For the past few years, CPAs have tried everything they can think of to get Americans to save more money. The financial literacy and Feed the Pig campaigns have made huge strides toward that end, and more people than ever know the benefits of saving money.

January W. Payne of The Washington Post is upping the ante, though.

In an article titled "In Over Your Head? Ask Your Body," Payne claims that personal debt and the worries that come with it might just be harmful to your health.

"Although there is little quality research linking debt to poor health, experts say there's no question that being in debt can be stressful," Payne writes. "And a wide body of research has tied stress to health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stomach disorders such as colitis."

If fear of financial illness won't convince people to take action, maybe fear of physical illness will.