Most Consumers (people) are feeling
wealthier.  And, here’s why.

Home prices, on average in the U.S., are
on their way back.  According to the
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, home prices have now reached
the level they first reached in 2005. 
Home prices have some room to move to reach the “high water” level of
2007; but, solid progress is being made. 

The stock market’s 2013 gain has added
$3.8 trillion to investors’ account values.

The Federal Reserve Bank in 2013 has
added almost $1 trillion to the financial system (through quantitative easing).

People should spend more when one of two
things is true: (1) when people actually are wealthier; or (2) when people
perceive themselves to be wealthier. 
Spending helps the economy to improve. 
An improving economy helps increase stock market and real estate
prices.   This circular, reinforcing
system is the basis of the U.S. economic engine which has been kick-started by
the FED and is warming up.