How to Get Out of Debt

My neighbor was worried about her bills.

"I need to make some more money," she said. "And cut back on my expenses."

"What? Are you nuts? How can you call yourself an American?" I said.

"Any ideas?" she asked.

"Sure, just raise your debt ceiling. Get an extension on your credit cards. In fact, have the bank give you a higher limit."

"Excuse me," she said. "I am in debt now. I need to GET OUT of debt."

I shook my head. "No", I said " You need to only give the perception that you are trying to get out of debt."

"And how would I do that?"

"Well, when you frequest a credit increase, tell them you're planning to cut some expenses .And even better, you are going to get a group of neighbors together and form a committee to study your expenses."

My neighbor looked skeptical.

"Well, that work? How about the need to increase my revenues? That would give me more money to pay my debts."

"I repeat, are you nuts? Why get another job? Just study your budget and think about cutting it."

"Aw come on," she said. "That won't work."

"Hey," I said. "It works for Congress. Why shouldn't it work for you?"

"Well, that sounds like I am just leading my creditors on."

I shook my head. " No, you are just compromising .Just compromising," I said

"So compromising is really another word for putting off any hard decisions until I win the lottery or marry a rich man," she said.

I gave her a hug. " Now you understand economics."