In today's society all too often a family's spending is governed more by yearning than earning. Many people are so deep in past debt that they are unable to maintain their present financial responsibilities, much less save and plan for the future. We have somehow bought into the belief that our lives will be better if we surround ourselves with an abundance of things which brings with them an abundance of debt. Unfortunately, this type of thinking causes unnecessary anxiety and stress. We live in a society where yesterday's luxuries have become today's necessities. It is only after we enter into long-term debt that we find that changes occur; people become ill or incapacitated, companies fail or downsize, jobs are lost, natural disasters befall us. Instead of waiting for circumstances to make a change, be intentional about solving unresolved financial matters.