Way ahead of them. I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go. It'll be a great Christmas present to myself.

I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go.

So how much interest do gay hookers charge?

"It'll be a great Christmas present to myself."

Just be sure to say a little prayer for your benefactor, Barack Obama. Just be glad he didn't share your pecimism, just be glad he didn't go on TV and say "keep selling."

The federal government's massive spending stimulus is more than making up for what consumers pay down. The feds are going to shop until they drop. BTW, unemployment, bankruptcies and foreclosures are still on the rise.

Just be glad he didn't share your pecimism, just be glad he didn't go on TV and say "keep selling."

If our, (or any,) President did that, I would fully support them and would be exuberant about it. Stocks are so weak that if the extent was known to the public we would be furious and retributive. This is what is needed. Necessary.

Way ahead of them. I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go. It'll be a great Christmas present to myself.

#1 | Posted by rightisright

That's pretty impressive--have kept my debts down for years and have only a debt/capital ratio of about 2.5%---I detest debt--just can't understand how folks for years spent like drunken sailors and had the credit card debt they had--I couldn't live with a feeling like that--in fact just gave a bridge loan to bail my brother's partner out---he has the typical large American home and I live in one half the size and I'm helping him out----Aaaaah, the American dream.

Any of y'all heard of the gold plated tungsten that has been going around?

#5 | Posted by wurster

Yeah, wasn't it one of the central banks that sent it to the Chinese?

JFK started this process, but was Buffalo Billed. On John's assassination anniversary, I would ask all to remember/learn of Kennedy vs. the FED.

#5 | Posted by wurster

Have read about that in the past---if there's any validity to some of the feelings, Ron Paul better start looking over his shoulder.

Just be sure to say a little prayer for your benefactor, Barack Obama.

LOL

wtf is pecimism?

erm... that last time this nation was paying down its debt all the republicans did was whine about taxes. Now that the nation is in hock up to the armpits all republicans do is whine about taxes. Fuck em.

People are without jobs and people are paying down their cards instead of accruing more debt.... ya think there is a connection? Fluff money... republican gold standard

Smart consumers.

Now if we could just stop buying so much from the Chinese.

There was much new stuff I am looking for. Needs new cookware and china.

I am just going to stick with the old and be grumpy because it is hard to find anything not made in China. Farberware is made in Thailand that is about as far away from China as I can get.

Even Pfaltzsgraff is made in China now. And Anchor Hocking.

Really getting hard to find and buy American.

'BTW, unemployment, bankruptcies and foreclosures are still on the rise.'

#4 | Posted by Ray

Because we need MORE stimulus spending from the Feds stop your whining about it.

It feels so good to be out of our CC debt. My wife and I tried real hard and we got out from under that shit. We learned what lenders are evil and sons of bitches.

I am 28 and the wife is 26. Daughters are seven and four.

If only you older had realized this a generation ago. We would all be better off. Forgive me for being less than respectful to you boomers out there, but you've fucked us. And you've spoiled your children and we are all now in a world of fucked.

Thanks a lot.

#9 | Posted by eberly

Don't laugh. She was serious.

Because we need MORE stimulus spending from the Feds stop your whining about it.
#12 | POSTED BY MONSTMAN

That's so stupid, you must be joking?

He's reading Krugman.

"If only you older had realized this a generation ago. We would all be better off. Forgive me for being less than respectful to you boomers out there, but you've fucked us. And you've spoiled your children and we are all now in a world of fucked."

Step away from the broad brush. I'm one of those boomers and I did the same thing when I was 20-something... play hard and free on gold Visa cards.

I paid for it, spent many years getting out of card debt. Bought a house, paid for that. Bought new wheels, paid for that. Bought more new wheels, paid for that.

Sorry, but I don't accept any responsibility for your problems.

Our CC debt was .18 our annual income. That's fucked! My life is like I was born again, without debt.

