What other economic indicators can we use to show our wealth, other than unemployment levels and the stock markets?

I base my own wealth on my own unsecured debt. The hardest times of my life had an abundance of unsecured debt. I put myself in over my head with credit. About 10 years ago I paid off all but a few credit cards I use for travel and work. My cash flow increased dramatically. I started to focus more on my future and to invest for that future. What I own personal property wise could be taken to pay for debt. In reading about events leading up to the great depression, buying on margin was a big deal. Buying on the margin or on credit artificially inflated stock prices and then it all came tumbling down.