Debt that helps you, enriches your life, is manageable, and is not a burden can be called good debt. For example, student loans are good debt if they enabled you to get through school and further your life goals. They are bad debt if you dropped out of medical school after one year to become a writer. A good debt helps; a bad debt hinders. [EDITED BY MODERATOR - No solicitations in this forum.]

The best debt is the debt you don't have.

Debt used to buy appreciating assets can be good debt. Any debt buying any kind of depreciating asset is not.

If you borrow money and put it to work, and it earns more than it costs you, then that is good debt.

Any borrowed money that doesn't meet it's own expenses is bad debt.

I would consider a student loan to be good debt, because, unless you are a slacker, that education should increase your lifetime income substantially.

Good debt is debt that is paying for itself like properties you rent out.

The only good debt is debt which leaves you with money in your pocket after covering all the expenses to maintain the asset and the debt payments.

-Michael

Good Debt is money in your pocket. So if you buy a house and rent it our most of the time your going to have to get a loan but that loan is making you money and building wealth in the long run too so thats good debt.

Debt in and of itself is not a bad thing. Both of us were able to start our own businesses because of debt; Steve began his own law practice, and Azriela began her own entrepreneurial consulting business. So we understand what debt is and why some debt is great debt.
Debt that helps you, enriches your life, is manageable, and is not a burden can be called good debt. For example, student loans are good debt if they enabled you to get through school and further your life goals. They are bad debt if you dropped out of medical school after one year to become a writer. A good debt helps; a bad debt hinders.
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you can a debt is a good debt if it is used to produce money

Good question and some good replies so far. One thing to consider, is the definition of an asset and a liability. An asset is something that provides regular income. Liabilities are where money only goes out. Assets can be financed and that is what many consider "good debt". I would like to add a caveat to this. Investing purely for appreciation is a bit silly, certainly in today's real estate market you can invest for cash flow. Only regular cash flow or your income minus expenses can immediately improve your life. So, in short invest in cash flowing assets and you will do fine.