Here's a fun game:  what's the absolute WORST advice you could give someone to get out of debt?

I'll go first: rely solely on the lottery.

Ignore your debt...it will go away...

(great idea for a thread, btw)

Here's my favorite:  "Everbody else is in debt, so being in debt is not a big deal."

...or:

"If everybody else can buy that, so can I."

About 10 years ago, I would have said to "Invest everyhting you own in Enron. It's a can't miss, slam dunk!"

Spend more and then claim bankrupcy.

Get money from cash advance places!

I don't know how those people sleep at night stealing money from those who are already in need.

Use a loan to pay off your credit cards and not close them out afterwards.

three words...

refinance.
refinance.
refinance.

(When you say those in your head, you have to sound more discouraged with each one.  )

Sell drugs, steal, or extort.

ALWAYS pay the minimum on your credit cards and keep them maxed out at all times.  See how often you can overcharge on your credit card before the store denies the purchase.