1.   Americans are carrying high levels of debt or facing skimpy wage increases and are uncertain about their jobs.

2.   A combination of skimpy wage gains and maxed-out credit cards are forcing consumers to browse, not buy.

3.   Consumers are carrying heavy debt loads and facing skimpy wage increases, while many are living in the shadow of corporate downsizing.

4.   Consumers are reluctant to spend because of skimpy wage gains and maxed-out credit cards, economists said.

5.   Consumers are carrying heavy debt loads and facing skimpy wage increases, while many fear they will lose their jobs.

6.   Consumers are reluctant to spend because of skimpy wage gains and over-extended credit cards, economists said.