Debtor’s are everyday households that simply don’t handle their money well. The issue is not faced primarily by low income families. According to a survey report published by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and Public Opinion Strategies, and co-sponsored by The Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan research and educational institute, those surveyed believe debt is threatening the American middle-class and the American dream.

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The publics most identified criticism, confronting the vulnerable regarding debt problems, are the credit card companies, car finance companies and the payday lenders. The folks surveyed apparently don’t sidestep the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to their debt however. The majority of respondents hold individuals responsible for their personal finances, more so than lenders or changes in the economy.

The survey is suggesting, 33 percent of Americans carry non-mortgage debt of more than $10,000. The respondents also stated that only 51 percent of them are able to pay their entire credit-card bill each month. “More people view it as a problem for middle-class families who are worried about not being able to have a secure retirement or are afraid of being victim to identity theft.” Debt has increased substantially over 30 years, with the average American household holding $8,000 in credit card debt.

The debt problem, the survey said, is so pervasive that it’s become “a growing threat to the American middle class and the American dream.” Too much household debt is affecting the majority of our families as a society. The survey represents the views of 1,000 adults. It was conducted in April and carries a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

I personally believe that one reason, our debt is growing so quickly, is we’ve moved from the service based society to a service and information and communication based society. The computer has made information and knowledge move so much faster than it did thirty years ago. The people of the world want information. Things are moving so quickly, in our efforts to keep pace, we’re not watching what’s really happening to us financially. We are just not watching.

The speed of technology and information is resulting in us expecting instant answers. We are so busy living; we think things have been the way they are for eons. We’re used to instant gratifications and answers to problems; always the quick fix. Meanwhile, many people are discovering they can’t seem to manage on what they’re making. They’re being frustrated with mounds of consumer debt. They also wonder just how to tackle the ever growing phenomenon.

I was having lunch the other day with a good friend and business strategist, Art Consoli. He reminded me by saying, “Lenny, they’re so busy. The quick answers, such as consolidation and home equity loans, are not working. The answer to this challenge takes a little more time than a quick fix. They’re just so busy, they’re not aware of what’s actually happening..”

He’s so right about that. It takes some thinking, pondering and lifestyle changes.