“Black Friday” started on Thanksgiving Day for many U.S. consumers this year, with stores opening on Thanksgiving afternoon to lure in crowds eager for a great deal.  Each year it seems the shopping frenzy begins earlier and earlier.  Maybe next year, we can move Black Friday up to the day after Halloween and have a relaxing weekend after Thanksgiving for a change.

The fact is this year’s Black Friday may have been more aptly named Red Friday.  According to the U.S. Treasury, the national debt increased by $24,327,048,384.38 from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Since Thursday was a national holiday, that means the national debt grew more than $24 billion in one business day.

What does this mean for the average American? The potential risk is that if investors lose confidence in the U.S.economy or choose higher returns elsewhere, there will be fewer investors buying bonds, or national debt at existing low interest rates.  The solution would be either devaluing the dollar or increasing interest rates.  This is where the growing national debt could directly impact the average American.  Higher interest rates on consumer debt mean consumers will pay more for mortgages and auto loans, and higher interest rates on credit cards.

At Seidberg Law, we encourage responsible personal financial management among consumers, to include building savings and paying off consumer debt.  For more than twenty-four years, Ken Seidberg, founder of Seidberg Law, has provided comprehensive legal collection services to clients throughout Arizona.  Seidberg Law is committed to providing a balanced approach in recovering bad debt.  For assistance in collecting delinquent accounts in Arizona, contact Seidberg Law today at (623) 258-4397 or visit us online at www.seidberglaw.com.