Bring it on, my irresponsible countrymen. I kill deer and catch fish for fun. Trap furbearer and raise animals. Gut shoot wolves.

Some of you should start with producing fresh water.

REDIAL

You missed the point. I am out of serious debt. I have a positive income. Our government does not. While that is not your fault 'per se', boomers basically turned real wealth into shit. My Grandparents created a super power and their children will die in debt. We have no hard assets. We did before, we don't now.

Thanks!

This country is fueled by rampant idiotic spending. The country does best when idiots are going into debt, for junk they don't need. If people don't go into massive debt buying the junk being peddled, this country is sunk. You people will get back to tardish behavior-soon. Please go out and buy that $600.00 gucci handbag that cost 30 dollars to make. GO AMERICAN IDIOT, YOU CAN DO IT!

I didn't miss the point, you just didn't make it.

If your point is that your Government has fiscally fucked it up for decades, I agree.

If your point is us 'boomers' did it, I don't.

I'll not comment on what a 'superpower' means these days...

If only you older had realized this a generation ago. We would all be better off. Forgive me for being less than respectful to you boomers out there, but you've fucked us. And you've spoiled your children and we are all now in a world of fucked.

Thanks a lot.

13 | Posted by wurste

Feel sorry for you---A little older then the boomers---lived the right way---if we didn't have the money didn't buy things---didn't have a credit card for years and finally had to get one to reserve a hotl room etc.---have never carried a credit card balance; raised 3 outstanding kids that have the same philosophy about money; all have outstanding jobs and live simply like we taught them

My Grandparents created a super power and their children will die in debt.

It was your Republican grandparents created the debt:

U.S. president ↓ Party ↓ Term years ↓ Start debt/GDP* ↓ End debt/GDP* ↓ Increase debt ($T) ↓ Increase debt/GDP ↓
Roosevelt/Truman D 1945-1948 117.5% 93.2% 0.05 -24.3%
Truman Harry Truman D 1949-1953 93.2% 71.3% 0.01 -21.9%
Eisenhower1 Dwight Eisenhower R 1953-1959 71.3% 60.5% 0.01 -10.8%
Eisenhower2 Dwight Eisenhower R 1957-1961 61.5% 55.1% 0.02 -5.4%
Kennedy/Johnson D 1961-1965 55.1% 46.9% 0.03 -8.2%
Johnson Lyndon Johnson D 1965-1969 46.9% 38.6% 0.05 -8.3%
Nixon1 Richard Nixon R 1969-1973 38.6% 35.7% 0.07 -2.9%
Nixon2 Nixon/Ford R 1973-1977 35.7% 35.8% 0.19 +0.1%
Carter Jimmy Carter D 1977-1979 35.8% 32.6% 0.18 -3.2%
Reagan1 Ronald Reagan R 1981-1985 32.6% 43.9% 0.65 +11.3%
Reagan2 Ronald Reagan R 1985-1989 43.9% 53.1% 1.04 +9.2%
Bush GHW George H. W. Bush R 1989-1993 53.1% 66.2% 1.40 +13.1%
Clinton1 Bill Clinton D 1993-1997 66.2% 65.6% 1.12 -0.6%
Clinton2 Bill Clinton D 1997-2001 65.6% 57.4% 0.42 -8.2%
Bush GW1 George W. Bush R 2001-2005 57.4% 64.3% -0.15 +6.9%
Bush GW2 George W. Bush R 2005-2009 64.3% 75.5% +11.7%

"It was your Republican grandparents created the debt:..."

Now that is just ignorant. My 86 year old Grandmother is a liberal. She makes good arguments as well, unlike Northtard3.

Way ahead of them. I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go. It'll be a great Christmas present to myself.

#1 | Posted by rightisright

Good Job! Having debt is like playing the lottery. It's for stupid people who are bad at math.

Teach your kids how bad debt is. That credit cards are a good way to sell your self into slavery. When every dollar you have coming in belongs to someone else before you make it, your a slave.

