the Federal Reserve is to conduct the United States monetary policy by persuading economic conditions by demanding maximum employment, stable pricing, and good interest rates .…

    • 1601 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    The United States impacts various policies not only at home but abroad. It has been a powerhouse for many years, and its strengths and weaknesses impact other countries. The deficit, surplus, and debt are three major areas influencing these policies. These three factors have a huge impact on many areas we will discuss. These include taxpayers, the future of Social Security and Medicare users, the unemployed, a University of Phoenix student, the United States’ financial reputation on an international level, a domestic automotive manufacturing, or exporter, Italian clothing company, or importer and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).…

    • 1134 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Best Essays

    ⑼Karen E. Dynan, Donald L. Kohn. The rise in U.S. household indebtedness: causes and consequences. Federal Reserve Board, 2007(3).…

    • 2406 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Best Essays