8 signs you're headed straight for debt

The average US household with debt carries $15,762 in credit card debt - and over $130,000 in total debt.

Debt is a drag - on on your credit score and savings, but also on your psyche.

While debt is mathematical, it's also highly personal. Some people might feel that a mortgage is good, manageable debt, and others might feel the pressure of owing their lender money. Some might consider student loans to be a necessary evil, and others might do anything in their power to avoid them. The one exception to this rule is consumer debt of the sort that comes from credit cards and personal loans, which is widely regarded as the worst possible type due to its high interest rates and lack of return on your expenditure.

A mortgage or student loans happen in an instant, when you decide to sign on. But other, potentially more expensive and insidious debt can creep up on you. To help you figure out whether you might be in danger, we've rounded up eight red flags to watch out for.