Stir what a ridiculous comment. I don't know many people that can buy their home outright without a mortgage.

Good Job! Having debt is like playing the lottery. It's for stupid people who are bad at math.

I agree. Other than a mortgage on one of my homes, I have had no debt for over 20 years. I don't understand people living beyond their means. Debt freaks me out.

Stir what a ridiculous comment. I don't know many people that can buy their home outright without a mortgage.

You are the ridiculous one, JA. 1)Interest on a mortgage is tax deductible. 2) If you are going to fork out x dollars/mo for a place to live, isn't it smarter to give part of it back to yourself rather than your landlord? 3) Houses usually increase in value. The boat and car you went into debt for don't

Stir what a ridiculous comment. I don't know many people that can buy their home outright without a mortgage.

#27 | Posted by jackass

True, most everyone has a primary mortgage. But that doesn't change the fact that debt is bad. Have you ever looked into compound interest? Do you even understand it. Most people will always have a car payment, credit card debt and never pay off their house. That's because most people are stupid. The borrower is slave to the lender. If you break that cycle you'd be amazed what you can do even on a small income.

I agree. Other than a mortgage on one of my homes, I have had no debt for over 20 years. I don't understand people living beyond their means. Debt freaks me out.

#28 | Posted by goatman

I bet you have an old rusty picture of uncle Ben in your wallet too.

Stir what a ridiculous comment. I don't know many people that can buy their home outright without a mortgage.
You are the ridiculous one, JA. 1)Interest on a mortgage is tax deductible. 2) If you are going to fork out x dollars/mo for a place to live, isn't it smarter to give part of it back to yourself rather than your landlord? 3) Houses usually increase in value. The boat and car you went into debt for don't

#29 | POSTED BY GOATMAN

Nice strawman goat. I never said paying rent was better. All I said was most people have to go into debt to pay for their home.

I'll never be out of debt personally. I am looking at going over 200K in debt for student loans.

I'll never be out of debt personally. I am looking at going over 200K in debt for student loans.

#33 | Posted by jackass

That's truly sad. Whom ever owns the loans, I'm sure they appreciate the sacrifices you have to make on a daily basis to pay them. No wonder your so angry at the establishment. You made yourself a slave because no one told you it was wrong. And you call me ridiculous for trying to get people to teach their kids not to make the same mistakes. That's logic.

JACKASS

What Stir says is true.

But on the other hand, you're big on self-destruct so give it your best shot.

Long ago I told myself I would become as educated as I possibly could at any cost. The cost is steep but the rewards will be great.

Long ago I told myself I would become as educated as I possibly could at any cost. The cost is steep but the rewards will be great.

#36 | Posted by jackass

I think I remember you saying once " I'll be a security guard for the rest of my life" or something to that effect. Find a story and stick to it.

Way ahead of them.

Way way way ahead of them.... debt free since 2002.

Long ago I told myself I would become as educated as I possibly could at any cost. The cost is steep but the rewards will be great.

But that doesn't change the fact that debt is bad.

What an ignorant comment.

Businesses use debt to expand and buy equipment, plant and other assets.

People use debt to further their education, buy a home, a new safer car, etc.

Revolving debt is bad when used improperly. Refi you house to pay of credit cards? Extremely bad.

The key is to take on no more debt than you can afford to pay back.

But to say all debt is bad is an ignorant comment.

I think I remember you saying once " I'll be a security guard for the rest of my life" or something to that effect. Find a story and stick to it.

#37 | POSTED BY STIRSUMUP

I never said that. I didn't mind the work and It provided me time to study while on the clock but I wasn't paid very well. I finished a masters degree last year and I am looking at entering Law School or a PHD program in 2010.

A college degree looks good on a resume. Outside of that, all you need is a lifelong commitment to learning. Too bad you never heard of the Teaching Company. www.teach12.com

#39 | POSTED BY RAY

Thanks, They a course on genetics I would like to order.

