For the first time in history, the average American owes more that he makes. Most of the growth came in the last 10 years. Now families are spending almost a quarter of their income to service the debt. Jim Pfaff used to be one of them. But he and his wife righted their financial ship by paying off 100-thousand dollars in only 18-months.

“If it takes peanut butter and jelly to get it done, you got to do it. It’s all a matter of choices.”

Christian Weller of the Center for American Progress says it’s also a matter of simple math; a logical equation many seem to have trouble with.

“When you live for an extended period of time beyond your means, there will ultimately come a time when you have to live below your means.”

Ron Blue of Christian Financial Professionals Network says t he question becomes: do you want to choose when the hammer comes down, or do you want your creditors to decide?

“Ninety-seven point five percent of Americans reach age 65, a normal retirement age, and they don’t have the resources to retire.”

Becoming part of the minority takes discipline and some spiritual soul searching.

“You’ve got to ask yourself, ‘What caused me to get here? Is it envy, is it jealousy, is it greed, is it pride?’”

Just think of the relief you’ll feel to be rid of those things, as well as the debt .