Basic Math

Staying out of debt is a matter of simple math.  You can't stay out of debt unless you spend less than you make.  So, you have two options to get out (or just stay out) of debt..  Before looking at the options, you have to do a simple budget that outlines the lifestyle you want.  If the lifestyle you want costs $5,000 a month, then you need to make more than $5,000 a month.  If you don't make that much, than you have to make the choice - either make more money, or settle on a less expensive lifestyle. 

If you have to have the more expensive lifestyle, than you need to supplement your income, and the internet can be a great part-time way to do it.  Start a blog, sign up with an affiliate program, or even find something you could sell.  There is a great list on this site of 101 ways to make money online.

That is true for the most part, but just as often the source of debt is an unexpected event happening such as a medical emergency, divorce, car wreck, appliances breaking down, etc.  It's not always caused by living beyond your means.  It's important to budget, buy insurance, have savings and all these other factors that can help reduce your risk of going into debt, but even still sometimes life happens and it's outside of your control.

Also not everyone can predict what they'll make in a given week, let alone in a month. Many self-employed people do daily or contractual work that's constantly changing.

This can make it tough to project a budget.

Most people spend more money than they have because they were raised to get what they want. We need to change our way of thinking and focus less on things.

I'm guessing simple math is not everyone's strong suit. Too many people aren't taught to save and even more are never taught about the basic logic of knowing how to make a budget that will enable you to live the lifestyle you want and still put money aside for emergencies.

I think this should be taught in schools - along with lessons like 'You really DON'T have to keep up with the Jones's because their debts will cripple you!'

It's really important for an individual to apply Math all the time especially if your in business. Math is applicable in every move you take. Based on my own experience, I worked in purchasing department. I realized that if your smart and apply Math in all accounts. Profit is doing well. 

You have a point but we all know that people aren't going to spend less that they make.Most of us end up spending what me make as soon as we get it. Which ends up putting us behind which is never good.Debt is something that happens over time.