May 15, 2006 -- American debt up 33 percent in 3 years
Clark had to take a deep breath when he read a story about debt in America recently. Would you believe that the amount of debt carried by the typical American family is up 33 percent in three years? And thats even adjusted for inflation! Americans are spending and borrowing themselves into oblivion. We have the mentality that when we want something, we want it right then and there. We dont want to pay for it then, but we still want it. And if its a 0-percent financing offer or a No, No, No plan, we think of it as even easier to obtain. Auto makers were extremely successful with the 0-percent financing model, and other industries are following suit because they know consumers will go for it. Just because there is no interest doesnt mean the item is free. You want to make sure you pay each month ahead of time to ensure the check gets there and dont put off your payments until the end.