Most Americans have some amount of debt, but there are manageable amounts and then there’s too much. Watch for these warning signs that you might have gotten in a little too deep.

First, there’s the mathematical approach, called the debt-to-income ratio. To calculate it, add up your total debt payments each month and divide that by your gross monthly income. This indicates the percentage of your income that’s going to debt and it’s best to keep the number below 36%. If your percentage is above 40%, it’s a sign you’re overextended.

Then there are the credit indicators. Are all of your credit cards maxed out? Do you pay only the minimum payment each month? Were you rejected the last time you applied for a new card? Any one of these is a red flag, and all three together means your use of credit is significantly harming your financial health.

Lastly, there are psychological and behavioral tip-offs. If someone asked how much debt you have, would you know? Having no idea of the ballpark amount of your total debts is not only a sign you aren’t focused on reducing it, but also that you may be afraid to know the answer.

Similarly, if you don’t look at your bills, perhaps not even opening them, that’s another signal that you're avoiding instead of facing your financial problems.

Lying about your finances to others, either falsely indicating positives or hiding embarrassing negatives, also indicates that you know you’re in financial trouble, whether you like to admit it or not.

Fortunately, debt problems are solvable. First, plan a course of action. Second, stick to the plan. Third, enjoy your milestones along the way. And fourth, accept that while it will take some time, you can eventuallbe free of most or all of your debt.