Imagine Life Without Debt

Imagine your life without debt – no mortgage, no car loan, no student debt. How would your life look different?

Americans have succumbed to a debt is normal mentality. I want to challenge that thinking!

Debt is slavery – is not normal – and is contrary to the Word of God.

I recently heard about a couple with more than $600,000 in student debt from undergrad and medical schools. They assumed it was normal and nonchalantly saw it as no big deal. However, they delayed repayment, and are now charged thousands of dollars in payments every month.

Debt distorts behavior. Graduates with student loans delay normal adult decisions because they can’t afford them – things like getting married, buying a house, having children. Dreams of adoption and mission work or graduate study are often dashed because of debt.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a January 2017 report that the number of Americans, 60 and older with student loan debt, has quadrupled in the last 10 years. 66.7 billion dollars of loans are now held by our senior population. Why? Private student loan lenders routinely require a co-signer, and students are turning to their grandparents for help to attend college.

Proverbs 22:26 says, “Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.”

And, Proverbs 17:18 states, “One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.”

To help others realize that debt is abnormal, don’t cosign.  It’s time we stand up for what is truly normal! Rather, give wise counsel, give a job, or career advice that may not require a college degree, or give them the money to start a business or get the needed education.

If you need encouragement, wise counsel or simply prayer regarding your finances, we’re standing by during office hours. Call the Crown Help Line at 800 722-1976 or visit Crown.org