This sort of gain in productivity ultimately translates into increased economic activity, the ability to pay down debt and a higher standard of living for those of us who are employed.

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My model calls for companies to have the ability to pay off their debt within five years, based on their current earnings.

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That gave them free cash flow and the ability to pay down some debt, but also continue to consume at about the same pre-recession levels.

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The president argued in his letter that the Republican plan carries costs that will rise exponentially, risking the extended solvency of the Medicare and Social Security plans, and the country's ability to pay down the national debt, among other fiscal priorities.

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Also positive: Yield spreads decreased in December and January, meaning that investors have more faith in the ability of U.S. companies to pay back debt.

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Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up.

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Whether you are a member of this group or have debt remaining from other expenses, the ability to pay down what you owe without worrying about interest could certainly make the holidays less stressful.

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And uncertainty around Greece and their ability to pay their debts runs on -- in the capital markets -- on the debt that many of these southern European countries have been facing, as well as Ireland and Portugal.

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