If Congress and the president can't reach a deal, budget cuts will go into effect next week. But most agencies won't be hit right away. The biggest planning headaches seem to be for payroll companies and others who deal with taxes 鈥� as they wait to see if automatic increases happen Jan. 1.

President Obama has returned to Washington. The Senate is back in session. House Republicans have said they're willing to talk. But with just a few days to go, both sides are saying the other will be at fault if automatic tax hikes and spending cuts aren't averted.

The president's coming back to the White House from his vacation. But that was expected. Senators are returning to the Capitol, but don't seem to be in a hurry. And House members haven't yet been told to get back to work. Many signs point to a partial deal, if that, before the New Year's Eve "deadline."