Debt

With more than $40,000 in credit card debt and more than 20 credit cards to her name, Diana Ryan didn't think she had a problem -- even though her husband had no idea just how many pieces of plastic she had tucked in her wallet. "It sounds cliche," Ryan says, "but I thought I could stop at any time."

But the lure of special offers and other card deals was much stronger than Ryan's willpower. "I couldn't say no when a cashier asked if I wanted to open a new card to get an instant in-store savings or receive a new promotion," she says.

Ryan represents a growing number of Americans who've passed the point of merely overspending and have entered into the realm of addiction. And, in doing so, they're maxing out a record number of credit cards.

The actions of credit card issuers have come under close scrutiny of late. In attempt to gain some positive press, 10 of the major credit card companies have announced changes in debt management plans allowing consumers the chance to lower payments and qualify for enhanced benefits in recognized credit counseling services programs.

This new tiered system qualifies consumers for special benefits they might not otherwise be able to tap into. Among the highlights: lower interest rates, waived late fees and minimum payments. The goal is to help consumers pay off their high-interest credit cards.

On Monday, Jon Gosselin said he returned $230,000 in funds to a joint account shared with his estranged wife, and reality show co-star, Kate Gosselin.

He did so because earlier this month, a Pennsylvania judge ordered Jon to return these funds, even as he continues to criticize Kate for not being forced to return money she allegedly withdrew from the couple's account.

While Gosselin has a fighting chance of quickly coming up with that much coin (through media appearances and sponsorships), most regular Janes and Joes in the midst of a divorce aren't usually able to pony up large chucks of cash all at once.

Former Baywatch babe and rocker wife, Pamela Anderson is having money woes. The actress is reportedly $4.8 million in debt because of expensive renovations on her Malibu, California dream home.

Anderson's been reportedly sobbing over the thought of having to sell her gilded palace complete, which comes complete with mirrored mosaics and platinum tiles surrounding the pool. The original price tag for the property was a modest $1.3 million and change. But renovations have led to Anderson being sued by five contractors because of unpaid bills.

In an interview with British TV personality, Joe Swash, Anderson said she had been hit by the recession and let down by a string of investments. "I'm a little girl with two kids - how could you screw me?" she added.

Anderson bemoaned "I'm going to sell it. I hate it" explaining that construction projects can destroy relationships and even cause some to commit suicide. "It rips your heart out" she said.

The recession has exposed America's dirty secret that many Americans are financially illiterate. And it would be difficult to find someone who doesn't agree that Americans could use more financial education at the student and adult levels.

There are a variety of Web sites aimed at improving financial literacy in America, but one new site hopes to go beyond offering the usual tools for learning to budget, paying off debt, boosting savings, etc. GetFinancialFinesse.org hopes to equip people with tools to clean up their own finances and get involved in efforts to improve financial literacy in their communities. The site is operated by Financial Finesse, a financial education company.