Industrial stocks index rose 1.1% this week as manufacturing PMI hit 52. Read: 8 Years Later, Tesla’s Still Taking $50K Roadster Reservations Musk Promised For 2020 It’s very difficult to get ahead financially when “bad debt” is weighing you down. This includes high-interest credit cards, personal loans and payday loans. In contrast, “good debt” usually consists of low-interest mortgages, student loans and auto loans. Debt in this last group doesn't need to be paid off immediately if it fits into your broader financial plan.