During the lucrative 1990s, credit card companies convinced unsuspecting consumers to spend, spend, spend. But buy now, pay later turns out to be a myth most of the time because "later" never seems to get here. And it's only getting worse. Interest rates are high, despite efforts by the Federal Reserve Board to boost the national economy by lowering key interest rates. If that's not enough, late fees and minimum payments conspire to put balances through the roof.

We won't burden you with statistics about the average debt carried by individual consumers. If you're anything like us, you are reminded of that every time another bill arrives in the mail. Scary statistics tend to send self-respecting consumers to the shopping mall. We will give you a chance to glimpse your own situation using our Credit Card Payoff Calculator. Simply punch in a few numbers (actually punching them in may make you feel better) to sneak a private peek at how long you'll be paying what you owe. Assuming you don't charge anything else in the meantime.

Maybe you're bold enough to skip right to a Debt Quiz from Profina Debt Solutions, a non-profit organization that helps everyday people figure out what to do to solve their debt problems. The quiz is quick and easy, and your answers may even reveal that things aren't as bad as they seem.

We don't pretend to be debt counselors, and we can't pay your bills for you. What we do offer is some solid advice for people with moderate debt. We've got some tips for steering clear of near-miss debt trouble. If you keep reading this topic, you'll pick up some debt "Warning Signs" or use our "Action Plan" to get started in your personal debt reduction program.