Money Mondays

Proverbs 22:7 states: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Debt is a major issue in this country. According to MSN:
1. About 43% of American families spend more than they earn each year.

2. Average households carry some $8,000 in credit card debt.

3. Personal bankruptcies have doubled in the past decade.

The average person is not in this position because they are dirt poor, they are in this position because they have no self-control. Americans spend more than they earn because of things like houses that they can't afford, eating out all the time, owing payments on depreciable assets like cars, boats, and motor homes, and taking vacations that are well above what is necessary. The average household isn't in debt because of their house, student loans, or business loans, it's based on credit card debt! Bankruptcies no longer have a stigma or ruin you financially, now it has become common for many people.
Fundamentally, the problem is self-control. Lack of self-control leads people to eat too much, fantasize about people that they are not married to, and an unwillingness to keep their mouth shut in certain situations. All three of these are addressed regularly, but money management is no longer talked about. It's almost like with money you are allowed to be irresponsible, just not grossly irresponsible. I wonder what God feels about all this. Can you go a month without eating out? Can you still enjoy life without that major vacation? Can you choose to drive an older car instead of the brand new model? Can you become patient and avoid the pitfalls of buying on credit?
This isn't just some good advice. People are held captive by their money, or lack of money. Choose this day to make the appropriate choices to get out of debt. I recommend http://www.daveramsey.com. Check it out and see if you have the right attitude regarding debt.