It may not seem that way, when considering the relative snail’s pace of the general economic recovery, but America’s total household wealth topped $70.3 trillion by the end of 2013’s first quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Board. 

When many analysts read bold-faced media headlines about the fastest rate of housing price increases in seven years — with some communities posting double-digit increases — they are claiming that housing’s happy days are here again.

 Many good contractors are struggling to survive America’s economic crisis and some have already lost their businesses. And far too many good employees are struggling at work as well as with finances at home.  

With the early 2013 economy trending little better than last year’s state of suspended animation, the American consumer, comprising close to 70% of the nation’s $15.6 trillion gross domestic product, has maintained a sense of justifiable caution.