The Many Dark Faces of Debt

Debt is a word that instills such darkness, and a heavy feeling like a dark cloud hovering over our household. Because of debt, many have difficulty functioning, eating, sleeping, concentrating on life's little tasks, and creates a general overall feeling of disbelief...in fact, it makes me feel like a failure as a person living in today's society.

I've been through debt consolidation, which offers a band-aid solution for individuals who have a difficult time managing their household finances. It takes the pressure off for approximately one week, or sometimes one month and then the new cycle of new accumulated debt begins. It is tough for individuals, like myself to adjust from a steak and caviar lifestyle to the bologna and hotdog budget that I actually have.

Why isn't there more assistance and information on how to budget, debt management and reduction, and more info on how to live within your means? I suppose it's a matter of profit, and the almighty dollar. Large credit card companies and lending institutions do not want to lose the billions they earn in interest each year off of the hard working individuals trying to keep theirselves afloat. Debt consolidation is a ferris wheel that keeps spinning, but I want off the ride!

It is tough as a parent to live with the knowledge that you are not able to provide stability and provide for them as you would like. Who doesn't want to give their children the best of everything?

The best advice I have for the young folks just starting out would be STAY AWAY FROM CREDIT CARDS, AND STUDENT LOANS. You will NEVER get caught up. I've been paying for my student loans for the past 9 years. You will be old and gray before they are gone.

Hopefully, in the future, I can learn to stay within my bologna budget, but unfortunately I am a steak and caviar girl, and will have to find a steak and caviar income. Hope there is one for me out there!