Consumer Wallets Open -- Slightly (KiplingerForecasts.com) -Wed, 07 Jan 2009

Spending will increase, but it will be years before consumers lead growth again as they reduce debt and increase savings.

Why Should I Use A Non Profit Debt Consolidation Program? (PIZZAHEROS) -Tue, 06 Jan 2009

The idea of a non profit debt consolidation program should be to help the consumer become educated about how credit works and provide counseling to help them handle their finances. They also provide services to lower the existing debt and work with creditors to lower your monthly payments.

Budgeting and Planning Essential to Achieving Financial New Year's Resolutions Says Consumer Education Services, Inc. (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance) -Tue, 06 Jan 2009

Given the current economic climate, many Americans may be resolving to pay down debt, or improve their financial situation in 2009. But how can you stay on track to achieving your New Year's resolutions this year? When it comes to finances, planning and budgeting are key to achieving financial success says Consumer Education Services, Inc., a nonprofit debt management company.

P&G Fights for Cash Amid $2 Trillion U.S. Borrowings (Update1) (Bloomberg) -Wed, 07 Jan 2009

Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Procter & Gamble Co., the world?s largest consumer products manufacturer, and luxury automaker Daimler AG may pay hundreds of millions more in annual interest this year as they prepare to refinance debt with borrowing costs at their highest since the 1990s.

Jarden expects 4Q revenue to beat prior guidance (AP via Yahoo! Finance) -Wed, 07 Jan 2009

Jarden Corp. on Wednesday estimated that its fourth-quarter revenue will beat its prior guidance by a narrow margin. The consumer products company also said it expects its year-end cash position will be enough to meet debt obligations in 2009.

Buyers be wary of debt settlement offers (Courier-Post) -Wed, 07 Jan 2009

As some bring in the new year with cheer, others just see another year of cowering under what appears to be insurmountable debt.

Debt falling while credit is tight (UPI) -Tue, 06 Jan 2009

NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. corporations and consumers are downsizing debt while credit remains tight, possibly marking a sea change in spending attitudes, a bank economist said.

Fed Focuses on Consumer, Corporate Loan Rate Spreads (Update1) (Bloomberg) -Tue, 06 Jan 2009

Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Federal Reserve officials are focused on driving down the spreads between U.S. Treasury yields and consumer and corporate loans, after cutting the main interest rate to almost zero failed to revive lending.

Treasuries Drop Amid Concern U.S. to Sell Record Amount of Debt (Bloomberg) -Tue, 06 Jan 2009

Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Treasuries fell, pushing yields on 10-year notes to the highest in three weeks, as concern the U.S. will sell a record amount of debt drove investors from government securities.

Obama's plan: Some hope, others fear debt (The Times and Democrat) -Wed, 07 Jan 2009

Some locals hope President-elect Barack Obama's proposed economic stimulus plan can help turn around the economy. Others feel the plan will not only fail but create an insurmountable national debt.