Americans could be on track for a stream of job losses, big cuts to retirement savings, and a surge in student-loan payments in less than a month. It's completely preventable.

• The US could default on its debt as early as June 1, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.
• It could result in a severe economic downturn, leading to job losses and cuts to retirement savings.
• That could all be avoided if Congress passes a bill to raise the debt ceiling this month.

Economic catastrophe for millions of Americans is less than a month away. It's totally avoidable. The real question is whether Congress will actually step in to stop it.