Worried about debt?

Amey Stone

A new survey from loan provider Lending Tree presents a scary picture of Americans' tolerance for debt. Of the respondents who claim to be worried about debt, 40% say they plan to spend more than $3,000 on unnecessary purchases next year.

The Lending Tree site has some fun graphics illustrating the survey results. One shows an individual digging a deeper hole; another shows a driver going over a cliff.

You'd think a loan provider would be encouraging customers to borrow more -- not less. Maybe Lending Tree is getting worried about its customers' ability to pay back all these loans? It's food for thought.