The neighbors have a shiny new sport utility vehicle to tow their travel trailer. They take a two-week tropical vacation every winter. Their family room is equipped with the latest large screen TV and surround sound stereo system. Many people believe this is a sign of wealth. In fact, this is usually a sign of consumption.

More often than not, the above lifestyle is funded with huge amounts of debt.

Fewer and fewer car ads list actual vehicle prices. Instead, they advertise supposedly low monthly payments. Often these payments are for a lease based on a minimal annual usage. If the vehicle is driven more, then the monthly lease payment will be higher.