Why we run up debt. Peoples attitudes to debt have changed dramatically. At one time people who were on low income were considered to poor to get credit. Their was a great belief that only those on high incomes were entitled to credit. But with growing affulence and the desire along with envy to own one's home mortgage debt became a common thing. People were able to abuse the credit system for their own self-indugence. They started to believe that they had an equal right to certain entitlements mainly health care and education. They set themselves standards of living which was way beyond their means. Therefore credit was seen as the right option because it liberated them from the limitation of their income which was placed on their lifestyle. Although house prices have outstripped the increase in real wages, people remain unwilling to accept that they cannot afford the same quality of house as they may have done ten years ago. The result is more excessive debt.