One of the good perks is vacation policies,

I don't need a vacation in the traditional sense, like I would if I had a job I hated.

Once consumers file online, they tend to stay online. The number of people filing their federal taxes online continues to grow with do-it-yourself software paving the way. This year, nearly an equal proportion of consumers will file online using tax software as will file online using a professional service.

While the Index remains below its pre-Katrina levels, the shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season. Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.

We think a lot of that is reaction to the spike in prices at the pump following Katrina.

The swift outcome in the Middle East has helped quell consumers' short-term concerns. While an increase of this magnitude occurred after the Persian Gulf War in 1991, this post-war surge differs in that both components of the index posted gains.