Jackass - I don't think you realize that the job market for lawyers and PhDs could never be worse. The job market will be shrinking for a long time. You're lucky you have a job. If it's just about learning, there is no reason why you can't do that on your own.

Ray I am not satisfied being a machine technician. It's time to move on to bigger and better things. I enjoy being a union worker but It'll never pay the salary I desire.

I enjoy being a union worker but It'll never pay the salary I desire.

As I told you all along, but you argued with me. Glad to see you are finally coming to your senses.

That's all well and good. I have to assume you're looking ahead at the particular job market you are interested in before you jump.

In the better days of my career, I used to design machines from scratch. Now I maintain this company's CAD database. At this stage of my life, it doesn't bother me. The job is mine for as long as I want it. In this economy, that's the best I'm going to get.

I finished a masters degree last year and I am looking at entering Law School or a PHD program in 2010.

#41 | Posted by jackass

Good for you. Now if you could only loose your shitty attitude, you might amount to something in life.

Way ahead of them. I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go. It'll be a great Christmas present to myself.

#1 | Posted by rightisright

HOLY COW. No wonder you're against higher taxes for the rich!

Jackass - I don't think you realize that the job market for lawyers and PhDs could never be worse. The job market will be shrinking for a long time. You're lucky you have a job. If it's just about learning, there is no reason why you can't do that on your own.

#43 | Posted by Ray

The job market in general sucks. I got my masters last December and worked for an intern with a Masters Degree for 6 months because I couldn't find any opportunities for a graduate and I even had decent work experience...

Thankfully I got picked up where I was an intern at after someone got booted.

I never said that. I didn't mind the work and It provided me time to study while on the clock but I wasn't paid very well. I finished a masters degree last year and I am looking at entering Law School or a PHD program in 2010.

#41 | Posted by jackass

Oh sorry. I had you confused with Rasta Ninja.

JACKASS -

Law school might hold the best prospects for a job soonest after graduation. I don't know how much contact you've had with attorneys, but most of the ones I've encountered are arrogant, predatory, narrow-thinking, unimaginative, boring pricks. A master's is okay, depending on the field. If you can, try and get an assistancy - doesn't pay a lot but, depending on the program/university/discipline it could pick up some benefits, get you through, make you a part of the department culture, etc. Good luck!

Jackass, If you are already 200K in debt for student loans I recommend you look at moving to Florida. Maybe looking at a job at Disney World. It seems you are already living in fantasyland.

My wife and I always pay off our credit cards each month. We have old cars that are paid off. We try to pay cash for everything. Our remaining mortgage is about 40% of the assessed value of our house (which doesn't give the confidence it used to, but hey...) We have no other debt. Our savings are worth well into six figures, but a lot of that is in 401k's and IRAs, which makes me uneasy considering the roller coaster they've been on.

Jackass, If you are already 200K in debt for student loans I recommend you look at moving to Florida. Maybe looking at a job at Disney World. It seems you are already living in fantasyland.

#52 | Posted by STIRSUMUP

Phew. And I thought my $58,000 foor 6 years of school was bad. But I do have 3 degrees to show for it. And I'm working in IT. So as long as I have a job, I'll make decent pay.

Over all, the credit situation in this country is what is destroying it. We no longer manufacture much of anything. The real money in this country is in finance. People beg bankers to sell them their product. Their product is debt. Most people gobble up their product and come back for more. In the end they sell their lives off to the Credit God. People perpetuate the process by trying to justify it to themselves and they teach it to their children. Raising a new generation of slaves. They resent it when they see someone who is not a slave, someone who either never became a slave to the Credit God or figured out the rules of the game and decided not to play it anymore.

I've paid off $465,000 in the past four and a half years, with only $14,500 to go.

So how much interest do gay hookers charge?

#2 | Posted by northguy3

More evidence that Northguy, a loser from the left, is pissed off at the more industrious RightIsRight.

