In light of the recent news coverage regarding the subprime market meltdown, I have a bone to pick.  A major local news network aired a special series in their 5:30 news hour 10 September showing two women who had been affected by the unethical practices of subprime lending, stating they were not "told" about the rising interest rates on their mortgages.  If this is truly the case, I feel for them BUT the fine print probably stated otherwise.  Usually there is a broad statement somewhere on mortgage documents saying the interest rates are subject to change.  I feel the subprime mortgage meltdown mess could have been avoided if all of us were not so overloaded with debt that we would jump at the chance of keeping up with Jones' anyway possible.....even if it means trying to pay interest only to afford a house we would not otherwise be able to afford.  Maybe we should all be rethinking how we take responsibility for our own personal finances.