If you haven’t already heard the news, the debt clock in New York has reached it’s capacity and can no longer keep up with the debt. As a temporary solution, they removed the dollar sign and began using that as an extra digit to keep up. The long-term solution is to make a new clock that has two extra digits on it, taking us up to a possible quadrillion dollars of debt.

If we reach that mark, I’m so moving to Europe!

Personally, I think the government should use this as a wakeup call, but whatever. So, in tribute to their colossal failure (I’m not feeling agitated with the government or anything), I figure I’d follow their example and list 10 ways we can keep ourselves permanently in debt. Enjoy!

1.) Bush and Bernanke Duo

First on my list is the dynamic dummies, Bush and Bernanke. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t envy either of their positions because they’re both tough jobs. But, every decision either of these two yahoo’s have made has gone from bad to worse. Honestly, I don’t even know how Bush made it to office this second go-round.

2.) Paying Just the Minimums

Compounding interest, my friend. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. In the case of credit card debt, your worst enemy. So, if you’re longing to spend a life full of debt and regrets, continue to pay only the minimum. It just gets worse as the years roll on!

3.) Excessive Gambling

I’m sure you’ve heard the odds of actually winning on a lottery ticket. They’re not very good. And frankly, if you’ve got more important things to be spending your money on, yet you continue to blow it on gambling, you may have an addiction. That’s great…if you want to spend the rest of your life in debt. Gambling very rarely works out in favor of the gambler. Keep in mind, I’m talking about lottery tickets and slot machines here.

4.) Pretending to Understand the Markets

I’ve talked before about how some people know just enough to get them in trouble when it comes to their finances, and there’s no place that applies better than the stock market. There’s no better way to lose money and stay indebted to someone than to pretend like you can keep up with the boys on Wall Street. If you don’t know, seek advice. It’s as simple as that.

5.) Going With the Loan Sharks

Payday loans, title loans, loans from the guy who has a hit man swinging a bat at you…these are all loans you should stay away from! They’re usually triple digits on the interest and they come with some pretty serious consequences if they’re not paid back.

6.) Buying More Than You Need

There are two reasons we do this. The first is to maintain the status quo…to keep up with the Joneses. The second is because we equate our emotional satisfaction to spending money. What I mean by that is when we’ve had a bad day, we tend to find our favorite store or place and spend money, regardless of the consequences that come from it. So, if we want to stay in debt forever, then we should do nothing. But, if we want to rise above the debt, we’ve got to stop the emotional triggers before they happen.

7.) Starting a Family

Now before anyone jumps down my throat about this one, allow me to qualify this statement. By starting a family I mean starting one before you’re financially ready. Popping out kids by the dozen is a great way to keep yourself firmly in debt. Kids cost money, and if you can’t keep your finances on track with just yourself, it sure isn’t going to get easier with the advent of a family.

8.) Ending a Relationship

This typically goes to divorce, though a serious relationship of any kind can have the same consequences. It comes down to this, pre-nup! Argue with me if you like. Tell me that if someone doesn’t trust the other person they shouldn’t be getting married. Any way you slice it, the fact is, people change and so do their feelings. The divorce rate in the U.S. is something like 50%, so why wouldn’t you have a pre-nup? Beyond that, when lawyers and courts have to get involved, you’re talking lots of moola!

9.) Drinking, Smoking, and Eating Out

These habits cost us more than we realize, and what’s worse, they add up quick. I ate out a lot last month. I was stressed out, tired, and not really in the mood to cook. I also spent close to $500 in food last month…and that’s not even covering what it did to my health. I was wondering why I felt so run down and exhausted…well, the processed food was part of the problem.

10.) Not Making Changes in Lifestyle and Behaviors

You know the problems. You’ve identified the areas you need to work on. Now all that’s left is to get off the couch and do it. Yet, for some reason you sit there and say, ‘Maybe tomorrow I’ll start that budget.’ If you want to stay in debt forever, then keep putting off until tomorrow what you can do today. Keep telling yourself you’ll start that budget or put money in a savings account. But, if you really want to get out of debt and be free, get up and do it!

What are some other things that can keep us permanently in debt?

Related posts:

1. 7 Ways to Stay in Debt Forever
2. Mega Guide: How to Get Out (and stay out) of Credit Card Debt
3. Surprising Purchases that Put People In Debt
4. 12 Side Hustles To Stay Afloat
5. Good Debt vs. Bad Debt