How pathetic are you, anyway, Northguy?

but most of the ones I've encountered are arrogant, predatory, narrow-thinking, unimaginative, boring pricks.
#51 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

Exactly the guy you want on your side!

Phew. And I thought my $58,000 foor 6 years of school was bad. But I do have 3 degrees to show for it. And I'm working in IT. So as long as I have a job, I'll make decent pay.

#54 | Posted by greeneyedguy

If you are in IT, start an IT business or go into management. The skilled jobs are continuing to go overseas.

"Exactly the guy you want on your side!"

On your side during litigation? Yes.
Working with them, day in day out? No thanks.
Socializing? Even worse.

If you are in IT, start an IT business or go into management. The skilled jobs are continuing to go overseas.

#58 | Posted by Eddie

Planning on the management route. I am a reporting specialist (SQL wooo) and yeah. I also help build VMs for the offshore developers at my company! I sure see it.

"Exactly the guy you want on your side!"

On your side during litigation? Yes.
Working with them, day in day out? No thanks.
Socializing? Even worse.

#59 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

I understand. I have only one friend who is a lawyer and he's a friend since childhood. He's a corporate lawyer, doing intellectual property and contracts (boring, just shoot me!). My friends consist of doctors, professors, IT, management, and other professions, but no lawyers and no executive management. Once an acquaintance enters the V.P. status, we drift apart. Attitudes change into the personality you described.

Similar situation, Eddie. Dear friend for decades. We used to talk about both becoming lawyers and eventually creating our own firm. He did the lawyer thing, I decided against it. We're still friends but when I look at his life -- lots of money, plenty of worries, lying sack of shit clients, and an uncommonly dark view of the world -- I wouldn't change a thing.

"Just be sure to say a little prayer for your benefactor, Barack Obama. Just be glad he didn't share your pecimism, just be glad he didn't go on TV and say "keep selling.""

LOL. Now he's a magician for not doing things. He would never go on TV and say "keep selling" even if it were the right thing to do because the corporate entities that own him, the DNC and the GOP would never allow any major politician to do such a thing.

Seriously, what politician can you think of that would have gone on TV and said "keep selling"?

Doesn't the fact that such an American politician doesn't exist tell you that maybe Barry doesn't deserve any credit for NOT DOING something that no politician would ever do?

erm... that last time this nation was paying down its debt all the republicans did was whine about taxes.

#10 | Posted by Rightistrite

That was back in 1963 when JFK was in office. WTF do you remember about that?

I'll never be out of debt personally. I am looking at going over 200K in debt for student loans.

#33 | Posted by jackass

You have only yourself to blame if this is the reality for you. To go $200K in debt as a student, you either chose you school very poorly (private vs. public), took way to long to complete your program (lazy), and/or lived a lifestyle completely beyond what is required for a student. I have 6 years of education and an MBA, never received a dime from anyone for free (family, etc) and graduated with $18K in total debt which I paid off with my signing bonus out of school. Frankly, I didn't need to take out any debt but did so in my last year as I already had my job offer in hand. So, to rack up $200K in debt you are foolish and/or lazy.

Here is how the government is doing.

