12 Things To Be Thankful For

Bad news got you down? Here are some things to be thankful for as 2011 winds down and a new year begins.

By The Kiplinger Washington Editors

An economy that can’t find its footing. Unemployment still near 10%. Roller-coaster markets. Dysfunctional government. Staggering debt at home, and a debt crisis abroad. What else can go wrong?
Actually, we’re here to remind you of a few things that are going right, 12 to be exact, as the holiday season begins and 2012 beckons. We hope you enjoy them. Please offer your own suggestions in the comment box below.


You're enjoying a tax cut this year -- and might get an even bigger one next year. Congress is expected to extend the Social Security payroll tax holiday that was put into effect this year through 2012 and possibly even expand it. For taxpayers earning $50,000 a year, the current 2% reduction in payroll taxes saves them $83.30 per month. If the payroll tax is trimmed by 3.1% and expanded to employers, as some have suggested, workers and businesses could save $129.16 per month in payroll taxes on a $50,000 salary next year. 

You’ll likely not see mortgage rates this low again anytime soon. Rates for a conventional, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped below 4% for the first time ever in October, and have stayed there. Mortgage research Web site HSH.com said in its latest forecast that “there seems to be little reason to expect rates any higher than they are at the moment for some time.” High unemployment, weak consumer demand and tougher credit standards continue to hamper sales of new and existing homes. But for first-time home buyers and homeowners looking to refinance, a fixed rate below 4% is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

To read the entire article, click here: http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/12-things-going-right-2012.html?si=1#ixzz1eo3GWkdi