I know I am going to upset some people, but that is OK because upset people tend to get thinking, and thinking is good.
In a recent post, I talked about how my husband and I were knee deep in debt when we first got married, and how we slowly but surely made our way to a pretty good financial situation. In the comments, a reader stated, "I really do applaud those who power through and get results keep up the great work, but if at your best your still drowning don't feel so bad about it your [sic] the norm not the exception."
Oh, gosh, how that got me worked up. I absolutely hate it when I meet people who feel that they can't control their own lives. Makes me crazy, and it also makes me sad. It makes me sad because we all have control over the choices that we make, and it also makes me sad because if you accept that debt is "the norm," then you will never have the burning desire to make it go away.
As little as two generations ago, debt was almost a bad word. Most people only ever borrowed money to buy a house, and the plan was to pay for the house. Ever heard of a mortgage burning party? In the past, some people would have a celebration when they paid off their mortgage, with different traditions in different parts of the US. Being completely debt free was a desirable state, and friends and families celebrated together when it happened.
It seems like society has done a complete turn around from this desired state of being debt free. Kids take out huge loans to pay for college, and then for a new car, and then for a house. Throw in some credit cards and a home equity line of credit, and you are effectively yolked to your debt for your entire life. It is not healthy, and it should not be normal. However, my experience tells me that many people do think that it is normal.
For me, the worst part is that so many people do see debt as being inevitable, and therefore they don't even try to work against it. Without the overwhelming desire to be debt free, it will never happen. In today's world, it takes active effort to become and remain debt free. If you've already accepted debt as an acceptable part of your life, then where will you find the energy and enthusiasm to make those hard choices?
I'm curious what you all think? Do you believe debt is inevitable, or are you actively working to eliminate your debt? Do you think you will always have a car payment? Do you ever think you will pay off your credit cards? Does your behavior line up with your expectations? What could I saw to tell you that you can change your financial future?
