www.employmentcrossing.com The consumer confidence index, a measure of Americans confidence in the economy as reflected in their spending and saving, is plummeting, according to researchers. The Conference Board, the New York-based independent economic research organization that tracks the official confidence index, reports consumer confidence fell to 38 in October, down from 61.4 in September and significantly below analysts’ expectations of 52. That’s the lowest level for the index since the Conference Board began tracking consumer sentiment in 1967, and the third-steepest drop. A year ago, the index stood at 95.2. “Consumers are extremely pessimistic,” said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “This news does not bode well for retailers who are already bracing for what is shaping up to be a very challenging holiday season.” Lower gas prices may help improve consumers’ outlook; but with unemployment on the rise, that may not be enough to bolster consumer confidence.

www.employmentcrossing.com The consumer confidence index, a measure of Americans confidence in the economy as reflected in their spending and saving, is plummeting, according to researchers. The Conference Board, the New York-based independent economic research organization that tracks the official confidence index, reports consumer confidence fell to 38 in October, down from 61.4 in September and significantly below analysts' expectations of 52. That's the lowest level for the index since the Conference Board began tracking consumer sentiment in 1967, and the third-steepest drop. A year ago, the index stood at 95.2. "Consumers are extremely pessimistic," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board's Consumer Research Center. "This news does not bode well for retailers who are already bracing for what is shaping up to be a very challenging holiday season." Lower gas prices may help improve consumers' outlook; but with unemployment on the rise, that may not be enough to bolster consumer confidence.

,[18] * A limit or repeal of the itemized deduction for medical expenses,[19] * A limit on the Qualified Medical Expense definition,[20] * An increase in the payroll taxes on students,[21] * An extension of the Medicare payroll tax to all state and local government employees,[22] * An increase in taxes on hospitals,[23] * An increase in the estate tax,[24] * A tax on drug companies,[27] * An increase in the corporate tax on providers of health insurance,[28] and * A 0000 deduction …

of employees have tried to put aside more money in savings each month, while 19% have cut some of their fixed monthly expenses such as gym memberships, media subscriptions, and cable TV. Retirement Savings. Nearly six out of ten (59%) employees said they did not change the amount that they are saving towards retirement in the past six months. 14% of employees have increased the amount they are saving, up from 11% in the fourth quarter of 2008. Although only 7% of employees reported that they …

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