Let’s Talk About Debt — And What to Do About It

Let’s talk about debt.

For a lot of folks, just hearing the word triggers anxiety—stress, uncertainty, fear, shame. And really, how could it not? Just look around at where we are today in America.

As of 2025, the United States national debt is over $34.6 trillion and climbing by the second (source: U.S. Treasury). Credit card debt? A record-breaking $1.13 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Delinquencies are up too—people are falling behind at the fastest pace we’ve seen in over a decade.

And student loan debt? That’s sitting above $1.74 trillion, with over 92% of it owed to the federal government (source: Education Data Initiative). That’s right—one of the government’s biggest “assets” is what students owe them. Read that again. Let that sink in.

So when we talk about debt, it’s not some abstract issue. It’s real. It’s personal. And for many of us, it feels like we’re hanging on by a thread—white-knuckling our way through life, paycheck to paycheck. We’re trying to enjoy life, provide for our families, and keep up with rising costs—all without a clear plan for how we’re going to pay for it all.

We’re trying to live our best life while dragging around a financial anchor.

But what if the problem isn’t just debt? What if the real issue is how we think about money—and ourselves?

I’m reminded of the wisdom from The Richest Man in Babylon: “A part of all you earn is yours to keep.” Ten percent. That’s what they say to save first. Not last—first. Yet most of us are living in reverse. We pay everyone else first—the bank, the government, Amazon—and we forget to take care of ourselves.

It’s a spiritual problem as much as a financial one. Remember the two greatest commandments? Love God first. Love your neighbor as yourself. That means we’ve got to love ourselves before we love our neighbors. If you’re not OK, how can you be at your best for those that need you most.

Too often we’re living like this: God first, neighbor second, and self last. That’s not sustainable.

If the spiritual parallel doesn’t land, think about flying. What do they tell you during the safety briefing? “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” Why? Because you’re no good to anyone else if you’re passed out.

We’ve been groomed to give up control of our money from a young age. We’re trained to earn money, but not to manage it. We’re told to borrow for college, swipe for the things we want, and finance the rest. All the while, we’re feeding a system that thrives on our lack of awareness—banks, credit card companies, and Wall Street firms all making a killing off the interest we pay and the money we don’t keep.

But what if we paused? What if we broke the cycle?

It starts with being honest with ourselves. As Dan Sullivan says, “All progress begins by telling the truth.” So grab a notebook or spreadsheet. Write it all down. Income, expenses, debts. Find out where the leaks are. And then—start saving. Even if it’s just 10%. Start paying yourself first.

If you’re broke, you don’t spend more—you save. You cut what’s unnecessary. You get real about your priorities. You raise your standards. You start building.

And when you’re ready, we can show you how to create a rock-solid foundation using a specially designed whole life policy—how to become your own banker. Yes, you. Imagine naming your own bank. What would you call it?

Debt doesn’t have to define your life. You can take back control. It starts with love. Love for God. Love for others. And love for yourself.

Let’s talk about debt—not with fear, but with courage, clarity, and a vision for something better.