I'm curious how the housing market will affect holiday spending, as the equity lines dry up and people can't tap their HELOCS to fund their holiday spending extraveganzas?
You don't have to worry about this. I'm sure the average american consumer will find new and more creative ways to spend money that they don't have, or at least re-leverage existing means of spending money they don't have. Afterall, why live in poverty when you can live in debt? No HELOC to tap, no problem max out a few more CC. CC maxed out, borrow against the 401k. Apply for more CC's.
What you need to worry about is what the retailers are doing this year. Actually, I think they are anticipating weaker spending. Anyone else notice that Black friday events are starting earlier this year? Also, a lot of high end retailers are giving unusual discounts. For example, Gucci is offering 10% discounts of purchases (never done before). Of course, spending $1000-$3000 on a purse is an interesting concept it itself.