Year---Debt x 1,000--% Change-House-Senate-President
1938--39,300,000----na--------
D-----D-----Roosevelt
1939---42,000,000----6.87-----
-D-----D-----Roosevelt
1940---45,500,000----8.33-----
-D-----D-----Roosevelt
1941---56,000,000---24.18-----
-D-----D-----Roosevelt
1942--100,000,000--76.99------
D-----D-----Roosevelt
1943--170,000,000-70.00-------
D-----D-----Roosevelt
1943--216,500,000---27.35-----
-D-----D-----Roosevelt
1944263,535,000--21.73-------
D-----D-----Roosevelt
1946262,600,000-(0.35)-------
D-----D-----Truman
1947257,900,000-(1.79)-------
D-----D-----Truman
1948252,563,000---(2.07)------
D-----D-----Truman
1949257,037,000--1.77--------
D-----D-----Truman
1950257,357,352---0.12--------
D-----D------Truman
1951255,221,977(0.83)--------
D-----D------Truman
1952259,105,179---1.52--------
D-----R------Truman
1953275,168,129---6.20--------
D-----R----Eisenhower
1954278,749,814---1.30--------
D-----D----Eisenhower
1955---280,768,553---0.72-----
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1956---276,627,528---(1.47)---
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1957---274,897,784---(0.63)---
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1958---282,922,424---2.92-----
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1959---290,797,772---2.78-----
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1960---310,000,000---6.60-----
-D-----D----Eisenhower
1961---296,168,761---(4.46)---
-D-----D----Kennedy
---------End of decreases------
1962---303,470,080---2.47-----
-D-----D----Kennedy
1963---309,346,845---1.94-----
-D-----D----Kennedy
1964---317,940,472---2.78-----
-D-----D----Johnson

I am a little less than 100K in debt. I am looking into being 200K into debt once I finish my education. Which will be a PHD or possibly law school.I have an MS degree right now.I looked at Med School but I'm realistic and know how tough the MCAT is after attempting to study for it.

#67 | Posted by jackass

Why not go all out and go straight into brain surgery and criminal law?

What So I can be 350K in debt? Not to mention the 11 years of school I would have left. No thanks. Either field is great for getting into politics though. The idea of being able to spread the liberal ideology from a government position does excite me. Writing policy that would indoctrinate the young could be my area of expertise.

I think I remember you saying once " I'll be a security guard for the rest of my life" or something to that effect. Find a story and stick to it.

#37 | POSTED BY STIRSUMUP

I never said that. I didn't mind the work and It provided me time to study while on the clock but I wasn't paid very well. I finished a masters degree last year and I am looking at entering Law School or a PHD program in 2010.

#41 | Posted by jackass

I could care less about my 401K. I 'll be a security guard until the day I die.

Posted by jackass at 2008-09-30 03:17 AM |

Stir I think I was joking or crazy because I'm not working as one any longer.

DOC SARVIS: As to law school - in this economy even lawyers are job hunting. My son graduated With Honors from Rutgers Law School in NJ. Many of his classmates are still looking for positions. He is thankful that he was accepted as an Army JAG (went in late Oct).

This economy is like no other in my lifetime as even the late 70s/early 80s seemed not as bad. I really question the reality of a 2010 recovery.

My personal debt ZERO. Nada, zip, zilch. NOTHING! I don't owe anybody shit.

My personal debt ZERO. Nada, zip, zilch. NOTHING! I don't owe anybody shit.

#73 | Posted by Pontius

Nice isn't it. In two years I will not even show up enough on the books to have a credit score. Most everything I own is tied up in a corporation and haven't had much personal debt for about five years now.

This economy is like no other in my lifetime as even the late 70s/early 80s seemed not as bad. I really question the reality of a 2010 recovery.
#72 | POSTED BY MSGT

I'm sorry to say "no chance"! Washington and Wall Street sacked this country, leaving it with nothing but debt and tears.

I hated debt during the Bush years, and now that we are in economic trouble, it is even more important to avoid it.

Debt has become so important, I would NO JOKE, vote for Nancy Peloci if I thought she would REALLY make it a priority more than the republicans do.

(yes, I KNOW the republicans FAIL on debt. Obama and friends are WORSE. Forgive me, but I want Bill Clinton back....)

#11 Monstman - Check this out for dishes made in USA

Homer Laughlin China - Fiestaware

also Maryland Blue Crab

For fine china we have Lenox.

I wonder if this study took into account all the credit consolidation companies. These companies negotiate the CC balances to about half. then the consumer pays the consolidation companies and the CC banks eat the difference. Then all of the sudden the consumer doesn't have a CC balance at all. Paid in full

these types of businesses are booming