When asked about how the economy directly impacts their lives, most Americans give the obvious answers — and a couple of surprises too.

Hawaii, Australia and Italy top the list of America's dream destinations.

How confident are you about our economic future? A survey from the polling firm Gallup finds the answer may have more to do with politics than economics.

When asked if the next year will be one of prosperity or difficulty, 65 percent of those surveyed see difficulty in their future.

As you look back at 2012, who did you most admire? Was it an Olympian? A musician? A business leader?

The President is back in Washington today to deal with the Fiscal Cliff. A long-term deal is unlikely at this late date. Now the hope is lawmakers can find a stopgap solution to prevent higher taxes and big spending cuts.

In the aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the debate around tighter gun control quickly became a national conversation.

The news of Michigan's 'right-to-work' law has reignited the debate about the role of unions in our country today, so how is the issue playing with the American public?

With just about three weeks left until Congress runs up against its fiscal cliff deadline, how is the public viewing the debate?

Consumer confidence at a five-year high according to new data this week. But what exactly makes us so confident?