The presidential candidates focused on the economy last week, pushing plans that are designed to appeal to huge swaths of voters — from college students to Medicare recipients.

But what's all this going to cost, and where will the money come from?

After all, government spending already far outstrips tax revenue. President Bush and lawmakers in both parties have failed for years to develop responsible budgets. The result: The federal debt is climbing past the $9.5 trillion mark.

Sen. John McCain is at least talking about trying to get the federal budget back on track.

The economic plan he unveiled last week declares: "Reduced spending means making choices. John McCain will not leave office without balancing the federal budget."

But the Republican's plan is short on specifics as to what these tough choices might be. Instead, it offers a long list of proposals that actually would increase spending and decrease the money available to pay for it.

Sen. Barack Obama notes correctly that this plan doesn't add up. But Obama says he's not sure he would even reduce deficits during that period, let alone end them.

Obama argues that the United States needs "to make some critical investments right now in America's families."

The investments he has in mind might be worthwhile. But he should at least try to estimate the costs and how they might be financed in a responsible fashion. Just leaving the bills for younger Americans and future generations to pay is neither wise nor fair.

When there are no price tags attached, political promises are easy.

Both candidates owe the voters more precise financial information about their plans.

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Economic information on the Web:• For the precise federal debt total, go to treasurydirect.gov, find "Highlights" and click on "Debt to the Penny."• The candidates' economic proposals are available at johnmccain.com (click on "Jobs for America") and at barackobama.com (click on "Issues," then "Economy").• At concordcoalition.org, a bipartisan budget watchdog organization, the Concord Coalition, provides extensive information on the coming fiscal challenges.