Debt burdens

Associated Press
Published January 28, 2005

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No one likes debt, and the financial scramble to pay it off. But many of us don't realize the secondary costs of this burden, from stress to family discord.

The Atlanta-based Consumer Credit Counseling Service notes a few indirect issues related to debt.

For example, your productivity at work can plummet if you're distracted by debt pressures. If you find yourself pondering personal finances at work, debt stress has invaded your job. Are you and loved ones fighting about money quite often?

Also, are you unable to focus on making major life decisions on their own terms, because of debt? Would you like to switch jobs or careers, go back to school, sell your house for a larger one, move to a different city - and are you not doing any of these because of debt?

The agency suggests that answering yes to any of these may be a sign that you have debt that needs addressing.