A few more items along similar lines.
http://www.us-banker.com/article.html?id=20060201D6D22GZO
February 2006
Changing Attitudes on Debt Makes Planning a Must
Financial literacy skills are more important than ever these days, as Americans negotiate debt at every turn. Consumers may be more comfortable with debt, says a new study, but can that be healthy?
Those who believe that the only certainties in life are death and taxes can now add a third to the list: personal debt.
http://capuchinomics.com/news/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=225&Itemid=
Big Bang Theory: Housing Bubble meets pin
Saturday, 11 February 2006
You didn't hear it? You weren't the only one. Wall Street missed it too. And who can blame them. After all, they are engrossed in important issues like if they should be buying Google shares after its recent decline or perhaps adding to their gold collection. After two years of being on bubble watch, the media save for the Wall Street Journal has lost interest in the housing bubble. They too are distracted with Iran, Iraq and Washington shenanigans occupying their thoughts.
http://investorsinsight.com/otb_va.aspx?EditionID=276
Yield Curve Conundrum
By Chris P. Dialynas
PIMCO Spotlight, February 2006
Sounds scary!! From your source:
Indeed, at the end of 2005, U.S. consumers had $2.2 trillion in debt, including revolving credit-card accounts and student loans, up 22 percent from 2004, when it hit $1.8 trillion.
Wow!! Debt went up $400 billion? While interest rates were at record low levels? Why would people borrow more while rates are low?
Maybe to increase their net worth? Assets only rose $3.7 trillion over the same period.