10 Signs You're Headed for a Financial Meltdown

Michele Lerner
Updated
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It's a common human trait to want to put your head in the sand and avoid facing the reality of your situation. But when it comes to financial matters, living beyond your means, incurring high levels of debt, and developing a bad credit profile can ruin more than just your bank account.

According to Corporation for Enterprise Development's 2013 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard, nearly half -- 43.9 percent -- of U.S. households are living on the edge of financial collapse, with almost no savings to support them in the event of a job loss or health crisis.

Here are some of the sobering findings from the CFED Scorecard:

  • Practically one-third (30.8 percent) of households don't have any savings account at all.

  • More than half (56.4 percent) of consumers have subprime credit rates, meaning they don't qualify for short-term credit at prime rates and are more likely to turn to a payday loan or auto-title loan.

  • Two out of every three college students graduate with student loan debt. The average debt load is $26,600.

How do you know if you're heading for a financial meltdown? Here are 10 warning signs.

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