It used to be when I was a kid that my parents wouldn't buy anything on credit. In fact credit cards were rather rarely used. People wrote checks or paid cash.

However people have swallowed the concept that "they can have it now". No one waits for anything anymore. If you want it...you can have it.

Young couples will borrow huge amounts to buy their "dream house" now...rather than buy what used to be called a "starter house"...They will then fill that house up with furniture on credit.

Now credit cards are useful if they are not misused but unfortunately they are misused very often.