Economy

• Nearly five years on, the Eurozone, U.K. and Japanese economies all have yet to return to the size they were in 2007. The U.S., however, has. Valeo Financial Advisors
• The U.S. industrial production index dipped in October to 96.6 from September’s 97 (2007=100) Chart: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Personal Finance

• How much more does it cost to raise a child through age 17 today than it did in 1960? Chart: USDA   
• Child-rearing expenses vary considerably by household income level. Chart: USDA
• Full report for Expenditures on Children by Families, 2011 USDA
• Mortgage Rates Dip To New Record Lows Freddie Mac

Paychecks and Spending

• Since reaching a peak in October 2010, real average weekly earnings have fallen by 1.8% U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. retail sales drop for first time in four months Bloomberg

Federal Debt

• What Factors Are Putting Pressure on the Federal Budget? Hint, it is primarily two major areas. What Are the Consequences of Rising Federal Debt?  Chart: CBO

Energy

• The IEA estimates that by 2035 the U.S. could be energy self-sufficient (oil, gas, nuclear, renewables, etc) The Economist

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