Missouri school children might be learning more about consumer debt if some lenders have their way. One estimate says the average American’s credit card debt has jumpedfrom $2,4000 to $9,000 over the past decade. Joan Smith with Consumer Credit Counseling says the amount of creditcard debt Missourians have has grown over the years as well. And, Smith believes while people should be more responsible for their debt, the lenders who try to get all the debtors assume a certain amount of culpability. Bill Ratliff with the Missouri Bankers Association says as a lender, it’s important for his clients to have better education on the potential problems of debt. He’s behind an effort to teach financial responsibility in Missouri schools. A study will be conducted to see how economic literacy can be put into current school curriculum. But lawmakers backing the study admit there won’t be any state money to help implement the education program.
