Debt ceiling crisis: Don't panic

 

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With the looming possibility of the United States defaulting and receiving a downgraded credit rating, financial experts continue to advise Americans not to panic. Instead of clearing your entire portfolio before the August 2 deadline, stay the course and stick with your initial investment plan, they say. Financial analysts also agree that now is a good time to check to see if your portfolio is diversified enough to weather a crisis. If the debt ceiling isn't raised, government investments will likely be hit hardest, and the one in six Americans dependent on "safety net" programs may see their assistance delayed. Food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance and unemployment benefits are all programs that could be delayed or even halted. Full story Why you should care about a debt downgrade How states are preparing for debt ceiling default Opinion: Our stupid self-inflicted debt crisis Explain it to me: Debt ceiling Opinion: Debt talks need more women Norway reminds us that terrorism isn't a Muslim phenomenon Over the weekend, #blamethemuslims became a trending topic on Twitter to show how Muslims are often unfairly blamed and singled out during tragic events like the attacks in Norway. When it became clear that the attacker was not motivated by the teachings of Islam, but by teachings opposing Islam, many people suggested that the conversation surrounding terrorism needs to expand beyond radicalization in the Muslim community. Full story Understanding the 'Christian fundamentalist' label What we can learn from the Norway attacks Should I worry about 'hacktivists'? "Hacktivist" groups are a lot like pranksters - they tend to be young, poorly funded and immature. Ultimately, they seek to embarrass companies and organizations in order to get attention and make a statement. But are they dangerous? Probably not, since hacktivists mainly look for lists of usernames and personal emails rather than financials or data critical to national security. Find out how the work of these pranksters has led to stronger cybersecurity. Full story How hackers can take over your iPhone The cost of cybercrime to corporations What it takes to prevent a hack attack CNN Hero feeds the community from her garden When the recession hit CNN Hero Holly Hirshberg and her family in 2008, her backyard hobby of gardening became necessary to feed her family. After realizing the abundance of nutritious food she could grow, Holly began The Dinner Garden, an organization that provides families in need with enough seeds to grow fresh vegetables and produce for a family of four. Since its inception, The Dinner Garden has provided seeds to more than 65,000 families across the nation. Full story Behind the scenes at The Dinner Garden Meet the 2011 CNN Heroes Do you know any everyday person who is changing the world? Or maybe you've read about someone doing something extraordinary to improve people's lives. Help us share your hero's story with the world by submitting your nomination today. Nominate a CNN Hero. • Photos: Dual attacks in Norway • Oslo Norway attacks: Blast hits government buildings; shooter opens fire at Labour youth camp • Singer Amy Winehouse found dead • 8 perfect summer lake towns • Paris Hilton walks out on ABC News interview • Survivor pretended to be dead • Dogs attack shark • Cops: Mom admits having teen sex parties • Wendi Deng: Murdoch's 'tiger wife' • RidicuList Classic: Actor, 51, weds teen Make sure you receive our e-mails. Please add CNN@access.cnn.com to your address book. You are receiving this e-mail because you have agreed to receive notice of new features and special offers from CNN.com. To unsubscribe from CNN Member Center e-mails, click here. CNN.com Privacy Policy One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303 © & ® 2010 Cable News Network