There are huge amounts of money in the IRA ($3.5 trillion) and 401(k) ($5.1 trillion) retirement plans in the U.S. (another $9.9 trillion in assets held elsewhere) according to a recent Investment Company Institute study which makes it very tempting for government to try and get at it. [While] the government may, or may not, tax the money, they may force you to include a sizable percentage of the retirement assets in your IRA and/or 401(k) in U.S. Treasury securities, which may be among the worst investments in the years ahead as interest rates go up and price inflation eats away at the buying power of those IOUs. [Let me explain.] Words: 802

Saving rates continue to fall. As full-time employment remains elusive, the average American continues to resort to debt, and governmental support, to fill the gap between waning real incomes and their expected standard of living....[This] will continue to impede economic growth until such time as either debt returns to levels that are conducive for higher levels of personal savings or incomes rise. [Words: 1322; Charts: 7]

Why make it difficult if it can be that simple...Andy Richter offers the perfect explanation of the Fiscal Cliff in this 1:37 minute video.

Gold’s loss of momentum in the past months has predictably brought out calls to short gold. [This article offers] a brief guide to whether you should consider or ignore these [suggestions]. Words: 1184; Charts: 1

[While] the price of gold has gone up for 12 straight years, and is on pace to make it 13 when this year comes to a close, it seems that despite all of the gold bugs calling for the metal to surge to unbelievable highs, major financial institutions are calling for the gold bubble to finally burst in the coming months. [Let's examine what they and others have to say.] Words: 450

This article looks at 7 reasons why gold and silver should experience further weakness over the days/weeks ahead. (Words: 206; Charts: 5)

Most of us will sell our gold sometime between now and never so what events will probably indicate that the time has come to sell at least some of your gold? Words: 910

Goldman Sachs has been out with a number of reports in recent weeks highlighting their positioning for 2013. While it's important to keep in mind that these kinds of reports are no holy grail... it is always good for brain storming and, after all, it's not like Goldman Sachs is a bunch of dummies.

Have you been too busy to stay informed about the unusual developments in gold this week? Not to worry! Here are 5 of the “best of the best” articles selected from 100s posted on the internet this week. Each article has been edited for the sake of clarity and brevity to ensure you a fast and easy read. Enjoy!

Been too busy to stay informed about developments on the financial/economic scene this week? Here are links to 6 of the “best-of-the-best” articles which have been edited for the sake of clarity and brevity to ensure you a fast and easy read. Enjoy!