I think you're missing a variable that equals "Having zero debt at all times is not everyone's highest priority".
"Paying back on things you've already purchased with someone elses money is not everyone's highest priority"
Now we take this statement and multiply it by 34 million, and we have the reason why America's total US consumer debt is 2.43 trillion.
I dont mean to nitpick, but I get really annoyed when people do extravagant things when they can't afford it.
Everyone does. Good luck getting people to settle on your definitions of "extravagant" and "afford."
I think a vacation to hawaii from portland for a family of four while still in debt is clearly extravagant, and unaffordable. But's thats just my opinion, and I dont expect you, or anyone else, to share it.
Debt shouldn't be seen as ok to have but I think that is sadly how most Americans view it now.
Do these pass your muster? A lot of people still view these forms of debt as acceptable.
I mean, do you really think that as soon as you buy a house (which pretty much anyone not absurdly rich — and many who are — will take on debt to do), you must immediately neglect your family and pursue money at all costs? That hardly seems like a tenable position. People who have grave problems with debt have those problems not because debt is inherently a grave problem, but because they took on debt they couldn't handle.
It's one thing if the money is borrowed from a friend or family member (as a charity or with extremely below market interest rates). But the 2.43 trillion dollars of debt that you cite is almost entirely with institutions which make a profit off of debt. [not bashing creditors]
My dad pointed out "Your family's wellbeing includes their morale."
Either way, only Ryan (and possibly his accountant [probably his wife]) can make that call.