Happy new year!

For the past few years, I've logged into my TreasuryDirect account on the 1st of the year to buy some Series I savings bonds. Last year I bought $2,009 worth of bonds to commemorate the year 2009, and the year before that, $2,008.

However, I was startled to see that for last year, the national debt increased by over $1.5 trillion, the largest single year increase ever! This equates to an increase of over $5,000 for every man, woman, and child in America. Imagine having to write the IRS a check for $5,000 for each person in your household (in addition to all of the taxes you already pay!) just to cover government spending for 2009.

The national debt is clearly out of control, and we as a people should not allow ourselves to be financially compromised like this. I don't run a credit card balance in my own personal finances, and I certainly don't want the government running a tab on my behalf. So I authorized a purchase of $5,000 worth of Series I savings bonds to cover my share, which will post to my account on Monday. I'm not thrilled about it (in fact I'm quite angry!), but until we the people can influence some responsibility in our government, it is what it is.