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An economy that can’t find its footing. Unemployment still near 10%. Roller-coaster markets. Dysfunctional government. Staggering debt at home, and a debt crisis abroad. What else can go wrong?

Actually, we’re here to remind you of a few things that are going right, 12 to be exact, as the holiday season begins and 2012 beckons. We hope you enjoy them.

You’re enjoying a tax cut this year — and might get an even bigger one next year. Congress is expected to extend the Social Security payroll tax holiday that was put into effect this year through 2012 and possibly even expand it. For taxpayers earning $50,000 a year, the current 2% reduction in payroll taxes saves them $83.30 per month. If the payroll tax is trimmed by 3.1% and expanded to employers, as some have suggested, workers and businesses could save $129.16 per month in payroll taxes on a $50,000 salary next year.

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