I don't think I will ever have a credit card.

I have family who have been fucked by the cc company's and I don't think I will ever have one. My mom always tells me and my sister to pay with cash because that way you won't get hurt.

I should have listened to myself instead of the legion who told me that I simply had to establish a credit history.

Unless you reach a point where you are comfortable that you can make the credit card work for you rather than against you it's best to avoid them and use cash. You will find it a bit harder to get credit when you do need it unless you've had a good work history and have a savings account.

they should not have a credit card. They are not a substitute for having cash - they are simply a convenience. In other words, you can't use them as if they are extra money - they are not.

you will need one just to establish credit. Otherwise you'll NEVER be able to get a house or car with a loan.

I wish college would pay for the cost of hardware (they pay for the software and that's some expensive stuff), so I plonked down a few k on a couple computers. A desktop and a laptop. Very good interest rates, but I'm holding off on a car until this autumn because I don't want to overuse them and get into trouble again...

card, and she is around 40 years old.

The one benefit of a credit card with a high limit, IMO, is that in the event of a medical emergency I can obtain a large amount of credit instantly.

That is the only major concern I have as a credit card holder, why I have maintained a good record, and why I accept increases to my limits when they are offered.

Nowaday's. it's not so easy. But I got my first credit card in the mid 80s and a second shortly thereafter, and have maintained those two cards since then. Over time, they have raised my limits, and I never overspend, pay off the balances each month, and they (mercifully, even during these times) are increasing my limits.

The only point, to me, is that if all hell breaks loose, I can access that line of credit.

But there is plenty to be said for living on cash. It is a very responsible, realistic way to face reality right now. Cash is King.

Do not give the people in the ER your credit card number. Flush the damned thing down the toilet if you have to.

The only thing credit cards are really good for is renting cars.

Pay it off every month, accumulate points toward traveling, which allows me to go home to Georgia for Thanksgiving and to visit family in New York City every Christmas. Otherwise, your mom is absolutely right.

it's the interest rates that'll get ya.

credit cards (not debit cards) are pretty much required unless you want a great deal of hassle getting hotel rooms and rental cars when you're on the road

you're closing doors on yourself because of your perceived lack of self control, i personally think it would be better to work on developing the self control so that you can use the tool (the credit card) properly
-- self control is such an important tool to have in one's personal kit that i can't see the value of using the workarounds (such as avoiding credit cards, etc) to avoid developing this character trait

But the car rental places still do.