and with the new bankruptcy laws here in the States, it's almost impossible to get yourself out of credit card debt by filing now. Ever wonder why the banks have the tallest buildings in the cities? Because they are charging people billions of dollars a year for a piece of plastic that cost them a few cents to make. Somehow it has become a status symbol for some people to have a credit card, and the banks capitalize on it by charging outrageous interest rates, 16 - 24% interest?? In what sense is that acceptable? I wonder if people were to wise up and say, no more credit cards unless absolutely necessary, would the banks drop the interest rates?
Unfortunately they've got the punters by the short & curlies. There are lots of people who are impulsive & have got that "I want it now" attitude & are willing to pay the consequences at a extortionate price.
Sadly there are those who don't have a credit rating at all or not in a position to obtain credit 7 they rely on loan sharks....now that is falling into the abyss. More misery just piling on for them while some bugger rakes in the massive interest charges. Makes me so mad & yet empathetic towards some of them who will do whatever it takes to see another day through with the neccessities & essentials to survive.
Small wonder some turn to prostitution to make more money. Not an excuse but its something we'll never eradicate.
Knowledge Talks, Wisdom Listens. 
