Think you know who gets social security? Think again! 36% of Social Security recipients are not retired workers, but children, the disabled, or spouses and survivors of workers. Almost one of every six Americans receives a Social Security benefit today. To see who benefits, how much they get and how much it matters to them, see today’s infographic. You'll be surprised!

In a note to clients, BofA rates strategists Priya Misra and Shyam Rajan say the Fed is "waiting for the triple threat" - three key triggers that must be met before the Fed does any additional easing. They are...

Many people have been writing in to ask me, "why are you focusing on Europe so much? Who cares about Spain?" The short answer is that everyone should care about Spain. Spain could potentially take down the banking system in Europe, which would mean the US facing a Financial Crisis at least on par with 2008. That is why Europe is a HUGE deal for everyone....We're talking about systemic risk on a scale that would make 2008 look tiny in comparison. [Let me explain further.] Words: 674

Every now and then, US taxpayer money goes for something useful and surprisingly informative such as this infographic from the US Census Bureau deconstructing the "American Economic Machine"...The graphic cites facts dealing with manufacturing, services, retail trade, construction, government and much more as seen through the numerous economic programs and surveys conducted by the Census Bureau.

By looking at the charts and fundamentals for precious metals and the miners it is our firm belief that the precious metals sector has bottomed out and the downside is very limited from here on out. While there doesn’t seem to be an immediate rush back into the sector we believe that the worst is over and that now is a great time to be acquiring physical metals and, more importantly, producers with growth profiles. That’s where we really see the value and upside potential. [Let us provide you with a specific course of action.] Words: 792

"[The current]...base building process for gold...has been similar to the 2006/2007 base before it went higher (see chart)....If it breaks out through... $1,688, and in particular, eventually, through $1,791...the short-term target for gold would then be in the $2,050 to $2,060 range. After a short-term pause we would then expect a continuation up to the $2,400 area by the end of the year or beginning of next year." (See long-term Gold chart)

...[Y]ou may be curious why, despite continued money-printing and abysmal US economic reports, gold hasn't been able to hit new highs. The answer is that gold is currently priced for collapse. Many investors believe the yellow metal has topped out and are selling into every rally. Treasuries have temporarily overtaken gold as the primary safe-haven asset [but, as I see it,] once that dynamic is broken the counterflow into gold will be tremendous. [Let me explain further.] Words: 797

"… those who are waiting for the Fed cavalry to ride over the hill and rescue the economy are doomed to disappointment....The banks are awash in loanable funds, businesses are cash-rich and opportunity-poor, and interest rates are already so low that lower still will not attract borrowing....More liquidity is unlikely to impart more impetus to the sluggish economy…. Congress and the President should not count on the Fed to bail them out of their mistakes…. Central banks are unable to help in the face of persistently flawed economic policies."

The U.S. outspends China, the next-biggest military power, by nearly 6-to-1. Check out today’s infographic to see which nations round out the top 10 – and in the "What Do Others Say?" section below, explore more about the costs and benefits of superpower status.

Fact #7: As of summer 2012, the federal government’s outstanding debt surpassed $15 trillion. Who are the nation’s creditors?