I got out of debt years ago and I'm glad I did as I lost my job last year. I've been able to get by while setting a business up, but still have little income. If I'd been in debt I would have had to get another unsatisfying job when I really wanted to work for myself.
I've tried telling friends and family that their highest priority must be to get out of debt. Unfortunately my advice has gone unheard with friends extending mortgages for home improvements, buying new cars on credit and getting into buy to let mortgages at the top of the market. It's tragic to watch just as interest rates are edging up. You just can't tell people that are living it up and feeling wealthy. They just think I'm being negative because I can't afford to do much at the moment.