I just watched a tear-jerker of a documentary called "Maxed Out"

[Tobin S.]

It's about consumer debt here in America and how the economic cards are stacked against most people from the poor to the middle class. It makes me want to do something about it, but I don't know how I might go about that.

I've learned how to manage money pretty good. I know how to live within my means. I have a car payment and a house payment, but no credit card debt and I'm able to put some back every month. I understand how it can all fall apart, though, and in short order, even if you are excellent at managing your finances.

Here's something very cynical to consider. I learned from the movie that the biggest income generators for the credit card banks are people who have already gone bankrupt. They know they can't file bankruptcy again and that they have a tendency to only pay the minimum payment on their credit card bills. They will still be paying on that debt long after they have returned the principle amount.