The causes of indebted overspending were investigated by examining household expenditure patterns using the data from the 2002 Family Expenditure Survey. The five major expenditure categories were identified by factor analysis, and the six types of indebted overspending were clustered. About 28% of the indebted overspending was done out of necessity, and food, utilities, housing, and health care accounted for about 42% of the household expenditure. Luxury spending accounted for about 25% of the overspending by indebted households who spent about 24% of the household expenditure on clothing, entertainment, and private education. Cars (22%) and education (20%) were found to be other major causes of indebted overspending. Paying off debt and durable purchases were identified as the major causes of indebted overspending, but had a low frequency. Finally, the financial status of the four major types of indebted overspending households was evaluated.