Five Statistics to know:

1. The average American carries $9000 debt.
2. The number of credit card solicitations by mail has exceeded 6 billion annually. You can opt out of getting solicitated by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
3. If you were to pay only the minimum on an $8500 debt, it would take you 35 years to pay it off.
4. Some states like South Dakota and Delaware have no caps on the interest rate percentage that can be charged. Your card company probably bills you out of one of these states.
5. Medical expenses contribute to 50% of all bankruptcies.