Ohio State University ran a survey on consumer debt-related stress. The results, concisely restated in the South Florida Business Journal, indicate the index used to measure debt stress declined by 10% from its summer high as feelings that an economic recovery was just around the corner spread.

In spite of the optimism, it also noted that debt levels still remain too high, which will hamper the spending boost that the holiday season brings, including perhaps temporary employment prospects.

Importantly, fully 26% of the consumer respondents feel that their health is being compromised as a result of debt concerns. Is there any more evidence that one needs to set up a basic strategy to eliminate existing debt?

Reducing debt need not be a headache. The DebtGoal system provides a no-nonsense, mathematically optimized approach to debt reduction and elimination.

Raj Patel writes for DebtGoal.com, a do-it-yourself system for getting out of debt and lowering your interest costs.  DebtGoal.com incorporates all of the techniques discussed in this post and can help users understand and get visibility to and manage their debt finances.