Which is how you should feel about it. Not approaching credit with a healthy amount of respect is a large part of the reason why it's such a general problem.

Which is how you should feel about it. Not approaching credit with a healthy amount of respect is a large part of the reason why it's such a general problem. Sure, in the article the first example they posted was of a person down on his luck - but that doesn't explain the epidemic of high credit card debt we've had even during boom periods. In general, I think that people just aren't good at living within their means. Having been on my own .com rollercoaster ride, I know what it's like to have to adjust your lifestyle drastically at times to avoid going into debt. It's difficult, but downsizing your house and selling your luxury car is a lot better than the alternative of living on the edge and losing everything when life throws your the inevitable curve ball.