To teach money management effectively, an examination of credit use today and a profile of the person in financial trouble are needed. If credit patterns and bankruptcy are understood, recommendations can be made about curriculum content for money management. (SK)

During the past 10 years, consumers have experienced a substantial growth in credit and an unprecedented increase in the rate of inflation. As increases in credit usage continue to outpace increases in real income and as savings rates decline, consumers are increasingly likely to suffer financial problems and are increasingly in need of money…