Are you struggling with your bills? Many Americans across the socioeconomic spectrum are having trouble paying all kinds of bills. People often get used to living a certain way and then don't adjust their lifestyle when the money dwindles. Compound that with the threat of a recession and people are really feeling the squeeze. The warning signs are there. It's like being in a coastal community and seeing threatening storms clouds on the horizon. When you think it's going to rain, you prepare by taking an umbrella. So do the same financially. Prepare by getting into a position where you have breathing room. Did you know it's not uncommon for Americans to increase their household debt year after year? People now sometimes think it's quaint and obsolete to pay in cash. But that's the wrong attitude to have. You must work to pay your debt down. Start by not taking on additional debt. For some people it's already too late or very late in the game. Over the years, Clark has always been amazed when he talks to couples about their debt. They often say they're sending in payments, but the balance never seems to go down. Then he discovers that they're still using their cards. That's why the balance isn't going down!