What we owe, part 2

Speaking of what we owe, I found this chart, which shows our U.S. household debt.


The small text below the graph reads as follows:

Aggregate consumer debt continued to decline in the second quarter, continuing its trend of the previous six quarters. As of June 30, 2010, total consumer indebtedness was $11.7 trillion, a reduction of $812 billion (6.5%) from its peak level at the close of 2008Q3, and $178 billion (1.5%) below its March 31, 2010 level. Household mortgage indebtedness has declined 6.4%, and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have fallen 4.4% since their respective peaks in 2008Q3 and 2009Q1. Excluding mortgage and HELOC balances, consumer indebtedness fell 1.5% in the quarter and, after having fallen for six consecutive quarters, stands at $2.31 trillion, 8.4% below its 2008Q4 peak.

I like the Debt Clock, which pulls it all together, though there is a discrepancy between the figure above and the clock figure for total personal debt. Regardless, it does give the big picture.

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

What we owe

I've heard concern about the national debt and decisions by the present governing party that are causing an alarming increase. I wonder - how does today's rate of increase compare to the past several decades? I wonder - is some of today's attitude the inevitable generational fear that things are getting worse when, in fact, they are "business as usual" if one compares historical data. Then, cynically, I wonder - is the current level of concern a reaction to opposing party rhetoric? I struggle to sort through the hubbub and find unbiased data on this or any other important subject.

I searched the web for a time line of the national debt. (Disclaimer: You can't believe everything you find on the web so there are no guarantees to accuracy or impartiality.) I found several graphs that present the data in different ways.

cedarcomm.com/~stevelm1/USDebt.png

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Federal_Debt.png

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Federal_Debt_as_Percent_of_GDP_by_President.jpg

I'm not saying I feel better or worse after seeing the information but I welcome comments. What's your view on the subject?

Simple Prosperity

These days, Paul and I are reading the book by the same title as this post. He thoughtfully purchased it for me at a summer Master Gardener conference he attended solo. How did he know I would enjoy it so? (Must be love!) You can read more about the author here http://www.davewann.com/

It was hard to get excited about the first few chapters since we are intimately familiar with the sustainable lifestyle principles laid out. Now, we've reached his discussion of sustainable neighborhoods and find it both interesting and exciting.

I'm enchanted by his description of vibrant neighborhoods close to shops with a short work commute by public transportation, foot or bike, and abundant, nearby free-time options. We know the day will come when life in the county might not be the best option for us and we will consider such a neighborhood environment then.

When I lived in the Dallas area, I admired the stylish homes that permeate the landscape. Now, my dream home would have thick, adobe or straw-bale walls for insulation, plenty of natural lighting and simple furnishings.

I like to think that I may be changing into someone who better understands what is important as it relates to how I spend my money and time. I have a long way to go (gotta stop buying stuff just cause it's a bargain!) but I'm on a joyful journey and it's easy to be patient with myself.

A start

I'm gonna try my hand at this!

I have a Facebook account, on which I sometimes post . I have an ITouch that is like a best friend, always standing by to play with me. Why not a blog?

It will be an exercise in putting thoughts to words in a coherent fashion and will very likely be something to look back on and either blush or chuckle. Here goes something!