[SpyderTim]

You each make good points. However, there is more to it than just that. Yes, running a balance from month to month is really stupid. But if you are in a financial bind or unemployed, you may have no choice because you cannot afford to pay more. If you are responsible, of course you will pay off the entire balance each month. Responsible usage of credit cards means that you take advantage of them in emergencies. If you have enough money to pay off the entire balance, then by all means, unless you are an imbecile, you will!

[SpyderTim]

A major problem with the article is that it states the obvious. Unfortunately, our decaying education system means that all too many high school (let alone college) graduates, don't even realize these basic mathematical, economic, financial -whatever you want to call it- realities and need even the most basic principles spelled out for them in an article.

[WVNan]

When I buy a big ticket item I put it on a credit card. Then when I get one of those 0% for six months deals, I transfer the balance and pay it off at $200 or #300 a month. I've transferred balances so often, they may catch onto me. Well.....why pay extra interest if you don't have to?

[power2]

But if you are in a financial bind or unemployed, you may have no choice because you cannot afford to pay more

How did people survive before credit cards in such situations? THEY WORKED THEIR ASS OFF AS A FAMILY, OR WENT TO GET HELP FROM CHARITIES!!!! Credit Cards are a recent phenomena, that can be used to get people in trouble. Avoid them if you can't pay them off month to month. If you are are Christian, even the Bible tells us to avoid debt that we can't afford. The "easy" money mentality associated with Credit Cards is what got this nation, as a whole, into trouble.