Have you been laid off? Trouble paying bills? Have your spouse win an easy Senate race, and see your salary increase!

"Two months after Obama's January 2005 swearing-in as U.S. senator, Michelle was promoted to vice president of external affairs and community relations. Tax returns showed her total compensation that year went from $122,000 to $317,000."

That's an increase of almost $200,000 dollars--almost triple! But just in case a good six-figure salary isn't enough, you can use your spouse's political connections to make good money sitting in meetings:

"[A few months later, Michelle was elected] to the board of directors of TreeHouse Foods -- a post that earned her $45,000 in 2005 and stock options that by the end of 2006, if claimed, would have reaped her $60,000."

Great pay in a downturn economy? For the first time, we're proud of this country.