5 Habits That Cause Personal Debt

As the U.S. Senate votes on a debt-ceiling bill today at noon there are at least five questions you can ask yourself about personal debt.

As America faces how to handle a deficit of over $14 trillion dollars as a nation, you may be dealing with personal bills you can no longer pay. 

It's time for both the United States as a country and each citizen as an individual to take a serious look at how we mismanage our money, take responsibility for what we owe, and cut back.  No more excuses, agree? 

Yahoo Shine has come up with a list of five things to address in your life.

1.  Not Investing in Yourself - it's important to grow your experience and continually further your education in order to prepare for future, better job opportunities.

2.  Keeping Up with the Kardashians - Avoid spending money you don't have in the name of looking good or running with a certain social crowd.

3.  Not Understanding the Difference Between Needs and Wants - Assess daily needs with items you can 'live' without.  You'll be surprised at how much you can save in a month!

4.  Not having a Budget Plan - 49% of Americans don't keep a household budget and therefore don't have a clue as to how to track his or her spending habits.

5.  Lack of Financial Education - learn to take advantage of free online services or contact your bank and meet with an advisor, for free, to start yourself on the road to a debt-free lifestyle!