Larry Frueh, Financial analyst, Kirkland

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"Most probably -- yes. We have a different economy now than in the 70s and 80s... the country is in a more adverse debt situation, and it's pulling down on our whole economy. And now, with a lot of corporations cutting back and subcontracting jobs, a lot of people are unemployed -- caught in the transition. Before, with stable jobs and stable income, they could cover their debt. But as companies outsource, people find themselves employed, but maybe at a lower rate. And now it takes them longer to pay off the same debt... As long as you're prudent in your use of credit cards, they're great. But as a bridge -- they're bad news."

Julie Schilling, Hairdresser, salon owner & landscaper, Bothell

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"I think so, yes. We are trying to pay ours off now and even paying extra and double payments. But you still don't feel like you're making any progress at all. Soon, hopefully... We're taking out a home loan -- an equity loan -- and hopefully we'll take care of all that. We cut up almost all of our cards over a year ago and just have two now and they have decent limits. Still, it's hard to make progress... The scary part is that companies flatter you by offering credit and I think they use a lot of propaganda to hook you. My advice? Not to ever, ever, ever get a credit card."

Steve Fowler, Inspirational decor manufacturer, Kirkland

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"Yes. People should try not to spend more than they make. I guess that's the only answer... The root of the problem is enticement -- advertising entices you to do something you wouldn't ordinarily do. The pull of advertising is maybe stronger than most people realize because it appeals not only to your conscious, but to your subconscious. It's a problem because it's hard to even travel anywhere without a credit card. But you don't have to have a lot of cards... Maybe restrain yourself to one."

Patrice Hughes, Mom, retail salesperson & receptionist, Auburn

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"Yes. I think the media and everything around us encourages us to use them... They suck you in and they offer you incentives. Our current card offered to match the best rate of all the offers we get, and if you call back in six months, they'll give you an extension.... But it's just big business trying to get more business. Young people should never, ever get a credit card. And if everybody figured out what things cost them in the end, they wouldn't buy a lot of things because the interest is going to gobble you up..."

Brad Hughes, Chiropractor, Auburn

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"Yes, because the attitude is that 'you're not anything if you don't have it all'. We get a new application every week, for several thousand dollars' worth of credit... But as my dad used to say, 'don't bring into the house what isn't paid for'. And he never brought anything home that wasn't paid for. Our parents lived within their means but now the ads tell you you're a bum if your car is 10 years old... It's an overmaterialistic society -- that basically covers the whole concept -- and we all get caught up in it one way or another."

Bonnie Kraft, Beauty salon owner, Kirkland

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"Yes, because the people who do didn't go through the depression. They want instant gratification. They don't want to wait... I use credit cards occasionally, but only for gas. We don't buy anything unless we can pay cash.... I don't think there should be so much plastic out there. We should use real money... If people are over their heads, they should see a credit counselor because there are people out there who can help. But they have to get rid of the cards first before they can expect help... People have themselves to blame. They should be stronger than the ads. It starts in the home -- we need to teach people the value of money and not to spend more than what you have... I'm probably very old-fashioned in my ideas, but I think we need to get back to old-fashioned."

Copyright © 1996 by the Bellevue, WA-based Journal American newspaper.

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