“Debt is an obligation that requires one party, the debtor, to pay money or other agreed-upon value to another party, the creditor.” - Wikipedia Debt is basically something, typically money, that is owed to someone else. Sometimes referred to as a financial obligation Debt is the “condition of owing” - “thefreedictionary.com” Types of loans: mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans, medical bills, personal loan (maybe from a mob boss) Here’s how it works: You need money, I will give it to you, You will pay me back over a defined period of months or years and I will (generally) charge you interest.Interest is money that is paid for the use of money Average CC interest rate in Sept 2020, according to the Federal Reserve is 14.52% - this has been rising over the past several years Average auto loans are at 4.21% ● What about “0%” interest? - it’s a marketing ploy for you still buy their product - psychologically we think we’re getting such a screaming deal Accessing loans is often tied to your credit score - this is a number that you get assigned that tells lenders if you will be good or bad at repaying a loan The higher your score the better terms you get! Common types of loans: mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans, medical bills, personal loan (maybe from a mob boss) Easy rules of thumb: ● If the debt increases your net worth (over time) or has future value, it’s good! If the debt decreases your net worth, it’s badTypes of “good” debt (so long as you can meet all monthly financial obligations): Mortgage Student loans Business loans Types of “bad” debt: Credit card debt Car loans The debt paradox: You have to take out loans (even CC or auto) in order to prove that you are responsible and capable of repaying loans.This might be like saying “in order to prove you are not an alcoholic, you must begin drinking”Need help creating a plan?Visit smplwealth.com and sign-up for a 15-Minute call with an advisor.