American Debt Trends Leading Toward a Need for More Senior Citizen Jobs

An American's chances of getting and staying out of debt, beating the market for investments, and consequently retiring and staying retired on time are less than 5 percent.

Mount Jackson, VA (PRWEB) November 15, 2007 -- Mike Peterson sees lots of individuals and families of every income level who simply don't have enough money. Peterson is the co-founder of The American Credit Foundation and author of the recent book "Reality Millionaire: Proven Tips to Retire Rich."

According to a survey published by Pew Research Center in September 2006, more than three quarters of today's workers (77%) expect to work for pay even after they retire. This expectation contrasts strongly with the experiences of people who are already retired - just 12% of whom are currently working for pay (either part or full time), according to the Pew survey.

"I see people everyday who are absolutely miserable because they don't make enough money," says Peterson. "What might shock you is that when you look at their incomes, they range from as little as $20,000 per year up to as much as $250,000 per year, yet they all have the same problem. Not enough money."

Two of the big problem causes that Peterson sees is that not enough people are in control of their finances and that not enough Americans in particular understand what credit and debt really mean to their futures.

There are two main factors with the first problem. Oftentimes with a married couple, one of the partners handles the finances and the other is blissfully unaware of either their current standing or their future outlook. Also, according to Peterson, "The average American Family cannot account for 10-15% of their income."

Credit really is a misnomer, warns Peterson. If the common term 'credit card' were switched with 'convenient debt trap' people might be a little less excited about using (or more often, misusing) them.

People are lured into debt with the idea of instant gratification and a lack of understanding of how the numbers work against them.
In his book, "Reality Millionaire", Peterson uses an example of a stereo system purchased on store credit that will cost the buyer more than three times its price tag over 37 years. That's a long time for even a top of the line stereo system to remain in working condition.

Peterson has identified a few of the mindsets he believes are part of the trend of increasing financial problems causing seniors to forego retirement:
1.   Short-term thinking. When someone is thinking about monthly income and expenses, they are more likely to spend without thought to long-term retirement goals and emergency funds that will keep them out of debt.
2.   Paying interest is okay. Normal yes, but disastrous to future wealth-being.
3.   The uncontrolled consumer. People often feel that they deserve luxuries that they cannot or should not afford.
4.   Counting chickens before they hatch. People are often willing to make purchases on credit because they are counting on remaining in their job or getting a pay increase.
5.   Wealthy is as wealthy looks. The desire to impress others is part of human nature and it often spills over into spending habits.

Ultimately, the goal for Peterson and his organization is to provide reliable education, counseling, and tools for people to get out of debt and reach financial stability, security, and eventually what Mike Peterson calls "ultimate financial freedom."

Learn more about Reality Millionaire and Mike Peterson, while accessing valuable free reports and financial calculators at: http://www.realitymillionaire.com

About the Author:
Inside Success Radio is the most talked about Internet talk show, earning its reputation for quality interviews with the best-known experts of many fields. Each interview provides practical tips, strategies, and secrets direct from the masters.
The online podcast and transcript of Peterson's interview with the Inside Wealth Success show is available for free at: www.insidesuccessradio.com/Guests/Mike.Peterson

Media Contacts:
Debbie Wolf
Associate Producer
540-856-2555

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