I truly believe the reason why a large percentage of Americans are in debt and live paycheck to paycheck is because no one has taught them how to thrive in a capitalist society. The only way to not be in debt and be financially free is by owning your own business or investing heavily in businesses. Working a 9-5 job for 30 years does nothing for financial freedom. Also, running your home finances like a business will set you up for success. Every month look to be ahead or in essence make a profit. But we are told to get an education and get a job. Well, a good education will cost you and then you have to get a job to pay your education debt off. In ancient times that was the definition of slavery. If a person owed a debt they would sell themselves and work until their debt was paid in full. We need to teach our children how to be successful without incurring debt from seeking a degree that will never pay them the cost of the schooling.