It may seem like a perfunctory exchange between support-group members. But for the participants of this 12-step Debtors Anonymous program, it provides solace from the feelings of isolation that arise from overdue bills, calls from collection agencies, and other sad trappings of debt. Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling do that. Instead, the 15 members in attendance are here to talk about why they got into debt and how they are dealing with it now. Perhaps debtors will have an epiphany like the Goobys' before they end up at the door of Debtors Anonymous.
Students start early, and charge often.
A timeline of America's relationship with debt. World Report Inc. All rights reserved.