Skip to content
National Debt +Fiscal Landing Page

Behind the rhetoric over the federal deficit is the reality of a problem that must be dealt with, and questions abound: Will Washington avoid an economic train wreck? Will Social Security and Medicare take big hits? This page breaks down the issues with proposals, tools and viewpoints.

On Chopping Block

National Debt Toolbox

Your Guide to Understanding the National Debt, From A-Z

The key terms you need to know, plus answers to frequently asked questions.

OK, Smarty-pants: You Balance the Federal Budget

Play our interactive game to close the gap. It may not be as easy as you think.

Related

The Plans

Obama Plan III

Obama's newest plan would spare Social Security and raise taxes on millionaires.

Gang of Six Plan

This bipartisan Senate plan targets Social Security and Medicare.

Obama Plan II

Obama pushes 'grand bargain' that would cut $4 trillion from the budget over 10 years.

Obama Plan I

“I will not allow Medicare to become a voucher program," Obama says.

Ryan Plan

House GOP plan targets Medicare, Medicaid, and health care reform law.

Obama Panel

Commission offers plan that would raise Medicare premiums and retirement age.

Points of View

Time to Restore Fiscal Sanity

"Our political process is broken," writes David Walker, former comptroller general of the United States.

Where AARP Stands

You’ve Earned a Say in the Future of Medicare and Social Security

Tell Washington how you would strengthen these programs for the long term.

Your Membership

Advertisement

Today's Hot Deals

    

Unnatural Causes: The Texas Serial Elder Murder Case

How age bias helped a killer continue his spree

     

Movies for Grownups Honor Given to Jamie Lee Curtis

Star to receive career achievement award

Your Membership

Advertisement

Today's Hot Deals

White line
White line
White line

Today: Caregiving Talks With Loved Ones

Also: Make your home more appealing

Watch Out for These Store Credit Pitfalls

APRs are running at record highs

Give Your Old Phone a Minty Fresh Feeling

10 steps to make it feel new again

How to Talk to Your Kids About Fraud

The scam risk for them is growing

    

The Best December Sales Deals

Bargains — if you know where to look

Quiz: Test Your Retro Toy Trivia Knowledge

Take a trip to the holidays of yesteryear

At Home

White line
White line

Today's Workout: Stretch and Tone

Denise Austin leads the session

Stop Making These Beauty Blunders

Expert solutions to makeup mistakes

White line

The Banana Bread Recipe You Need

Ingredients offer a tasty kick

    

Health Benefits of 7 Ancient Grains

They're delicious and nutritious

Best New Shows and Movies This Week

'Emancipation' and more picks

White line
White line
White line

What You Didn't Know About Javier Bardem

7 facts about the Oscar winner

Tools and Resources

Find Ways to Volunteer Near You

Look for options at Create the Good

Find Free Online Events and Classes

Visit the Virtual Community Center

Navigate Medicare With Confidence

Try our Medicare Resource Center

The Car You Want and the Safety You Need

Check out our Auto Buying Program


Today's Topics

View More