[SamAdams76]

The reasons Montanans file for bankruptcy have changed little over the years -- the loss of a job, unmanageable credit card debt, gambling debts, lack of health insurance combined with catastrophic medical issues -- but overall, statewide filings have doubled since 1990.

My advice to all those with credit card or even home equity debt is to get out from under it as quick as you can. It will be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Words cannot describe the feeling of being (other than the primary mortgage) debt-free.

Of course, you still need to manage your money and live not at your means but below your means. Living below your means is the only sure-fire way to get ahead in America. My wife and I put away the money we used to spend on car payments, credit card payments and home equity line payments. As a result, we have ready cash for all of life's "little" emergencies that most people go into debt to cover.

I know people who have enviable incomes but they are in debt up to their ears. If they ever missed a paycheck or two, they'd be facing a financial disaster. That's not living affluently, that living in slavery!

[EVO X]

I know people who have enviable incomes but they are in debt up to their ears. If they ever missed a paycheck or two, they'd be facing a financial disaster. That's not living affluently, that living in slavery!

I had a summer job in the collection department at a bank 20+ years ago. I was surprised at the number of influential people that had trouble paying their bills.