Roughly 1 in 7 Americans are carrying credit card balances exceeding $25,000. Since the average income is around $50,000 a year, that means that 1 in 7 have a debt amounting to about half their salary. Once you get to that point, you've dug yourself a hole that's pretty hard to get out of. When financial counselors ask people what their debt level is, most don't know, or pretend not to know, because the real figures are just too frightening. And what's troublesome is that not only is the amount of average debt rising, but the number of debtors is rising too. Only 31% are paying off their monthly balance now, down from over 40% not too long ago. So if you're carrying a debt load, Clark is assigning you homework: redefine how you deal with money. Think about the interest you're paying to credit card companies and imagine what else you could do with those funds. Nobody gets rich paying Visa or MasterCard interest. If you are carrying a credit card balance, here's what Clark would like you to do: women, go to your closet of clothes, and guys, head to your closet of "stuff." See how many things there are in there that you bought but don't use. If there's a lot, it could be an indicator of a problem. And while your debt was built up slowly, the answer is quick: cut up your credit cards. if that's too tough of a chore, how about putting the credit cards in a bag of water and freeze them in your freezer...then your credit will be truly frozen! And if you have extra stuff, sell it on ebay or Craigslist, and use it to pay off your balance. It won't make a significant difference, but you will start to heal yourself of the habit of buying things you thought you wanted but didn't really need. He promises you'll feel much better. What if you have a huge debt? You stand a chance to whittle that away if you go on a budget and give yourself a cash allowance each pay period. Contract with yourself to take out only what you'll really need, then stick to it. It will amaze you how much less you spend. Sure, you may have to eat at home or take a sack lunch to work at the end of the pay periods, but so what? Clark wants you to be strong and take hold of your financial future. If you feel burdened by debt, think of the calls he gets from those that got out from under, and how liberated they feel. Be inspired by that. If you still feel overwhelmed, get yourself a credit counselor at nfcc.org. Most affiliates have counselors you can talk to for free. Time's a-wastin', so take control.