Debt triggers for women

The average American is over $7,100 in debt (not including a mortgage) and three out of five families can`t afford to pay off their credit cards each month. Still, as a culture we keep spending-on clothing, luxury cars, gourmet meals, electronics, CDs, you name it-and some would surely argue that spending is an integral part of everyone`s life.

If you`re a woman who loves to shop, recognising your spending triggers is essential to staying out of debt. It`s a powerful problem because, for women, shopping is not just about getting a new pair of jeans. It`s an emotional experience, tied to feelings of pleasure, power, guilt and entitlement, that can drive an otherwise `together` woman into debt and even bankruptcy.

Following are the common triggers that can start you spiraling downward financially. Being aware of them, and whether they`re happening to you (be honest!), is the first step to regaining, or keeping, your financial security.