Debt can Increase Health Issues

A little short on cash and you really want those newest yoga clothing from Lululemon? Thinking you should take out that credit card? Well put it back in your wallet. That plastic card may be causing you serious health risk.

Experts say the average U.S. household credit card debt stands at $15,185, with average student loan debts of $31,509 and average mortgage debt of $147,133. Think about it, that is the average. Which means there are numbers even higher than that.

In 2009, the Debt Stress Index made by Ohio State University showed 27 percent had ulcers or digestive-tract problems, compared with eight percent of those with low levels of debt stress, and 29 percent who suffered severe anxiety, compared with four percent of those with low debt stress. If that is not enough reference for you results in Clinical Psychology Review showed that those in debt were more than three times more likely to have a mental health problem as those who were not in debt. How about them lemons?

Here are some tips to help you keep those negative numbers down and those cortisol levels happy.

1. Live within your means!
1. Why do you need the biggest nicest house on the block when you can have a very nice simple house for half the price? Why get a new Ford truck when you can get a simple economic car? There is no need to go outside your price range for something amazing when you can get something just right in your price range, small or big. It is not worth the extra stress.
2. Educate yourself about debt
1. I have had friends go severely into debt because "it helps their credit score". Does it make sense that you have to go into debt to go into even more debt? Know the difference between good debt and bad debt and why they are worth it.
3. Don't always carry your credit card.
1. It can be tempting when your wallet is spitting out moths, but if you can't pay for that extra cute shirt that nudged its way into your cart then just ask the cashier to put it back for you. There is no shame in it.
4.  Budget
1. I am so bad at budgeting so I keep it simple. I know when my utilities, mortgage, and insurances come out of my account. I make sure I have at least 300 dollars at the end of all that to pay for food for my family. The rest is "happy money". There are many really nice budgeting systems for you to try. There is Mint.com and some banks have systems available. What works for you?
5. Pay it off
1. Small or big, get those reds off your budget! Pay off small loans first to inspire you to get rid of the big ones to help you feel motivated to get rid of the big ones

I am going to be frank with you, I have NEVER been in debt for more than a month. We are renting to save for a big down payment on our dream house, we have crappy, beat up cars, we paid for school thanks to loving parents and working full/part-tiome, and we don't have credit cards. It works for us even though it may not work for others. It is refreshing to see all the money in our account is ours and not going into a bankers pocket. You should really give it a try!