Reply #45: I think the idea is to get to a position where you have some credit cards, use them sparingly, and

[Liberal In Texas]

don't run up the debt. You almost have to have a card to rent a car. If I travel, it is so much easier to use the card, and when the bill comes in, pay the thing off. Self-discipline is the key here.

And I do understand that, unfortunately, many people end up running up debt due to divorce, medical problems, or loss of a job. It's so hard once you get behind the 8-ball to climb out of the hole you get in.

On the other hand, many people buy houses they can barely afford, go on spending sprees for furniture, and buy new cars they don't really need. Way too many people are living on a razors edge where they can get knocked off with the slightest unexpected rainy day.