In 2006, consumer debt in the U.S. surpassed $2.3 trillion. Credit cards account for nearly half of that debt.1 In the last decade, consumer credit card debt has quadrupled. The average American household has 11 credit cards with a balance over $12,000 at an average interest rate of 18%. 2 If you make a minimum monthly payment on that debt, at 18%, it will take you almost 34 years to pay it off and will cost you almost $18,000 in interest alone. 3   Most people fail to realize the devastating impact this has on their financial future. There has to be a better way. 1 Federal Reserve Bank, June 2007. 2 Cardweb.com, June 2007. 3 Bankrate.com, June 2007