Disaster
Credit Cards And Their Contribution To The Present Financial Crisis
financial crisis in Hampton Roads
American preferred to pay for their purchases with cash. It was the preferred method of payment for most Americans. Then in 1995 things changed forever. It was in 1995 that for the first time since its introduction, Americans purchased more with credit cards than with cash.
The history of consumer credit can be traced back to the early 19th century. The average working man in the United States had the first taste of consumer credit when companies like Sears, Roebuck & Co and others lent money to consumers.
The initial credit cards were issued by the companies that sold the goods and were called merchant or retail cards. When Visa and MasterCard were established in the mid 1960s, banks joined in and started issuing the all purpose credit cards. The consumer could use the card to pay for any purpose…vacations, college fees, buying goods, etc. Over the years, the use of credit cards has become more popular. In fact today it is impossible to do a few things like renting a car or making an online purchase with a credit card.
Everyday Americans are bombarded with credit card offers through mail, flyers, email, etc. Everywhere you look, you will find a credit card offer. Gone are the days when only the privileged few could have a credit card. Today, just about anyone can have a credit card. Even those with bad credit can get a credit card these days.
For the average American, life without credit cards is unimaginable. Gone are the days when groceries were purchased with cash. Today everything is purchased on credit using credit cards.
As it became easier for everyone to get a credit card, credit card purchases increased and soon overtook cash purchases. It was a disaster waiting to happen. The reckless use of credit card has resulted in the many Americans facing financial ruin because they could not keep their credit card spending under control. There are many who borrowed from one credit card to pay another resulting in a debt pile up. Credit card debts have forced many Americans to file for bankruptcy.
Nothing is free in life. It’s the same with credit cards. Credit cards have changed our lives forever but uncontrolled use of the credit card can lead to financial ruin. To prevent financial ruin, you must take some hard decisions – reducing or eliminating the use of credit cards. Use the credit card wisely and you can enjoy the advantages of having a credit card. Use it recklessly and you might find yourself filing for bankruptcy.
