In Light of The Economic Crisis

[100% ILL]

Is it possible that Americans will actually have to start living within their means? No credit cards, no more creating more debt to pay exsiting debt.
No more buying a new car every other year just because you want one. Has the time come to actually pay the piper so to speak?

[RobMoney$]

Credit is going to be a lot harder to come by, I believe.

[travesty]

Is it possible that Americans will actually have to start living within their means? No credit cards, no more creating more debt to pay exsiting debt.
No more buying a new car every other year just because you want one. Has the time come to actually pay the piper so to speak?

Hard to say. Keeping up with the Joneses is why America has been keeping up with the world. I try and live within my means but its hard when I know there is a new Audi R8 down at the dealer that is only a couple signatures away from my lead foot. Maybe if I knew I couldn't get the credit for it would help sate me, but I think it is American nature to want more, Capitalism at its best, or worst depending on your bank account.

[100% ILL]

Yeah, a few years ago I decided "enough" with the credit cards, and I paid my final car payment last June. Interestingly, I might actually be in a good position (if there is such a thing) to weather this recession/depression.
I guess I just got tired of paying for stuff for years, even after the "new wore off." I do worry for my friends and associates who are, as they say, "up to thier eyeballs in debt."
That's the real catch in our society, just like you were saying a couple of signatures and BOOM! it's yours. Easy credit makes it easy to really over extend yourself.

I really don't think it's fair however that when the banks do it, they get a free pass.

We'll be paying for this one for a long time.