For what seemed to be most of the year last year, our country, its citizens, politicians, and economic engine was focused on one thing – the impending Fiscal Cliff. Unfortunately, it was not focused on but for a few weeks post the presidential election. It should have been focused on months and even years earlier.
We were put in this position by our leaders (and I use that title VERY loosely) in Washington several months ago. In order to secure the financial task at the time, there was agreement to “force” themselves to address the long term issue of debt, spending, irresponsibility, financial mismanagement – do I need to go on. Needless to say, they once again kicked the can a little further down the road and this time the can landed at December 31, 2012. After that date and beginning with a new year, massive tax rates would be put back in place and major government programs would be slashed.
As we witnessed, time was running out. From all appearances, no one in leadership was too concerned. No one appeared to be taking the lead and all we saw were some politicians standing in front of cameras with the same old lines of blaming the other person and/or party.
Then, all of the sudden, here comes the deal that is the going to fix the situation and avert the Fiscal Cliff – raise taxes and talk about spending cuts with a debt ceiling increase over the next three months. Really? If there was an Olympic competition for Kicking The Can, Congress would have the gold medal market cornered!
The absolute truth is this – we, as a country, are already over the fiscal cliff. We have been shot out like one of those little birds in the game Angry Birds and it happened years ago. We are not dangling over the cliff – we are in the air. The only questions that remain are 1) how far will the fall be and 2) how hard is the impact. It is simple economics regardless of them trying to convince you otherwise.
There is really no other solution. We are a nation who is consumed with debt. Owing over $16,000,000,000,000 and spending more than we take in almost monthly. Ridiculous and frightening. Unfortunately, most can not understand because they cannot 1) get their heads around the magnitude of the problem and 2) they do not want to face reality of the changes that MUST be made. As a country, we are must wake up to the realization that we can no longer do all the things we want to because we do not have the money to pay for it.
But wait, what about your personal fiscal cliff? While you may not have all the zero’s behind your debt or you may not be managing your money near a recklessly as Washington – how close are you to your fiscal cliff? What changes are you making?
Might I suggest just a few things to turn you away from your impending fiscal cliff.
- cut your spending!
- stop borrowing money
- begin an aggressive debt pay down plan
- save for emergencies
- think about, plan, and execute a long-term investment approach for your retiremnt
We look to our leaders to do just that – lead. Unfortunately, they are not. You can not use their continued mismanagement of our tax dollars and, ultimately, our economy as an excuse.
Steer away from your fiscal cliff!