What would life be without the 2.2 million automated teller machines (ATMs) that give millions of Americans ready access to their bank accounts every day? ATMs are convenient for anyone who needs fast access to cash — including, unfortunately, identity thieves.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to eliminate debt. Not only does it take patience, time and diligence, but also a clear understanding of why we get ourselves into debt in the first place. Was it that our wants were greater than our means? Was it thinking we could pay down our debt, only to realize after our bills, we had nothing left over? Determining how fast we can and should eliminate debt starts with a few simple steps.

I remember when I bought my first house. It was a great feeling of pride to be standing in a place that I owned, that I could call my home. Aside from being a place to rejuvenate from your busy day while you spend time with your family, a home is also a key step toward building a financial nest egg that you will rely on for years to come.

The figure is staggering: Americans owe $1.1 trillion in student loan debt, which is second only to mortgages in terms of household debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently released a report detailing the hardships facing some of those borrowers, warning about a “domino effect” on the economy.

It’s scary enough to owe money you can’t pay back, but what may be even worse is finding out that you have already been sued for a debt, but didn’t even know it. Mark wrote on the Credit.com blog:

I received a letter stating there was a judgment against me from 9-13-2006 and they’re trying to get a wage verification from my employer, so they can garnish my wages. This is seven years old and I don’t ever remember being made aware of this. What can I do?

Another reader, Leslie, asked about a judgment she knew nothing about:

Dear New Mom,

Congratulations on this new stage in life. It will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced — a mix of joy and sorrow that will sometimes feel overwhelming but will always feel rewarding. And right now, there’s a good chance that you’re wondering how you’re going to keep your wits about you through the next couple of decades as you raise this child (and perhaps others to come) in a complicated world. You’ll want to protect your children, and of course you’ll do your best, but you’ll often feel helpless.

Some call it the Student Loan Bubble — I call it crazy. And what better time to discuss student debt insanity than now, as countless soon-to-be graduates prepare to slip on their caps and gowns? An estimated 1.8 million students are graduating this year, many with degrees that perhaps aren’t worth a damn when it comes to actually getting a job.

When Linda Mannerberg attended the Women’s Money Conference in Las Vegas Nevada in 2012, she was struggling with debt and a gambling addiction she hid from those closest to her. She attended the conference again this year in April 2013, but this time she was in a completely different place. She received a standing ovation for turning her financial life around in just a year.

We have a lot of information on our web site on this topic, but I always enjoy reading what Barry Paperno has to say on this topic.  He's a legitimate industry expert, who has the credentials to speak on this topic from an insider's perspective.

Interesting article on the changing habits of consumers regarding credit cards.  Our customers are leaning more towards the use of Prepaid Debit Cards, because it gives them the discipline of managing their cash flow without going over the balance available on the card.  You can't spend it, if you don't have it!