If you watch CNBC or another financial network, you still hear how terrible the economy is with no end in sight. While I agree that things are still not good and the nation must take a defensive attitude toward their finances, it’s important to look at where we were versus where we are. To illustrate, I put together 5 facts that seem to indicate that things are better.

Have you heard of the Snuggie? If you haven’t, you probably haven’t watch a lot of TV lately but the blanket with sleeves is reportedly in the hands of more than 4 million people.

With that in mind, this week’s list is political in nature but I tried to word as neutral as possible because as a financial person, I’m not overly concerned with who is in office as long as they do right for the economy. I know that the financial experts may disagree but I’m pretty sure that if you want to be a financial expert you must be highly skilled at disagreeing. (Just watch CNBC)