[roadcat]

... that amount of debt is not surprising as many people are forced to use their credit cards just to stay afloat.

As you say, terrible idea. They're not forced to use them to stay afloat, they will likely sink into deeper debt. Best way to stay afloat is to force yourself to pay off any credit card debt immediately, and not carry debt with 21 to 29 percent interest charges on the carried debt!

[TexasFreeper2009]

yep, saying you are forced to use credit cards to stay afloat is like saying you need to take on concrete blocks into your boat to stay afloat.