I have somehow managed to never borrow money or get into debt of any kind, never even owned a credit card, but it has had a major impact on my life, and it was probably the main reason I had to leave the USA. If you're not willing to be a slave to debt, and you don't come from money, your future in the USA is very limited.
Counting the days til I kiss Cambodian soil and hug my family again in familiar and friendly territory.