In some corners of the personal finance advice world, getting into debt is just about the worst thing you can do. And yes, some forms of debt—particularly those that charge high interest rates—can keep you locked in a cycle of owing money for years.
Still, there are times where taking on debt serves a purpose in your overall financial picture. Debt isn’t always bad, though there is always a risk of getting in over your head. It’s simply a tool you can use to afford a very large purchase without draining your savings.
“I think it’s so important for people to not be afraid of debt, but instead to look at it as something you can use to your advantage,” says Kara Duckworth, a certified financial planner and managing director of client experience at Mercer Advisors….