>>we need to be moving ourselves and our money out of the US and into safer, third world nations. >>

This is an older thread, but I would hope none of you took such advice. For one thing, there is either NO or VERY LIMITED protection in other parts of the world, such as the FDIC provides to US deposits. In Singapore, for example, only some banks participate in insured accounts and many limit protection to around $50K maximum.

I have lived long enough to be investing since the late 1970's and I can assure you, "Chicken Littles" have been running around periodically claiming that the US is falling off a cliff (fiscal or otherwise) for the last 40 yrs.

When another currency replaces the US dollar as the common global currency, THEN you should worry. Until then....don't. Pressure your Congressional representatives, regardless of party affiliation, to compromise and produce a joint budget solution. The inability to compromise by posturing politicians is the reason for government gridlock, and it benefits no one except the 1%.