Savings Rate

I was reminded today that in a recen t survey they average american has a negative annual savings rate. Beyond that, in some research I was doing I found that the average american has 8 credit cards. In a quick search of my wallett I found only 2. I am baffled how anyone can have 8 cards but I am not shocked by the negative savings rate. We have such a consumer driven society and I for many shopping and purchasing seems to be a stress reliever (like eating is for some) and something people do to make them feel better when depressed. With eating, there is at least dieting to balance. Personally I am frequently of visiting my favorite burrito joint after a rough day but the next day I will balance the burrito with an hour long run. It seems most of our society runs this way... How come we do not have a similar method for our financial health? What do we do to balance the purchase of a new ipod? What is the counter measure for upgrading to the newest, coolest BMW? Unfortunately healthy finances does not seem to be as easily balanced as healthy living. At PPS, we work hard to inform our clients of their financial habits and give them the tools to understand their monthly expenses, but everyone could use more help. Are there better answers out there?? Where is the financial diet so many of us need?