I thought I had screwed myself about 20 years ago when I needed a decent new car, and the interest was through the roof, not because of bad credit , but because of no credit. I was old fashioned most of my life, and only bought what I could afford, out of a modest paycheck. I would shop at thrift stores for clothng all through the 70's and 80's, bought dishes and sometimes furniture at yard sales. I started saving money by buying silver, I used it up, wore it out, did with and or did without. Never felt poor, really poor, but sometimes I would feel sorry for myself. Got a fixed mortgage in 1999, as soon as the ink was dry, the relentless promotions to get homeowners loans, equity loans began. It was tempting, but I said no. I met an honest mechanic who would sell me used cars for under 6k, and I would drive them for 4-5 years, no payments. Am I a loser? Some people would see me that way, I know. But I do not owe a dime outside of mortgage, property tax, electric and phone, and I make more than enough to pay for it all. The extra dollars pay for streaming and animal care and very good food. Net worth? Not much beyond property. My son lives with me and helps me, we get along just fine, and thank God when I pass he will have no bills and a home and 5 acres. When you turn out the lights and look at the moon on the snow around my home, it is just as beautiful whether or not I am looking from a million dollar home or the double wide I live in. A lot of people put themselves in debt to start business, that is a shame. But for those who borrowed and borrowed and borrowed to keep up with the Jones', I just shrug. I never had to go on public assistance in my long life. I guess Medicare is, but I paid into that, as I did social security. There is no shame if a family takes in an adult son or daughter, or grandparent to help with expenses, and help each other. It was the way life in the country was done a long time ago. America is not doing great, no, in this area, 30% of the kids my son went to school with are on drugs, many of the others are complaining about how hard it is, but are driving trucks with monthly payments equal to my mortgage. With bills like that, I imagine life is very hard. Usury will break the borrower.