[Darris McNeely] We've passed the two biggest shopping days on the American Consumer and Retailer's list - Black Friday, which is the day after the American Thanksgiving, which took place just a few days ago, and Cyber Monday, which has now become just almost as big shopping experience online for people. And both days saw increases over the year before in terms of the amount of dollars spent, the number of people out, and a percentage rise in what was spent on these two shopping days.

[Steve Myers] The amazing part is in America, they're talking a lot about the fiscal cliff that we're facing, trouble with the economy, trouble with spending, trouble with debt. And yet when it comes to consumers, doesn't seem like we're that worried about it.

[Darris McNeely] One interesting note that I did see showed that said two thirds of consumers who shopped on both of those days shopped with either cash or debit cards, which means that they didn't run up extra credit card debt, which if that's true then that does show that there's a bit of concern that people have about the mounting consumer debt, but also the fiscal cliff and what that might mean in a few weeks.

[Steve Myers] Of course we look to our government and they're not setting a very good example for us in that regard at all here in America. Black Friday was a day that they borrowed over 25 billion dollars and added it to the national debt. And so, so many people seem to be following that tradition rather than a tradition of thanksgiving for what we have, it seems to be more of a direction of what we want and how can we get it.

[Darris McNeely] Right, there's also been one more day added to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, I heard as well and read today that there is what is now called a Giving Tuesday, which is today, encouraging people to give to a charity rather than to just spend on their own needs or lusts and the consumer drive that takes place there. So, we'll see where giving Tuesday comes up. If you have resisted thus far the siren calls that have been out there with all the ads, and the inbox full of offers to shop without any shipping fees and big discounts that we had on Cyber Monday, keep it up. It might help your wallet, certainly help your pocketbook. And I would encourage you to do that.

[Steve Myers] Yeah, it's not everything that's wonderful and beautiful that is buy it now and pay later, or get it now and pay later. There's a challenge and it's one that's reflected in the Bible too that God gives us pretty good advice when it comes to living within our means.

[Darris McNeely] Yeah, if you look at Proverbs 22:7, a verse that we've gone to quite often, it says that the borrower is servant to the lender. And reducing that debt is critical. If you've already made some resolutions to do so, I encourage you to stick with it and resist those calls and those desires perhaps to spend on a bargain. Realize that you're even spending money even if it is a bargain. And if you don't really need it, think twice about what you're putting out here over the coming weeks. Remember that after the first of the year there is going to be a day of reckoning and many just really don't understand, none of us do, to what will happen in terms of our government, tax policies, and what that might mean going into 2013.

[Steve Myers] Something to think about. We'll see you next time on BT Daily.