About 60% plus of americans are homeowners and have a mortgage. That is most likely a 30 year debt. If you own a car, that is a 4-8 year debt. If you went to college, it will take years if not decades to pay off your student loan debt. Credit cards are the main means of payment, not cash for most people, and not many pay this off each month, so another monthly debt at least. Holidays for the family are impossible without running up debt(Christmas presents to vacation trips,whether a short trip on Thanksgiving day or longer trip for relaxation from your work/job). Not to mention daily debt from gasoline, food, entertainment,whether eating out or going to the movies/ballgame. Unexpected debt from accidents to household appliances breaking down, automobile mechanical problems, health debt problems. The point is who can avoid having debt, in all seriousness. It is impossible for 99% of people. I'm not advocating debt, I'm just saying, really? Who can do that, live debt free? Feel free to leave your comments about this below. Just my thoughts!