In case you’re not wired in to everything economics… here are some stories we thought might bring you up to date. 

1) Foreclosures hit a five year low in September. While this trend is not uniform around the country (New York, New Jersey, and Ohio continue to show increases in foreclosure) there has been a 16% decrease since last year.

However, home owners are not out of the woods yet. Analysts say states with new legislation or court rulings could see fluctuations:

A backlog of delayed foreclosures will likely build up in those states as lenders adjust to the new rules, with many of those delayed foreclosures eventually hitting down the road.

2) Could you live off $438 a week?

Marketplace has poverty simulator that shows you just how far you can stretch your dollars. (Hint: Unless you use public transit, eat ramen noodles, shower with baking soda, and not spending money on anything else you don’t make it)

These figures for the poverty line (family of four making $440 per week)

3) And some not so good news: America’s trade deficit increased to $44.2 Billion in August

[T]otal August exports of $181.3 billion and imports of $225.5 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $44.2 billion, up from $42.5 billion in July, revised. August exports were $1.9 billion less than July exports of $183.2 billion. August imports were $0.2 billion less than July imports of $225.7 billion.

Missed the Vice Presidential Debate? Don’t worry—Twitter has your back. Here are the highlights of last night’s showdown between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan according to some political-savvy (or not) tweeters.

@NotBillWalton: Paul Ryan’s American flag pin on his label is bigger than Joe Biden’s! BIDEN HATES AMERICA!! #TeaPartyTweet

@SoloDovePR: Why ryan drinking all this water? Lying make your mouth dry #lyingryan

@so_rudez: Joe Biden’s laugh is like when you ask your mom if you can borrow some money right before she says no.

@KimJongNumberUN: Iran? You’re worried about their nuclear weapons? Hello? Forgetting someone? #vpdebate #debate

@heroine_tv: Joe Biden makes me really excited to get older. I can’t wait to start saying malarkey and laughing at youngsters

@jamsambee: I’m listening to the debate on the radio so I can’t see anything. Biden’s wearing leather pants, right? Please say yes.

@MensHumor: I don’t think Martha gives a Raddatz what either of these guys are saying. #ZING

@JenKirkman: The part of the debate where two Catholic men are asked about women’s reproductive rights is where I’M the one who’s gonna start laughing.

@halfadams: I hope bidens response is “just look at my teeth, America.”

@NotBillWalton: BREAKING: Paul Ryan just took another sip of water.

@VanityFair: Yo, Jim Lehrer, This Is What Killing It Looks Like: the Martha Raddatz Story

@indecision: But… what about Big Bird? #vpdebate

@GarrettNBCNews: I can’t tell who is winning or losing here but Joe Biden sure seems to be enjoying himself. #NBCPolitics

@DaneCook: Ryan went to his barber and said make my hairline look like the Van Halen symbol. #VPdebate

@PaulBegala: Conservative CW last week: scowling during debate bad. Conservative CW tonight: smiling during debate bad.

@RahielT: Let’s all admit – POTUS Obama could have never been this “aggressive” without a pandemic of fear sweeping white America. #VPDebate

@seanhannity: WHAT are you giggling at? This actually isn’t even funny anymore. I am legitimately concerned Biden is not OK

@jaketapper: Top rising Google searches during the debate 1. biden 2. conflating 3. malarkey 4. who is wining the debate 5. how old is paul ryan

@MMFlint: BREAKING: Post debate results just in… Ryan now at 6% body fat, 94% water.

We recently offered you a Brief History of Presidential Candidates Messing Up.  Today’s we’ve got a round-up of coverage from Thursday night’s debate.

It’s a draw!  Check out the results of this CNN poll from the night – 48 percent say Ryan won, 44 percent say Biden did, and 8 percent were watching the Orioles beat the Yankees.

The country may be divided as to which candidate won the debate, but I think we’re pretty united in saying that moderator Martha Raddatz beat last week’s Jim Lehrer.  At least, the New York Times is.

Cutting defense by a trillion dollars doesn’t sound right to you either?!  Check out Politico’s fact check to see what statements may have been fudged lduring the contest.

If you didn’t notice, Biden laughed last night.  A LOT.  The WaPo breaks down what that performance meant for Ryan.  LOL.

Thank you, Vice President Biden, for making #malarkey a thing.

Remember, next Tuesday at 9 pm is the next debate between President Obama and Governor Romney.  It’s town hall style with questions on both foreign and domestic policy. Will that one be as exciting as this one?

 If you missed it watch it here.