I agree that debt can kill dreams. Had we not been in a financial position to afford our dreams, we would not have pursued them. Managed debt can bring great rewards (within one’s individual realm of reality) but unmanaged debt can destroy a person and/or a family.

It seems that many live in denial about what they can actually AFFORD for whatever reasons, and, as CAR mentioned, they are way over their heads (living beyond their means) in debt with housing, cars, education, etc., etc. and have few, if any, backup resources. IMO, that’s a real recipe for disaster, if something unexpected should happen.

It’s no wonder the stats reveal that most people in this country–in all age groups–will never be able to afford to retire–even if their health or other issues force them to.