This week has been one of the most turbulent periods of time for our economy for quite some time. The U.S. is currently in danger of defaulting on its debt. If it does, the government would not be able to pay out benefits like Social Security and military pay, and the country would likely lose its AAA credit rating. Here’s what’s happened over the past 7 days:

U.S. Moves Closer to Debt Default

A new poll commissioned by the Pew Health Group revealed that nearly three-fourths of Americans with checking accounts support stronger banking regulations. The poll showed that account holders want banks to do a better job of disclosing terms, conditions and fees associated with their checking services.

Banking Regulation Support Found Across Party Lines

Saving money is a big deal–especially with gas and food prices rising by the day. Of course, creating a budget, cutting back on expenses and putting money away for emergencies all help, but how about saving money at the register?

We all know that using coupons can save $1 here and 25 percent there, but how about using so many coupons that you are able to save 90 percent of your purchase? It’s not only been done before, the practice of extreme couponing has become somewhat of an art form.

What is your value in the online marketplace and are you working for far less than you should? Many people earn income by performing web-based jobs, but often accept wages well below what their time and energy is truly worth–just check out the pay scale currently being offered for writing, blogging, information technology, customer care and other jobs on the internet.

You’d think that many job seekers would stomp off and refuse to accept wages that are dramatically low, but that’s not so. Why might you provide internet labor for pay that keeps you living paycheck-to-paycheck?

Many investors want to get in on the heightening social media action, but haven’t been able to incorporate these companies into their investments. Despite the fact that companies like Facebook and Twitter are immensely popular and highly valued, they haven’t been listed for public offering.

There are avenues that allow investors get a piece of private companies, however. But is it a good idea to put your money behind a company that lacks a proven history of success? Are these high risk investments that should be avoided?

By Casey Bond

Saving for retirement is something a lot of people struggle with, especially now when many 401(k)s are still recovering from the recession and savings account rates can’t even keep up with inflation. The thought of retirement on the horizon is enough to incite panic in many of today’s employed Americans, but there’s another growing issue these workers probably never saw coming: Supporting parents during their retirement.

Source: Center for American Progress Action Fund

President Obama is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. EDT (0100 GMT) regarding the nation’s debt crisis. According to officials familiar with the speech, the President will address the current debt talk stalemate, urge compromise between the two parties and emphasize the importance of “avoiding default and the best approach to cutting deficits.”

Cartoon by Steve Breen, Townhall.com, April 15, 2011

The U.S. economy has gone through its share of ups and downs in the past few years– many more downs than ups, of course. In the latest economic struggle, lawmakers are negotiating ways to avoid default after the national debt ceiling was reached in May.

Debt is the number one concern on the minds of everyone these days, both in the U.S. and abroad. In fact, national debt has been threatening to turn economies upside down–luckily, it seems like Greece has averted their own debt crisis. Now let’s see if our own country can do the same. If not, at least we can get books and music at a steep discount as the bankrupt national chain liquidates its stores.

EU Unveils Greek Debt Plan

First Data Corp.’s Spend Trend report has revealed that consumers in the U.S. are increasing their use of credit cards to pay for gas and other basic necessities. The report found that inflation has created a significant jump in prices for food and fuel while income has failed to keep pace.

Credit-Based Purchases Increased 10.7 Percent