What is considered an important characteristic of good debt?

Good debt is typically defined as borrowing that is considered a beneficial investment over time, particularly in terms of financial growth and stability. An important characteristic of good debt is that it contributes to building equity over time. This means that the borrowed money is used to purchase assets that can appreciate in value, such as a home or education. As you make payments on this debt, you're not just reducing what you owe, but also increasing your ownership stake in a valuable asset.

In contrast, options that refer to luxury items or accumulating high credit card bills do not involve beneficial investments and can often lead to financial strain. Luxury items tend to depreciate quickly and do not contribute to long-term wealth, while high credit card bills can lead to high-interest debt, further complicating financial health. Additionally, debt is more favorable when it is secured by an asset, rather than being unsecured, which often carries higher risk and interest rates. Thus, the characteristic of contributing to building equity is what defines good debt, addressing long-term financial wellbeing.